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TH file photo
Cord Marshall and Calli Ricke, both of East Dubuque, play in an inflatable game at the East Dubuque Fun Days.

Attractions

East Dubuque, peacefully situated between the Mississippi and the surrounding high bluffs, boasts a fascinating and exciting history.

Fascinating because of the prehistoric cultures, the more recent Native Americans, the French explorers, the early settlers, the land speculators, the ferryboat kings, the railroad tycoons, the bridge builders and the slaves.

Exciting because of Prohibition, speakeasies, the "Strip," Al Capone and whiskey stills in the hill, thus, at one time, giving East Dubuque the name "Sin City".

The French explorer Nicholas Perrot (17th century) and Julien Dubuque and Stephen Dubois (1787) were the first known settlers. By 1832, at what is still called Frentress Lake, Eleazer and Diadamia Frentress became the first white couple to farm the prairie. In the same year the Reverends Crummer and James established the first preaching services in a plank schoolhouse on the Frentress property.

In 1857 anthropologists unearthed many human bones and artifacts in the many burial mounds located high on the bluff in Gramercy Park.

Originally named Dunleith after a Scottish village, the little river settlement quickly prospered. The name was changed to East Dubuque in 1877 and the railroad soon brought land speculators, hotelkeepers and ferry operators.

Captain Merry built the legendary Merry Building located on Sinsinawa Avenue and became very successful ferrying people and cargo across the Mississippi. The building also served as a stop on the underground railway for slaves.

In 1868 the railroad tunnel and bridge, still in use, ended the lucrative passenger and hotel trade. By 1887 the Old High Street foot and wagon bridge was built parallel to the railroad bridge. Then, in 1943 the beautiful Julien Dubuque Bridge was completed and at 7,392 feet is still one of the longest tied arch and cantilevered spans ever built.

Despite national Prohibition East Dubuque remained "wet" until 1919. Local taletellers say thirsty Iowans bought their liquor here and trundled it across the footbridge in baby buggies, etc. The night that Prohibition became Federal law, and padlocks went up on the taverns, thousands of Tri-staters rioted through the streets. Many local residents hid in basements and cornfields.

Soon speakeasies and gambling appeared. Whiskey stills dotted the countryside. Al Capone and other "outstanding" citizens were said to be involved.

When most people think of East Dubuque, they think of the downtown "strip," with its nightclubs and neighborhood bars.

But if you don't look around the residential areas, you'll miss the true flavor of East Dubuque. From Sinsinawa Avenue, which is the main downtown street, take a right onto Montgomery and head up the hill. Then wander around the old neighborhoods. You'll be surprised by how picturesque East Dubuque really is.

While you're roaming around, look up Gramercy Park, East Dubuque's answer to Dubuque's Eagle Point Park. Take a left from Montgomery onto Beecher Street. The park is a bit overgrown, but if you wear sturdy shoes and a pair of jeans, you can explore and enjoy the view of the Mississippi River.

Having served as an Indian burial ground dating back to 200 to 500 A.D., the park is full of history. The park itself was constructed during the 1930s as a Works Progress Administration project.

Mulgrew's Liquor Store and Tavern, 240 Sinsinawa, serves chilidogs that are famous for miles around. Or step back into time at the Circle Bar, 90 Sinsinawa. The decor is 1940s. The music is 1950s, '60s, '70s and '80s.

T.J.'s Bent Prop Marina, 780 Harbor Drive offers open and covered slip rental, boat ramp, live music, and a full grill menu. Personal watercraft and boat rentals. Open seven days per week seasonally. Call 815/747-8860.

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Special Events

Nov. 29: Cookies and Cocoa with Santa, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., East Dubuque Fire Station, 183 Sinsinawa Ave. Santa will arrive on a fire truck with a host of helping elves to serve cookies and cocoa, sing carols and listen to wish lists. Free admission. Details: 815-747-6860.

Parks

* Dunleith Park District and Pool, north off Illinois 35 near high school, located at the end of Parklane Drive, with picnic tables, shelters, grills, rest rooms, baseball, softball, volleyball, tennis, horseshoes, playground, swimming pool. Park is open May through September. Pool is open June through August. For information, call 815/747-3100.

* Gramercy Park, on a scenic bluff overlooking the Mississippi River with 26 ceremonial and burial mounds from the Hopewell Native American culture, circa 200 B.C.-500 AD. Picnic areas.

* Frentress Family Cemetery, located on a bluff with scenic vistas is the last resting place for family members from East Dubuque's first permanent settlers. The 2.66 acre park offers walking trails and a view of Frentress Lake.

Area Camping

Apple River, IL

* Apple River Canyon State Park, 8763 E. Canyon Road, north of U.S. 20 between Stockton and Warren. The only place in the Midwest where you'll find the rare Birds-Eye Primrose. The Apple River flows through rugged rock cliffs and canyons. Hiking trails, drinking water, rest rooms, playgrounds, concession stand and 50 campsites. Camping from April 15 through Nov. 1. Cost: $7 per night per site, no reservations; $1 per person or $10 minimum for youth groups, reservations required; $5 fee for reservation. Call 815/745-3302.

* Hand Jive Willy's Teepee Village, 3123 E. Stagecoach Trail. Rustic campground three miles west of Apple River on Stagecoach Trail, with drinking water, rest rooms, firepits, store, vending machines, volleyball, horseshoes and pool table. Family size Sioux teepees available. Cost is $6 per vehicle, plus $2 per person. Children younger than 12 free.

Elizabeth, IL

* Hanover - Blanding's Landing Recreation Area, U.S. Corps of Engineers, South River Road, is on the Mississippi River between Hanover and Galena, with 37 campsites on 18 acres, electrical hookups, showers, toilets, drinking water, picnic tables, playground, fish-cleaning tables, public boat ramp. Cost: $10 with electricity; $8 without electricity. Open early May through late October. Call 815/591-2326 in season, 7-10 p.m.

Galena, IL

* Palace Campground, on U.S. 20, one mile west of Galena, has washrooms, showers, laundry facilities, water, sewer and electric hookups. The campground includes heated outdoor pool, wading pool, mini-lake, store, snack bar and dump station. Outdoor movies, hayrides and game room.

* Wooded Wonderland, 610 Devils Ladder Road, south of U.S. 20, five miles east of Galena, has rustic campground with limited facilities.

Hanover, IL

* Blanding's Landing Recreation Area, U.S. Corps of Engineers, South River Road, is on the Mississippi River between Hanover and Galena, with 37 campsites on 18 acres, electrical hookups, showers, toilets, drinking water, picnic tables, playground, fish-cleaning tables, public boat ramp. Cost: $10 with electricity; $8 without electricity. Open early May through late October. Call 815/591-2326 in season, 7-10 p.m.

Stockton, IL

* Apple River - Apple River Canyon State Park, 8763 E. Canyon Road, north of U.S. 20 between Stockton and Warren. The only place in the Midwest where you'll find the rare Birds-Eye Primrose. The Apple River flows through rugged rock cliffs and canyons. Hiking trails, drinking water, rest rooms, playgrounds, concession stand and 50 campsites. Camping from April 15 through Nov. 1. Cost: $7 per night per site, no reservations; $1 per person or $10 minimum for youth groups, reservations required. $5 fee for reservation. Call 815/745-3302.

* Hand Jive Willy's Teepee Village, 3123 E. Stagecoach Trail. Rustic campground three miles west of Apple River on Stagecoach Trail with drinking water, rest rooms, firepits, store, vending machines, volleyball, horseshoes and pool table. Family size Sioux teepees available. $6 per vehicle, plus $2 per person. Children younger than 12 free.