Summer’s almost here! Contrary to popular belief, the tri-state area is not as boring as many think. When you think there’s nothing to do, check out this list.

1. Farmers’ Market – Dubuque’s Farmers’ Market is open on Saturdays from 7 a.m. – noon. Check it out.
2. Take a canoe trip on the Maquoketa River.
3. National River Museum and Aquarium – The museum will feature a Titanic exhibit this summer that’s filled with artifacts that were uncovered from the bottom of the ocean.
4. Geocaching – Geocaching is basically a scavenger hunt around Dubuque. If this sparks your interests, Google “geocaching Dubuque.”
5. Go to every ice cream place – A fan favorite ice cream spot is always Beecher’s Ice Cream located on Asbury Road.
6. Take a hike – The tri-state area is home to a multitude of trails and ideal hiking spots such as Heritage Trail, the Mines of Spain, or Swiss Valley.
7. Sand Volleyball – Asbury Park has a sand volleyball pit that is open to the public. Grab a group of friends and head there!
8. Try out a local restaurant – There’s been rave reviews about Eastmill Bakery located on Grandview Avenue. Summer is a perfect time to check out all of the local eateries that you’ve been dying to try.
9. Go to a Wahlert baseball or softball game – Just because school’s out doesn’t mean you have to stop supporting the blue and gold.
10. Go for a bike ride – If you’re feeling ambitious, you could bike the Heritage Trail all the way to Dyersville and back!
11. Be a tourist in your hometown – Ride the Fourth Street Elevator, go for a walk in the Millwork district, or visit the Julien Dubuque monument. Explore the sights Dubuque has to offer!
12. Go on a kayaking or paddle-board adventure!
13. Take a day trip to Galena – It’s a short drive, and Galena’s popular Main Street is always brimming with activity.
14. High-pitch softball – Gather a group of friends and play some high-pitch softball; better yet, come catch Berning Livestock Ltd. play at the Menominee, IL, ballpark!
15. Go to the pool – There are at least four public pools in the tri-state area, and none of them are super expensive, so go sit poolside for a day.
16. Spend a day on the river – The Mississippi River is the best perk of the area many call home. Why not take advantage of it?
17. Go camping – Campgrounds or backwoods, whatever you prefer! Camping is awesome.
18. Golfing – Looking to pick up a new sport? Try out golfing.
19. Mini-golfing – If regular golfing sounds intimidating, there is always mini-golf!
20. And if that doesn’t sound fun to you, try out disc golfing on the course behind vets!
21. Matter Creative Center – Matter is located in the Millwork district. It’s a creative space where a customer can build with clay, paint, and create just about anything!
22. Take a yoga class – There are so many yoga studies available in Dubuque! B-1 Yoga located on Main Street costs only $9 for a person under 23 years old. (But for all ages, the first week is free!)
23. River walk – Another perk of the Mississippi is the gorgeous riverwalk.
24. Go fishing – Nothing beats the adrenaline rush of catching a fish.
25. Drive-in movies – The Maquoketa movie drive-in theater isn’t too far away and it’s always a great time.
26. Pinterest -Summer is a perfect time for all those Pinterest pins you haven’t had the chance to do yet.
27. Go the the Dubuque fair – Word on the street is Jason Derulo is going to be there this year.
28. Spend an hour in adoration -The Power of Prayer Chapel or the perpetual adoration chapel next to St. Mary’s in East Dubuque are great places to catch some peace and quiet while reconnecting to your relationship with God.
29. Run through sprinklers – SO FUN.
30. Alpine Slide – The Alpine Slide is at the Chestnut ski resort in Galena.
31. Have a bonfire – Not much beats a good bonfire with good friends.
32. Build a fort
33. Try a new recipe – Why not test out your skills in the kitchen?
34. Go without social media for an entire day – That’s right. Goblet has been thrown. Feeling ambitious? Try it for a whole week… or month.
35. Jam out to country music – Is it really summer if you don’t hop on the country music bandwagon?
36. Disney movie marathon – Because who doesn’t love a good Disney movie?
37. Go for a night run
38. Have a paint fight
39. Service – Nothing feels better than making a difference in someone else’s life. You could volunteer at the Humane Society, your parish, or maybe help out your next door neighbor.
40. Go to the library
41. Star gaze
42. Have a water balloon fight
43. Be present to every moment you’re in. You’re only young once, make the most of it!