Things to do in Iowa Along the Mississippi River
The Quad City region along the Mississippi River is made up of four counties located in Northwest Illinois and Southeastern Iowa. The area is rich with the history of life along the river as the area grew and changed to match the economic and cultural need of the people that made it home.
Davenport, Iowa
Davenport, Iowa is a metropolitan city with an urban center surrounded by clusters of residential communities. Davenport is the largest city bordering the Mississippi that does not have any permanent flood walls or levees. The open access to the parks and river are preferred over flood control. Davenport’s Skybridge located next to the river and is 50 feet high 575 feet long was completed in 2005 to connect LeClaire Park to Rhythm City Casino. At night, the bridge is lit with multicolored lights. From the Skybridge there is a great view of Centennial Bridge and Lock and Dam No.15. that crossing over the Mississippi River. http://www.cityofdavenportiowa.com/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Davenport,_Iowa
Vander Veer Botanical Park
Vander Veer Botanical Park was established in 1885 and is located on 33 acres in the Vander Veer section of Davenport. The park offers walking paths, gardens, play grounds and the conservancy. A nonprofit organization currently maintains the park and conservatory. The seasonally rotating display and the greenhouses are open to the public. The park is a relaxing oasis in the heart of the city. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vander_Veer_Botanical_Park
LeClaire, Iowa
Northeast of Davenport is the historic town of LeClaire, Iowa on the banks of the Mississippi River. The town’s motto is “It’s all there … In LeClaire”. LeClaire is the birth place of William F. Cody (Buffalo Bill) and currently the home of Antique Archaeology, of the History Channel’s American Pickers fame. Like many small towns LeClaire has seen its ups and downs. Like the ever-changing flow of the Mississippi, LeClaire as continued to change to meet the needs of residents and visitor alike. Along the main street, music from speakers create an inviting feel as you walk past the small shops, restaurants, Green Tree Brewery, and Wide River Winery. We had a great day enjoying all this small town has to offer. http://www.visitleclaire.com/
Buffalo Bill Museum LeClaire, Iowa
The Buffalo Bill Museum is located right on the Mississippi River and house a unique collection of local artifacts depicting the heritage of the region.
Among the collection is a cross section of the “Green Tree Hotel” which really is the largest Rock Elm tree on record before the over 200-year-old tree had to be cut down in 1964 due to Dutch Elm Disease. The Lone Star Wooden Hull Steam-powered Paddle Wheel Riverboat Pilot, built in 1890 is on display. Professor James Ryan, the inventor of the flight recorder, seat belt, and crash bumpers for cars is from LeClaire is honored with a display. A model of the iron clad ships built by James Buchanan Eads, used in the civil war by the Union Army is on display. A stop here gives the visitor a real look back into life along the Mississippi River from days gone by. http://buffalobillmuseumleclaire.com/
John Deere Pavilion
Located across the river in Moline, IL is the John Deere Pavilion. In 1837 a blacksmith named John Deere saw the need for a better plow to cut through the hard-sticky soil of the area. To that end, he fabricated the first of the companies many agricultural, construction and forestry products. On display, are vintage tractors, concept machines, as well as state-of-the-art simulators for visitors to enjoy as they explore the pavilion. John Deere and his company have a never-ending drive to improve how we manage our natural resources in the best way possible. It is truly amazing how one man’s wish to make a better plow has led to giant combines that are guided by GPS. https://www.deere.com/en/connect-with-john-deere/visit-john-deere/pavilion/
