//
City in Iowa, United States
Photo: Ctjf83, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Davenport is one of the Quad Cities, in Eastern Iowa. This Midwestern city on the bank of the Mississippi River has seen a great deal of action throughout history. Today Davenport offers visitors interesting museums, activities and culinary experiences. Being one of the Quad Cities, a side trip to another city is easily doable - just follow the color coded signs!
From the travel guide. Select a place for details, a map and what is nearby.
A pedestrian cable-stayed bridge that spans River Drive in downtown Davenport. It provides views of the Mississippi River, its bridges and the downtown area.
The Figge has a collection of approximately 3,000 works that includes works from the Renaissance to contemporary art, with particular strengths in American Regionalist, Mexican Colonial and Haitian Art. In addition, the Figge now houses the over-12,000-piece collection University of Iowa Art Museum.
Housed in a former hotel where German immigrants lived when they first came to Davenport, it features an interactive, audio-visual permanent exhibit, "The German Immigrant Experience," which takes visitors on an exploration of what it was like to be an immigrant to the region in the 1800s. The exhibit is interactive and includes a theater, audio-visual stations, artifacts and two restored hotel rooms.
The museum opened in 1986 in the former Hose Station Number 4. The museum houses fire fighting memorabilia including a 1951 Mack pumper that belonged to the city of Riverdale, Iowa. Located in Lindsey Park and playground, near the riverfront trail.
Davenport has fought long to maintain this riverfront as a nice place to see. You can stroll along the River and watch bald eagles fish in the wintertime, or pleasure boats and barges work the channel in the summer. LeClaire Park is home to a bandshell where various festivals and concerts are held.
Nahant Marsh is a 265-acre preserve in southwest Davenport. It is part of a 513-acre wetland complex that is bordered by the Mississippi River, Interstate 280, and Highway 22. The marsh area encompasses different wetland community types including bottomland forest, open-water habitat, and a marsh–all surrounded by suburban, industrial, and agricultural land. The Nahant Marsh Education Center was formed to educate the public about this local ecosystem.
The residence was home to B.J. and Mabel Palmer from 1912 until their deaths in 1949 and 1961. They developed the chiropractic profession and Palmer College of Chiropractic, which owns the house. It was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1984 because of the uniqueness of the porch, a showplace of the Palmer collections. The house holds a fraction of the collections once owned by the Palmers, who were known for their collecting mania.
The museum features five exhibit halls and changing traveling exhibitions. Black Earth/Big River is an interactive display of ecosystems of the Upper Mississippi River Valley; the Hall of Mammals lets you see and hear life-like African and Arctic animals in their natural settings; River, Prairie and People explores the history of the Quad Cities region; and the Asian/Egyptian Gallery explores the mysteries of ancient civilizations and includes a 3,000 year-old mummy. The National Geographic Giant Screen Theater is five stories high and seven stories wide, and features both 2D and 3D films.
River Music Experience
The RME is a non-profit performing arts center providing opportunities for the community to listen, learn, and play music.
The 33-acre park was established as Central Park in 1885 on the site of the old Scott County Fairgrounds. The Botanical Conservatory offers various floral displays during the year. The Municipal Rose Garden, which features almost 145 different varieties, is an All-America Rose Selections garden. The Hosta Glade is one of the first gardens registered as an American Hosta Society National Display Garden. And the All-America Selections Display Garden is one of 180 public gardens in the United States, Canada, and Japan that grow AAS winners for display. The Children's Sculpture Garden was established in 1999 and the renovated Grand Allée was dedicated in 2001.
This is essentially a large-scale county fair. It includes a midway with rides and games, concessions, livestock and other 4-H events. The grandstand hosts high-quality, nationally and internationally known performers. Most of the entertainers are Country-Western singers with at least one Rock music night.
The Casino features 900 slot machines and video poker, including Super Times Pay, Spin Poker, Multi-hand play, 14 table games, Hit Parade Buffet and Twist 'N Shop Grab 'N Go.
Part of the Quad Cities St. Patrick's Day celebration in March, this parade goes from Rock Island to Davenport and is the only St. Patrick's Day parade in the country to go through two states.
The facility flanks East Third Street and hosts events throughout the year that include events geared towards the public, as well as trade shows and conferences. The Iowa/Illinois Regional Auto Show takes place annually in early February. The Adler Theatre is also a part of the complex (see below).
Fine art of all kinds is available at two festivals that are held in May and September in front of the Figge Art Museum Plaza on 2nd Street. The festivals include juried fine art and fine crafts, musical entertainment, a children's art project area, and a food court.
Held annually in September in Lindsay Park in the Village of East Davenport showcases paintings, prints, ceramics, glasswork, leather, wood pieces and more. The juried two-day festival includes live entertainment, a wine garden, food vendors and a children's art tent.
Held in late July or early August at various locations in Davenport, this jazz festival honors Davenport native Bix Beiderbecke, a key figure in the establishment and development of the Chicago jazz style in the 1920s and 30s.
