Quad Cities Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Davenport showing a city
Putnam Museum which includes signage and a garden
Vander Veer Botanical Park which includes a park
Davenport which includes a city
Vander Veer Botanical Park which includes interior views, a garden and wild flowers

These five cities on the banks of the Mississippi offer smooth jazz and old-fashioned riverboats, attractive waterfronts, contemporary art and thrilling sports.

The Quad Cities are the collective name for five entwined cities and surrounding communities on the Mississippi River covering two states. Davenport and Bettendorf make up the Iowa half and Moline, East Moline and Rock Island are in Illinois. The five cities offer unique experiences but all feature fantastic views of the Mississippi. Discover the cities’ thriving art scenes, catch a baseball match at the local stadium and learn about the area’s fascinating Native American and Civil War heritage.

Davenport and Bettendorf are located in the Quad Cities’ northern half. Find a scenic urban landscape in Davenport, highlighted by the city’s pedestrianized Skybridge. This riverfront footbridge offers fantastic Mississippi River views and is brightly lit by a kaleidoscope of colored lights. See bald eagles fishing from here in the winter.

Davenport features a thriving artists’ community, supported by the Village of East Davenport, the Figge Art Museum and the Bucktown Centre for the Arts. Enjoy family-friendly fun at the Family Museum of Arts and Science or Splash Landing Aquatic Centre in nearby Bettendorf. See an exciting baseball match at Davenport’s Modern Woodmen Park.

Take an old-fashioned Mississippi River cruise on a paddlewheel boat or luxury riverboat along the Illinois and Iowa border. Cruise past the largest roller dam in the world, Rock Island Arsenal, and the historic home of Colonel Davenport. Many cruises offer lunch, fascinating narration and entertainment, such as a Mississippi-style big band.

Enjoy the warm tones of Mississippi jazz at the Bix Beiderbecke Memorial Jazz Festival and Mississippi Valley Blues Festival, held in summer.

On the Illinois side, find the Black Hawk State Historic Site where Native American villages once stood on Rock Island. Today the island houses the world headquarters for well-known farm equipment company John Deere and the Moline iWireless Centre sports and concert arena.

The Quad Cities are connected to several major American cities via the Quad Cities International Airport. Reach the Quad Cities with the Amtrak service to Galesburg, an Illinois city 50 miles (80 kilometres) from Moline. Public transport, major highways and pedestrian footbridges connect the five cities.

Where to stay in Quad Cities

Davenport showing a city and a river or creek

Downtown Davenport

If you're spending some time in Downtown Davenport, Davenport Skybridge and Rhythm City Casino are top sights worth seeing.

Downtown Davenport
La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Davenport & Conference Center

La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Davenport & Conference Center

3 out of 5
3330 E Kimberly Rd, Davenport, IA
The price is AU$99 per night from 9 Sept to 10 Sept
AU$99
9 Sept - 10 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Davenport. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
7.4/10 Good! (1,005 reviews)
"Everything was great"

Reviewed on 16 Aug. 2025

La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Davenport & Conference Center
Wyndham Moline on John Deere Commons

Wyndham Moline on John Deere Commons

3.5 out of 5
1415 River Dr, Moline, IL
The price is AU$181 per night from 1 Sept to 2 Sept
AU$181
1 Sept - 2 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this eco-certified hotel in Moline. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,169 reviews)
"We liked the two room suite with plenty of chairs and reading places. The bathroom could use some rearrangement with counter space next to the sink."

Reviewed on 17 Aug. 2025

Wyndham Moline on John Deere Commons
Stoney Creek Hotel Quad Cities - Moline

Stoney Creek Hotel Quad Cities - Moline

2.5 out of 5
101 18th St, Moline, IL
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Moline. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,102 reviews)
"This is the 2nd time staying here. It id a clean and friendly place. My only problem was the people above us. When they walked around it sounded like a elephant pounding on the floor. We had the same room before and did not experience this nouse. We would definitely stay here again."

Reviewed on 18 Aug. 2025

Stoney Creek Hotel Quad Cities - Moline
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Minutes from anywhere

Minutes from anywhere

Moline
Stay at this apartment in Moline. Enjoy free WiFi, a water park, and a garden. Popular attractions John Deere Pavilion and John Deere Store are located ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (115 reviews)
"We really enjoyed our stay and the location was perfect!"

Reviewed on 11 Aug. 2025

Minutes from anywhere
3BR/2BA Beauty near TBK sports complex. Right off I74, close to everything!

3BR/2BA Beauty near TBK sports complex. Right off I74, close to everything!

Bettendorf
Stay at this vacation home in Bettendorf. Enjoy laundry facilities, in-room fireplaces, and air conditioning. Popular attractions Family Museum and Isle Casino ...
10/10 Exceptional! (30 reviews)
Great stay!
"The location was great for all of the activities we had planned. Check in and out was very easy and the host was quick to respond to messages. Would stay again!"

Reviewed on 5 Aug. 2025

3BR/2BA Beauty near TBK sports complex. Right off I74, close to everything!
The Historic Castle Cicali

The Historic Castle Cicali

Davenport
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Davenport. Enjoy a garden, laundry facilities, and a pool table. Popular attractions Vander Veer Botanical ...
The Historic Castle Cicali
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Cities near Quad Cities