Situated on the banks of the Mississippi River, these communities work together to create a stunning Iowa destination filled with arts, sights and flavors. Check out this itinerary for your Quad Cities inspiration!
Day One: Experience Local Legends
Do: Isabel Bloom Tours
Dive into the area’s rich history and handcrafted art with a behind-the-scenes tour at Isabel Bloom. Located near the banks of the Mississippi River and the heart of Davenport, their free tours tell the story behind Isabel Bloom’s art career, her connection with Grant Wood’s Art Colony and her award-winning ceramics, her public appearances that earned her the nickname of “The Clay Lady” and her transition to creating concrete garden statues.
Do: Channel Cat Water Taxi
Take to the water and experience a thrilling ride on the Mississippi aboard the Channel Cat Water Taxi. The company offers three open-air passenger ferryboat rides Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Eat: Harris Pizza
For dinner, head to Harris Pizza to taste the legendary Quad City-style pizza. Food & Wine magazine dubbed it the “Best Pizza You’ve Never Tried.” The pizza starts with a crust flavored with malt syrup or molasses, then adds a spicy red tomato sauce before topping with finely crumbled sausage, usually flavored with fennel.
Stay: The Current Iowa
End the day at The Current Iowa, a Marriott Rewards Autograph Collection Hotel located in the heart of downtown Davenport. Home to the Quad Cities’ first rooftop bar/restaurant, this art-inspired hotel features Midwest artists throughout its room and common areas. It’s also within walking distance of bike trails and downtown attractions.
Day Two: Explore the Sights & Flavors
Eat: Toasted
Start the day of right with breakfast from Toasted. The menu includes several egg benedict options, avocado toast, classics like pancakes and French toast plus a cinnamon roll waffle. The Art Deco-inspired interior adds to the atmosphere.
Do: Vander Veer Botanical Park
Now, take a peaceful stroll through the Vander Veer Botanical Park and Conservatory. Admire their nationally recognized rose garden, hosta glade, outdoor gardens and conservatory. Admission is free, but tickets are required for access to the conservatory. If the timing works out, catch one of their summer concert series’ free music concerts, held once a month on Thursday nights.
Do: Palmer Museum of Chiropractic History
Spend the afternoon exploring the Palmer Museum of Chiropractic History, where D.D. Palmer performed the first adjustments in his pursuit into the healing arts and study of the human body. The museum’s skeletal collection is devoted to pathological conditions, one of the few places in the world to see such a collection. Exhibits extend into the Palmer Family Residence, which was built in 1912 and placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1984.
Eat: Whitey's Ice Cream
Finally, make a memorable stop at Whitey’s Ice Cream, which was named “Best in the Midwest” by Midwest Living Magazine. Their quality ice cream has been making customers smile since 1933. With over 40 ice cream flavors, including seasonal additions, dips, sundaes, shakes and malts, Bostons, sodas and floats, freeze and smoothies, multiple visits are required to taste it all.
