Things to do & places to visit in Davenport, Iowa, United States

Davenport city in Iowa, United States. Timezone: America/Chicago, current date and time: Friday, May 03, 2024, 8:28.

Top things to do (28)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Nahant Marsh Education Center (12 reviews)
- Good place to choose-your-own-adventure in nature
Friday: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM Spent 1-2 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas

Come discover the wonders of the wetlands at Nahant Marsh. We are a 305-acre preserve nestled in southwest Davenport, IA that's abundant with wildlife all year round. We offer hiking, volunteering, and nature programming for all ages. Trails are open daily year-round, sunrise to sunset. See more..
5.0 Sunderbruch Park Trail (11 reviews)
- best park in Davenport
Spent 1-2 hours Biking Trails • Parks

Well maintained single-track is great spot for off-road cycling, or trail running, or hiking. Several trails with enough uphill and downhill climbing through several ravines, that it is fun exercise in whatever mode you take. See more..
5.0 Bix Beiderbecke Museum & Archive (7 reviews)
- A Hidden Gem
Friday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Speciality Museums • History Museums

I was in Davenport to visit family and looking for something to do when I decided to visit the Beiderbecke Museum. I had heard great things around about it from around the Quad Cities and wanted to check it out. It was an excellent educational experience, and I learned a lot about Beiderbecke's (and the city of Davenport's) role in the history of Jazz. It is a small space, but they used what they had well. It was filled with displays, artifacts, and exhibits. I am not a musician but I was able to understand the stories being related by their displays. I would highly recommend it to anyone who is looking for something to do in downtown Davenport. I would suggest staying 45 minutes to an hour. See more..
5.0 Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Cathedral Complex (5 reviews)
- Memories
Friday: 7:45 AM - 9:00 AM, 5:15 PM - 6:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings • Churches & Cathedrals

This is with out doubt one of the most beautiful Catholic Cathedral. It gives you chills sitting in such a sacred place. Wonderful place for a quiet retreat for any religion. See more..
5.0 CAPTURE Selfie Studio (3 reviews)
- Super fun!
Friday: 3:00 PM - 9:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums

CAPTURE Selfie Studio provides a variety of immersive photography sets for its users to create high-quality photo and video content, whether they be professionals, amateurs, or somewhere in-between. Get dressed up and spend an afternoon or evening with your friends and family taking selfies and having fun in the most Instagram-able spot in the Quad Cities! See more..
5.0 Mississippi Marketplace Antique & Shopping Mall (1 review)
- Little bit of everything, old and new.
Friday: 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Antique Shops • Shopping Malls

Mississippi Marketplace Antique & Shopping Mall, in Davenport, IA, is the area's premier shopping center serving Clinton, Scott and Jackson counties. We specialize in antiques, home decor, collectibles, clothing and much more. For more information, contact Mississippi Marketplace Antique & Shopping Mall in Davenport. See more..
4.5 Figge Art Museum (316 reviews)
- The Figge never disappoints
Friday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Art Museums

This was our second time here, and we were pleasantly surprised to get in free as they were offering free admission in July. We loved most of the exhibits, but especially enjoyed the POP Power exhibit, the Frank Lloyd Wright exhibit, and the carnival exhibit. This is s beautiful art museum and Davenport is very lucky to have it. It’s well worth your time to spend an hour or two here. Be sure to check out the awesome gift shop too. See more..
4.5 The Putnam Museum & Science Center (226 reviews)
- Always Something New to See and Learn
Friday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Natural History Museums • Science Museums

The Putnam is a place where people connect with history and ideas by doing, making and experiencing. Our classes and special events are a great complement to our hands-on exhibit galleries. There is always something new to discover and something for everyone at the Putnam. See more..
4.5 Vander Veer Botanical Park (176 reviews)
- A Must-Return-Often Attraction
Friday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Parks

