Dubuque. CatFish. Mississippi River.

Because we I have zero intention of living in the Midwest for the long-haul... Adam and I have made a goal for this summer to explore and see places here in the Heartland of America. (odds are these places won't make the list of dream vacations later in life so if we are going to see 'em we better see 'em now).

This past weekend we started our explorations.  

Started off small; a two hour journey North to Dubuque, Iowa.  We only had a Friday evening- Sat evening and this was the perfect mini get-away trip.  Friday after work we headed up.  We don't eat out much when we are in Iowa City... pretty much never, so eating is usually one of the highlights on our vacays. We stopped by Bandanas BBQ and had us some real good supper--- me ribs and pork; Adam beef and chicken... Of course loaded with sides of corn, coleslaw, and baked beans. Good stuff.
Saturday began with a stop by Iowa's #1 attraction.... The National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium. Complete with Catfish, Sturgeon, Bass, Carp, Snapping Turtles, Lizards, River boat tour,  and learning all things Mississippi River.  You can't tell me you wouldn't want to go to an aquarium to see catfish and carp....? Doesn't sound like the most exciting thing, but I'll be honest, I was pleasantly surprised.... mostly cause of the

CATFISH.  

They were HUGE.  The pictures don't do it justice. (only having cell phone pic doesn't help).  Pretty sure these blue catfish could eat me whole... okay so that may be a slight exaggeration but they were 

real Big and real Ugly and real Entertaining to watch. 

Dubuque is located right along the Mississippi River so after reading this little blurb

'Eagle Point Park is one of the most outstanding parks in the midwest. One hundred and sixty-four acres overlook the Mississippi River, providing a spectacular tri-state view of Iowa, Illinois and Wisconsin,' 

 we had to check out Eagle Point Park for ourselves.  Great views of the Mississippi River, fun walk along, and great landscaping.  I wished we would have packed a lunch and ate along the river. Next time. 

This is the only picture that we took of the two of us and it's not good quality at all. 

It's not a trip without Adam making his 'trademark' goofy face.  I'm never going to get him to just smile so I have given up. :)  The Mississippi is pretty darn big. 

We finished off our mini-trip with a stop at Grandpa Willys and Grandma Betty's (Adam's grandparents) house in Mechanicsville. We can always count on a good dinner of Fried Broasted Chicken at the Supper Club.  Needless to say no Iowa vacation is complete with out lots of unhealthy food. Try as I do, I usually fail with trying to find something healthy. So instead of worrying too much about it, I savor every bite.  haha. 

We had a great couple days--- and if any of you are ever in Dubuque, Iowa.... don't forget to check out the Catfish.