Since 1915. Subscription concerts are held at the Adler Theatre in downtown Davenport on Saturday nights and Centennial Hall on the campus of Augustana College in Rock Island on Sunday afternoons. The Riverfront Pops Concert is held in LeClaire Park in early September.
The Adler Theatre is a 2,400-seat performing arts center that is adjacent to the RiverCenter. It was opened as the RKO Orpheum on November 25, 1931. The Art Deco style theater was designed by A.S. Graven of Chicago, and Henry Dreyfuss of New York City designed the interior. Restoration of the old RKO Orpheum began in 1981 and further renovations, which included increasing the size of the stage, took place in 2005 and 2006. The theater is home to the Quad City Symphony Orchestra and Ballet Quad Cities. It also hosts Broadway touring companies and other productions and performances. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
New Ground is housed in the Village Theatre in the Village of East Davenport. It stages contemporary and original theater in the Quad Cities.
Based in Rock Island, the ballet performs at a variety of venues throughout the Quad City region, including the Adler Theatre.
The park features a boat ramp, basketball courts, playground, skateboard park, spray park, gazebos, cricket and rugby fields, and a dog off leash area.
The facility is the only indoor ice facility in the Quad Cities. It features over 70,000 square feet of frozen playing surfaces, indoor turf field, indoor golf range, team rooms, food service, meeting space and lobby area.
The golf course is an 18-hole, par 70 course. It is a 140-acre (0.57 km2) course and is 5,759-yard (5,266 m) long. The course features mature trees and rolling hills.
The golf course is an 18-hole, par 72 course. It is a 155-acre (0.63 km2) course, 6,500-yard (5,900 m) long, and built on gently rolling hills. It is Davenport's most challenging public golf course, and has hosted the qualifying rounds for PGA Tour's John Deere Classic.
The park features off-road biking trails with difficulty ranging from green to black diamond in its 7-mile (11.2 km) system. The green trails are 2 miles (3.2 km) of wooded scenery. It features a few small log crossings, one ladder bridge and one corduroy feature. The blue trails provide moderate changes in elevation, some rooted and off-camber terrain and a variety of corduroy sections and log crossings. The black trails have more challenging ascents and descents in elevation, creek crossings, narrow winding trails, roots, skinnies, drops and multiple log crossings. In addition to the biking trails there are also 4.5 miles (7.24 km) of equestrian trails.
Minor league baseball team that plays in the Single "A" Midwest League. Games are played in the iconic Modern Woodmen Park along the Mississippi River and the Centennial Bridge.
Held the last weekend in July, it features a variety of road races and culminates in a 7-mile foot race through the hills of eastern Davenport.
Two-level bar and grill, yet somehow cozy. Great hamburgers. The building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
A wide variety of international cuisine including seafood, American, Chinese, made-to-order Mongolian stir fry, sushi bar, prime rib, soup, full salad bar and full dessert bar. Good buffet food.
Friendly, popular Tex-Mex eatery; full bar.
Great food, fabulous atmosphere with excellent wait staff. Lots of vegetarian options.
A neighborhood restaurant & bar that features made from scratch, thin crust pizza and signature cocktails. They also offer appetizers, pastas, calzones, burgers, sandwiches, and a wide assortment of beers, signature martinis and wines by the glass or bottle.
A quality deli with a variety of breads, meats, cheeses, veggies, and condiments. They also serve soups and salads.
Quad City style or Chicago Deep Dish pizza, as well as sandwiches and chicken.
A big city bistro in the heart of the Quad Cities. Duck City uses fresh ingredients and features an ever changing menu.
Since 2002 Exotic Thai has provided a consistently excellent level of quality food, service, and dedication to authentic Thai cuisine.
Popular bar and grill with service station memorabilia throughout. The menu includes sandwiches, salads, burgers, pizza and Mexican.
The oldest brew pub in the state of Iowa features updated pub food and good beer brewed on the premises.
Local eatery and bar with good food and service.
Dedicated to the American Farmer. Featured on the Travel Channel's "Food Paradise" recognized as one of the "Best Breakfast in America."
A bar-restaurant with an open, urban feel. Burgers, sandwiches and salads. Steak and seafood served after 4PM. Good sized beer list, wine and cocktails.
A solid bar and grill located downtown.
The restaurant is located within Hotel Blackhawk and was chosen as a 2012 and 2013 Award of Excellence recipient by Wine Spectator. Try the Cinnamon Brined Iowa Pork Chops, which are now on the menu at the White House in Washington, DC.
Restaurant and martini Lounge
Good quality Mexican style food; full bar.
North
Fun Center, Breakfast, Lunch Smorgasbord and Sunday Brunch with pizza, ice cream, sandwiches and more.
East side
Noted for its "Quad City Style" pizza. Dine-in, appetizers, salads, carry-out, beer selection.
Quad City-based sandwich shop that serves sandwiches on bread baked fresh from the Hungry Hobo bakery, salads, soups and baked potatoes.
