The Burlington center point is around the area of Burlington Amtrak Station and the area of Burlington Steamboat Days.
The best time to visit Burlington, Iowa is in the spring, when the long winter ends and temperatures rise to more comfortable levels. From April to June, Burlington boasts an average high in the low 70s with a nightly temperature around 50 degrees. Because of this beautiful weather, this is the perfect time to head outdoors and go to one of the city's numerous parks or outdoor recreation areas. With over 200 acres of parks, Burlington offers activities such as hiking, water sports, disc golf, and more. You can also enjoy spectacular views of the Mississippi River. In June, the annual Steamboat Days event draws people from around the area. Demand for hotel rooms varies during this season, so you should start your search early to ensure you get the hotel of your choice.
Despite the cold, Burlington is also an excellent spot for your winter vacation. During the winter, Burlington offers plenty of opportunities to see concerts and musical theater indoors. If you aren't into these types of activities, there are several ski resorts only about an hour north of the city, including Sundown Mountain and Sundown Winter Sports Park. These two ski fields offer challenging slopes for beginner and intermediate skiers and snowboarders, as well as terrain parks for advanced skiers. During winter breaks, hotels can fill up quickly. However, Burlington is far enough away from the ski fields that you can get a deal if you don't mind the drive.
In the summer, temperatures rise to an average daily high in the mid-80s and a low in the mid-60s. Although it can get hot at times, Burlington is typically more comfortable than towns farther south on the Mississippi. This provides picture-perfect weather for water sports on the Mississippi, as well as biking, running, and team sports around the city. If you love sports, the Burlington Bees, which are the Single-A affiliate of the Los Angeles Angels, play 72 home games a year and are tons of fun to watch. Burlington is also the ending point of RAGBRAI, the world's largest bike touring event. When there are important games or when the RAGBRAI concludes in Burlington, finding a hotel room is tricky. Because of this, it's best to take a look at a local events calendar to ensure there isn't going to be a huge influx or people for an event.
The fall is perhaps the most beautiful season in Burlington. There's nothing quite like the mighty Mississippi winding its way through the bluffs amid the brown, gold, red, and yellow leaves of the native trees. The temperatures fall considerably, and thus, it's pleasant to go on hikes or stroll through the downtown promenade. There's not a high demand for hotels during this time, so it's possible to score a hot deal on a hotel in the area.
For travelers who want to save even more money on their trip to Burlington, it's in their best interest to seek out hotels that offer discounts. The Comfort Suites in Burlington offers extensive discounts to members of AAA, as well as AARP cardholders and seniors. At the Comfort Suites, you're only a short drive away from exciting points of interest such as the Catfish Bend Casino, Spirit Hollow Golf Course, Burlington Memorial Auditorium, and the Art Center of Burlington. On-site amenities include guest laundry facilities, free coffee around the clock, an indoor heated pool, free newspapers on weekdays, an arcade and game room, a fitness center, a bar and lounge, and a spa tub. When you decide to hunker down for the evening, your room provides a refrigerator, microwave, complimentary wireless internet, free local calls, a hair dryer, and a television with cable programming.
While Burlington has plenty of luxury and budget hotels, it also has several mid-range options. This allows you to maximize your hotel experience without breaking the bank. At the Nauvoo Vacation Villas and Condos just across the river in Illinois, you'll be on the outskirts of town, meaning you won't have to deal with heavy traffic or crowds. This rural hotel offers plenty of benefits, including a full kitchenette that has a refrigerator and microwave, complimentary wireless high-speed internet, satellite TV, and your choice of a one-, two-, or three-bed condo. This location is 20 miles from downtown Burlington, but it's close to some points of interest on the Illinois side of the river, including the Joseph Smith Historic Site, Nauvoo Park, Baxter's Vineyards, Lovers Glen Park, and the Nauvoo Temple, which is the second oldest Mormon temple in the world.
Another value option that's closer to the city is the Howard Johnson. This family friendly hotel is close to popular locales such as Catfish Bend Casino, downtown Burlington, Fun City, and Snake Alley. On-site features include a 24-hour fitness center, two indoor pools, a poolside bar, a bar and lounge, and a daily complimentary continental breakfast. When you're ready for bed, you can unwind by reading the news with free high-speed internet, watch the game on an LCD television with cable programming, or dig out the leftovers from the refrigerator.
There are plenty of things to do in Burlington no matter what your interests. However, there are a few activities that stand out above the rest. If you visit Burlington in mid-June, you can't afford to miss the community's annual, weeklong Steamboat Days. This festival, which takes place right along the banks of the Mississippi River, features local and national musical acts, a carnival with over 25 rides, food vendors, a talent show, a golf tournament, and a closing fireworks display each evening.
If you don't make your way to Steamboat Days, there's no need to worry. Burlington offers numerous concerts throughout the year at venues such as the Capital Theater and Memorial Auditorium. The Art Center is also worth a visit; it shows several traveling art exhibitions throughout the year, and it offers workshops and classes.
With so much to do, it may take you an entire month to explore everything that Burlington has to offer. However, no matter what you decide to do on your trip, you can find the perfect Burlington hotel to suit your tastes and exceed your expectations.
Below are reviews of the city of Burlington, IA from an actual visitor's perspective.
Great food and history!
Great food and history!
Great places to eat and visit!
Beautiful Parks!
Room was good.
Great location and it had more fun things to do than I had time for!
History, Snake Alley and Martini's restaurant!
The old library/museum was a very interesting tour.
Casino and restaurants!
Very nice city, clean rooms and nice personnel.
Very nice place, clean rooms and nice personnel.
Spirit Hollow Golf Course was the reason for our trip.
Burlington has a lot to offer and the people are extremely nice.
River town with so much history to see!
Room was very clean and comfortable. Staff was friendly and helpful. Very peaceful!
Good food. Good staff.
The city of Burlington, IA is a decent town.
I liked the entertainment which was Fun City and the shopping mall.