A Dubuque native whose family has lived in the area for more than 150 years, Trish had lots to say about how the area has changed in the last few decades -- noting, in particular, that as a child it was rare to see wildlife out on the river. But now, after deliberate efforts to protect and recreate natural habitat areas, it's much more common to spot critters like this heron we encountered at the marina.

Exploring Dubuque by boat also gave us a different perspective on the redevelopment project, allowing us to see how people are using the riverwalk to connect with the river -- quite literally, actually, via the plaza steps down to the water.