Dubuque Water Trail

Travel by canoe or kayak along the Mississippi River between A.Y. McDonald Park and Massey Marina Park. Access the 11-mile Dubuque Water Trail at one of five points: ramps on the Mississippi River at A.Y. McDonald Park, Schmitt Island, and American Trust River’s Edge Plaza in the City of Dubuque and at Massey Marina Park in rural Dubuque County, and the Catfish Creek canoe access in the Mines of Spain State Recreation Area. The Mines of Spain access also provides a five-mile loop on Catfish Creek.

A water trail is defined as a path on a waterway connected through signs, maps and access points providing a scenic and educational experience for recreational users. The trail can be enjoyed by both the novice and experienced paddler. Whether paddling the shoreline of the main channel or enjoying backwater excursions, the trail is an exceptional sightseeing and recreational opportunity where history, nature, commerce and recreation come together. The trail can be enjoyed in its entirety in a day or in segments as time allows. Five access points are offered along the trail, allowing paddler access to the river or an opportunity to exit the river and enjoy on-land recreational opportunities.

However your day or weekend enjoyment on the Water Trail is scheduled, life vests are always mandatory and paddlers are responsible for arranging transportation.

Dubuque Water Trail Map

Dubuque Water Trail Brochure

The Dubuque Water Trail was developed through a partnership with the City of Dubuque, Friends of the Mines of Spain, Dubuque County Conservation Board, and Iowa Department of Natural Resources.  The trail was funded by a Water Trails Development Grant from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.