Burlington, Iowa

INCLUDED WITH YOUR VOYAGE

Burlington, Iowa HOP-ON HOP-OFF TOUR

Remember! Your vacation, your choices. Visit as many or few of the included attractions in Burlington listed below at no cost. Walk the infamous Snake Alley or visit one of the many galleries in the Des Moines County Heritage Center.

DES MOINES COUNTY HERITAGE CENTER

The museum opened in 2009 in the former Burlington Public Library, which was built in 1898. There are nine galleries on three levels in the museum, each one addressing a different aspect of county history.

GARRETT-PHELPS HOUSE MUSEUM

William Garrett, an early Burlington merchant, built a home at the top of the hill overlooking downtown Burlington and the river in 1851. Three generations of his family lived in this home through many tragedies and triumphs. The interior showcases the furnishings and belongings of the Garrett and Phelps families who lived here for more than 100 years.

BURLINGTON CAPITOL THEATER

A grand and beautiful asset to the city, this 1937 movie theater was once the center of activity in a bustling downtown. The Capitol Theater shut its doors in 1977 and faced the wrecking ball within the next decade. Luckily, it was spared and fully restored to its opulent form. Today, films and live performances are still being offered here, and visitors can admire the beauty of this historical piece of Burlington.

PORT OF BURLINGTON WELCOME CENTER

The Port of Burlington Welcome Center has vast amounts of information on this area as well as the rest of the state. Inside, explore the unique gift shop called The Iowa Store to pick out the perfect souvenir of your visit. The store offers a wide selection of one-of-a-kind trinkets, jewelry, and art pieces handcrafted by local artists!

SNAKE ALLEY

In 2017, Ripley’s Believe It or Not! recognized the street as “Unbelievably Crooked” and the #1 Odd Spot in their Odd Spots Across America Campaign. Constructed in 1894 with intention to link the downtown district to the residential area on North Sixth Street, Snake Alley consists of five half curves and two-quarter curves with a 58-foot drop over a distance of 275 feet.

Burlington Premium Experience "FLY ME TO THE MOON" EXPERIENCE AT THE BART HOWARD LOUNGE HIGHLIGHTS

BURLINGTON NATIVE, BART HOWARD

Burlington native Bart Howard is nothing short of an American musical icon. Elegant, urbane, and intelligent, Howard penned hits for some of the most influential artists the country had ever seen. In fact, when Frank Sinatra turned 50, he requested Howard to write a song for him, which became “The Man in the Looking Glass,” which was featured in the September of My Years album. Other great artists to record his songs include Tony Bennett and Johnny Mathis.

STEP BACK IN TIME

Step into the Bart Howard Lounge for a delightful musical performance featuring your favorite songs from all genres – From cabaret to blues, jazz to pop, you will love how it all sounds in the Bart Howard Lounge. Dedicated to Burlington’s famed songwriter and musician, the lounge features phenomenal acoustics that provide an intimate listening experience and is decorated in the style of New York City’s Blue Angel Club, a nightclub from when cabaret was all the rage.

MUSIC FILLS THE AIR

In the Bart Howard Lounge, sit back and soak in the incredible acoustics as a local performer serenades you with a set of songs spanning from cabaret to blues, jazz to country, pop, folk, and more! Of course, the show will honor Burlington’s very own Bart Howard with a performance of “Fly Me to the Moon.” If you wish to enjoy a cocktail during the performance — in true cabaret fashion, a cash bar will also be available.

HALF-DAY $39

LIMITED SPACE AVAILABLE. RESERVE TODAY!