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Live | Mississippi Riverfront

Downtown Davenport is nestled along a gorgeous and unique portion of the Mississippi River where the water flows East to West.  With this American landmark as our front porch, the Mighty Mississippi provides the perfect backdrop for our riverfront parks and a variety of outdoor activities.  As the award-winning RiverVision Plan continues to unfold, you can expect to see even more exciting development along our shared riverfront.

Parks

LeClaire Park

With unobstructed views of the Mississippi,  nearly 9 acres of green space and a historic band shell stage, LeClaire Park is an ideal place to enjoy the Mississippi.  LeClaire Park is home to major summer festivals including Blues Fest, Riverfront Pops, WQPT Brew Ha Ha, and more.  It’s also a great place for a picnic or to throw a frisbee around, too.
Address: 400 West Biederbecke Drive

Centennial Park

Skateboarding Park, Spray Grounds, Veterans Memorial Park & More

Gazebos and a beautiful view of the Mississippi River barely scratches the surface of what you’ll find at Centennial Park.  It’s also home to the Skate Park,  the Spray Ground, basketball courts, a boat ramp, a playground, a dog-off lease area, and even a rugby/cricket field.  The newly-minted Veterans Memorial Park is adjacent to Centennial Park, too.   There’s a concession stand with restrooms, as well.

Skateboarders, BMX bikers, and rollerbladers won’t find a bigger or better Skate Park in the Quad Cities!  The Skate Park is huge, challenging, and always packed with people.   Looking for a place to cool off the kids in the summer?  The Spray Ground at Centennial Park is FREE, and your kids will love playing in its variety of fun and wacky water features!

Address: 315 S. Marquette Street

Attractions

Skybridge

Stretching from 2nd Street to the riverfront, the Skybridge offers unparalleled views of the Mississippi River.  Visitors and residents alike can enjoy this unique vantage point in the evening because the Skybridge contains fun kaleidoscope lighting featuring a whopping 228 LED fixtures and 8,036 individual lights that flash in a variety of cool patterns.

Of course, the Skybridge also functions as a safe and convenient way to cross the busy highway traffic on River Drive.  The Skybridge can be entered via the River Music Experience courtyard off 2nd Street, the Redstone Parking Ramp, or at its Southern foot near Rhythm City Casino.

Modern Woodmen Park

In December of 2007, the ballpark was renamed Modern Woodmen Park.  The new ownership group began making waves soon after with a series of new additions to the ballpark, including the Jumer’s Casino Rock Island Hot Tub Deck, the Tiki Village and the corn field during the 2008 season. In 2009 an 80-foot LED digital ribbon board was affixed to the right field wall, and the ballpark also received new Loge Box picnic areas down the third base line, seat backs for the bleachers, drink rails on the outfield berm, and a Van Down by the River.  Ballpark Digest had this to say about the ballpark: “The integration of the old with the new makes Modern Woodmen Park one of the nicest ballparks in the minors.”

Activities

Bike Rentals & Walking Trails

Enjoy the fresh air and beautiful views offered by the bike and walking trails that line the length of our Mississippi riverfront.  The good people at RiverAction have put together a handy QC Bike Trail Map that will serve as a great guide.  Don’t have a bike?  No problem!  You can rent a bike at the Quad Cities Convention & Visitors Bureau office conveniently located within Union Station near LeClaire Park.

Channel Cat Water Taxi

Explore the majestic Mississippi river aboard the Channel Cat Water Taxi!   Experience the power and mystique of the river as it flows east to west and get a taste of the area once known as the Rock River Rapids.  Although we don’t have a boarding location downtown yet, you can hitch a ride on the Channel Cat just a few miles away in the Village of East Davenport.

 

 

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News
2017
News
2017
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  • May
    24th

    Headliner Ben Folds sets tone for new fest Alternating Currents

    Following last month’s announcement that River Roots Live will not return for its 13th year this August, the Downtown Davenport Partnership has fielded questions about the outdoor festival’s replacement, Alternating Currents.

    “Everyone knew about River Roots Live,” Kyle Carter, executive director of the Downtown Davenport Partnership, said. “It’s fine to mourn a fest we all loved, but we hope people will have an open mind to this new model and doubts will go away.”

    One step in quenching doubts? Tapping Ben Folds as the headliner of Alternating Currents.

    Read the full story here.

  • May
    24th

    Nombo’s comfort foods and more join food truck scene in the Q-C

    For most of her adult life, Missy Carter did what was expected.

    She went to college and got “big girl jobs” in private security and real estate.

