One of Eastern Iowa’s Best Hidden Nature Walks Is Worth Every Minute

Whenever my family is looking to "waste" a little time and we're in Dubuque, there's one place that almost always makes the list. John Deere Marsh, better known as Deere Dike Park, has become one of our favorite hidden gems in Dubuque County, and every visit reminds us why.

The trail itself is one of the biggest reasons we keep coming back. It's flat, easy to walk, and not overly long, making it a great option for families, casual hikers, or anyone who just wants to spend an hour enjoying the outdoors. The payoff here is always bigger than the effort. Along the way you'll find beautiful views of the Mississippi River with the Wisconsin bluffs rising in the distance. You'll also get a good view of the U.S. Lock and Dam Number 11. Now the views here are the bare minimum reason for visiting, what really sets Deere Dike Park Trail apart is the wildlife.

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The large marsh becomes a muskrat paradise during parts of the year; that same area is also used as a youth trapping location. Watching the muskrats swim through the water or scurry through the vegetation is entertaining all by itself. On our visits we've also spotted ducks, great blue herons, Canada geese, turtles, snakes, frogs, rabbits, bald eagles, otters, and more insects than you could ever count. Every season seems to bring something different, and no two trips have ever been exactly the same. If I'm honest, that's why I still love to return. You just never know what we'll see next.

Credit: Tom Drake | The muskrats are fun to watch.

The park is also a nice destination for people who enjoy spending time on the water. A boat ramp and kayak launch make it easy to explore the marsh and this stretch of the Mississippi River. Whether you're fishing, paddling, or simply looking for a peaceful afternoon walk, you can find it at John Deere Marsh and Deere Dike Park. Check out my family's latest adventure below!

My family recently made another trip to Deere Dike Park to show people exactly what they've been missing. Even after several visits over the years, the park continues to surprise us with new wildlife sightings and fresh views across the marsh. That is what keeps drawing us back. These little outings are never really a waste of time. They're a chance to slow down, get outside, and appreciate one of the coolest natural areas in eastern Iowa.

If you've never visited Deere Dike Park, it's worth adding to your list the next time you're in Dubuque. Bring a camera, binoculars if you have them, and take your time. The slower you go, the more you'll notice.

Credit: Ashley Ehlers | Along the Little Maquoketa River on the USFWS John Deere Marsh Trail, just off of Deere Dike Park Trail, you can find bald eagle nests and these majestic birds of prey.

One final thought. It was great to see that many visitors are cleaning up after their dogs. Unfortunately, we also noticed several bags of dog waste left alongside the trail. If you're going to bag it, please take it with you. A plastic bag of dog waste left on the ground helps no one and will sit there much longer than the waste would by itself. Please follow the simple rule of pack in, pack out so everyone can continue enjoying one of Dubuque County's best hidden gems.