Burlington, IA
- About the City
- Geography
- Climate and Weather
- Landmarks and Attractions
- Transport
- Museums
- Sport and Sports Legends
- Medical Institutions and Healthcare
Burlington is a historic city on the Mississippi River in southeast Iowa, known as the first territorial capital and home to Snake Alley, the world's "crookedest street."
About the City
Official Status and Administrative Affiliation
- Official Name: Burlington, Iowa.
- Administrative Role: Burlington is the county seat of Des Moines County, Iowa, United States . It holds the status of a city within the state.
- Regional Context: Located in southeastern Iowa, the city is a historic port on the Mississippi River. The region is known for its rolling hills, limestone bluffs, and as a significant part of Iowa's agricultural and industrial heritage .
Historical Names and Nicknames
- Shoquoquon (Flint Hills): Prior to European settlement, the area was known as Shoquoquon by the Sac and Fox Native American tribes, a name meaning "Flint Hills" due to the flint deposits found there .
- Flint Hills: This was the first name given to the settlement by its founders in 1833, a direct translation of the indigenous name .
- The Hawkeye State: Iowa's official nickname has its roots in Burlington. In 1839, newspaper publisher James G. Edwards renamed his paper The Hawk-Eye and Iowa Patriot in tribute to the Sauk leader Chief Black Hawk, a name that would later inspire the state's moniker .
- Orchard City: An older, lesser-known nickname for Burlington, referencing its setting amidst fertile lands and orchards .
- Backhoe Capital of the World: In modern times, Burlington has earned this nickname because the Case Corporation plant in the city is the only one in the United States that produces the iconic Case loader/backhoe .
Date of Foundation and Age
- Year Founded: 1833 .
- Age: Founded in 1833, Burlington is over 190 years old as of 2026.
- Founding Legend: The first settlers were Simpson White, Amzi Doolitle, and Morton M. McCarver, who crossed the Mississippi River and staked their claims shortly after the Black Hawk Purchase. The town was originally laid out as Flint Hills. In the spring of 1834, a new settler, John Gray, purchased the first lot and was given the right to rename the town for $50. He chose "Burlington" in honor of his hometown in Vermont .
Geographic Position and Coordinates
- Geographic Coordinates: 40°48′29″N 91°6′57″W .
- Location: The city is situated on a natural amphitheater formed by limestone bluffs on the west bank of the Mississippi River . It is located about 78 miles (126 km) south-southwest of Davenport, Iowa .
- Elevation: The elevation is 696 feet (185 meters) above sea level .
- Geographic Type: A classic river town built into the bluffs overlooking the Mississippi, combining riverine and upland topography.
City Type and Economic Specialization
Historically a bustling river port and railroad hub, Burlington's economy today is diversified :
- Manufacturing Center: The city has a strong industrial base, home to manufacturing plants for companies like Case Construction (CNH Industrial), which makes it the "Backhoe Capital of the World," as well as General Electric, and Shearer's Foods .
- Transportation Hub: Its heritage as a central city for the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad (the "Burlington Route") continues today with the BNSF Railway maintaining a major line through the city, crossing the Mississippi River. It also remains a river port, now serving modern river cruises .
- Tourism & Entertainment: Tourism plays a significant role, centered on its historic district, unique attractions like Snake Alley, and riverboat gambling at the Catfish Bend Casino .
- Regional Healthcare Hub: The area's largest employer is Great River Health, the largest hospital in southeast Iowa .
Population and Demographics
- Population: According to the 2020 census, the city's population is 23,982 .
- City Class: Burlington is a small city and the center of a micropolitan area, which includes nearby West Burlington and Middletown, Iowa, and Gulfport, Illinois . A resident of Burlington is called a "Burlingtonian" .
City's "Business Card" (In Short)
Burlington is a historic Mississippi River town where visitors can walk the world's "crookedest street," Snake Alley, explore its heritage as Iowa's first territorial capital, and experience modern riverfront entertainment, all set against the scenic backdrop of the river bluffs.
Geography
Water Bodies
- Mississippi River: The city's eastern border is defined by the majestic Mississippi River. Here, the river is broad and deep, over three-quarters of a mile wide . It has been central to Burlington's identity, first as a steamboat port and now as a destination for river cruising with lines like Viking and American Queen Voyages including Burlington as a port of call . The river is spanned by a railroad bridge of the BNSF Railway .
- Flint Creek: Located just west of the city, Flint Creek runs through a scenic ravine and is part of the Starr's Cave Nature Center and Preserve, offering hiking and opportunities to explore local geology .
