Eagle Point Park Opens for Summer on Saturday, May 7th

Eagle Point Park will officially open for the season starting Saturday, May 7, 2022. However, with a break in the overcast sky today, it was the perfect excuse to enjoy the scenery while checking on the park's condition before opening day.

The sprawling 164-acre crown jewel of the Dubuque public park system will open its main entrance to auto traffic from 7 am to 10 am on the first Saturday of May. The occasion marks the kickoff of the summer season at one of the most magnificent parks in the midwest. 

Located at 2601 Shiras Avenue, park admission is $1 per car and $5 per bus. Bicycles and pedestrians are free. Season passes are available at $10 for Dubuque residents, $15 for non-residents, and $5 for seniors and low-income residents.

The park is to be open 7 am to 10 pm, Sunday through Thursday, 7 am to 11 pm, Friday and Saturday, through the fourth Sunday in October.

Reservations may be made 11 months in advance for open-air and enclosed pavilions.

In 1908, with aid from the Civic Division of the Dubuque's Women's Club, Judge Oliver Shiras spearheaded the effort to construct the park. As a result, the landmark destination has expanded on 17 occasions from its original 100 acres.

In the 1930s, City Park Superintendent Alfred Caldwell led further development of the park. Thankfully the historical pavilions constructed during his tenure have been preserved and offer stunning examples of Prairie Architecture strongly influenced by Frank Lloyd Wright. In addition, several pavilions were built during the Great Depression through a Work Progress Administration grant.

The park offers extraordinary views of the Mississippi River and the states of Iowa, Wisconsin, and Illinois. Additionally, a birdseye view of Lock and Dam #11 is a prime park feature, as is the opportunity to spot American bald eagles that often nest along area bluffs.

Visit the City of Dubuque's Eagle Point Park website for more information.