Attractions and Places To See around Davenport - Top 20

Davenport's riverfront offers several natural attractions. You can visit the vibrant Davenport Riverfront & LeClaire Park for scenic views and trails, or explore Credit Island, a 400-acre park popular for fishing and nature observation. The Mississippi River Trail provides miles of paved paths for walking and biking. Additionally, you can see Sylvan Slough, a river that passes Rock Island, offering views of Rock Island Arsenal and Sylvan Island further east.

Yes, Davenport is rich in history. The Village of East Davenport is a historic district with preserved Victorian buildings, boutique shops, and restaurants. You can also see the impressive Lock and Dam 15, the world's largest roller dam, accessible via the oldest swing-span bridge in the country. The Government Bridge, a double-decked structure connecting Rock Island and Davenport, is another significant historical landmark. For more local history, consider the German American Heritage Center & Museum.

Davenport boasts several cultural institutions. The Figge Art Museum is a prominent art institution showcasing American masterpieces, European paintings, and contemporary works. The Putnam Museum & Science Center offers interactive exhibits on science, art, and history, complete with an IMAX screen. Music enthusiasts can visit the River Music Experience (RME) for concerts and workshops, or the Bix Beiderbecke Museum & Archives dedicated to the jazz legend.

Families visiting Davenport have several options. Modern Woodmen Park, home to the Quad Cities River Bandits, offers classic baseball fun with a Ferris wheel and other rides. The Putnam Museum & Science Center provides interactive learning experiences for all ages. For outdoor fun, Vander Veer Botanical Park features beautiful gardens and a conservatory. Many of the riverfront parks, like Davenport Riverfront & LeClaire Park, are also great for family outings.

For scenic views, the Davenport Skybridge offers panoramic vistas of the Mississippi River and downtown skyline, especially striking when illuminated at night. The I-74 Pedestrian and Bicycle Bridge also provides a dedicated viewing area with an oculus for river observation. Additionally, Lindsay Park in the Village of East Davenport offers lovely views of the Mississippi River.

Absolutely. The Mississippi River Trail is a paved path perfect for walking and biking along the river. The Duck Creek Parkway also offers scenic paths for cycling and hiking. For more detailed routes, you can explore options like the Duck Creek Parkway Trail or the Government Bridge – Sylvan Slough loop. Find more cycling routes on the Cycling around Davenport guide.

Davenport offers a variety of parks and green spaces. Vander Veer Botanical Park is a historic 33-acre botanical garden with flower gardens, fountains, and a conservatory. Lindsay Park, a 31-acre green space in the Village of East Davenport, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Marquette Park features a small waterfall and playground, while Nahant Marsh is a significant wetland area for nature exploration.

Davenport is known for its historic architecture. Beyond the Victorian buildings in the Village of East Davenport, areas like the Gold Coast and McLellan Heights feature notable architectural styles for enthusiasts. The Government Bridge itself is an architectural marvel, being a double-decked bridge with both rail and vehicular/pedestrian traffic.

Yes, the Freight House Farmers' Market is a vibrant, year-round market featuring over 200 farmers, bakers, makers, and artisanal food producers. For a more boutique experience, the Village of East Davenport offers unique shops and vintage stores.

Visitors particularly appreciate the unique blend of historical significance and natural beauty. The impressive and historical Government Bridge is noted for its unusual double-decked structure. The I-74 Pedestrian and Bicycle Bridge is valued for safely separating cyclists from traffic and offering a great viewing area. The scenic views along Sylvan Slough and the Mississippi River are also highly enjoyed.

Yes, there are several hiking opportunities. The Duck Creek Parkway Trail offers moderate hiking, and you can explore trails on Sylvan Island for an easy walk. For more extensive options, the Mississippi River Trail provides longer routes. You can find more hiking trails and their difficulties on the Hiking around Davenport guide.

Davenport has a lively arts scene. The Adler Theatre is a historic venue that hosts Broadway shows, concerts, and performances by the Quad City Symphony Orchestra. The River Music Experience (RME) is dedicated to celebrating the musical heritage of the Mississippi River region and frequently hosts concerts and open mic nights.