Burlington is a city located in Des Moines County, Iowa, near the Mississippi River. Prior to American settlement, the region was neutral territory for the Fox and Sac Indians, who named it Shoquoquon, meaning ‘Flint Hills’. Burlington houses Snake alley, the planet’s most crooked alley, and has been labeled the Backhoe Capital of the World. The city has various points of interest to offer its guests.
Visitors to Burlington will be amazed about the wide range of tourist attractions. There are water parks, a riverboat casino, a family sports complex, a welcome center, the Arts for Living Center, and last but not least Snake alley. Nature devotees can take a look at a working elk farm, visit Starr’s Cave Nature Center and Preserve, or relax at one of the numerous city and state parks that are scattered throughout Burlington.
Leisure activities abound in Burlington, whether you like watching a movie, playing golf or racquetball, going swimming or renting a canoe or kayak. Over 70 restaurants offer a variety of cuisines including fine dining and diverse ethnic specialties, while for nightlife entertainment, there is Fun Park, Paddlewheel Lounge and Whitey’s Bar and Billiards. This area also plays host to plentiful events such as the Snake Alley Criterium, Jazz Fest on the River and the Burlington Steamboat Days.
Highlights
Snake alley: called the ‘Crookedest Street in the World’ by Ripley’s Believe It Or Not, you can test your skills on Burlington’s most famous landmark, dropping 58 feet over a 275 feet distance.
Fun City: features Iowa’s chief water parks, Huck’s Harbor water parks, a bowling facility, a giant video game emporium, a multi-level lazertag arena and several flight simulators.
Catfish Bend Riverboat Casino: this modern facility features 680 video poker and slot machines, 18 table games and a private poker room.
Starr’s Cave Nature Center and Preserve: this wooded area is home to limestone scarps, three caves, and prairie remnants and offers several activities including environmental education programs and concerts.