Davenport Travel Guide

Discover the hidden gems of Davenport, Iowa in this comprehensive travel guide. Explore the best activities, attractions, food, and accommodations the city has to offer.


Introduction to Davenport

Situated in the heart of Iowa, Davenport is a beautiful city known for its rich history, scenic beauty, and vibrant culture. This city boasts an ideal location, sitting at the crossroads of the Mississippi River and four major interstate highways. It is the third-largest city in the state of Iowa and has a thriving community with friendly people, great food, and plenty of outdoor activities.

Whether you are looking to explore the city’s rich history, immerse yourself in its vibrant culture, or simply enjoy the outdoors, Davenport has something for everyone. In this comprehensive tour guide, we will explore some of the best attractions, food, and accommodations that the city has to offer. So, pack your bags and let’s get started!

List of Places to Visit in Davenport

Whether you are a history buff, a nature lover, or an adventure seeker, Davenport has a long list of attractions to explore.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

If you are interested in learning about Davenport’s rich history and culture, make sure to check out these museums and historical places:

  • Figge Art Museum: This museum showcases a wide collection of American and European art, including contemporary works and classic pieces. It also hosts traveling exhibitions from around the world.

  • Putnam Museum: This museum offers a unique experience, with exhibits ranging from natural history and science to culture and art. It also features an IMAX theater and a 50-foot digital dome theater.

  • River Music Experience: If you love music, this is the place to be! This interactive museum features exhibits on the history and culture of music on the Mississippi River.

  • The Village of East Davenport: This historic area offers a glimpse into life in the 1800s. With over 45 specialty shops, boutiques, and restaurants, this quaint area has plenty to offer.

Natural Attractions of Davenport: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

If you love the great outdoors, Davenport has plenty of natural attractions and scenic views to explore:

  • Nahant Marsh: This 305-acre nature preserve is home to a variety of wildlife and plant species. You can explore the marsh on foot or in a canoe, kayak, or paddleboard.

  • Davenport Skybridge: This pedestrian bridge offers stunning views of the Mississippi River, the city, and the surrounding landscape. It is a great spot for a photo op.

  • Vander Veer Botanical Park: This 33-acre park features a variety of gardens, including a Japanese garden, a rose garden, and a children’s garden. It also has a pond, a fountain, and a conservatory.

  • Quad City Botanical Center: This botanical center features indoor and outdoor gardens, including a butterfly garden, a rose garden, and a hosta garden.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Davenport

Davenport offers plenty of hiking and biking trails, with the most popular being the Mississippi River Trail. This trail runs along the river and offers stunning views of the water and the surrounding landscape. Other great trails in the area include the Duck Creek Trail, the Hennepin Canal Parkway, and the Great River Trail.

Best Things to Do in Davenport: Activities and Tours

Davenport has a wide range of activities and tours to offer, including:

  • Riverboat Cruises: Take a scenic riverboat cruise along the Mississippi River and learn about the history and culture of the region.

  • Quad City Symphony Orchestra: Enjoy a live performance by the Quad City Symphony Orchestra, which performs throughout the year.

  • Trapped Escape Rooms: Solve puzzles and escape from a themed room in this unique experience.

  • Iowa 80 Trucking Museum: Learn about the history and culture of trucking at this unique museum.

Week-Long Itinerary for Davenport

If you are planning on spending a week in Davenport, here is a sample itinerary:

Day Activity
1 Visit the Figge Art Museum and explore the Village of East Davenport
2 Explore the Putnam Museum and IMAX Theater
3 Take a riverboat cruise and visit the River Music Experience
4 Hike or bike along the Mississippi River Trail
5 Explore the Quad City Botanical Center and Vander Veer Botanical Park
6 Solve puzzles and escape from Trapped Escape Rooms
7 Visit Nahant Marsh and enjoy the scenic views from Davenport Skybridge

Food and Drink Scene of Davenport

Davenport has a thriving food and drink scene, with plenty of local specialties and international cuisine to choose from.

Must-Try Dishes

Some of the must-try dishes in Davenport include:

  • Pork Tenderloin: This Midwest classic is a breaded and fried pork cutlet served on a bun with pickles, onions, and mustard.

  • Maid-Rites: These loose meat sandwiches made with seasoned ground beef are a regional favorite.

  • Taco Pizza: This local specialty features a pizza topped with ground beef, taco-seasoned sauce, lettuce, cheese, and salsa.

  • Breaded Pork Chop Sandwich: This classic sandwich features a breaded and fried pork chop served on a bun with pickles, onions, and mustard.

Local Beverages

Davenport has a thriving brewing and distilling scene, with plenty of local beers and spirits to try. Some of the best places to enjoy a drink include:

  • Front Street Brewery: This brewery offers a variety of craft beers, including IPAs, stouts, and lagers.

