Davenport is one of the more delightful cities in the state of Iowa, located on the far eastern side. The city is overflowing with bustling amusement and enjoyment. It has a rich history and great parks that are highly important culturally.
This perfect city allows visitors to tour museums, enjoy the ambiance of the Mississippi River, or engage in community activities. There are plenty of hiking and biking trails around Davenport for adventure fanatics.
With so many activities and attractions, it is a nice place to make some wonderful memories. So, to make sure you can experience the best, we have compiled a list of 20 fun things to do in Davenport, Iowa.
1. Explore The Vander Veer Botanical Park
First on this list is the Vander Veer Botanical Park. If you happen to be a nature and fine scenery lover, then this is one place that need to visit. The tranquil atmosphere of the whole area is tended to and filled with many flora.
The park features beautiful gardens that change every season. You can go for a stroll in this garden, sit by the pond, or even take a short hike in the meandering paths. Other great attractions in the park are the fountains and unique sculptures.
With wide open spaces, the Vander Veer Botanical Park is more than just a spot for nature lovers. It is also a great family place with a thing or two for both children and adults.
2. Visit The The Putnam Museum And Science Center
The Putnam Museum and Science Center is a non-profit educational institution founded in 1867, having numerous history and science exhibits on display. It has interactive displays and engaging exhibits, that make the learning process much more fun.
One of the major highlights of the museum includes the big collection of historic artifacts it holds within its premises. There are also many interesting science exhibits explaining how things work and allowing you to experiment with hands-on activities.
Added to this is the IMAX theater where you can view interesting movies on the big screen. Perfect for families and history buffs, the Putnam Museum And Science Center combines education with entertainment.
3. Discover The Figge Art Museum
Only a short walk away from downtown Davenport lies the Figgie Art Museum. Known for its collection of classic and contemporary artworks, the museum began its operation in 2005.
It has great galleries with regularly changing shows of the work of local and international artists. You will be presented with paintings and sculptures inside the museum, along with some old prints.
The outside of the Figgie Art Museum offers stunning views of the Mississippi River that are equally more pleasing to the artworks inside. Moreover, special events and community activities are regularly held here adding to the vibrant atmosphere.
4. Shop At Freight House Farmers Market
While returning from the Figgie Art Museum, this is a nearby place that you should not miss. The Freight House Farmers Market is where you will find fresh, locally grown products.
It's a weekend market of vendors selling local fruits, vegetables, baked items, and handmade crafts. You could go through the different stalls, taste wonderful foods, and chat with the vendors about their goods.
The Freight House Farmers Market is a social hub and a great place to connect with local farmers and artisans as you seek souvenirs, special gifts, and creative gift ideas. The historic freight house building where the market is housed adds extra charm to the market.
5. Cross The Davenport Skybridge
The Davenport Skybridge is another place that you can visit if you are around the Figge Art Museum. Walking across this bridge offers a unique and scenic view of the city. It is an elevated bridge that connects two downtown streets.
The Davenport Skybridge is one of the points to have a bird-eye view of the Mississippi River and the surrounding. It offers perfect photo opportunities alongside a relaxing environment.
The place is also convenient, being near several shops, restaurants, and many attractions. Of course, nothing beats going to this bridge at night where the scene of bright city lights looks like twinkling stars.
6. Try Out Your Luck At Rhythm City Casino Resort
When you feel like you are the luckiest person alive, visit the Rhythm City Casino Resort. Here you will have an opportunity to test your luck in gambling through slot machines and table games.
The inside of the casino is covered with bright lights and exciting sounds of the machines. This creates a fun environment for guests while attracting them to the games. Beyond gaming, Rhythm City Casino Resort is a suitable place to enjoy delicious meals.
You can even catch live entertainment and spend a few nights in comfortable hotel rooms. With various amenities, this place makes the entire gambling experience more convenient.
