Welcome to Burlington!
The seat of Des Moines County, this community of nearly 30,000 is the center of a micropolitan area including West Burlington, Iowa, Middletown, Iowa and Gulf Port, Illinois. Burlington is the home of Snake Alley, the world's crookedest alley, and has been called the Backhoe Capital of the World.
Iowa's nickname, "The Hawkeye State," has its roots in Burlington. At Judge David Rorer's suggestion, publisher James G. Edwards changed The Iowa Patriot newspaper's name to The Hawk-Eye and Iowa Patriot in tribute to his friend Black Hawk. Rorer is said to have found the name in The Last of the Mohicans while Edwards proposed the nickname to "...rescue from oblivian [sic] a momento [sic], at least of the name of the old chief."
With its roots dating back to the era of massive steamboats cruising up and down the waters, Burlington is a shining example of the history and the beauty of Iowa's Great River Road.
Area Attractions and Locations
Find the best resources for local tourism attractions, entertainment venues, recreation opportunities, dining options, lodging choices and travel services in the six convenient clickable categories below. Create an itinerary and add your favorites to your next trip to the Iowa Great River Road. (Click here for an interactive map)