Mathias Ham Historic Site

10/20/2026

We’re excited to announce that the Mathias Ham Historic Site is a Top 5 finalist for the 2026 People’s Choice “Site of the Year” Award from Silos & Smokestacks National Heritage Area!

Help us make it to the Top 3! Public voting is open now through October 23, and you can vote once every day. Spread the word and cast your vote today!

Vote here:
https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/9061091/SSNHA-2026-People-s-Choice-Site-of-the-Year

10/06/2026

Ghost stories, historic haunts, and a trolley ride through Dubuque after dark... what could be better? Our sold-out Spirits of the Past event, hosted by the Dubuque County Historical Society Auxiliary Board, was a success! Guests enjoyed delicious cocktails, mocktails, and appetizers while hearing chilling tales from Dubuque’s past before boarding a haunted trolley tour, including a special stop at the historic Hotel Julien Dubuque . Thank you to everyone who joined us for a memorable night of history, mystery, and community!

Shoutout to The Whoo Chocolate Co. for the chocolates at Lead Mine Station and to Stone Cliff Winery for the w**e used for the Blood Moon Sangria at Schoolhouse Station. Your generosity is truly appreciated!

10/02/2026

Join us every Friday in October, starting October 9, for a spooky night with the Haunted History Tour! Begin at the Mathias Ham House, where you will spend a full hour exploring and hearing unsettling tales of the Dubuque area. Then, climb aboard the Trolleys of Dubuque to visit four of Dubuque’s most haunted locations. During the journey, we’ll stop by the Riverboat Lounge at Hotel Julien to buy a cocktail while enjoying an atmosphere steeped in mysterious history. The trolley will bring you back to the Ham House to end your adventure.

Dates:
Friday, October 9
Friday, October 16
Friday, October 23
Friday, October 30

Schedule of the night:
6:30 - 7:30 PM: Exploring the Mathias Ham House

7:30 - 9:00 PM: Board Trolleys of Dubuque for trolley tour and cocktail stop

9:00 PM: Arrive back at the historic site

Buy your tickets today: https://www.rivermuseum.org/events/haunted-history-tours

09/25/2026

LAST CHANCE! Only 8 tickets are left. Secure your spot today for Spirits of the Past. This unique cocktail experience begins at the Mathias Ham Historic Site with cocktails and light refreshments, then continues with a trolley tour through downtown Dubuque's rich history. Along the way, you'll visit notable historic locations, hear fascinating stories from the past, and enjoy a special stop at the historic Hotel Julien.

Friday, October 2 | 6:00–9:00 PM

21+ event

Book your spot before October 1. Tickets are $75 each. Get your ticket today at https://www.rivermuseum.org/events/spirits-past

09/23/2026

09/15/2026

Step back in time with us at Spirits of the Past! This unique cocktail experience begins at the Mathias Ham Historic Site with cocktails and light refreshments, then continues with a trolley tour through downtown Dubuque's rich history. Along the way, you'll visit notable historic locations, hear fascinating stories from the past, and enjoy a special stop at the historic Hotel Julien.

- Friday, October 2 | 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM

- This is a 21+ event.

- RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED.

Tickets are $75 each, and space is going fast. Get your ticket today at https://www.rivermuseum.org/events/spirits-past

09/10/2026

Hours Update! The Mathias Ham Historic Site is now open on weekends only. Visit us on Saturdays and Sundays from 11:00 AM to 4:30 PM (last tour at 3:30 PM) through October 31.

Step back in time and discover how the Mississippi River and local natural resources shaped Dubuque’s settlement, trade, and daily life. Don’t miss your chance to take in breathtaking 360-degree views from the newly reopened belvedere!

08/26/2026

Have any questions during your visit? We're always happy to break it down!