Overview
Burlington is a city in Southeast Iowa. It is on the Mississippi River and has a population of about 27,000.
From the raising of the American flag here in 1805 by Zebulon Pike to becoming a post of the American Fur Company in 1829 and then Iowa Territory's first territorial capital in 1838, Burlington has been a place of considerable historical value. Intriguingly, it is the source for the name Hawkeye State (from the name of a newspaper honoring Chief Black Hawk) and the name Burlington Railroad.
2 sights · 1 things to do
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Burlington
Snake Alley
Downtown Burlington's 'crookedest street in the world'. Like a miniature version of San Francisco's Lombard Street.
Des Moines County Historical Society
site of old public library. Now home to Historical Society. Changing exhibites creates fresh interesting local history.
Burlington Bees
Burlington Bees is a Minor league baseball team. The season runs from the second week in April to the second week in September. Price ranges are from $8 to $6 and can be as little as $1 on promotion days.
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Apr–Oct. Summer highs reach about 86°F; winter lows dip to about 15°F. Cold months (Jan, Feb, Dec) can bring snow and ice; check road conditions. Wettest: Jun and May. (climate data from nearby Quad Cities)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- BRL Southeast Iowa Regional Airport, Burlington — 2 mi away. Directions
- MLI Quad City International Airport, Moline — 54 mi away. Directions
- DSM Des Moines International Airport, Des Moines — 141 mi away (major hub). Directions
Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Sample 1-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Snake Alley, Des Moines County Historical Society
- Afternoon Burlington Bees
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Get in
By train
Go Amtrak
The California Zephyr stops in Burlington on its runs between Chicago and Emeryville.
By plane
See
See Snake Alley
Downtown Burlington's 'crookedest street in the world'. Like a miniature version of San Francisco's Lombard Street.
See Des Moines County Historical Society
site of old public library. Now home to Historical Society. Changing exhibites creates fresh interesting local history.
- Crapo Park, 2800 Madison Ave. A riverfront park featuring a scenic overlook, arboretum, and the Hawkeye Cabin.
- Starr's Cave Nature Center, 11627 Starrs Cave Park Rd. Nature reserve encompassing the Flint Creek ravine and other craggy topography, with a sealed-off "cave". Hiking and exploring opportunities. Sa-Su Noon-4pm.
Do
- Catfish Bend Casino, 3001 Winegard Dr. Casino with an attached Hampton Inn, buffet, gift shop, and even a water park.
- FunCity Resort, this outdoor/indoor water park has a number of slides, not to mention a go-kart track, bowling alley, and arcade.
- Wildlife Lakes Elk Farm Inc, 13810 Washington Rd, West Burlington. For when you've ever had an interest in petting or just watching an elk. +1 319-759-7548
- 34 Raceway, 10463 S Prairie Grove Rd, West Burlington. This is a country style race track where you can watch OHV dragsters and such compete.
Sleep
Catfish Bend Casino/FunCity Resort has a Hampton Inn as mentioned above as well its own hotel property.
Or, for a more quaint experience with views of the river, you could try:
- Squirrel's Nest Bed & Breakfast, 500 North St, Burlington. +1 319-752-8382
Safety
Burlington has a touch of crime, so take heed when heading out, especially at night. Unfortunately, there was a traumatic LGBT hate crime death here in 2016, not wholly unlike what happened in Laramie, only this time the victim was only 16 years old.
Nearby
Fort Madison
City / town · 2 listings · 17 mi away
Nauvoo
City / town · 11 listings · 22 mi away
Macomb
City / town · 5 listings · 33 mi away
Plymouth
City / town · 1 listings · 37 mi away
Galesburg
City / town · 5 listings · 40 mi away
Muscatine
City / town · 17 listings · 43 mi away
Fairfield
City / town · 8 listings · 46 mi away
Rock Island
City / town · 18 listings · 55 mi away
My experience
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