Encyclopedia Dubuque
"Encyclopedia Dubuque is the online authority for all things Dubuque, written by the people who know the city best.”
Marshall Cohen—researcher and producer, CNN
Affiliated with the Local History Network of the State Historical Society of Iowa, and the Iowa Museum Association.
MADISON PARK
MADISON PARK. Once the site of the mansion and estate of Dubuque banker, John Vincent RIDER. The site, originally called Hill Crest, is located on the crest of Seminary Hill at the end of Clarke Drive. In 1915 the mansion was opened to the public as a public shelter. Since it was too costly to maintain, the home was demolished.
A pavilion was constructed on the location in 1919 and the area was renamed Madison Park. The MADISON STREET STEPS were installed to make the park easily accessible from downtown.