Summary
The third-largest and rapidly expanding city in the Quad Cities is situated opposite Moline and east of Davenport, conveniently located near the region’s premier attractions and entertainment options.
This area features the Mississippi River flowing east to west, providing numerous opportunities to enjoy the water.
A scenic trail runs along the waterfront, leading you to downtown Davenport, while Bettendorf is home to a landing for the Channel Cat Water Taxi, which operates between both banks of the river during the summer months.
This dock is positioned directly in front of the Isle Casino, initially established as one of the first modern riverboat casinos in the 1990s, before transitioning to a land-based facility with a contemporary redesign in 2016.
1. Family Museum
Aimed at children aged eight and younger, Bettendorf’s Family Museum offers an engaging environment filled with interactive exhibits that foster learning alongside enjoyment.
Children can assume roles as professionals such as a veterinarian, firefighter, or postal worker, or participate in farm activities, including harvesting crops and tending to animals.
One notable feature is a remarkable water-play table representing a miniature version of a section of the Mississippi, along with a play area designed for younger children that simulates a home environment, featuring a garden and a virtual pond.
Many exhibits incorporate subtle Quad Cities themes, and the museum includes a makerspace and art room to cultivate creativity.
2. Channel Cat Water Taxi
Located at the Isle Casino dock, this landing is one of four destinations in the Quad Cities for the Channel Cat Water Taxi service.
This water transport generally operates from Memorial Day weekend until Labor Day, offering a novel perspective of the mighty Mississippi and the Quad Cities.
Seven days a week, passengers can travel on these open-air boats to John Deere Commons and Riverbend Commons in Moline, as well as the Village of East Davenport.
Bicycles are welcome onboard, and a dedicated app is available for schedules and updates.
3. Riverfront Trail
On the Iowa side of the Mississippi, the riverfront is publicly accessible via a 14.2-mile trail commencing on Credit Island in Davenport and concluding just east of Bettendorf in Riverdale.
Offering invigorating views, the Riverfront Trail meanders through charming waterfront parks and historic neighborhoods, leading to major Davenport attractions such as the Freight House Farmers’ Market, the Figge Art Museum, the Adler Theatre, and Modern Woodmen Park.
In Bettendorf, the trail connects with the Duck Creek Parkway Trail, which will be discussed further, and it is also possible to cross the new I-74 Bridge to extend your exploration along the 60-mile Great River Trail in Illinois.
4. Duck Creek Parkway Trail
Duck Creek flows eastward through Davenport and Bettendorf before merging with the Mississippi near Devils Glen Park in Bettendorf.
This waterway is bordered by numerous parks, allowing visitors to traverse this serene green space along the 12.2-mile Duck Creek Parkway Trail.
This paved, multi-use path primarily serves recreational purposes but is also beneficial for transportation. In addition to several parks equipped with amenities, the trail is conveniently located near various commercial areas and attractions like the Family Museum and the Mississippi Riverfront Trail.
5. Isle Casino
Adjacent to Bettendorf’s Channel Cat terminal, the Isle Casino opened its doors in 1995 and underwent renovations in 2016. Formerly a riverboat, the Isle Casino transitioned to a land-based establishment with this renovation, and it features a 514-room hotel.
With an expansive 35,000 square feet of gaming space, there are now 935 slot machines along with various table games, including roulette, blackjack, and craps, as well as sports betting facilitated by Caesars Sportsbook on the casino floor.
The Isle Casino also houses three restaurants and offers live entertainment at the Isle Center Ballroom, alongside the adjacent Quad Cities Waterfront Convention Center.
6. Middle Park
Middle Park, Bettendorf’s foremost park, is located a short distance south of the Family Museum along the northern bank of Duck Creek.
This park holds significance for the community, serving as the setting for Bettendorf’s Fourth of July fireworks, while providing an environment better suited for walking and cycling rather than sports activities.
The main feature of this park is the 18-hole disc golf course, which offers a unique layout that includes wooded areas and varying elevations.
In proximity to the Duck Creek Pathway Trail, a small pond attracts waterfowl in the summer months, and Middle Park boasts one of the finest playgrounds in the city.
Additionally, the Splash Landing aquatic park operates during the summer months, and a seasonal ice rink, Frozen Landing, is available during winter—the details of which will be covered later in this article.
7. Crawford Brew Works
The Quad Cities features a plethora of independent craft breweries linked by an “ale trail” encompassing 13 establishments.
The sole brewery situated in Bettendorf is the highly esteemed Crawford Brew Works, which operates within a 3,500-square-foot microbrewery and taproom.
Ten different brews are available on tap at all times, including a Porter, Kölsch, two IPAs, Stout, Lager, Fruit Beer, Sour, Pale Ale, and Brown Ale.
