Davenport IowaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Davenport, Iowa.
1. Figge Art Museum
PREMIER ART EXHIBITION SPACE
The Figge Art Museum is a premier art exhibition and education facility featuring national and international art from the 15th century to the present. It serves as a cultural hub with a diverse array of exhibits and a curated gift shop. The museum offers a quieter ambiance for visitors seeking an enriching artistic experience.
2. Vander Veer Botanical Park
BEAUTIFUL HISTORIC GARDENS
Vander Veer Botanical Park is one of the top attractions in Davenport featuring a grand allee that leads visitors to a beautiful fountain. The park is meticulously maintained by dedicated staff who ensure its beauty year-round. Visitors can enjoy strolling through the varied botanical displays and peaceful garden spaces.
3. Freight House Farmers Market
LOCAL FOOD AND CRAFTS
Freight House Farmers Market is a popular Davenport destination for fresh local produce and handcrafted items. The market features both indoor and outdoor vendor areas, allowing shopping regardless of weather conditions. Visitors can browse numerous vendors and enjoy sitting areas where they can relax during their shopping experience.
4. The Putnam Museum & Science Center
INTERACTIVE HISTORY AND SCIENCE
The Putnam Museum & Science Center is a place where visitors connect with history and ideas through interactive experiences. The center features hands-on exhibit galleries that engage visitors of all ages. Special events and classes complement the permanent exhibits, making each visit unique and educational.
5. Davenport Skybridge
ARCHITECTURAL RIVER VIEWPOINT
Davenport Skybridge is a distinctive architectural feature offering visitors panoramic views of the Mississippi River and surrounding cityscape. The bridge serves as both a functional pedestrian walkway and a tourist attraction in its own right. Its unique design makes it a popular spot for photographers and sightseers visiting downtown Davenport.
6. German American Heritage Center
CULTURAL HISTORY MUSEUM
The German American Heritage Center chronicles and preserves the history of German Americans in the Midwest region. Visitors can explore exhibits detailing the immigrant experience and cultural contributions of German settlers. The center also offers historic and architectural walking tours of Davenport for those interested in deeper exploration of the city's heritage.
7. Bix Beiderbecke Museum and Archives
JAZZ HISTORY SHOWCASE
The Bix Beiderbecke Museum and Archives is one of the newest museums in downtown Davenport dedicated to the famous jazz musician. It houses memorabilia, recordings, and historical information about Beiderbecke's life and musical contributions. The museum is considered a must-visit destination for jazz enthusiasts and history buffs alike.
8. Modern Woodmen Park
RIVERSIDE BASEBALL EXPERIENCE
Modern Woodmen Park offers baseball entertainment along the picturesque Mississippi River waterfront. The ballpark is home to minor league baseball and features family-friendly activities beyond just the games. Visitors enjoy the unique combination of America's pastime and stunning river views that create a memorable sporting experience.
9. Nahant Marsh
URBAN WILDLIFE PRESERVE
Nahant Marsh is a preserved wetland ecosystem providing habitat for diverse wildlife within Davenport's urban setting. Visitors can explore hiking trails and boardwalks that wind through the marsh environment. The preserve offers educational programming and opportunities to observe native plants and animals in their natural habitat.
10. Raccoon Motel
INTIMATE LIVE MUSIC VENUE
The Raccoon Motel is a beloved small venue that hosts live music performances in downtown Davenport. Despite its name, it's not a motel but rather an intimate space where music lovers can experience performances up close. The venue has become a cultural fixture in Davenport's entertainment scene, featuring local and touring musicians.
11. Adler Theatre
HISTORIC PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
The Adler Theatre hosts Broadway favorites and performances by the Quad City Symphony Orchestra in downtown Davenport. The historic venue combines architectural elegance with modern amenities for an enhanced audience experience. It stands as one of the region's premier performing arts centers, bringing cultural events to the Quad Cities area.
12. Mississippi Spoon Gallery
UNIQUE ART EXPERIENCE
Mississippi Spoon Gallery is a highly-rated art space showcasing diverse artistic works in Davenport. The gallery provides visitors with a distinctive cultural experience that complements the city's broader arts scene. Its exhibitions feature works from both established and emerging artists, contributing to Davenport's reputation as a center for arts and culture.
13. Davenport Speedway
THRILLING RACING ACTION
Davenport Speedway offers high-speed racing entertainment for motorsports enthusiasts in the Quad Cities area. The track hosts various racing classes and special events throughout its season. Visitors enjoy the excitement of dirt track racing combined with family-friendly amenities in this longstanding Davenport attraction.
14. Redstone Room
VIBRANT CONCERT VENUE
The Redstone Room is a popular music venue in downtown Davenport hosting diverse musical acts year-round. The intimate space allows concert-goers to experience performances in a close, energetic atmosphere. It has become one of the cornerstones of Davenport's vibrant live music scene, supporting both local and touring musicians.
15. Capitol Theater
HISTORIC ENTERTAINMENT VENUE
Capitol Theater is a historic venue in downtown Davenport that hosts various entertainment events throughout the year. The restored theater combines vintage charm with modern production capabilities to create memorable experiences. Visitors appreciate both the architectural significance and the diverse programming offered at this cultural landmark.