The best family-friendly hikes and walks around Davenport
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Family friendly hiking trails around Davenport are characterized by diverse landscapes, including the prominent Mississippi Riverfront, rolling hills, and extensive woodlands. The region offers a blend of natural beauty and recreational opportunities, with creeks, small waterfalls, and open meadows contributing to varied ecosystems. These features provide a range of hiking experiences, from riverside paths to trails winding through dense forests and restored prairies.
Best family friendly hiking trails around Davenport
- The most popular family friendly hiking route is Dan Sherman Trail, a 1.2 miles (1.9 km) trail that takes 31 minutes to complete. This easy path offers a pleasant walk with minimal elevation gain.
- Another top favourite among local hikers is Sunderbruch Park loop, an easy 2.6 miles (4.2 km) path. This route winds through wooded areas and open meadows, showcasing the park's diverse natural features.
- Local hikers also love the Sylvan Slough – Schwiebert Riverfront Park loop from Davenport, a 3.3 miles (5.3 km) trail leading through riverfront parkland, often completed in about 1 hour 20 minutes.
- Hiking around Davenport is defined by riverfront paths, rolling woodlands, and diverse park trails. The network offers options for various ability levels, from easy strolls to more challenging routes.
- The routes in Davenport are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 5.0 stars from 1 review. More than 30 hikers have used komoot to explore Davenport's varied terrain.
Last updated: July 8, 2026
1.86km
00:31
30m
30m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
59.4km
15:02
110m
110m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4
hikers
15.8km
03:59
30m
30m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.21km
01:08
60m
60m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5
hikers
5.31km
01:20
10m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
The Government Bridge, also known as the Arsenal Bridge, spans the Mississippi River between Rock Island, Illinois, and Davenport, Iowa. Built in 1896, the bridge has two levels: the upper deck serves the Iowa Interstate Railroad, while the lower deck carries vehicle traffic and has lanes on each side for pedestrians and cyclists. It features a swing section to allow river navigation. The current bridge is the fourth at this location; the first, built in 1856, was the first railroad bridge across the Mississippi. Subsequent bridges were built after damage from collisions, ice storms, and tornadoes.
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Schwiebert Riverfront Park offers a variety of features, including art sculptures, a digital playground, a fountain, a great lawn, an observation shelter, a parking lot, a promenade, restrooms, a stage, a triangle lawn, an urban concrete beach, and a walk/jog path/trail. The park was named after former Mayor Mark Schwiebert, who lived from 1989 to 2009, for his dedication to enhancing public access to the riverfront. The park hosts live music events and is a picturesque setting for leisure and for recreation.
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Sylvan Slough is a river in Illinois that passes Rock Island. If you follow the river further east, you'll get wonderful views to Rock Island Arsenal and Sylvan Island.
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Fort Armstrong, established in 1816, served as a vital military installation on Rock Island Arsenal, Illinois. Initially constructed to maintain peace among Native American tribes and European settlers, it later played a significant role in safeguarding American interests during the War of 1812. Throughout its history, Fort Armstrong served as a key strategic outpost, witnessing various conflicts and transformations until its eventual decommissioning in 1836.
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The Rock Island Centennial Bridge, spanning the Mississippi River, was constructed to commemorate the centennial anniversary of the city of Rock Island, Illinois, in 1940. Its elegant design and strategic location have made it an iconic landmark, facilitating transportation and fostering connections between Rock Island and Davenport, Iowa, for over eight decades.
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This impressive and historical bridge is an unusual structure in that it is a double-decked bridge. It carries two railroad lines on top and vehicular/pedestrian traffic on the lower deck. It spans the Mississippi connecting Rock Island, Illinois and Davenport, Iowa.
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These bridges are often referred to as "The Twin Bridges" and carry traffic across the Mississippi River on I-74. The original bridge opened to traffic in 1935, and the new bridge was completed in 2020.
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Credit Island Park is a 450 acre park located on an island between Davenport and Rock Island. There are several great trails to choose from and great views of the Mississippi River.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many family-friendly hiking trails are available around Davenport?
There are 12 family-friendly hiking trails around Davenport featured in this guide, with 9 of them rated as easy, making them suitable for various ages and skill levels.
Are there any easy, short trails suitable for families with young children or strollers?
Yes, several trails are ideal for families with young children. The Dan Sherman Trail is a short, easy option at just under 2 kilometers. Additionally, parts of Sunderbruch Park offer paved multi-use paths that are stroller-friendly, winding through wooded areas and open meadows.
What kind of scenery can we expect on family hikes in Davenport?
Davenport's family-friendly hikes offer a diverse range of scenery. You can expect picturesque views of the Mississippi River, especially along sections of the Mississippi River Trail. Many trails also wind through rolling hills, rich woodlands, and open meadows, particularly in parks like Sunderbruch Park and Scott County Park. Some areas even feature charming creeks and small waterfalls.
Are there any loop trails that are good for families?
Yes, loop trails are great for families as they bring you back to your starting point. The Sunderbruch Park loop is an easy 4.2-kilometer option that takes you through varied terrain. Another easy loop is the Sylvan Slough – Schwiebert Riverfront Park loop from Davenport, offering riverfront views.
What can we see along the family-friendly hiking trails in Davenport?
Along the trails, families can discover several interesting points. You might spot the historic Government Bridge, the scenic Sylvan Slough, or the modern I-74 Pedestrian and Bicycle Bridge. Many routes offer views of the Mississippi River and its diverse wildlife, including migratory birds.
Are there any trails that feature waterfalls?
While not directly on the routes in this guide, the Davenport area is known for picturesque spots like Devils Glen Park and Marquette Park, which feature charming small waterfalls flowing down limestone bluffs. These are great nearby destinations to explore with family.
What do other hikers enjoy most about family-friendly hiking in Davenport?
The family-friendly trails in Davenport are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars. Reviewers often praise the accessibility of the trails, the beautiful river views, and the peaceful wooded environments that make for enjoyable outings with children.
Are there any dog-friendly family hikes in Davenport?
Many parks and trails in Davenport, including Sunderbruch Park and Credit Island Park, are dog-friendly, provided dogs are kept on a leash. It's always a good idea to check specific park regulations before you go to ensure a pleasant experience for everyone.
When is the best time of year to go hiking with family in Davenport?
Spring and fall are particularly pleasant for family hikes in Davenport, offering mild temperatures and beautiful scenery. Autumn brings vibrant fall foliage to the woodlands, while spring showcases new growth. Winter can also be enjoyable for a crisp walk, especially for eagle watching along the Mississippi River, but be prepared for colder conditions.
Are there any longer, more challenging family-friendly routes for older children?
For families with older children looking for a longer adventure, the Mississippi River Trail: Davenport Section offers a moderate 15.7-kilometer experience with continuous river views. While this guide focuses on family-friendly options, it also includes one difficult route, the Mississippi River Trail: Davenport to Bettendorf, which is a significant undertaking at nearly 60 kilometers and best suited for very experienced families.
Are there good parking options available at the trailheads?
Yes, most major parks and trailheads in Davenport, such as Sunderbruch Park, Credit Island Park, and those along the Duck Creek Parkway, offer ample parking facilities, making it convenient for families to access the trails.
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