East
West
Northwest
A Quad City Tex-Mex institution with four locations in Davenport:
Soft drinks only
Full bar
A Quad City tradition since 1933.
West-central
Northeast
Since 1947, a local soft-serve ice cream shop.
Homemade chocolates ranging from covered toffee to exotic, port wine chocolates.
Turn of the century ice cream parlor and confectionary. Fine home made chocolates as well as soups and sandwiches. Winner of the James Beard America's Classics Award.
The bar and grill have been in business for over 30 years and the facility has been expanded and renovated. They are able to accommodate private parties, feature seven large High Definition flat-screen TVs, and live music every Friday and Saturday night with no cover charge.
Popular nightclub
Don't be fooled by the outside. It looks a little dingy, but it's a popular neighborhood bar. Excellent ribs
A traditional bar with a cool vibe.
A place to watch your favorite sports teams.
Specialty coffees, breakfast quiche and pastries, fresh homemade soup and sandwiches, salads, vegetarian options including hummus wraps, organic whole leaf teas, all fruit smoothies, juices, etc.
Coffee and other beverages, sandwiches, wraps and desserts.
A full breakfast will be served in the formal dining room. Grocer Charles and Louise Beiderbecke (grandparents of jazz musician Bix Beiderbecke) built the home overlooking the Mississippi River in 1880. A contributing property in the Hamburg Historic District on the National Register of Historic Places.
8-room B and B. A contributing property in the St. Katherine's Historic District on the National Register of Historic Places.
Free Wi-Fi Internet, continental breakfast, and indoor pool.
Modern, log building. The main attraction is the low price.
A full-service hotel with indoor pool, recreation center, complimentary full hot breakfast buffet, high-speed Internet, restaurant and lounge.
Free breakfast, Internet access, exercise room and indoor pool.
Free high-speed Internet, continental breakfast, and indoor pool.
Free breakfast, business center, Internet access, fitness center and indoor pool
Free high-speed Internet, continental breakfast, fitness center and indoor pool.
Free Wi-Fi, meeting space, fitness center and pool.
Free high-speed Internet, continental breakfast and indoor pool.
Free Wi-Fi Internet, continental breakfast, indoor pool and fitness center.
A Marriott Autograph Collection property, the Hotel Blackhawk is an historic, upscale, boutique hotel located downtown. It has received the AAA Four Diamond Award and a Smart Meetings Platinum Choice Winner. The building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
A full-service hotel with indoor pool and fitness center, restaurant and lounge.
Kitchen/kitchenette, free high-speed Internet, continental breakfast, indoor pool and fitness center.
Free high-speed Internet, continental breakfast, business indoor pool and fitness center. On Tuesday-Thursday evenings enjoy free beer, wine, soft drinks and a light meal.
Shopping district made up of big-box stores and strip malls.
Located in an historic railroad freight house, you will find farm fresh fruits, vegetables, delicious baked goods, poultry, beef, lamb, pork, cheese, wine, eggs, honey, jams, jellies, dips and salsas, candy, fresh cut and dried flowers, seeds, bedding plants, annuals and perennials, house plants, amazing art pieces, homemade soaps, doggie treats, beautiful heritage quality crafts, and you could even enjoy a massage from a licensed massage therapist. The offerings change as the seasons do.
A regional mall that is anchored by Dillard's, JC Penney, VonMaur, and Younkers.
An historic district on the National Register of Historic Places that was started as an independent community in 1851 and became a part of the city of Davenport within five years. Today it is a shopping and entertainment area that features local shops, restaurants and bars.
By plane
By bus
By train
Nearest Amtrak station is in Galesburg, Illinois (50 minutes away). A connecting thruway bus service to Centre Station in Moline is available.
By car
Davenport is generally an easy city to navigate. The city streets are basically laid out in a grid pattern, even as the city climbs the bluff above the Mississippi River.
By bus
Public transportation is operated by Citibus. +1 563 326-7711.
By bicycle
In general Davenport does not have dedicated bicycle lanes on the streets, especially the major thoroughfares so use extreme caution.
By water taxi
A unique way to see the Quad Cities is from the Channel Cat Water Taxi, an open air boat that transports people and bicycles to the Iowa and Illinois shorelines.
Choose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Moline · Regional · MLI
Loading places around the airport…
Articles and travel topics about Davenport and United States.
Travel tipsFind the cheapest countries to fly to from the US and UK in 2026. Compare realistic round-trip flight deals, budget airlines, and prime booking windows.
8 min read
Travel tipsFind the best time to visit Hawaii in 2026. Compare whale seasons, big-wave surf, dry shoulder months, hotel rates, and island microclimates.
8 min read
InspirationDiscover the best places to visit in April. Compare Dutch tulip fields, Thailand's Songkran water festival, Roman spring gardens, and cherry blossoms.
6 min read
Travel tipsA practical guide to travelling with medication and refrigerated drugs like insulin and GLP-1s. Learn airline rules, customs papers, and cooling tips.
7 min read
Every section of the guide. Open one to read it in full.