I HAVE TRIED SEVERAL TIMES TO GET TO THE ALLIANT AMPHITHEATER WITHOUT SUCCESS. COULD YOU PLEASE TELL ME HOW I CAN GET THERE? WHAT STREET WILL TAKE YOU THERE?

Answer:

Though there are three ways to get to the area, below is an image showing the best route to take if you don't know your way around. Another route is more direct but it takes you across train tracks und under overpasses. I think the one drawn is pretty easy to follow if a bit longer. The problem is the last street you need is currently under construction so you might have to park a walk a few blocks.

You'll want to come across the third street overpass (A on the map) to the Diamond Jo Casino area. Turn Left on Bell Street (B on the Map). the street ends at Street, turn Left again on East 6th Street (C on the map). At the first intersection, you would have to take a very hard right, about 110û on East 4th Street, but last I saw the road was closed at that point (D on your map). you might have to walk from there. It is about three city blocks to the Star Brewery and Alliant Amphitheater site. The map below is drawn on an old picture but the roads are the same.

Or...

Taking Commerical street might get you closer but it is a very confusing street. East 7th street enters a VERY industrial area down by the river. 7th street basically becomes Commercial Street at one turn but it is in the middle if a gravel storage area and the street is not well marked. You basically drive to the back of the industrial stuff until it opens up into a big lot, then stay right and go parallel to the train tracks elevatred to your right. You have to park at the end of the road by the flood wall and walk under the tracks south to the Amphitheater directly on the other side on the other side. Note: this route will take you right past the base of the Shot Tower. If you know what the Shot Tower looks like sticking up in the skyline by the river's edge and can get there, the amphitheater is on the other side of the traintracks from there.

The entire area is kind of a mess right now as the roads are being redone. But it is pretty neat looking and worth the walk if you are really interested. I'm sure when it is done, there will be clear signage directing visitors to the Amphitheater's location.

Question:

Dear America's River Project, I know at one time there was talk about having a mural created along the floodwall. Has anything been decided about that project? Is there an ongoing "call to artists," to submit potential designs? I'd appreciate any information you may have on this matter. Thank you.

Answer:

Question has been posed...awaiting response.

Question:

I am curious to know what other buildings Platinum Holdings has worked on. I am wondering if I have seen their work at various waterparks in Wisconsin Dells or anything like that. I have been following the progress downtown and I must say I cannot wait for the resort to be finished - I hope to be one of the first to stay there!! I was also wondering if you or anyone else would know what types of rates the rooms will have, what the various room styles will be and what the availability is so far, I an hoping to make advance reservations. Thank you for taking the time to read my e-mail, if you could answer any of my questions I would really appreciate it!!!! Thanks again!!!!!!

Answer:

Thank you for your interest in the Grand Harbor Resort and Waterpark!

Platinum Hospitality has five other hotels in the Midwest:The Chateau in Bloomington, IL, The Lodge in Bettendorf,IA, MainStay Suites in Cedar Rapids and the MainStay Suites in Dubuque, IA. We are very proud of all five hotels and would be happy to send you information if you are interested in any one of the properties.

As you know Dubuque is emerging as a popular tourist destination offering many unique activities. Enjoy America's River at the Port of Dubuque featuring the Mississippi River Discovery Center and Aquarium (opening May of 2003), National Rivers Hall of Fame, Mississippi Riverwalk, Star Brewery Amphitheater and the River's Edge Plaza. Plus you will find casinos, dining and shopping all within walking distance!

The entire staff at the Grand Harbor Resort & Waterpark would consider it a pleasure to host you and your family. Please allow me to outline a few of the outstanding features of our hotel.

• 25,000 sq. ft. Family Fun Indoor Waterpark with exciting tube rides,thrilling waterslides, a variety of pools, hundreds of family-oriented aquatic activities, and relaxation on the meandering, indoor lazy river.
• Large interactive arcade; Games for all ages!
• Every room includes a refrigerator, microwave, coffee maker, hair dryer, iron and ironing board
• 31 spacious suites to include magnificent views of either the city of Dubuque or the picturesque Mississippi River; Plus select luxurious whirlpool suites.
• Restaurant and lounge with 200 seats and additional seasonal patio seating overlooking the Mississippi River.
• Complimentary parking

A deluxe city view queen room over the weekend would be $199.00 plus tax and would include waterpark tickets for each registered guest. Suite prices begin at $229.00 and go up to $349.00 for the fireplace full suite with Jacuzzi.

