Explore Des Moines County

A historic brick street with five hairpin turns, natural areas with fossils, and museums in historic buildings offer different ways to experience Des Moines County. Whether you’re interested in landscapes, outdoor activities, or culture, specific destinations range from an unusual road incline to trails along rivers and streams.

Snake Alley and History

Snake Alley is a 276-foot-long historic brick street. It climbs 60 feet at an average grade of 12.5 percent and features five hairpin turns. The Snake Alley Criterium climbs this street. The Friday Night Fever Criterium follows a different course: Its circuit is 11 blocks long and covers 0.88 miles, starting at the intersection of N 4th Street and High Street. Since 2022, the race has been a recurring companion event. With 11 rather than 14 blocks and 0.88 rather than 0.9 miles, the Friday Night Fever circuit is shorter than the Snake Alley Criterium course.

At the top of Snake Alley is the Phelps House Museum, a Victorian house built in 1851. Nine rooms display furniture dating from 1774 onward. Burlington’s Heritage Hill Historic District also reflects the area’s history: The district was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1982.

Natural Areas, Trails, and Views

Starr’s Cave Park and Preserve is a 184-acre state nature preserve and park managed by Des Moines County Conservation. Its landscape features include limestone and dolomite cliffs with fossils such as brachiopods, crinoids, cup corals, and snails. At Hickory Bend, a branch of the Flint River Trail leads to a shelter on a hill. From there, you can look out over the stream and the valley below.

Luckenbill Woods has more than a mile of hiking trails that cross Dolbee Creek; the area is managed as a wildlife refuge and natural resources area. At Hunt Woods, a network of trails winds through high-quality wildlife habitat and is suitable for hikers and nature watchers. Porter Cemetery at Hunt Woods has gravestones dating from the early 19th century. Old Zion School on the Flint River Trail adds another historic feature: The limestone, one-room schoolhouse dates from the 1840s and is preserved as a historic landmark. Leopold Recreation Area is located in the Southeast Iowa Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Area managed by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.

At Crapo Park on the Mississippi River, an arboretum and botanical garden share an 85-acre park. Big Hollow Recreation Area offers a network of more than ten miles of hiking trails for hiking and nature watching; some sections are also suitable for horseback riding.

Water, Paddling, and Seasonal Conditions

Big Hollow Recreation Area has a 178-acre lake with a beach, boat ramp, and several fishing piers. A dedicated kayak launch adds to the options on the water. During the season, you can rent kayaks and canoes from the camp host. Since this service is seasonal and availability can change, check ahead for your planned visit.

Welter Recreation Area spans a 2.5-mile stretch of the Skunk River, which groups use for river trips, canoeing, and kayaking. At Tama Beach River Access, a concrete ramp leads to Mississippi River Pool 19; a gravel parking lot lies between the levee and the river. A seasonal boat dock is available during the summer and fall boating season, provided the water level at Burlington is below 9.5 feet. If the dock is important to your plans, check this condition before your visit.

Museums and Cultural Events

The Des Moines County Heritage Center Museum is housed in a building that opened as the Burlington Public Library in 1898. It showcases the history and creative spirit of the people who have lived in Des Moines County, Iowa. The Heritage Museum is open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; check the hours before your visit. Pioneer furniture and tools at the Hawkeye Log Cabin recall the area’s settlement history.

The Capitol Theater reopened in 2012 after restoration. A 2026 tourism description mentions live performances, classic films, and special events in an Art Deco setting. The Art Center of Burlington offers monthly exhibitions, an artist gallery, classes, and special events.

In summer, the bandstand at Crapo Park regularly hosts Sunday evening outdoor concerts by the Burlington Municipal Band. Since concert schedules can change, check the dates ahead of time. The Snake Alley Festival of Film has been held annually in the summer since 2012. The Jefferson Street Farmers Market offers locally grown produce, baked goods, preserves, plants, arts and crafts, food, and live entertainment. Market dates and hours can change; check them before planning your visit.

Getting Your Bearings During Your Stay

Southeast Iowa Regional Airport serves Burlington, West Burlington, Des Moines County, and surrounding areas. The Port of Burlington also has an Iowa state welcome center with information about attractions throughout Iowa, souvenirs, and videos about local attractions.

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