If you are looking for an area packed with many different things to do then it’s time to check out the Quad Cities area! The Quad Cities area is a group of communities from Iowa and Illinois along the Mississippi River. These vibrant and fun communities all have something unique to offer that you won’t want to miss!
Things to do in the Quad Cities
Get your caffeine fix on the coffee trail
With over 2 dozen coffee shops to choose from, getting your morning pick me up or afternoon slump buster should be no problem in the Quad Cities! The Coffee House is a great option to grab breakfast and also try out one of their famous coffee flights. You can choose from premade flights or have a barista build a mystery one for you and try something new!
Don’t forget to sign up for the FREE QC Coffee Trail to earn free prizes HERE
Check out a local museum
History runs deep in the Quad Cities with many museums available to check out to learn more about the rich culture and diversity of the area. One of my favorite parts of exploring a community is learning some of the local history of the area. It gives you the opportunity to see who was here before you and how the past shaped the town you are in today.
Not sure where to start with all the options? I recommend the German American Heritage Center & Museum as well as the Putnam Museum. The Putnam Museum has a new display focused on the history of the Quad Cities called Common Ground: Our Voices, Our Stories, which gives you a glimpse into local history from many diverse voices. The German American Heritage Center & Museum features an interactive display on the top floor with recorded actors portraying early German settlers in the area.
No matter what you choose, you are sure to learn a lot about the area and have a great time!
Try some Quad Cities style pizza
Did you know the Quad Cities has their own style of pizza? Find out for yourself at one of the many popular pizza places in the area!
So what makes a pizza Quad Cities style? A few things such as the crust(thinner), the sauce(more spices), the crumbly sausage(even on the all veggie one), and the strips it is cut into instead of regular slices! It is definitely something you must try for yourself!
Explore the local public art
Quad Cities public art scene is thriving and there is a lot for you to see. There are murals, statues, museums, and more all around the area for you to take in. The local public art scene is thriving so much they even created a public art trail that you can join for a free and have a chance to win prizes based on the number of places you check into. Explore the many talented local artists on the public art trail HERE
Tour a local distillery
Mississippi River Distilling has 2 locations and while one is located right in Davenport it is worth it to travel a little north to the town of Le Claire where the distillery is located! Book your tour in advance on their website for only $5. The fee includes the tour as well as a sample tasting and $5 off your purchase. While I am not typically a whiskey drinker, these whiskeys were something I enjoyed! Be sure to try not only the whiskey but also some Iowish(instead of Irish) creme liquor.
Kayak the water ways
Rent a kayak, book a tour, and hit the water! Quad Cities Kayak River Adventures can take you on a tour anywhere from a couple hours to a full day! The owner, Carlos, is incredibly knowledgable about the area and offers you a fully guided tour experience. Depending on the length of your tour you might be on the Rock River or even kayaking the great Mississippi River.
Grab a sweet treat
Curb your sweet tooth with an old fashioned ice cream sundae or some locally made ice cream! Head to Lagomarcino’s to grab a quick lunch and finish off with their famous hot fudge sundaes. This century-old, James Beard award winner, is sure to blow your socks off with their secret hot fudge recipe that they’ve been using for decades!
Still need more sweet treats? Whitey’s Ice Cream is a long time ice cream tradition in the Quad Cities. With over 3 dozen unique ice cream flavors to choose from ranging from traditional chocolate to gummy bear there is definitely something for everyone here!
No matter what your interests are the Quad Cities area has something fun for you to do! When you plan your trip, be sure to check out local community calendars for big events you can enjoy as well.
