The tri-state area is geographically located where Wisconsin, Illinois and Iowa join in the Upper Mississippi River Valley. Employment opportunities add to the rich quality of life. To ensure employment and population growth, The Greater Dubuque Development Corporation in cooperation with the City of Dubuque has coordinated a total of 950 acres for new and expanded technology and industry in Dubuque County.
Tourism is also a major industry with over one million visitors to the area each year.
Other area attractions include Field of Dreams movie site, National Farm Toy Museum, Crystal Lake Cave and the Fenelon Place Elevator. Dubuque is the retail, medical and entertainment center of the tri-state area and offers many cultural options such as a symphony orchestra, art museum, historical river museum, community theater groups and fine arts organizations. Education is key to a strong workforce and high productivity. Dubuque County is home to two colleges, one university, one community college and four religious seminaries. The average SAT and ACT scores of Iowa's high school students annually lead the nation.