History
Greater Burlington is rich with stories that reflect the early growth of Iowa.
Historic neighborhoods, museums, riverfront landmarks, and preserved architecture reveal connections to railroads, river trade, and community life. Explore Greater Burlington and discover where Iowa’s earliest chapters were written, at a pivotal crossroads in America’s growing frontier story.
Featured Historical Attractions
Burlington’s most iconic historic buildings
A visit to the Des Moines County Heritage Center Museum allows visitors to explore the people and events that shaped Des Moines County, all within one of Burlington’s most iconic historic buildings. Exhibits trace the county’s story from early settlement and pre-settlement through territorial days, river commerce, railroads, and community life.
The Heritage Hill Neighborhood
Located at the top of historic Snake Alley, the Heritage Hill Neighborhood offers visitors a glimpse into Burlington’s early residential history and architectural character. This hillside area developed alongside the city’s growth in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, home to prominent citizens, business leaders, and families drawn to its elevated views and proximity to downtown. Today, Heritage Hill’s well preserved homes, tree lined streets, and connection to Snake Alley create a walkable link between Burlington’s historic neighborhoods and its iconic landmarks.
Snake Alley
A visit to Greater Burlington isn’t complete without experiencing Snake Alley, one of the city’s most recognizable and storied landmarks. Built in 1894 to connect downtown with the hillside neighborhoods above, this curvy limestone street reflects Burlington’s ingenuity and growth during the late nineteenth century. Dubbed “Unbelievably Crooked” by Ripley’s Believe It Or Not, Snake Alley’s tight curves and steep grade offer both a memorable walk and a tangible link to the city’s historic past.