Hills and Unique Landscapes
- Mississippi River Bluffs: The city is famous for its picturesque setting on a series of limestone bluffs that rise steeply from the river's edge. These bluffs form a natural amphitheater, with many of the city's historic residences built on the elevated areas, offering commanding views of the river valley .
- Snake Alley: This is not a natural formation, but a man-made, brick-paved street built in 1894 to help horse-drawn carriages and pedestrians negotiate the steep bluff. It features five and a half curves and a sharp switchback over its 275-foot length, leading to its famous reputation as the "Crookedest Street in the World" .
Parks and Nature Reserves
- Crapo Park: A 100-acre riverfront park in the southern part of the city, renowned for its fine location and scenery that is said to be unmatched along the Mississippi. It features a scenic overlook, an arboretum, and the historic Hawkeye Cabin .
- Starr's Cave Nature Center: Located a short distance from downtown, this 184-acre preserve encompasses the Flint Creek ravine and features craggy topography, hiking trails, and a sealed-off cave, offering a glimpse into the area's natural history .
- Geode State Park: Located about 10 miles (16 km) west of Burlington, this park is named for the quartz geodes found in the area and offers camping, hiking, and lake recreation .
Climate and Weather
Climate Type and General Characteristics
Burlington has a humid continental climate, characterized by four distinct seasons, with cold, snowy winters and hot, humid summers .
Average Temperatures
- Warmest Month: July, with an average daily high of 85.2°F (29.6°C) .
- Coldest Month: January, with an average daily low of 16.4°F (-8.7°C) .
- Extreme Temperatures: The record high is 111°F (44°C) , and the record low is -25°F (-32°C) .
Precipitation and Humidity
- Rainfall: The city receives an average of about 37 inches (940 mm) of precipitation per year, which is relatively evenly distributed throughout the year, though the late spring and summer months (May-August) tend to be the wettest .
- Snowfall: Winters bring significant snow, with an average seasonal total of approximately 27 inches (68 cm) .
Seasonality and Best Time to Visit
- Spring (March-May): Temperatures warm up considerably, from average highs in the 40s°F in March to the 70s°F in May. This is a beautiful time to see the landscape green up, though it can be rainy.
- Summer (June-August): The weather is warm to hot and humid, with July highs averaging in the mid-80s°F. This is the peak season for outdoor festivals like Steamboat Days and for enjoying the riverfront .
- Fall (September-November): Considered by many the best time to visit. The humidity drops, and the weather is mild and sunny with crisp nights. The fall foliage on the river bluffs is spectacular.
- Winter (December-February): Winters are cold and snowy. Average highs in January are around 32°F (0°C). While outdoor activities are limited, it's a good time to explore indoor museums and the casino.
Landmarks and Attractions
[Snake Alley]
Burlington's most famous and unique landmark is Snake Alley, a short, winding brick-paved street in the Heritage Hill National Historic District .
- Description: Built in 1894, this alley was designed to connect North Street to Columbia Street, providing a way for horse-drawn vehicles and pedestrians to ascend the steep bluff. Its design features five half-curves and one full hairpin turn, making it a winding labyrinth of brick .
- Fame: It is famously billed as the "Crookedest Street in the World," often compared to a miniature, more winding version of San Francisco's Lombard Street . It is a beloved subject for photographers and a must-see for any visitor.
- Location: It is located in downtown Burlington, connecting Washington Street to Columbia Street .
[Heritage Hill National Historic District]
This district is a treasure trove of 19th-century architecture, containing many restored homes and buildings from Burlington's prosperous past as a railroad and river town .
- Significance: The district reflects the city's history as the territorial capital and a booming industrial center. Walking its streets offers a journey through Victorian-era America.
- Apple Trees Historical Museum: Housed in the former mansion of railroad magnate Charles E. Perkins, this museum contains a vast collection of artifacts from the region's history, from its Native American roots to its industrial heyday .
- Garrett-Phelps House Museum: Another fine example of a mid-19th-century mansion in the district, open for tours .
[Crapo Park and Arboretum]
This expansive 100-acre park is a scenic gem along the Mississippi River .
- Features: It offers stunning panoramic views of the river from its scenic overlook. The park also contains a municipal arboretum with a diverse collection of trees and the historic Hawkeye Cabin, a log cabin that serves as a reminder of the area's pioneer days .
- Activities: It's a perfect spot for picnics, leisurely walks, and enjoying the natural beauty that originally drew settlers to the "Flint Hills."
[Old Zion's Church Site]
A simple historical marker at what is now Third and Washington streets commemorates the site of "Old Zion," the first Methodist Church in Iowa .
- Historical Importance: This humble building served as the first territorial capitol of Iowa in 1838, where the territory's first legislators met to organize the government. It is hallowed ground for Iowa history.