  • Mississippi River Distilling Company: This distillery offers a wide range of spirits, including gin, vodka, and whiskey.

  • Crawford Brew Works: This brewery offers a variety of craft beers, including IPAs, porters, and fruit beers.

Where to Stay in Davenport: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Davenport offers a wide range of accommodation options, from budget-friendly hostels to luxury hotels. Some of the best places to stay include:

  • Hotel Blackhawk: This luxurious hotel offers a spa, a fitness center, and a rooftop bar. It is located in the heart of downtown Davenport and is within walking distance of many attractions.

  • Stoney Creek Hotel: This hotel offers a rustic lodge feel and features an indoor/outdoor pool, a sauna, and a fitness center.

  • The Current Hotel: This boutique hotel offers a modern and stylish design, with amenities such as a rooftop bar, a fitness center, and a complimentary breakfast.

What to Buy in Davenport: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Looking for a unique souvenir or gift to bring home? Davenport has plenty to offer, including:

  • John Deere Merchandise: John Deere is a major employer in the area, and their merchandise is a popular souvenir.

  • Seed Savers Exchange: This seed company offers a wide variety of heirloom vegetable and flower seeds.

  • Brewed in the Quad Cities: This local coffee shop offers a variety of coffee blends and gift sets.

Local Culture and Customs of Davenport

Davenport has a welcoming and friendly community, with a strong emphasis on family and community values. It is important to be respectful and courteous to the locals, and to take the time to learn about the city’s rich history and culture.

Best Time to Visit Davenport

The best time to visit Davenport is from late spring to early fall, when the weather is mild and the outdoor activities are in full swing. The city also has a variety of festivals and events throughout the year, including the Bix 7 Road Race, the Mississippi Valley Fair, and the Quad City Air Show.

Do’s and Don’ts of Davenport

Here are some important do’s and don’ts to keep in mind when visiting Davenport:

Do:

  • Do take the time to explore the city’s rich history and culture.
  • Do try the local dishes and drinks.
  • Do be respectful and courteous to the locals.

Don’t:

  • Don’t leave valuables in your car or unattended.
  • Don’t litter or damage the natural surroundings.
  • Don’t be disrespectful or offensive to the locals.

Safety and Health

While Davenport is a generally safe place to visit, it is important to take precautions and be aware of your surroundings.

Safety in Davenport

  • Always lock your car and keep valuables out of sight.
  • Be aware of your surroundings, especially at night.
  • Stick to well-lit and populated areas.

Health in Davenport

  • Drink plenty of water, especially in the summer.
  • Wear sunscreen and insect repellent when spending time outdoors.
  • Seek medical attention if you experience any health concerns.

Getting to Davenport: Transportation Options and Logistics

Davenport is easily accessible by car, bus, or plane.

Airports Near Davenport

The closest airport to Davenport is Quad City International Airport, which is located in Moline, Illinois. It is served by several major airlines, including American, Delta, and United.

Bus Stations Near Davenport

Greyhound operates a station in downtown Davenport, and several other bus companies serve the city as well.

Other Options

Davenport is located at the crossroads of four major interstate highways: I-80, I-280, I-74, and I-88. It is also easily accessible by train, with a station in nearby Galesburg, Illinois.

How to Get Around in Davenport

Davenport is a walkable city, with many attractions located within walking distance of each other. There are also several public transportation options available, including buses and taxis. If you prefer to drive, there are several car rental companies located in the city.

Where to Go Next from Davenport: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If you have a few extra days to explore, there are plenty of nearby destinations and excursions to consider. Some of the best include:

  • Galena, Illinois: This historic town is located just 45 minutes from Davenport and features charming shops, restaurants, and historic attractions.

  • Amish Country: Located in nearby Kalona, Iowa, this area offers a unique glimpse into the Amish way of life.

  • Quad Cities: This region includes Davenport, as well as nearby cities such as Bettendorf, Rock Island, Moline, and East Moline.

Conclusion

Davenport is a hidden gem, with plenty of attractions, activities, and natural beauty to explore. From rich history and culture to scenic outdoor adventures and delicious local cuisine, this city has something for everyone. So, what are you waiting for? Come and experience the best of Davenport!

Antoine LeClaire House Antoine LeClaire House Charles J. Wright Ground Transportation Center Charles J. Wright Ground Transportation Center Wayfinding sign Wayfinding sign Figge Art Museum Figge Art Museum Putnam Museum Putnam Museum RiverCenter's south building RiverCenter's south building Main Library Main Library The Village of East Davenport The Village of East Davenport Beiderbecke Inn Beiderbecke Inn Hotel Blackhawk Hotel Blackhawk