Vander Veer Botanical Park is a Davenport treasure that is free to visit & fun to explore. It's a great public place to wander & linger no matter what time of year. Their Conservatory always has a surprise (or two or more) inside & out; for the latest visit by my wife & me, it was a collection of whimsical topiary animals scattered around the interior spaces. The botanical collections throughout the park are maintained & attractive - with the Municipal Rose Garden & the Hosta Glade being our favorites - while the green spaces & the Lagoon & the central tree-lined Grand Allee are great places to stroll and relax and enjoy the outdoors. The addition of a modern playground has made the park even more "kid friendly" than before, and the fountain at the south end of the grounds is a special treat for all ages at night (May through October) when it features a colorful light show. See more..
4.5 German American Heritage Center (79 reviews)
- Educational and Fun.
Friday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM History Museums

Interesting exhibits and very educational in learning about the history of the Germans in the Quad City area. Fun merchandise in the gift shop including really beautiful Christmas decorations from Germany. See more..
4.5 Freight House Farmers Market (73 reviews)
- Sights, Smells, and Shopping
Friday: Flea & Street Markets

I was very impressed with this market for several reasons - the first being the parking! I'm used to having to struggle to find parking for the farmer's market in Madison, WI so finding a spot within seconds of pulling in that you don't have to pay for, AMAZING! Second, the amount of vendors and how they are spread out is so nice, makes for a relaxing walk along the river while getting your shopping done. Third, in the heat of the summer you can continue to shop the many vendors at the indoor section and sit down for a bite to eat. Fourth, kid friendly all the way, a petting zoo, jumpy houses, air slides, etc. I would definitely make the 3 hour journey to come back to this several times! See more..
4.5 Festival of Trees (45 reviews)
- Amazing and Professional
Aquariums

I have been going to this festival since I could remember. The trees are always decorated with care, as well as the handmade ornaments. It gives you a good chance to see all of the talent of Iowa's close residents. There is also a stage with easily accessible seats, on which many groups from around the area (including, dance studios, choirs, and orchestras) preform. I have personally preformed on the stage many years in a row now, and I have always been met with professionalism and good organization. But my favorite part is the gingerbread village, it is always filled with impressive and creative creations from family's in the area, and leaves me in the most over powering Christmas spirit. It, in my mind, is a must see family attraction. See more..
4.5 Modern Woodmen Park (33 reviews)
- Rain Out?
Spent 2-3 hours Sports Complexes

Modern Woodmen Park is a very attractive & intimate minor league baseball park on the banks of the Mississippi River in Davenport, Iowa. Immediately adjacent to the ballpark is an amusement park that overlooks the outfield. The park is a unique sight as you drive north from Rock Island, Illinois across the Centennial Bridge into Downtown Davenport. One problem with the otherwise ideal location of this attraction: Spring flooding of the Mississippi is a common occurrence, which again in 2019 has delayed the home opening weekend for the resident Quad Cities River Bandits (aptly named) because access to the facility is blocked. I hope the fans get to enjoy some baseball sooner than later. See more..
4.5 RiverCenter (31 reviews)
- Excellent visitor center in an old train station.
Spent 1-2 hours Visitor Centers

I stopped in for some local information on a beautiful, sunny Saturday and was amused to see the Segway tour starting out. Tour members seemed able to handle the Segways. I heard the leader giving safety instructions for what I assumed would be a ride on the bike trail along the Mississippi. It looked like it would be fun. The visitors center rented a tandem bicycle to a couple and provided the info I needed. At the foot of Harrison Street at River Drive and catty corner to the big, glass Figge Art Museum, there is free parking in the front lot. See more..
4.5 West Lake Park (28 reviews)
- Gate 1 Camping at West Lake Park, IA
Spent 2-3 hours Parks

