Check out the great tours available -- whatever you're looking for, you'll find it in Downtown Burlington!
Historic Downtown Burlington
With buildings dating from the 1840s to the present day, Burlington is a treasure trove of historic architecture. Few cities this size can boast such a remarkable legacy of significant structures. Federal, Greek Revival, Gothic Revival, Italianate, Victorian, Prairie, Classical Revival, Art Deco, and International Style buildings of note grace the Downtown. Our rich architectural heritage is admired by visitors from around the world.
Burlington was the second capitol of the Wisconsin Territory and the first capitol of the Iowa Territory. Its location on the Mississippi made it an important point of commerce, which increased greatly after the Civil War with the advent of the railroad. This namesake city of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy and later the Burlington Northern was a rail hub for years and is still serviced by a main line of the BNSF Railroad, which winds its way down the Hawkeye Creek valley into Downtown. With transportation at hand, Burlington became a center of lumber milling, manufacturing, and distribution. Many of these large buildings still stand in the new Manufacturing and Wholesale Historic District from Valley Street south to Elm.
Arts & Culture
There are cultural and entertainment options to explore literally every day in Downtown Burlington. Take in live music at The Washington, meet authors at Burlington by the Book, or get connected at the state of the art Burlington Public Library. All ages can enjoy classes and shows at the Art Center, and the Des Moines County Heritage Center and the Phelps House Museum offer a fantastic variety of exhibits.
The Capitol Theater is an Art Deco jewel that hosts a variety of films, live performances, and special events. Head to Memorial Auditorium for Civic Music and Southeast Iowa Symphony Orchestra concerts, or check out shows in the Bart Howard Room at the Heritage Center. The holidays are a busy time for live performances. In the summer, several restaurants offer outdoor seating. And of course, Downtown Burlington's historic architecture is on display year-round.
Public Art
Because Downtowns are public spaces where all walks of life cross paths, they are an ideal environment for works of art. From sculptures to murals to stained glass, Downtown Burlington offers an array of public art to enjoy. Downtown Partners continues working to add to this outdoor gallery
Riverfront
Burlington is a river city, and Downtown sits right alongside the mighty Mississippi. At one time the waterfront was busy with the clamor of steamboats unloading and taking on passengers. Today, Burlington's Riverside Park provides opportunities for fishing, boating, strolling, or just watching barges churn past. You’ll also have great views of the magnificent Great River Bridge, a single tower cable-stayed truss structure completed in 1993, and the BNSF double track, vertical-lift railroad bridge, which was completed in 2010.
The historic Port of Burlington building at Front and Washington Streets is home to a state Welcome Center as well as The Iowa Store. Seasonal visitors' docks are installed north of the Port for boater convenience, and there are boat ramps both north of the Port and south of the Auditorium. Mississippi River cruise ships dock at the Port as well.
Memorial Auditorium, an Art Deco landmark built by the Works Progress Administration in 1939, hosts a variety of concerts and events throughout the year.
