Deere Dike Park in Dubuque is a Hidden Gem

Hello, fellow nature lovers and welcome to another edition of hidden Dubuque gems. Have you ever checked out Deere Dike Park in Dubuque? It's this hidden gem tucked away near the Little Maquoketa River Delta. My wife and I recently took a stroll there, and let me tell you, it is for sure a nature lover's paradise!

Credit: Tom Ehlers / Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge Both maps are present on site and show the trails and connection points.

The trail is super easy, just around 3 miles out and back on a flat gravel path. We saw all sorts of critters along the way too—turtles, geese, mallards, you name it. Oh, and we even spotted an otter and eagle, which was a real treat!

Credit: Anolis01

But the best part? The birdwatching! Riverside Road offers some killer views of the Mississippi River, where you can catch sight of shorebirds and diving ducks galore. Depending on the season, you might spot anything from Sandhill Cranes to Prothonotary Warblers. It's like a birdwatcher's dream come true!

Credit: Grigorii_Pisotckii
The muskrat looks for a forage ashore.

Getting there is a breeze too. Just hop on Central Ave, then follow E. 32nd Street until it turns into Peru Road. Keep going until you hit Riverside Road, and you're there! There's a gravel parking lot just past the railroad tracks, so you can park and start exploring right away.

Credit: Google Maps

And if you're a train lover, and happen to time it just right, you will be able to see one cross the Little Maquoketa River. Where the trail ends, the railroad tracks are met, and my wife and I just so happen to time it perfect for this video.

Oh, and one last thing to note—it's also a public hunting and youth trapping area along the Little Maquoketa River, so keep that in mind if you're planning a visit and be aware of the season you're exploring during. Additionally, on the opposite side of the Dubuque County Conservation Board Trail waterfowl hunting is closed.

Credit: Ashley Ehlers
My wife's AllTrails review.

Overall, Deere Dike Park is the perfect spot for a peaceful nature walk or some birdwatching adventures. Trust me, you won't regret checking it out. See for yourself below.