Heritage Pond Offers Up Family Fun in Dubuque

This weekend felt like the first real glimpse of spring. Now, don't get me wrong; I've already been hiking and out 'shrooming, but it was finally time to get the kayaks out, grab the fishing poles, and head somewhere for a day of fun with the family. We usually swing over to Central Park near Anamosa, but we have always wanted to check out Heritage Pond in Dubuque. I'm glad we did. Especially, as my family tries to hit as many natural sites and parks as we can in the Tri-State area.

Spending a day at Heritage Campground & Pond feels like stepping into a quiet little retreat just outside Dubuque. The campground sits right at the edge of the Heritage Trail and offers easy access to the peaceful, 9-acre pond, which is where we spent the day.

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Read More: National Park Service Warning for Iowa, Illinois, and Wisconsin Visitors

Read More: National Park Service Warning for IA, IL, and WI Visitors

The area also offers well-kept campsites, picnic tables, and plenty of space to explore. It’s the kind of place where you can slow down, soak in the scenery, and enjoy the simple things. And simple things are some of the best things: fishing at sunrise, kayaking at sunset, or roasting marshmallows by a fire.

But I digress, this was my twins' first time operating the kayaks by themselves, and Heritage Pond offered up the ideal conditions for two now 10-year-olds. The water was calm with no currents to deal with, and both kids caught on very quickly.

The whole family took turns in the kayaks. Loads of fish were jumping from the water, a bald eagle hunted from the sky, and a blue heron stopped to do some fishing as well. It was also a chance to try out the city's latest feature at Heritage Pond, a brand new kayak launch which works great.

Speaking of fishing, the kids had a blast. My son managed to pull in 8 fish on the day, the final one being a nice-sized trout. We were fishing to release, so he's back out there now if you want to take a shot at dinner. Overall, the kids caught several smallmouth bass, a few sunfish, and that trout. Not too shabby for a few hours at the pond.

Overall, Heritage Pond offers up a natural escape that is very near the urban center of Dubuque. It's the perfect place for families to spend a weekend or a few hours, and not be far at all from the amenities of the city.

Read More: Iowa Hidden Gem Features 6 Ponds and 8 Wetlands in Jones County

My family and I will definitely be coming back for more fishing and kayaking. Now I just need to figure out what those other guys were using for trout bait.

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