Savor nature, artists' art

The countryside near the Mississippi River has been blessed with bluffs, deciduous forests, cold streams and wide rivers. Visitors can enjoy the area in innumerable ways: jaunting down a water or land trail; watching eagles soar; touring wineries; exploring museums, art galleries and caves; strolling through vintage neighborhoods and much more.

Morning: One of the state's unique state parks is Maquoketa Caves State Park, just seven miles northwest of Maquoketa on County Road Y-31. Explore the dozens of caves and caverns, the balancing rock, natural limestone bridge and scenic overlooks via a trail system.

Head to town and stop at the Old City Hall Gallery to view a portion of the "Portrait of Maquoketa" exhibit before it goes on display at the Smithsonian's National Portrait Gallery in Washington in November. Nationally known painter and Maquoketa native Rose Frantzen captured 180 portraits of anyone in her hometown who wished to pose for her from July 2005 to July 2006. Another gallery, Costello's Old Mill Gallery, features land and nature paintings by Patrick Costello in the restored grist mill with a working waterwheel in the basement.

Lunch: Dine in the elegantly restored Decker Hotel & Restaurant on Main Street. Enjoy a meal of Midwest fare in the 19th century Italianate structure.

Afternoon: For the afternoon's activities, head north to Dubuque and experience the Fénelon Place Elevator, which has been described as the world's shortest, steepest scenic railway.

Learn more about the mighty Mississippi and its history at the Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium.

Evening: After viewing and learning about the Mississippi, go for dinner cruise on the river on The Spirit of Dubuque an authentic dual paddle wheeler.

America's River Festival: June 12 to 14, Port of Dubuque. Celebrate the Mississippi River with music, food and children's activities. 1-(800) 798-4748; www.traveldubuque.com

Second annual Timber City Days: June 26 to 27, Maquoketa. Music, children's activities, food and canoe, bike and run race. www.maquoketachamber.com

Jackson County Fair: July 29 to Aug. 1, Maquoketa. Parade, monster trucks, stock car races, 4-H exhibits.

Taste of Dubuque: Aug. 1, Port of Dubuque. Sample food offerings from more than two dozen vendors, plus live music and children's activities. 1-(800) 226-3369; www.rivermuseum.com

Attractions

Mathis Ham House: Tour the 1856, 23-room Italian Villa-style mansion once owned by entrepreneur Mathis Ham. 2241 Lincoln Ave., Dubuque; 1-(800) 226-3369.

Stone Cliff Winery: Daily building and wine tours, plus a tasting room, outdoor wine garden and live entertainment. 600 Star Brewery Dr., Dubuque; (563) 583-6100; www.stonecliffwinery.com

Dubuque Museum of Art: Galleries showcase works by regional artists, including Grant Wood, as well as contemporary works of art. 701 Locust St.; (563) 557-1851; www.dbqart.com

Dubuque Arboretum & Botanical Gardens: Fifty-two acres of gardens, including formal English, Japanese and children's gardens. 3800 Arboretum Dr.; (563) 556-2100; www.dubuquearboretum.com