Nice spacious campground with pull level paved through sites. Camped in a 33 foot 5th wheel. Site just long enough for camper and truck. Has parking lot for extra car(s) if needed. This site has water and electric, 30 AMP and 50 AMP. No sewer but does have a dump station with potable water. There will be a lake at the end of the road so will eventually be very nice - is currently under construction. Nice clean bathrooms with flush toilets and good sized showers. Nice playground for kids. We did drive through the full service site at Gate 5. It was very crowed and the sites were tight with very narrow roads. All of these sites were back in. We opted to stay at the campground at Gate 1 instead with the pull through sites and bigger spaces. Park rangers do a good job patrolling the grounds. Very friendly. Will definitely return again in the future to see it with the lakes completed. See more..
4.5 The Palmer Family Residence (16 reviews)
- Aladdin's cave of bric-a-brac
Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings

The Residence was home to B.J. and Mabel Palmer from 1912 until their deaths, Mabel in 1949 and B.J. in 1961. Their son Dave was raised in the house, and it was also home to various relatives that spent summers with "Uncle B.J." and "Aunt Mamie." The Residence was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1984 because of the uniqueness of the porch, a showplace of the Palmer collections. Although the house only holds a fraction of the collections once owned by the Palmers, it is still a wonderful example of the collecting mania that gripped the world travelers of that era. RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED FOR ALL TOURS. See more..
4.5 Centennial Park (14 reviews)
- Pretty walk along the Mississippi
Spent < 1 hour Parks • Playgrounds

Centennial Park is located just west of the Rock Island Centennial Bridge. The 11 mile bike trail called Riverfront Parkway runs through this park. It literally sits on the edge of the Mississippi. It's enjoyable watching the river go by. Other features in this park are fishing piers, boat ramps, skateboard park, basketball courts and sprayground for kids. It's nicely done. I can't say it's incredible to earn five stars, but it is worth a visit especially if you are walking or biking. See more..
4.5 Bootleg Hill Honey Meads (12 reviews)
- Come drink mead!
Wineries & Vineyards

Stopped at this lovely establishment on a road trip with some friends. This place has a really neat look and a creative drink menu. Even if you aren’t a mead fan there would be something for you! Keene the bartender was a delight. Make sure you try the garlic cheese spread! Will go back someday! See more..
4.5 Soldier's Monument (10 reviews)
- Scott County Civil War Memorial
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Monuments & Statues

As an avid Civil War buff who lives approximately an hour from this site, I have been to this memorial on several occasions. Its location is extremely unique being in a median in the middle of a street. I often seek ot Civil War Memorials to photograph, and this one is very large and photogenic. See more..
4.5 Artisan Grain Distillery (8 reviews)
- Rum experience at Artisan Grain Distillery
Spent 1-2 hours Distilleries
Very capable pleasant young man.. Scott? has been recent head distiller/operator. Excellent aged rum..4 yrs in oak charred barrels..in style of Jamaican and Spanish rum. “. Best served neat or on the rocks”. Also was offering rye ..too strong for this gal. Loved seeing Davenport downtown after 22 years. See more..
4.5 Quad Cities Symphony Orchestra (8 reviews)
- Amazing Peformances
Friday: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM Spent 2-3 hours Symphonies

Always a exciting moment to masterworks and holiday pops the best way to listen to music always has a good setup and amazing condoctors, See more..
4.5 Palmer Museum of Chiropractic History (5 reviews)
- Mansion tour.
Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums • History Museums

The Palmer Family and History Museum, located in Vickie Anne Palmer Hall, is open for viewing Monday through Friday from 8am-4:30pm when school is in session. Tours of the museum are self guided and brochures detailing all exhibits are in the main lobby. See more..
4.0 Village of East Davenport (159 reviews)
- back in time
Friday: 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Historic Sites

This 120-acre historic district has been a center of commerce for more than 150 years. Highlights include unique shops, restaurants & bars, wine tasting, live music and festivals. See more..
4.0 Adler Theatre (49 reviews)
- Great place to see a show
Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Theaters