7. Explore The Village Of East Davenport
The Village of East Davenport is a charming historic district located on the southeast side of Davenport. This area is known for its old-school streets, shops, and restaurants. It is home to beautiful old buildings that tell the story of the past.
Housed in these old buildings are the modern boutiques offering gifts and antique items. The Village of East Davenport is a great place to enjoy a fun afternoon. Strolling around this place you can grab a coffee or taste the local cuisine at one of many restaurants.
Seasonal markets and street fairs are often held in the village which creates a lively atmosphere. However, to attend these events, you will have to check the city's calendar and plan your trip accordingly.
8. Visit The German American Heritage Center
To dive deep into the local history and culture, the German American Heritage Center is a must-visit place. Celebrating the contributions of German immigrants to the region, this museum offers insights into German-American communities.
For that, it features exhibits that consist of artifacts, photos, and interactive displays. One of the highlights of the museum is the collection of traditional German clothing, tools, and household items.
These displays bring the past of the early settlers to life. If you are looking for more information on German heritage you can attend cultural festivals, lectures, and workshops that are hosted by the museum year-round.
9. Watch A Game At Modern Woodmen Park
While returning or arriving at the Freight House Farmers Market, you can stop by the Modern Woodmen Park. It is a baseball stadium and home to the Quad Cities River Bandits.
This place offers a great opportunity to view minor-league baseball matches alongside other sports fans. The Modern Woodmen Park features modern amenities, like food stalls and comfortable seating.
On various occasions, the stadium becomes more lively with special events like fireworks shows and themed promotions. The location of the park along the Mississippi River adds to the charm with beautiful views and a serene backdrop.
10. Stroll Around The West Lake Park
Spreading across 620 acres of land, West Lake Park is a peaceful place in Davenport. This park is perfect for relaxing walks in nature. On a walk around, you'll see a beautiful lake with greenery and picnic areas everywhere.
Activities like fishing, swimming, and boating can be done in this lake. On the other hand, you can just walk along the pathways, surrounded by calm views of the water, and playing ducks.
West Lake Park also has several playgrounds, making it a great spot for families with children. With a beautiful setting and large open spaces, this park provides a refreshing escape from the city crowd.
11. Catch A Show At Adler Theatre
The Adler Theatre is situated in the heart of downtown Davenport. Recognized as a historic venue, this theater offers various performances. Popular ones include Bradway shows, concerts, ballet, and comedy shows.
With an elegant design and excellent sound system, this theater provides a great experience. As you take your first step inside, you come across classic architecture and a charming interior.
The theatre features performances of both local and well-known artists. Before or after the show you can enjoy a meal at nearby dining options to end your evening with a local taste.
12. Spend A Day At Credit Island
Credit Island is a one of the fascinating davenport iowa attractions for a fun and relaxing day outdoors. Located along the Mississippi River, this island is full of fun activities. You can enjoy a walk or bike ride along the trails that winds through the island.
After a long walk, the spacious areas of the park can be used as a picnic spot. These spots are perfect for having a meal with friends and family while enjoying the beautiful river views.
Fishing alongside the lush greenery and local wildlife can also be a great way to spend time at the Credit Island. Meanwhile, historical markers and landmarks around the area can be explored to learn about the rich history of the island.
13. Visit The RiverCenter
RiverCenter in Davenport is a popular venue that hosts a variety of events and activities year-round. Events like concerts, conventions, and trade shows are the regular ones. Located Centrally, the center is an easy and convenient place to visit.
Every event you attend here feels amazing because of the spacious layout and modern facilities. In addition to live events, the RiverCenter often features exhibitions and performances that showcase the local talent and culture.
For someone looking to spend an entertaining evening in downtown Davenport, visiting this place is one of the main things to do in Davenport, Iowa as a starting point.
14. Discover The Nahant Marsh Education Center
Another great place nested within Davenport for nature and wildlife lovers is the Nahant Marsh Education Center. It is situated in a beautiful wetland area known as Nahant Marsh. This place offers a unique chance to explore Iowa's natural habitats.
