Hotel Julien Dubuque, for the charm of days gone by paired with modern amenities

You’ll get an authentic river-town experience at this boutique hotel. In the heart of the Historic Old Main district downtown, the historic building has been a hotel or inn since 1839 – Abraham Lincoln once stayed here – and underwent a $33m restoration (inside and out) to transform it into the elegant and comfortable hotel of today. Don’t forget to try the American food with a twist at Caroline’s Restaurant on-site. While the menu changes seasonally, the pork tenderloin with a cinnamon-coffee-cocoa rub is an excellent choice any time of year. You are in Iowa, after all.