    In the back of her mind, Carter knew she wanted something more.

     

    Read the full story here.

    Photo Credit: Andy Abeyta (Quad City Times) 

  • May
    18th

    The transformation of downtown Davenport

    Investing in the community’s core. Davenport’s downtown has seen plenty of changes over the last few years with major efforts to bring more people to live, work, and visit.

    See the full story here.

  • May
    17th

    Union Arcade Building

    Union Arcade Building apartments have both 1 – bedroom units and 2-bedroom units range from $1,200 to $1,700.   Units come with quartz countertops, Bertch cabinetry, detailed plumbing and electrical fixtures, refrigerator, stove/oven, microwave, and dishwasher.   Community lounge and laundry facility will be located on the second floor.

    Located in center downtown at the corner of 3rd and Brady, tenants will enjoy the wonderful views and being part of the bix  7 and the many parades that come by the building.   Parking is in the city ramp next door and will be for an additional fee.

    Check out a video featuring the apartments here. 

    Contact Financial District Properties Management office at 563.324.9898 for more information.

  • May
    12th

    The Tip of the Iceberg: Alternating Currents Joins a Crop of New Festivals Highlighting a Vibrant Music Community

    It was a sign of the times when the Downtown Davenport Partnership announced last month that it would replace the River Roots Live outdoor music festival – after a 12-year run – with a multi-venue indoor festival called Alternating Currents.

    Read the full story here.

  • May
    12th

    7 foodie things to do in May

    Maybe we’re biased, but we think bullets 1, 3 & 5 are pretty good ideas.

    Read the full story here.

    Photo Credit: Jeff Cook (Quad City Times) 

  • May
    12th

    Freight Hose Farmer’s Market is open: What to check out this season

    During opening day of the Freight House Farmers Market’s outdoor season on Saturday, there were plenty of new foods to sample and old favorites to revisit.

    One thing’s for sure: There’s a story behind every vendor. Read on for a look inside the market’s opening day.

    Read the full story here.

  • May
    12th

    BBQ, bar and beer garden joining downtown Davenport’s ‘campus of fun’

    What pairs well with an eclectic whiskey bar and performance venue?

    If you ask Davenport-based entrepreneur Dan Bush, co-owner of Triple Crown Whiskey Bar & Raccoon Motel, the answer is simple: A barbecue restaurant, bar and beer garden — the plans for a new business, coined Armored Gardens, at 315 Pershing Ave.

     

    Read the full story here.

    Photo Credit: [design] [build] by architects

  • May
    3rd

    Taco ‘Bout It: Me & Billy Edition

    If you’ve ever been downtown you’ve likely patroned or passed by Me & Billy. From the incredibly delicious, ever-changing menu to the Instagram friendly interior, M&B has all the qualities for a perfect night out, which is exactly why we sat down with the Fran Collins Maus and Billy himself to talk about their upcoming Kentucky Derby weekend!

    “I’ve always been a big fan of the derby, ever since I was a kid.” Bill said. “When we opened the restaurant, it was the perfect opportunity to celebrate it.”And after a family trip to Churchill Downs, KC for the annual Kentucky Derby, the Collins girls, too, fell in love with the tradition.

    Quad Citizens have the perfect excuse to dress up and pretend we know about horse races, and fortunately, the Collins family knows how to do it right.

    “Its always such a busy weekend and we compete with all these other events, but it’s something special for us.” Maus said. “Unfortunately it means we’ll never go to the Derby again, but that’s ok, we throw a pretty authentic party.”

    all things pink

    The girls go all out for the occasion! Friday night they’ll host the Kentucky Oaks Ladies Social complete with Oaks Lily (the official ladies drink of the derby), pink margaritas (it is Cinco de Mayo after all), and the Most Elegant Woman contest. From 6-8 p.m., women are invited to come in their best pink garb and celebrate all things women, including giving back to those who are less fortunate. Last year M&B encouraged attendees to bring a donation for Humility of Mary, and they were so overwhelmed by the out pour of support, they decided to make it a tradition.

    drinks

    Another tradition the family couldn’t do without is the OFFICIAL Mint Julep glass used for the Kentucky Derby.

    “We use Mississippi River Distillery bourbon in our official Mint Julep every year. We order the shaved so they’re made properly.” Maus said. “We want to make sure it’s special.”

    Going into their 4th year of celebrating the event, the family is prepared to bring guests quite the party. Both the Mint Julep and Oaks Lily will be served all weekend, bets will be placed for fun, the traditional Hot Brown will be prepped for your snacking enjoyment, and the backdrops are ready for the perfect Instagram picture.