At the center, you can learn about local plants and animals through interactive exhibits and educational programs. To add a bit of adventure, the center also has walking trails where you can hike through the marsh.
This hike lets you take a closer look at various birds and wild animals housed in the wetland. With a suitable atmosphere, the Nahant Marsh Educational Center is both a fun and educational-centric place that you can visit with friends or family.
15. Explore The Palmer Family Residence
The Palmer Family Residence can be found a few minutes walk away from the German American Heritage Center And Museum. This place is a historic site that features beautiful architecture from the late 19th century.
Offering a glimpse into the past, here you can explore how people lived here during that time. Inside you will find original furniture and decor that were planted back then.
For in-depth knowledge, a guided tour can provide you with interesting stories about the Palerm Family and the history of the house. The outside of the Palmer Family Residence is as beautiful as the inside with well-maintained gardens and a peaceful setting.
16. Visit The Bix Beiderbeck Museum And Archive
Located next to the Figgie Art Museum is this beautiful museum. The Bix Beiderbeck Museum and Archive is a must-visit place in Davenport for music lovers and history enthusiasts.
Since its beginning the museum is dedicated to a famous jazz musician, Bix Beiderbecke. Keeping his legacy alive to date, it features a collection of photos, records, and personal items related to his life and career.
With all these displays, the Bix Beiderbecke Museum highlights his contribution to jazz music and his impact on the music world. Further, you can listen to recordings of his performances and view rare artifacts that tell the story of the legendary artist.
17. Bike The Sunderbruch Park Trail
If you still feel a lack of adventure in your trip, the Sunderbruch Park Trail is where your hunger will be satisfied. This beautiful trail is mostly famous for its well-maintained path where you can enjoy a bike ride.
On the trail, you can get the stunning views of the park covered with wooded areas and open fields. Along the way, you will have a perfect opportunity to appreciate the natural beauty of the region while spotting wild animals in their habitat.
The Sunderrbuch Park Trail is also connected with other paths, so you can extend the ride and continue exploring different areas of the park. Biking this trial is not just an exploration journey but also a great way to get done with your fitness goals.
18. Spend A Day At Jungle Park
The Jungle Park is both a fun and relaxing place. It is where you would love to spend an entire day with your kids and loved ones. The park is full of activities that suit visitors of all ages.
Here you will find playgrounds, walking areas, and large open spaces. Playgrounds have climbing structures, slides, and swings where children can't get enough even after hours of playing under the supervision of a staff.
So, you can just go for a short hike or stroll along with your partner without worrying about your kids' safety. After a peaceful hike, the open spaces can be used as a picnic spot to end your day with an outdoor meal with your family.
19. Enjoy The Water At Fejervary Park And Aquatic Center
The Fejervary Park and Aquatic Center is in close proximity to the Putnam Museum and Science Center. Both of these places can be explored within the same day. You can visit the museum in the early afternoons and spend the remaining day having fun at the water park.
The water park is a perfect destination for cooling off from the summer heat. Large swimming pools connected with exciting waterslides offer a range of activities inside. For your little ones, the park also features a splash area with playful fountains and water displays.
If you prefer a more relaxing experience, you can lounge by the poolside and soak up the sun. Just sit back relax and watch others dive into the pool and run down from slides.
20. Discover Local Art At Bucktown Center For The Arts
The Bucktown Center For the Arts is a great place to explore local creativity. It showcases the work of many talented local artists to promote their work throughout the world. Various art galleries displaying paintings, sculptures, and other artworks, can be found inside.
Each gallery offers a unique glimpse into the artistic heritage of the area. Art shows, workshops, and, events often take place in the gallery which you can attend to meet the artists and learn about their creative thinking.
Visiting this place, you can also make purchases of your favorite art piece to bring back home. Making this purchase is a perfect way to support the artist in return for a priced possession.
