Initial Meet-up: Friday evening at the historic Millwork District.

5:30 We will meet up at Gary Dolphin’s Iron Bar in the Millwork District; indoor and outdoor sketching opportunities all around the area. From two great food venues in the building and you can take food into the bar.

Dubuque was once a major manufacturer of wood millwork and finished wood products. Its Millwork District, comprising blocks of 3 to 5 story brick buildings, is now a thriving neighborhood of loft apartments, restaurants, bars and entertainment. (For a hint of what this neighborhood looked like before restoration began, check out the Sylvester Stone movie F.I.S.T. many scenes of which were filmed here in 1978.)

Housing suggestions

The Julien Dubuque Hotel is a historic hotel on Main Street with walking access to restaurants, shops, and the river. It recently underwent a lavish $34 million restoration.

There are also a number of excellent hotel options in the Downtown, the Millwork District area and in and near Dubuque’s two casinos.
There are many listings for Airbnb’s and Bed and Breakfasts in the area.

Dubuque Farmers’ Market started up in the 1830’s and formalized in 1846. It was moved into the Dubuque City Hall building when it was built in 1858 and now occupies city streets around that building. In addition to a broad selection of farm and garden products, you will find a variety of baked goods, arts and crafts, musicians, and food trucks.

9:00 am: Gather at USk Dubuque information table, 12th and Iowa Sts.

9:00 – 9:30 am: Tour (for those interested) of the adjacent area for interesting history and structures.

9:00 am – 12:00 pm: Morning Sketch Session

12:00 pm: Group Throwdown and photo at Jubeck’s New World Brewery, 11th and Iowa Streets.

12:00 – 1:30 pm: Lunch on your own in the area. Then drive to Stone Cliff Winery on Dubuque’s Mississippi River Walk