Burlington Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, where to stay, what to eat, and things to do in Burlington, Iowa. Read our travel guide now!


If you’re looking for a small town charm mixed with Midwestern hospitality, Burlington, Iowa, is the perfect place for you. Located in the southeastern part of the state, Burlington offers a plethora of attractions and activities for travelers seeking a unique experience. In this travel guide, we’ve compiled a list of must-see places, top-rated accommodations, mouth-watering local cuisine, and various insider tips to make your visit to Burlington memorable.

Introduction to Burlington

Burlington is a city in Des Moines County, Iowa, situated on the riverfront of the Mississippi River. The city has a rich history that dates back to the early 1800s when it was a bustling trade town. Now, it’s a hub for culture, recreation, and adventure.

List of Places to Visit in Burlington

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Snake Alley - a crooked and steep alley with brick paving
  • Hawkeye Log Cabin - a 19th-century log cabin with a historical museum
  • Burlington Riverfront Entertainment - an outdoor concert venue with a scenic river view
  • Des Moines County Heritage Center Museum - displays the history of Des Moines County and its heritage

Natural Attractions of Burlington: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Burlington Bees Baseball - a local favorite for sports enthusiasts
  • Starr’s Cave Nature Center and Preserve - offers hiking and bird watching opportunities
  • Lake Geode State Park - a great spot for picnics, boating, and fishing
  • Flint River Trail - a walking trail from Downtown to Starr’s Cave Nature Center

Hiking/Biking Routes of Burlington

Burlington, Iowa, provides plenty of opportunities to bike and hike. Here are some places to explore:

  • Burlington Riverfront Trail: A 3-mile trail that follows the riverfront from downtown Burlington to Dankwardt Park.
  • Flint River Trail: a 6-mile walking and running trail that runs parallel to the Flint River.

Best Things to Do in Burlington: Activities and Tours

  • 34 Raceway - a high-speed, family-friendly dirt racetrack
  • FunCity - an indoor amusement park with arcade games, batting cages, and go-karts
  • Spirit Hollow Golf Course - an award-winning golf course with 18-holes
  • Jet Ski Rentals - a perfect way to enjoy the Mississippi River

Week-Long Itinerary for Burlington

Day 1: Visit Snake Alley and Downtown Burlington Day 2: Explore Hawkeye Log Cabin and the Heritage Museum Day 3: Experience Starr’s Cave Nature Center and Lake Geode State Park Day 4: Take the Flint River Trail and history tour Day 5: Visit FunCity in the morning, and relax at the beach in the afternoon. Day 6: Go golfing or try your hand at Jet Ski rentals. Day 7: Discover the outdoors at Des Moines County Conservation Nature Center

Food and Drink Scene of Burlington

No trip is complete without sampling the local cuisine. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages in Burlington.

Must-Try Dishes

  • Iowa Pork Tenderloin Sandwich
  • Buck’s Homemade Pizza
  • The Drake Restaurant’s Sirloin Tips

Local Beverages

  • Bent River Brewing Company’s Uncommon Stout
  • The Barn on the Ridge’s Apple Cider Margarita
  • Iowa Wine Trail

Where to Stay in Burlington: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Here are some of the top-rated places to stay in Burlington:

  • The Drake Hotel & Restaurant
  • PZAZZ! Resort Hotel
  • Heritage Inn & Suites

What to Buy in Burlington: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Locally made jams and jellies at Karmic Corners
  • Handmade pottery at Burlington By The Book
  • Vintage clothes at Belle Du Jour

Local Culture and Customs of Burlington

Burlington prides itself on its friendly community and its Midwestern values. It also cherishes its heritage and embraces diversity.

Best Time to Visit Burlington

Summer months, from June to August, are the best time to visit Burlington if you want to experience the town’s outdoor adventures. The weather is mild, and tourist attractions such as Snake Alley and Lake Geode State Park are open. Winter months, from December to February, are ideal if you prefer indoor activities.

Do’s and Don’ts of Burlington

Do:

  • Visit Snake Alley
  • Try the local cuisine
  • Go fishing at Lake Geode

Don’t:

  • Speeding and reckless driving
  • Littering
  • Trespassing on private land

Safety and Health

Safety in Burlington

Burlington is generally a safe town for tourists. However, visitors are advised to exercise caution and be aware of their surroundings.

Health in Burlington

The city has a well-equipped hospital (Great River Medical Center), and visitors can also opt for walk-in clinics for minor illnesses or injuries.

Getting to Burlington: Transportation Options and Logistics

Burlington is conveniently located and can be accessible by various modes of transportation.

Airports Near Burlington

  • Southeast Iowa Regional Airport (opened for charter flights and private planes)

Bus Stations Near Burlington

  • Burlington Trailways Station
  • Greyhound Bus Station

Other Options

Driving to Burlington is also quite easy since it is located on US-61.

How to Get Around in Burlington

Navigating Burlington is best done on foot, car rental, or by a bike rental. All these services are readily available in downtown Burlington.

Where to Go Next from Burlington: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Iowa City (77 miles)
  • Cedar Rapids (102 miles)
  • Springfield, Illinois (208 miles)

Conclusion

Burlington, Iowa, offers an exciting blend of natural wonder, Midwestern charm, and cultural heritage. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing vacation or outdoor adventure, Burlington has something to offer for everyone. We hope this travel guide has given you insight and inspiration on how to make the most of your visit to Burlington.