[Burlington Capitol Theatre]
Located downtown, this cinema, built in 1937, is a fine example of Art Deco architecture and a cultural landmark for the community .
Transport
Airports
- Southeast Iowa Regional Airport (BRL IATA): Located about five miles south of town, this airport offers non-stop flights to Chicago-O'Hare, Mason City, and St. Louis, serviced by Air Choice One .
- Quad City International Airport (MLI IATA): For more flight options and international connections, this larger airport is located about 70-78 miles north of Burlington, near Moline, Illinois .
Railways
- Amtrak: The California Zephyr route, running daily between Chicago and Emeryville, CA (San Francisco Bay Area), stops in Burlington. The station is located at 300 S Main St .
- BNSF Railway: The city remains a major hub for freight rail on the BNSF line, a successor to the historic "Burlington Route," and one of the main east-west lines still crosses the Mississippi River here .
River Transport
Burlington is a scheduled port of call for major river cruise lines operating on the Mississippi, including Viking Cruises and American Queen Voyages, bringing tourists to the city to explore its historic downtown and attractions .
Major Highways
- U.S. Route 34: A major east-west highway that connects Burlington to points west across Iowa and east into Illinois via the bridge over the Mississippi River.
- I-74: The nearest interstate highway is I-74, which is about a 70-mile drive north, connecting the Quad Cities region .
Museums
Historical Museums and Unique Collections
Burlington offers a few small, specialized museums that provide a glimpse into local and regional history.
The Apple Trees Museum, located at 1616 Dill Street, is a local history museum dedicated to preserving the story of apple-growing in the region. It features a collection of artifacts, photographs, and documents that illustrate the impact of the apple industry on the local economy. A popular exhibit includes a working cider press, and the museum offers tastings of fresh apple cider and related products like jams and apple butter. It is open seasonally from May through October .
Another historical site is the Hawkeye Cabin at 2915 S Main Street. This replica log cabin, built in 1909, replicates aspects of Iowa's early pioneer life. It was originally the meeting place for the Hawkeye Natives Association, an organization for men born in Iowa who had reached the age of 50, focused on preserving the history of the state. The cabin is open from May through October on Sunday afternoons, with free admission .
The Port of Burlington Welcome Center, housed in a historic 1928 building at 400 N. Front Street, also features historical displays of the area alongside tourist information and a gift shop .
For those interested in art, the Arts For Living Center is located in an 1868 church building within the Heritage Hill Historic District. It houses an art gallery and gift shop featuring original works by regional artists .
Nearby, in the surrounding area, visitors can find other historical homes such as the Miller House Museum, home of a Supreme Court justice appointed by Abraham Lincoln, and the Lewelling Quaker Museum, a stone house built in the 1840s that served as a stop on the Underground Railroad .
Sport and Sports Legends
Baseball: The Burlington Bees
Baseball is a significant part of Burlington's sports culture. The city is home to the Burlington Bees, a collegiate summer baseball team that competes in the Prospect League. The Bees play their home games at Community Field, a stadium located in Burlington where the team has played since 1947 . The stadium is also used by the Southeastern Community College (SCC) baseball team for practices, as well as regular and post-season games .
High School Sports: The Burlington Grayhounds
Burlington High School's athletic teams, known as the "Grayhounds," compete in Iowa's 4A district. The football team has a documented history, with records dating back to at least 2003. The program has a strong tradition within the state, competing against other high schools in the region .
Recreational Sports Leagues
The city of Burlington provides various recreational opportunities for both youth and adults. These include softball and baseball tournaments, as well as adult leagues, fostering a sense of community engagement and promoting active lifestyles .
Sports Medicine Facilities
Supporting the local athletic community, Burlington has medical practices specializing in sports medicine. Southeast Iowa Orthopedic Sports Medicine, located at 903 Oak Street, offers services in orthopedic surgery and sports medicine . Additionally, Corporate Medical Svs SE IA at 823 N 6th Street includes sports medicine among its specialties .
Medical Institutions and Healthcare
Specialized Medical Practices
Burlington hosts several medical practices that offer specialized care. Key among them is Southeast Iowa Orthopedic Sports Medicine, which focuses on orthopedic surgery, sports medicine, and pain medicine. This practice serves the community with a team of physicians specializing in these areas . Another practice, Corporate Medical Svs SE IA, provides occupational medicine, orthopedic surgery, and sports medicine services .
Home Health Services
For patients requiring care at home, Nurse At Home is a Medicare-certified home health agency in Burlington. They provide a range of health and personal care services in a patient's home, typically following a hospital stay. These services can include medication administration, respiratory monitoring, and post-surgical or post-stroke care .