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Davenport is the largest of the Quad Cities, a river city of about 100,000 people on the west bank of the Mississippi River where Iowa faces Illinois. Founded in 1836, it grew as a busy river port and railroad hub, and its downtown and hillside neighborhoods are full of grand 19th-century buildings. Jazz legend Bix Beiderbecke was born here, and the city celebrates him every summer.
The riverfront is the place to start. Modern Woodmen Park, home of the Quad Cities River Bandits, is one of the most scenic minor league ballparks in the country, with a Ferris wheel beyond the outfield, and the Davenport Skybridge glows with colored lights over River Drive. The Figge Art Museum, the Putnam Museum and the restored Capitol Theatre anchor the arts downtown.
The Village of East Davenport keeps a 19th-century main street of shops and cafés near the river, the Freight House hosts a year-round farmers market, and Vander Veer Botanical Park is known for its fountain, rose garden and conservatory. Bike paths follow the Mississippi for miles, and LeClaire Park's bandshell hosts summer concerts and the Bix Jazz Festival.
A riverside ballpark on the Mississippi, home of the Quad Cities River Bandits minor league team, known for its view of the Centennial Bridge and the Ferris wheel and amusement rides beyond the outfield. It is one of the most scenic small ballparks in the country. Summer evenings are best.
An Art Deco theater that opened in 1931 as the RKO Orpheum, restored as the Quad Cities' main venue for touring Broadway shows, concerts, comedy and the Quad City Symphony Orchestra. Its lobby and auditorium keep their Art Deco details. Book ahead for popular touring shows.
A glass-walled art museum on the riverfront with European, American and Haitian art, Mexican colonial works and a strong collection of Midwest regionalist art including Grant Wood. The top floors have river views. Allow about two hours; it is near the Skybridge and riverfront parks.
A museum of history and natural science with exhibits on the Quad Cities' river history, world cultures, an Egyptian mummy, natural history dioramas and a hands-on science center, plus a giant screen theater. It is very family friendly. Allow two to three hours for the full visit.
A museum in a restored 19th century hotel building that once housed newly arrived German immigrants, with exhibits on German immigration to Iowa and the Quad Cities. Davenport was once heavily German. It is small, so plan about an hour, and check for special cultural events.
A historic district along the river east of downtown with 19th century buildings housing antique shops, boutiques, cafes, bakeries and restaurants. It hosts seasonal events such as Christmas walks. Stroll the shops, then walk down to the riverfront trail for river views.
A 575-foot pedestrian bridge high above River Drive connecting downtown to the riverfront, with glass walls, an elevator and LED lighting that changes colors at night. It offers good views of the Mississippi and the Centennial Bridge. Visit after dark when the lights are on.
A historic park with a glass conservatory, a large rose garden, formal flower beds, a pond and a long tree-lined promenade. Admission to the grounds is free and the conservatory charges a small fee. Late spring and summer are the best seasons for blooms.
A riverfront park in downtown Davenport with a historic bandshell that hosts free summer concerts and the Bix Beiderbecke jazz festival, plus green lawns and the Riverfront Trail. It is next to Modern Woodmen Park. Walk or bike along the river trail for views of the Mississippi.
A park on an island in the Mississippi on Davenport's west side, with walking trails, a disc golf course, picnic shelters, fishing spots and good eagle watching in winter. It was the site of a War of 1812 battle. Bring binoculars in January and February to spot bald eagles.
A year-round farmers market in the historic Freight House building on the riverfront, with local produce, meats, baked goods, crafts and prepared foods. It runs on Saturdays and some weekdays, moving indoors in winter. Go early on Saturday for the best selection.
A famous 7-mile road race held each July through Davenport's streets, including the steep Brady Street hill, honoring jazz musician Bix Beiderbecke, who was born in the city. Thousands of runners and walkers take part, and spectators line the route with music and cheers.
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