Dubuque Day Trip: Mines of Spain, Brazen & Q Casino

Kevin Pologruto

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September 30, 2026

After our Galena, Illinois weekend—Main Street strolls, wine, and those evening balloon rides—we carved out a separate day just across the river in Dubuque, Iowa. Same trip energy, different vibe: limestone trails in the afternoon and a friendly casino night to close it out. This is that day-trip piece—not a Christmas Galena story, just us wandering nearby Iowa the way we like to travel.

Mines of Spain first (our favorite)

We rolled into Dubuque early afternoon and went straight to the trails. Mines of Spain is our favorite stop here—limestone, green hills, and room to breathe before the evening starts. No packed agenda; just hike first and let the day unfold from there.

Limestone gorge and forest overlook at Mines of Spain Recreation Area near Dubuque Iowa — Mines of Spain — limestone and forest the way we love it.

Hiking trail through Mines of Spain Recreation Area near Dubuque Iowa — On the trail at Mines of Spain — early afternoon, hike first.

Scenic overlook on the Mines of Spain hike near Dubuque Iowa — Overlook views that remind us why this is our favorite Dubuque stop.

Check-in at Hilton Garden Inn

After the hike we checked into the Hilton Garden Inn, got cleaned up, and reset for the evening. Soft base for the night—nothing fancy to report beyond a good shower and a convenient spot for what came next.

Exterior of Hilton Garden Inn Dubuque Downtown — Hilton Garden Inn Dubuque — our stop to check in and freshen up before the evening. *Photo: Corey Coyle / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0)*

7 Hills and the Millwork District

Evening started at 7 Hills Brewing—easy, local, and right in the spirit of the neighborhood. From there we walked the Millwork District: light shopping, brick and neon, and a pour at EJ’s Wine Shop & Tasting Room.

Couple selfie under the neon sign at 7 Hills Brewing Co in Dubuque Iowa — Us under the neon at 7 Hills Brewing Co.—Millwork District energy.

Dinner at Brazen

Then dinner at Brazen Open Kitchen | Bar. I don’t throw this around lightly: it’s one of my top five restaurants in the country. We settled in, ordered what looked good, and let the plates do the talking—steak and pasta on our table, warm service, and that “we’re staying for dessert if we can” feeling.

Steak dinner with roasted carrots and mashed potatoes at Brazen Open Kitchen in Dubuque Iowa — Steak night at Brazen Open Kitchen | Bar—top-five territory for me.

Twisted pasta dish with creamy sauce at Brazen Open Kitchen in Dubuque Iowa — Pasta at Brazen—another reason this meal earned its reputation with us.

Q Casino — a short walk from the hotel

Back to the hotel, then a short walk over to Q Casino for a little gaming. My take still stands: a great little casino, clean and friendly staff. No big production—just a comfortable nightcap after a full Dubuque day.

Lit Q Casino pylon and building exterior at dusk in Dubuque Iowa — Q Casino at dusk — lit pylon, short walk from the hotel.

Casino gaming floor with tables and slot machines at Q Casino in Dubuque Iowa — Inside Q Casino — tables, slots, and that friendly floor vibe.

Until the next nearby day

That’s our Dubuque day from the Galena weekend: favorite trails at Mines of Spain, a Hilton Garden Inn reset, 7 Hills and the Millwork District with EJ’s, Brazen at the top of my list, and a friendly walk to Q Casino. If you want the Illinois side of the same trip, start with our Galena weekend guide—and meet us back on the road soon.