Everyone goes to Eagle Point. It’s the "famous" one. But if you’re actually from Dubuque—or if you just want to skip the massive crowds and find the best view of the south end—you go to Louis Murphy Park. It’s sitting right there on the limestone bluffs, 80 acres of gated green space that most tourists just drive past on Highway 151 without a second thought.
Honestly, it’s their loss.
Louis Murphy Park is basically a local secret hiding in plain sight at 1700 South Grandview Avenue. While the northern parks get all the glory for their views of the Lock and Dam, Murphy Park gives you this sweeping, panoramic look at the Mississippi River and the downtown skyline that feels much more intimate. It’s rugged. It’s high up. And it has a history that’s a lot more "scrappy" than the polished gardens you'll find elsewhere in the city.
The Weird History of Louis Murphy Park
Back in 1926, this place wasn't even called Murphy Park. It started as "Grandview Park" after the city bought a tiny nine-acre plot for about $2,500. People actually fought over the name. You had locals suggesting things like "Hooverdale" or "Mississippi Heights."
Eventually, it was named after Richard Louis Murphy. He was a U.S. Senator and a newspaperman who actually died in a car accident back in the 30s. There’s something kinda poetic about a park named after a guy who worked in news, considering how much "buzz" the park gets every December.
🔗 Read more: Why Presidio La Bahia Goliad Is The Most Intense History Trip In Texas
Interestingly, there was a point in the late 1940s where some people in Dubuque wanted to sell the whole thing off for housing development. They thought it was too expensive to fence off the "sheer bluffs" to keep kids from falling off. Thankfully, the city realized that Eagle Point was getting way too crowded and decided to keep Murphy Park as a relief valve.
What You’ll Actually Find There (The Non-Fluff Version)
Let’s talk about what’s actually on the ground. This isn't just a patch of grass.
The Viewpoints
If you drive all the way to the back of the loop, you’ll find the overlooks. From here, you’re looking south towards the Mines of Spain and east across the river into Illinois. On a clear day, you can see the Julien Dubuque Bridge stretching across the water like a giant orange toy. It’s one of the few places where you can really see the "industrial" side of Dubuque’s history meeting the natural limestone beauty of the Driftless Area.
The Gear and Games
💡 You might also like: London to Canterbury Train: What Most People Get Wrong About the Trip
- Tennis & Pickleball: There are five tennis courts. They’re usually in decent shape, though you might have to dodge a stray leaf or two.
- Horseshoe Pits: A bit of a throwback, but they're there.
- Playgrounds: There are multiple play areas. Heads up: the playground near the Fuhrman Pavilion is actually scheduled for a total replacement in spring 2026. The city is swapping the old wood mulch for rubber surfacing and adding things like zip lines and climbing structures.
- The Shelters: You’ve got three main pavilions. The Fuhrman Pavilion is the big one people rent for graduation parties and family reunions.
The No-Pet Rule
This is the part that catches people off guard. No dogs allowed. None. Not even on a leash. The city is pretty strict about this at Murphy Park, unlike some of the other trails in town. If you show up with your labradoodle, you’re going to be disappointed.
Reflections in the Park: The December Transformation
You can't talk about Louis Murphy Park without talking about the lights. Every year, from late November through New Year’s Day, the park turns into "Reflections in the Park."
It’s a drive-through light display that benefits Hillcrest Family Services. It’s a Dubuque staple. You pay about $12 per car (that was the rate last season, anyway), tune your radio to a specific FM station, and crawl through the park at two miles per hour.
Is it cheesy? Maybe. Is it a core memory for every kid who grew up in the Tri-State area? Absolutely. They usually have a "Walk-Through" night once a season where you can actually get out of the car, which I highly recommend if you want to see the displays up close without a windshield in the way.
📖 Related: Things to do in Hanover PA: Why This Snack Capital is More Than Just Pretzels
A Few Practical Realities
It’s not all sunshine and rainbows. Sometimes the park smells a little... interesting. Because it’s located near the southern end of the city and near some industrial zones, the wind occasionally carries scents from the nearby treatment plant. It’s not constant, but if you’re planning a wedding there, maybe check the wind forecast.
Also, the park is gated. It opens at 7:00 AM and usually closes at 10:00 PM (sometimes 11:00 PM on Fridays and Saturdays during the summer). If you’re there at 9:55 PM, the rangers will find you. They’re pretty efficient at clearing the place out.
Actionable Tips for Your Visit
- Golden Hour is King: If you want the best photos of the Mississippi River, get to the southern overlook about 30 minutes before sunset. The way the light hits the bluffs across the river in Illinois is incredible.
- Check the Calendar: If it’s late October, the park starts closing down to prepare for the light show. If it’s early May, that’s when the gates usually swing back open for the summer season.
- Picnic Hack: Skip the main pavilion if it’s crowded and look for the smaller picnic tables tucked near the limestone edges. You get the breeze and the view without the noise of the playground.
- The 2026 Upgrade: If you’re visiting with kids in mid-2026, check the City of Dubuque’s website first. The playground construction might mean some areas are fenced off, but the new equipment (including the rumored "track ride") should be worth the wait.
Whether you're there for a quick jog on the 22-acre trail loop or just to sit on a bench and wonder how the heck the glaciers missed this part of Iowa, Louis Murphy Park is worth the stop. Just leave the dog at home and bring a camera that handles low light for those river views.
Pack a cooler, grab some sandwiches from a spot downtown, and head up the hill. You won't regret the detour.
Next Steps:
- Check the official Dubuque City Parks website to see if the pavilions are booked for your planned date.
- Drive the loop once before picking a spot to see which overlook has the best visibility that day.
- If it's winter, verify the "Reflections in the Park" hours as they can change based on weather conditions.