    “It’s a party! It’s really fun and people keep getting more and more dressed up every year,” Collins said.

    The party kicks off promptly at 3 pm! Be sure to get there early to get your commemorative glass and thank the lovely Collins family for all their hard work not only to get ready for this classy party, but all year long!

    copllins fam

  • May
    3rd

    It’s QC Craft Beer Week: Get a taste of area breweries

    If there’s one rule during Quad-Cities Craft Beer Week, it’s this: Try something new.

    The fifth annual celebration of local breweries, homebrewers and craft beer drinkers is happening now through Sunday, with events and tappings planned at area venues each day.

    Read the full story here.

    Photo Credit: Andy Abeyta (Quad City Times)

  • May
    2nd

    Welcoming yard signs are catching on in the QC

    A trilingual yard sign that began popping up in communities across the country after the U.S. presidential election has made its way to the Quad-Cities.

    Read the full story here.

    Photo Credit: Jack Cullen (Quad-City Times)

  • May
    2nd

    Excavation reveals rare find in Davenport

    John Hedden, an archaeologist with the University of Iowa, pulled up to a construction site at Davenport’s 4th Street and Western Avenue on April 11, 2016, to scout what would be an emergency excavation.

    Read the full article here.

    Photo Credit: Office of the State Archaeologist 

  • Apr
    27th

    Live painters bring color to concerts at RME

    As an abstract impressionist painter, Regan Hatfield typically clings to his serenity while he works.

    But the Quad-City artist has, in recent years, grown accustomed to having an audience.

    Read the full article here.

    Photo Credit: John Schultz (Quad-City Times) 

  • Apr
    26th

    Bike/beer shop, panini cafe planned for vacant building

    The list of cool new businesses coming to downtown Davenport just keeps on growing.

    Within the next few weeks, work is expected to begin on building a bicycle/beer/brats store as well as a separate panini sandwich shop in a vacant building on 3rd Street, just east of the elevated railroad tracks.

     

    Read the full story here.

     

    Photo Credit: Quad City Times

  • Apr
    26th

    Food Trucks Come out with a bang their first night

    Opening day for food trucks in Davenport turned out to be a hit.
    Several vendors ended up having to turn people away because they sold out.
    Get the full story here.
  • Apr
    26th

    Food Truck event Kicks off season at Bechtel Park

    If the city of Davenport’s pilot food truck program was an indication, expect lines at Bechtel Park Tuesday afternoon through evening.

    Read the full story here.

    Photo Credit: John Schultz (Quad-City Times)

  • Apr
    25th

    New Festival, Alternating Currents, Announced

     

    Downtown Davenport Partnership (DDP) is excited to announce the inaugural Alternating Currents festival; the two-day event will take place the weekend of Aug. 25 and 26, replacing River Roots Live.

    Throughout the weekend, a dozen venues across downtown will host a wide variety of live music, film screenings, comedians, and visual artists.  Over 50 national and regional acts, big and small, will perform throughout the festival. Patrons will be encouraged to travel from venue to venue and explore all downtown has to offer.

    “We’re excited to bring a modern and popular festival model to downtown Davenport and the Quad Cities,” said Kyle Carter, Executive Director, DDP.  “From national artists at the Adler Theatre, to film screenings and up-and-coming comedians and bands, we’ll have a little something for everyone.”

    The lineup for the event will be announced at a later date this spring; however, DDP is already busy planning in conjunction with a unique group of local talent.   Some key “do-ers” in the creative community were tapped to help curate the festival and bring an inclusive and unique vantage point.

    Sean Moeller, Moeller Nights; Kate Dale, River Music Experience; Benjamin Crabb, Daytrotter; Cory Ewing, Flood 93 Radio; and Rick Palmer, Adler Theatre, will serve as a brain trust behind the musical aspect of the festival.  Joshua Ford, Ford Photography; and Harry Walker; En Media Res, are teaming up to lead film screenings. Dan Bush, Analog Arcade Bar & Triple Crown Whiskey Bar & Raccoon Motel ; and Andrew King, The After Hour; are gearing up to help curate laughs for the weekend.

    “We’re excited that festival goers will be given the opportunity to explore venues and businesses that maybe they’ve never been to before.” said Kate Dale, Director of Entertainment, River Music Experience. “The music scene in the Quad Cities is growing at a rapid pace, and we feel lucky to be a part of it.”

