Casino Boat In Dubuque Iowa
- DUBUQUE CASINO BELLE. In 1989 with increasing numbers of tourists to Dubuque and talk of legalized gambling in Iowa along the MISSISSIPPI RIVER, Robert KEHL began plans to build a casino gambling boat and $3.9 million on-shore facility based in Dubuque. In 1990 the DUBUQUE RACING ASSOCIATION, a non-profit organization, with the Dubuque Casino Belle, Inc. Received the first riverboat gambling.
- On April 1, 1991, the Dubuque Racing Association (DRA) and local businessman Robert Kehl opened Iowa 's first riverboat casino in Dubuque's Ice Harbor, the Casino Belle. This boat's operation was short-lived, however, and relocated to Missouri in 1993, following a change in ownership.
Situated in Dubuque’s historic downtown and nightlife district, Diamond Jo Casino is an entertainment destination not to be missed! We offer a high-energy casino with nearly 1,000 slots, 19 table games, more than 200 nights of live entertainment each year at the Mississippi Moon Bar, a state-of-the-art bowling center, and five restaurants.
Dubuque, Iowa
The Spirit of Dubuque is an authentic dual paddlewheeler designed by Robert Kehl and built in 1976-1977 by Scully Brothers Company of Morgan City, LA. The construction began on July 1, 1976. The boat was christened on May 14, 1977 by Iowa Gov. Robert Ray. She is powered by two Detroit diesel 6-71 engines (200 horsepower apiece). She has a capacity for 377 passengers and 4 crew members. The Spirit of Dubuque is 93 feet long and 28 feet wide. She has two decks, an air-conditioned dining deck and an open upper deck for sightseeing. The Spirit of Dubuque was originally owned by Bob and Ruth Kehl. In May 1994 she was purchased by Captain Walt and Nancy Webster. She has been offering Lunch, Dinner, theme and Murder Mystery cruises.
After 40 seasons (1977-2016) in Dubuque, IA, the boat has been sold to a new operator at Cincinnati, OH, and will probably be renamed.
Casinos In Dubuque Iowa
- Narrated Lunch Cruise
- Captain's Dinner and Dance Cruise
Dubuque Iowa River Cruises
WELCOME TO
CELEBRATION RIVER CRUISES
Cruising Season Begins June 11, 2020
Join us while we celebrate our 36th cruising season in 2020! Our 750 passenger paddlewheel boat, the “Celebration Belle” is specifically designed for cruising the waterways of the great Mississippi River, offering casual sightseeing, luncheon and dinner cruises. We offer various cruises to meet any sailor’s enjoyment needs!