One of our favorite early fall day trips some years ago now was a destinations is a 3 hour jaunt to nearby Dubuque, Iowa. This Mississippi river town is located in the northeastern corner of the Hawkeye State. Two attractions there that appeal to us are the Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium and Americas largest Arboretum and Botanical garden maintained entirely by volunteers. we joined good friends friends Steve and Jewel,
to make visit to the gardens. The gardens are the home of the American Hosta Society and have a huge collection of those favorites Barb. In addition, there are perennial gardens, wildflower and native prairie gardens, an English garden and many other displays. Take a look.
One of our favorite early fall day trips some years ago now was a destinations is a 3 hour jaunt to nearby Dubuque, Iowa. This Mississippi river town is located in the northeastern corner of the Hawkeye State. Two attractions there that appeal to us are the Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium and Americas largest Arboretum and Botanical garden maintained entirely by volunteers. we joined good friends friends Steve and Jewel, 
to make visit to the gardens. The gardens are the home of the American Hosta Society and have a huge collection of those favorites Barb. In addition, there are perennial gardens, wildflower and native prairie gardens, an English garden and many other displays. Take a look.
A favorite place to stop on our return to Minnesota is Breitbach's, the oldest restaurant in Iowa. We were saddened to learn that year that the place had been destroyed by fire for the second time. . Rebuilt again, it lies on a ridge overlooking a beautiful valley a few miles west of the Mississippi. A heartwarming story is that, in spite of great financial difficulties, the place was rebuilt with the help of neighbors from the small community of Balltown, Iowa. We had the buffet. It was excellent as always
A lovely place indeed, there is a charm to that town and the total area.I like Bellvue State Park nearby, with a butterfly shaped garden , the largest in a state park, all done by volunteers also.I always wish this was my yard, but i sometimes think i have too much for as little time I spend home during growing season.
ReplyDeletebeautiful place. love the waterfall.
ReplyDeleteDubuque is a great town and we get there at least once a year for eagle watching at the Lock and Dam.
ReplyDeleteI could spend all day watching the otters at the River Museum.
Didn't know about the botanical gardens, but will have to check that out next time.
We especially like the bar with all the stuffed animals near the downtown bridge. Can't remember the name, though.
US-52 south of town is a great drive any season.
Looks like a great botanical garden to visit. I love botanical gardens, loved the Buchart Gardens near Victoria, BC. My sister grows many hostas and exotics at her Salem, Oregon home. I cannot grow such moisture loving flora here in New Mexico. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous photos, TB--this is truly a lovely botanical garden. Also enjoyed hearing about the restaurant and the supportive communities there.
ReplyDeleteI have never been to Dubuque, but this beautiful arboretum is a great reason to schedule a visit. It was nice to hear about the restaurant that was rebuilt with the help of neighbors. Isn't it wonderful what ordinary people can do when they put their minds to it?
ReplyDeleteBeautiful! I favor the waterfall too.
ReplyDeleteWhat a cool place to visit..and I see it was a working trip for you! :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely place to wander.
ReplyDeleteThe formal garden areas are breathtaking. Awesome photos, Ray. :)
ReplyDeleteThat arbor you are sitting under is beautiful.
ReplyDeleteThis looks like a gorgeous place to visit and I have added it to our "someday" list of places to visit.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comment on our weekend camping - we too enjoy Glacial Lakes and especially Maplewood state park in October when all the maples trees are brilliant reds/oranges/yellows. Did you read the recent news about a large marijuana growing operation on a remote trail in Maplewood? I can't believe someone is using our beautiful state parks like that.
Beautiful pictures! We have a botanical garden in Fort Wayne and every time my parents in law come i'd like to go there!
ReplyDeleteLeontien
What a lovely garden! Thanks for the tour. I especially like the English bit.
ReplyDeleteYou always inspire me to look more closely at my state!!! Truly, I hope we get up to NE Iowa this Fall! :-)
ReplyDeleteThe arboretum looks beautiful. I'd like to go through the arch and view the English garden.
ReplyDeleteI have not been there, but I will put it on my list.
ReplyDeleteIt looks grand.
ReplyDeleteI just planted a hosta today.
I like arboretums. there's so much to learn.
ReplyDeleteNice! The water feature looks refreshing.
ReplyDeleteThe younger generation blames the baby boomers for destroying the economy, for supporting the racist police state which murders black people, and for pretty much destroying America. The level of hatred that the youth feels towards boomers is undescribable. My question is, do you boomers think you're going to have a peaceful retirement? How do you think the younger generation will treat you? Already we see it happening, a couple weeks ago there was that video of a black guy punching a 75 year old white baby boomer man in the face in a retirement home. This is what happens when you live a greedy selfish life without thinking of the future. One day, the CONSEQUENCES of your actions come back to hit you a 100 fold. You boomers destroyed America and the youth is angry enough to riot and burn down the cities. The GREED of the baby boomers caused this. Anyway good luck, you baby boomers are gonna need it.
ReplyDeleteI do not respond to cowards named anonymous nor to people who stereotype entire generations.
DeleteGood for you, Ray! Coward is on tbhe polite side. Sounds like a divisive message from the Troll Farm. I would just delete the comment.
DeleteSuch a pretty place in early summer. The owners of the restaurant are brave to rebuild after a second fire. It’s sounds like they have a lovely location with a view to make it worth it.
ReplyDeleteI like the diversity of all the arboretums across the country. Ours, the Holden Arboretum, has a wonderful sky walk. Thanks for the tour of you favorite.
ReplyDeleteWhat a delightful place to visit! I told my husband what you said about my mower deck getting bent...he just smiled:)
ReplyDeleteWow! Looks just lovely!
ReplyDeleteHi Ray - love the remembrance times for you and Barbs with your friends. I must say they sound great places to visit and stop off on the way home for a meal ... take care - Hilary
ReplyDeleteThe people who work as nurses, the people who work as food workers, you know, the working class, the baby boomers abused their entire lives. Good luck boomers! You'll soon be dependent on those same nurses and food workers who you treated like shit. Maybe you boomer's shouldn't have treated working class and poor people like trash. What goes around comes around.
ReplyDeleteWe have often visited Dubuque, but had never heard of the Arboretum. Will check it out next time there.
ReplyDeleteWe love that stretch in Illinois from Dubuque to Elizabeth. Anyone that says Illinois is boring because it is flat needs to visit here. Plus, Galena, of course.
Have you ever been to Paul's Tavern in Dubuque? Well worth a visit. Plus, the Log Cabin in Galena hasn't changed a bit since the 1930s.