The Most Iowa Town Ever And Why You Need To Visit

When you think of Iowa, what comes to mind? Is it the beautiful caves and cliffs that are scattered throughout our landscape? The mighty Mississippi River that separates us from the Eastern United States? Maybe it's the history of early Iowa settlers that's still evident today? Or, if you're like me, you think of one thing first — all of our incredible Iowan food. When you think about it, there's one town in Iowa that truly encompasses everything Iowans, and that town sits right on the Mississippi itself.

Welcome to Dubuque, Iowa.

Iowa's very first town is also a town that completely defines the Hawkeye State lifestyle.

History buffs will find so much to love about the city. You can hike to the Julien Dubuque monument and burial site, and learn about Iowa's very first settler.

Julien Dubuque was the first European to settle on Iowa soil, in 1788. He worked hand in hand with the local Native Americans from the Mesquakie tribe. Eventually, he received a land grant from the Governor of Spain and was able to develop the site where he had established his fur trading business. You can read about the founding of the town right here

Meanwhile, nature lovers will want to hike around the entire Mines of Spain recreation area and catch a view of the river from atop a high cliff.

This area was the first to be settled by Julien and his pals. Now, it's an enormous recreation area with hiking trails and incredible overlooks!

Sure, Dubuque has cliffs... and it's got caves, too.

The beautiful Crystal Lake Cave is on the outskirts of town, and this historic cave is a great place to cool off in the summer. Click here to learn more about the cave itself..

The National Museum of the Mississippi River is here in Dubuque, and you can learn about how this mighty river shaped our state — and American — history.

Tour the William B. Black Steamship, which was one of the first to dredge the river for travel! The Museum also hosts events celebrating the history of Iowa and America's River year-round.

Okay, okay, so there's plenty of history and nature — but what about the town itself?

The Port of Dubuque is a vibrant downtown area with restaurants, cafes, shops, and boutiques. You can find all sorts of locally made wares, gourmet food, and tasty meals here. Hey, if you want to, you can even dine in an old jail cell!

For any town to really be named the most "Iowa" town in the state, you've got to be able to find a good tenderloin. Dubuque Mining Co. steps up to the plate here.

The restaurant is known for their famous charburgers, but when it comes to tenderloins, they're always out of this world.

If you're still not convinced Dubuque has it all, you'll want to stay for a few days and really fall in love with the city.

Might I recommend the Hotel Julien Dubuque? That is, if you don't mind some paranormal activity as you catch up on your sleep...

(Yes, the most haunted hotel in Iowa is here, too.)

Do you agree with me — that it just doesn't get any more Hawkeye than Dubuque, Iowa? If not, let me know what you think the most Iowa town is in the comments below! I can't wait to hear about the places we all hold close to our hearts!