When I was a child, this was the RKO Orpheum. It was a beautiful movie palace. You would walk in and immediately smell the fresh popped popcorn! Popcorn was ten cents. A Coke was also ten cents. Fast forward 10 years and the RKO is now used as a concert venue. HUGE name rock bands coming through. Virtually every concert is sold out. The RKO is jam packed and the rock bands are blowing the roof off the joint! Every big name rock band is playing here! Fast forward to 2014 and the theater is now named the Adler. Mostly Broadway shows playing one show, one night here. Occasionally the Quad City Symphony Orchestra plays here. Yes, the Adler has mellowed out... QUESTION FOR THE DAVENPORT CITY FATHERS (AND MOTHERS): Why not give the Adler the marquee it deserves out front. In the RKO days, this venue had a spectacular marquee. Now the marquee would not even be suitable for a second run $1 movie theater. Please give this venue the respect it deserves. It needs a real marquee! See more..
4.0 Bucktown Center for the Arts (21 reviews)
- Unexpected Gem
Points of Interest & Landmarks

I had a lovely time! First time I visited and had a great time with my ladies. We went during a wine walk which apparently occurs every last Friday of the month. The money for Decembers event went towards a great cause. For $20 I was able to pick a wine glass as designed by artists in the community and 5 tickets. The 5 tickets were towards 5 wine tastings of your choice. Each room had a different type of wine and different types of art. There was some finger food provided and live music, Sinatra. I had a great time and look forward to checking out the center at other times of the year. See more..
3.5 Rhythm City Casino Resort (305 reviews)
- Weekend getaway
Friday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent More than 3 hours Casinos

Rhythm City Casino Resort is your one-stop destination for entertainment, food and fun! Built in 2016, the resort features an array of activities for any kind of traveler. The nearly 35,000 square foot casino boasts over 1,000 gaming options including slot and video gaming, blackjack, roulette and electronic table games. Satisfy your appetite with a trip to one of our three on-site dining options: Robert’s Buffet, Draft Day Sports Lounge and Ruthie’s Steak & Seafood fine dining. Catch live performances by both national and local music groups in the Event Center or the Rhythm Room. If relaxation is what you seek, The Spa at Rhythm City is your serene getaway for services and treatments to rejuvenate your body and mind. After a full day of activities, rest your head in one of our modern and luxurious hotel rooms. See more..
3.5 Davenport Skybridge (222 reviews)
- Interesting But Limited Experience
Bridges

Visiting the downtown Davenport area with a friend, so we decided to check out the Skybridge that was connected to the parking ramp where we parked our car. The entrances to the skybridge from the parking ramp were blocked off, but the ground floor entrances were open. The physical skybridge is about 50 feet above the ground and spans the highway below. Both sides of the skybridge are comprised of glass, so you get a nice view of the surrounding city. The southern end of the skybridge provides a view of the Mississippi river. Beyond the high vantage point for views, there wasn't anything else overly special to see or interesting to do. There are numerous light panels in the floor, which were off during the afternoon of our visit. Apparently, these lights can be different colors, so the skybridge can have different types of displays. See more..
3.5 Credit Island (67 reviews)
- Visit to Credit Island
Islands

We enjoyed a walk on the road around the nature preserve but couldn’t find the sculptures which is what we really wanted to see. Maybe some signs would be helpful or perhaps we just missed the obvious. I would not go there alone but as a group felt safe. See more..
3.5 Northpark (32 reviews)
- Nasty food court attendant
Friday: 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM Shopping Malls

Iowa's largest mall. See more..
3.0 Fejervary Park and Aquatic Center (18 reviews)
- The zoo closed in 2008, there is a seasonal aquatic park
Water Parks • Parks

Fejervary is a fairly standard city park. I did not visit the aquatic park which is open for a couple months each summer. A picnic shelter and playground round out the attractions. Mother Goose, once the entry to the zoo, still stands. The Putnam Museum is adjacent to the park. See more..