To make reservations please call 563-690-4000 or e-mail me at smoran@mcleodusa.net.

We are anticipating opening in November of 2002.

Sincerely,

Sue Moran
Senior Corporate Sales Manager
Platinum Hospitality Group

Question:

We are looking to start a franchise and are trying to convince the franchise company that the south side of Dubuque is the place to be. We would like to show them the river front project and tell them what kind of traffic this project is expected to create. We feel a lot of tourist will come into town from the south side. Could you please help us obtain this information?

Answer:

I received your e-mail from the website however I am a museum/aquarium employee and you need to talk to someone in economic development at the Greater Dubuque Development Corporation and/or the Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce.

Our feasibility studies project 500,000 new visitors to the area and the primary point of entry will be the south side of Dubuque through the Highway 20, 61, 151, 52 corridor. I hope that this information is helpful and we welcome your interest in our wonderful community.

Teri Goodmann
Development Director
National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium

Question:

I'm excited about all of the development and increased activity in the Ice Harbor, but wonder about the limited access to this confined area.Ê I'm curious if there are any additional "access" streets planned for the Ice Harbor other than the 3rd Street overpass or 4th Street (which can be blocked by railroad traffic)?Ê

Answer:

The west end road will provide a third access to the north port. This can be achieved by turning onto Jones Street in the south port and using the street system within the south port to get to the north port. No new ramp access roads are planned at this time. The City of Dubuque is in the process of design another road for the Port of Dubuque. The road will be located on the west-end of the harbor and will go behind the renovated depot building and connect to the City street system located on the South Port of Dubuque near the Coast Guard. The west end road will provide a third access to the north port. This can be achieved by turning onto Jones Street in the south port and using the street system within the south port to get to the north port. The road will be for pedestrians and small and emergency vehicles only (cars are allowed). No truck traffic will be allowed on this road. Included in the road design is a pedestrian walkway/trail that will connect to the trail system throughout the City and will include a resting area with seating to allow for viewing of activity in the Harbor. The road is expected to be constructed beginning in the Fall of this year and completed by April 2003 in time for the opening of the Museum and Aquarium project. No new ramp access roads are planned at this time.

This is the answer from the city of Dubuque to your question. To put it in more layman's terms, there will be additional access from the street that bisects the highway near Arby's and the Earthgrains Bakery on the south end, the one that crosses the train tracks into the industrial area on the south side of the port). This street will be reworked to allow access to the area. But no plans are in the works for additional access from the north end which would likely be very beneficial to the area's traffic flow, but we make web sites, not road,s so we will leave that to the engineers who I am sure have looked at the issue fro every conceivable angle. Thanks for your question. I hope that sheds some light on the issue.

Answer Contributors,

Bryce Parks
President,
Dubuque365.com

Cindy Steinhauser
Assistant City Manager,
City of Dubuque

Teri Goodmann
Development Director
National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium

Question:

My company, (name omitted) a non-for-profit organization, has just begun to work with the City of Chicago in developing a management plan for a riverwalk for our Chicago River in downtown Chicago. After looking at your website I was wondering if your organization could send me some information (masterplan , bylaws ) on how you were able to pull the America's River Project off so successfully.

Answer:

This question was passed on to the appropriate people to answer it and will not likely receive an answer that we could fit here, but it goes to show not only the national impact and interest that our America's River Project is generation, but also, how incredibly well it was organized and orchestrated. Dubuque has become a "how to" model for communities across the state and the nation.

Bryce Parks
President
Dubuque365.com

Question:

What kind of volunteer opportunities are available for individuals wishing to participate in the America's River Project?

Answer:

Many people find volunteering time at fundraising events such as the Taste of Dubuque to be a very enjoyable way of making a contribution. Some people, like Dubuque365.com get involved by volunteering their energy to help promote and document the project. The Port of Dubuque Renovation Guide, for example, is done at no cost to the America's River Project. For individuals with special skills or access to unique means of helping the project progress, especially when it saves money, there is often welcome avenues to participate, but it is hard to know which skills are in short supply or when those skills are needed. You can contact the Mississippi River Museum at (563)557-9545 to get information on what current volunteer needs exist or to offer services that you have which you believe could be of assistance to the project. Then, of course, the kind of involvement that folds and jingles in your pocket is always a most welcome investment. There is a link at the top of this page in the toolbar to make a contribution to the project.

Bryce Parks,
President,
Dubuque365.com