AMERICA’S RIVER PROJECT A BIG TOURISM SUCCESS.
$188 Million Development Provides Variety of Attractions

Dubuque, Iowa | March 2009 | Celebrating its seventh anniversary this summer, the nearly $400 million project called America's River at the Port of Dubuque is already being labeled as one of Iowa's finest tourism attractions. Launched in December of 2002 as a partnership between city, state and private enterprises, this unique project nestled along the shores of the mighty Mississippi River continues to draw visitors from around the world.

"We have been overwhelmed with the response to this tremendous offering," stated Keith Rahe, Director of the Dubuque Convention & Visitors Bureau. "The project has exceeded our initial projections and continues to draw a wonderful visitor traffic. It is a shining example of how government and private enterprise can work together to provide a resurgence and vitality to a community," said Rahe.

America's River Project is the only place along the entire 2,400-mile stretch of the Mississippi River that offers a multi-faceted campus celebrating the historical, environmental, educational and recreational majesty of the USA's most famous body of water.

America's River features these major tourism components:

• National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium
• The Grand Harbor Resort & Waterpark
• The Grand River Center | An event and conference center
• Mississippi Riverwalk, River's Edge Plaza and Alliant Energy Amphitheater
• Newly renovated Hotel Julien
• Renovated historic Star Brewery Building | Now home to the Star Restaurant & Ultra Lounge and Stone Cliff Winery
• Newly constructed land-based Diamond Jo Casino
• Newly renovated Mystique Casino
• Newly constructed parking ramp

The first phase of the development, the Grand Harbor Resort and Waterpark, opened in December of 2002 followed by the National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium in the summer of 2003. Other amenities on the Riverwalk have been added including the River's Edge Plaza and Alliant Energy Amphitheater.

The success of the America's River project has created surging momentum with additional growth and new development. This can be seen in the $80 million construction of a new land-based Diamond Jo Casino that opened in December 2008. This full service casino and entertainment venue includes a 30-lane bowling center and is host to national entertainment. www.diamondjo.com

The Mystique Casino is undergoing it's second renovation since the launch of America's River. This state-of-the-art casino features 1,000 slot machines, Vegas-style table games and heart-pumping excitement of live greyhound racing. The Hilton Garden Inn opened next door to the Dubuque Greyhound Park & Casino. The 120-room property features Houlihan's restaurant. www.dgpc.com

The National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium provides a true adventure into the habitat of the mighty river's surroundings and is the only museum of its kind in the world. The museum highlights interactive displays where visitors can get "up close and personal" with wildlife that inhabit the Mississippi River areas. Museum visitors can even become barge pilots. The William Woodward Discovery Center in the museum features five large aquariums that provide close-up views of giant catfish, alligators and ancient sturgeon. The National Rivers Hall of Fame captures the drama of the influential river people and chronicles the history of the many great explorers who discovered and lived on the Mississippi and other great American waterways. The Fred W. Woodward Riverboat Museum celebrates the history of riverboats on the Mississippi through interactive exhibits and historic artifacts. The National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium welcomed its 1,000,000th visitor on July 18, 2007, just four years after opening in the summer of 2003. Plans are underway for a major expansion that will double the size of the campus. www.rivermuseum.com

Located in the Port of Dubuque, the Grand Harbor Resort & Waterpark , a 193 room hotel offers magnificent views of historic downtown Dubuque and city bluffs and spectacular views of the sparkling Mississippi River just steps outside the door. The 25,000 square foot indoor waterpark, Iowa's first, features Huck Finn II, a four-story tree house, plus multiple waterslides and pools, a lazy river and two hot tub whirlpools. www.grandharborresort.com

The Grand River Center, which opened in the fall of 2003, comprises a state-of-the-art 114,500 square-foot conference and meeting facility located on the banks of the Mississippi. The facility is comprised of four ballrooms, six meeting rooms and a 30,000 square-foot flexible exhibition hall. A hallmark of the center is the all-glass 'River Room' that overlooks the Mississippi and continually enchants guests. www.grandrivercenter.com

The Mississippi Riverwalk opened in the summer of 2003. The Riverwalk provides a naturally convenient path to many of the America's River facilities and attractions, following along the Mississippi River banks. It features the Alliant Energy Amphitheater which utilizes the restored Star Brewery building as it's backdrop as it hosts a variety of outdoor concerts and festivals. The River's Edge Plaza, a 5,000 square-foot plaza and pavilion serves as the landing berth for large excursion boats. The Riverwalk is part of a 44-mile trail connecting America's River to the nationally renowned Field of Dreams in Dyersville, Iowa.

The Star Brewery Building is a beautiful, historic, and visually dominant five-story brick brew house. The abandoned building was refurbished and tourists now gather to relax in the Star Restaurant & Ultra Lounge and Stone Cliff Winery. The Star Restaurant & Ultra Lounge, an innovatively designed 12,000 square foot venue for dining and entertainment, serves global cuisine in the spacious restaurant, lounge, bar and outdoor patio overlooking the Mississippi River. www.stardbq.com In 2007, Stone Cliff Winery moved its entire production operation to the historic Star Brewery building from their home and former production site in Durango, IA. They sell over 70,000 bottles of wine annually including those served to visitors in the tasting room adjacent to the Riverwalk. www.stonecliffwinery.com

The Hotel Julien, a 150 year old historic hotel, is currently undergoing a $28 million dollar renovation. Guests will experience the perfect bland of historic character and modern refinement in this full-service, luxury hotel. Guests will experience the grandeur of the past and delight in views of the Mississippi River. www.hoteljuliendubuque.com