    Mary Talbert of Crafted QC and a team of “makers” will host “OMG Becky Fest”, a handmade/vintage craft festival, in conjunction with Alternating Currents, as well.  Local arts organizations including the Figge Art Museum, Quad-City Arts, and Midcoast will be tapped to provide a hand for the visual arts component, too.

    “Alternating Currents supports the regional Q2030 initiative and is an evolution of River Roots Live,” said Jason Gilliland, Director of Events, DDP.   “This style of festival, similar to that of SXSW (Austin, TX) and Mile of Music (Appleton, WI), is an exciting result of the vibrant creative scene already growing in downtown and the Quad Cities region.”

  • Apr
    19th

    Taco ‘Bout It: CVB Edition

    If you’ve ever been to a big event in the Quad Cities, you’ve probably seen this mobile. car

    And that’s probably because the Quad Cities Convention and Visitors Bureau has people everywhere! (We’re serious. There’s one in Davenport, Moline, Rock Island and even at the airport) If they don’t have an actual center near you, there are kiosks with all the important information throughout the QC. The CVB has their hands on a significant amount of the events happening, but do you really know what they do?

    We sat down with their Sales and Servicing Manager, Amber Hamer, over tacos (from La Finca <3) to talk about their day-to-day world and what we should expect from them for summer ’17.

    1. V.I.V. Program
      vivThis is a summer long program! Kicking off during tourism week, visitors can stop into any CVB location and pick up their V(ery) I(mportant) V(isitor) wristband and a list of discounts from local companies! If you’re a frequent visitor, their website will have a consistently updated list.
    2. PDGA Tournament
      You probably didn’t realize the QC has eight disc golf courses, and you probably didn’t realize the Professional Disc Golf Association was a thing, but it’s pretty legitimate. In fact they want to have their national tournament here! For a week in July (15-22), over 800 disco golfers will be testing their skills and trying the QC on for size!
    3. Tourism Week.
      Picture1
      Did you know tourism brings in $837 million to the QC on a yearly basis? That’s unbelievable! The CVB wants to celebrate that. So, May 5-13, with 14 HUGE events, the CVB is hosting Tourism Week. The list includes Tour De Brew, Beaux Arts fair and more. Check it out here.

    Every year thousands of people come to the QC between races, conventions, concerts, games; the list goes on. All of these people need a resource to plan their trips and get information about our area. The CVB website includes an activity guide (you can also find these at almost any establishment with a magazine rack), a list of events, lodging information, transportation updates, and where to eat/shop/gamble/play.

    Untitled design (14)

  • Mar
    28th

    Downtown Construction/Traffic for Spring ’17

    Over the course of the next two months, there will be vital construction occurring downtown.  Unfortunately, this also means traffic congestion. Starting on April 3rd, the two west/left lanes  of Brady St. (from River Dr. to 7th St) will be under construction until approximately April 24th. After this construction is complete, the lane closures will switch to the two opposite lanes on Brady St.  Construction is scheduled to be complete by May 27th. In addition to this major decrease in lane usage, the west bound lane of 2nd St. between Main St. and Brady St. will also be closed for sewer work until April 16th.

    On-street parking will be highly monitored and limited as certain blocks will have no street parking at all. We understand this construction will add time to your daily commutes, however at the Partnership, we have come up with solutions to hopefully relieve any traffic jams.

     

    TAKE AWAYS:

    • For the next two months road/sewer construction will be underway along Brady and 2nd It is schedule to be complete by May 27th.
    • On-street parking in this vicinity will be very limited.

     

    OUR ADVICE:

    Utilize the FREE Riverfront parking.
    It may not be a beach, but it makes for a romantic walk!

    free parking
    Use parking ramps the SMART way.
    If you’re a frequent user of the ramps, download the ParkingMobile App. You won’t have to waste time finding and paying at the kiosks. (Redstone Ramp is Zone #9691 & RiverCenter is Zone #9692).
    parking appWhen exiting the Redstone ramp opt to go south before going north. You’ll avoid congestion and in result get around quicker. When leaving the RiverCenter Ramp, exit on 2nd St and head east to avoid congestion.

    parking ramps

    Opt for alternative north bound routes. Gaines St., Marquette Rd., and Jersey Ridge Rd. all head north and won’t be filled with construction and frustrated drivers!!!

     

    The City of Davenport sent out this press release on Monday in regards to the construction.

  • Mar
    28th

    Hotel Blackhawk receives top AAA award

    The Hotel Blackhawk, AAA and Figge Art Museum will host an evening at the Davenport museum to celebrate the Hotel Blackhawk’s AAA Four Diamond Award.

    Read the full story here.

    Photo Credit: Doug Schorpp