The brewery also promotes a vibrant food truck scene, with a rotating schedule accessible on its website, hosting numerous events, including televised QC Storm games, live performances, beer launches, and more.
8. Splash Landing Family Aquatic Center
Splash Landing is a public pool complex managed by the City of Bettendorf, located in Middle Park. It features a competitive swimming pool paired with a large zero-depth entry area, complete with geysers and artificial palm trees.
Additional amenities include a diving area, a flume slide, a speed slide, a drop slide, and a toddler pool equipped with its own slide and spray features.
Both pools are heated, and shaded areas are provided around the center for relaxation during the warm weather.
9. Leach Park
This newly landscaped park along the Riverfront Trail provides a tranquil setting to appreciate one of the world’s great rivers.
Leach Park attracts numerous geese and features small lawns, recently planted trees, a boat launch, benches, picnic tables, and flower beds. The park is oriented towards the southwest, making it a particularly picturesque spot at sunset.
To the east lies the newly constructed through-arch I-74 Bridge, which was developed over four years until 2022, creating an accessible pedestrian and bicycle crossing to facilitate travel between Bettendorf and Moline.
10. Davenport
Adjacent to Bettendorf on the Iowa bank of the Mississippi lies Davenport, a vibrant urban center abundant with the Quad Cities’ leading visitor attractions.
An essential stop is the Figge Art Museum, which boasts an impressive collection that includes works by Goya, Dürer, Renoir, Toulouse-Lautrec, Reynolds, Warhol, Ansel Adams, and Jasper Johns.
As one of the oldest museums in the West, the Putnam Museum & Science Center, established in 1867, has evolved into a modern, interactive space for learning about history and science.
The Freight House Farmers’ Market operates year-round, featuring over 200 vendors, including farmers, artisans, bakers, and specialty food providers. Lastly, the Vander Veer Botanical Park (1855) stands as one of the premier botanical gardens west of the Mississippi.
11. Moline
Facing across the Mississippi is Moline, which features a historic downtown area that merits exploration.
Moline serves as the headquarters for the multinational agricultural corporation, John Deere, established in the city by its founder in 1848 and remains its largest employer.
The company manufactures planters here and harvesters in neighboring East Moline, where guided tours of both facilities are available, lasting approximately 90 minutes.
The John Deere Pavilion in downtown showcases both new and antique equipment and features numerous interactive displays that captivate younger visitors.
On the riverside, the TaxSlayer Center is a premier venue for major events in the Quad Cities and also serves as the home arena for the Quad City Storm, a minor league hockey team with a dedicated local fanbase.
For a more refined experience, the Deere-Wiman House & Butterworth Center conserves two historic mansions that were home to four generations of the Deere family.
12. Rock Island Arsenal Museum
Located just ten minutes from downtown Bettendorf is the renowned Rock Island Arsenal, an active U.S. Army facility since 1862.
The museum, established in 1905, is acknowledged as the second-oldest museum of the United States Army and is celebrated for its extensive collection of small arms utilized by the military.
This collection encompasses over 1,200 artifacts, including five pieces that were actually fired during the Battle of Little Bighorn in 1876.
The museum’s exhibits detail the vast array of equipment manufactured at the arsenal, while outdoor displays include impressive heavy weaponry, such as an M65 atomic cannon from the 1950s.
13. Veterans Memorial Park
Linked by the Duck Creek Parkway Trail, this public park is situated south of Middle Park across the creek.
What distinguishes Veterans Memorial Park is the Bill Bowe Bandshell, which serves as the venue for Bettendorf’s summer concert series.
These performances take place on Fridays in June and July, featuring ensembles from around the Quad Cities, including the celebrated Bettendorf Park Band, established in 1967.
14. Frozen Landing
During the winter months, visitors can enjoy recreational time gliding around the outdoor ice rink that is set up in Middle Park annually.
Though the schedule can be influenced by weather conditions, Frozen Landing typically operates seven days a week from late November through February, inclusive of Christmas Day and various holidays.
Extended hours up to 10 PM are available on Fridays and Saturdays, and there are scheduled “Intro to Skating” sessions for novice skaters. The rink offers an economical skating experience, with admission priced at just $3 and skate rental at $2, at the time of publication.
15. Fourth of July Festival
Bettendorf commemorates the nation’s independence with a vibrant array of activities.
The centerpiece of the event is a parade through the downtown area, featuring local organizations, clubs, and services beginning on State Street and continuing through multiple blocks to 21st Street.
Following the parade, the festival truly commences with rides, a petting zoo, a variety of food options, and live musical performances. To culminate a day filled with patriotic festivities, fireworks are staged at dusk in Middle Park.
