10 Free Things You Can Do In The Quad Cities
The Quad Cities, comprising of Rock Island, Moline, and East Moline in Illinois, and Bettendorf and Davenport in Iowa, are situated along the Mississippi River and have plenty of free activities for locals and visitors to enjoy. Although some of these are weather dependent as the region has plenty of gorgeous outdoor areas with free access, there is something for free for everyone.
1. Freight House Farmers Market, Davenport
The Freight House Farmers Market is the place to go for all things local. The market has an outdoor section during the summer months, while the indoor market is open throughout the year. Visitors will find hundreds of vendors selling local produce, arts and crafts, and homemade treats.
The market is located within the Freight House Building in downtown Davenport, along the riverfront, making it a fun, historical, and scenic outing. Although entry to the market is free, be prepared to spend a lot on all the goodies found here.
2. Rock Island Arsenal Museum, Rock Island
The Rock Island Arsenal Museum is the second oldest Army museum in the country, opening its doors in 1905. The museum collects, preserves, and interprets Rock Island and Arsenal Island history.
Exhibits show how people, manufacturing, and the production of military equipment and gear have influenced the Island’s history and future. It includes information on how the local section of the Mississippi River was mapped in 1805, as well as how current operations function at the Arsenal.
3. Relax At Home, Anywhere
Relaxing at home is completely free and a good way to spend the day for budget-conscious locals or travelers. If you’ve booked cozy accommodation for your trip to the Quad Cities, you might as well make the most of it and look for free entertainment at home.
One option is to settle down with a book or e-reader, especially if the weather outside is glum. Or, if you want some more lively action, you can try your luck at NewSweepCasinos where you can play popular casino games without spending real money.
There’s also nothing wrong with cuddling up in a blanket, turning on your favorite Netflix show, and raiding the fridge for some treats.
Vander Veer Botanical Park, Davenport, Iowa
4. Vander Veer Botanical Park, Davenport
Vander Veer Botanical Park is a must-see destination in Davenport. The gardens were established in 1885, and since then have grown to include several collections of gardens and features, including:
- The Grand Allée: This tree-covered walkway leads to the Stone Fountain.
- The Conservatory: The greenhouse provides rotating garden displays, like lilies, daisies, chrysanthemums, and light displays during winter.
- The Municipal Rose Garden
- The Hosta Glade
- The Old World Gardens and Fountain: This section showcases the garden style that was famous in 19th-century Europe.
- The Children’s Sculpture Garden
- The All-America Selections Annual Display Garden
- The Lagoon: Allows catch-and-release fishing.
- The Enabling Garden: An accessible garden for those with disabilities, including raised planting beds and plants that stimulate the senses.
5. John Deere Harvester Works Factory Tour, East Moline
John Deere harvesters and tractors may be a niche interest, but even those who know nothing about agricultural equipment will find this behind-the-scenes glimpse fascinating. The tour includes historic and modern farm implements, and how the manufacturing process works.
The John Deere Pavilion has free entry, and the John Deere World Headquarters have fascinating exhibits about farming innovation and history.
6. Quad City Botanical Center, Rock Island
The Quad City Botanical Center is free for members, so this activity is more geared towards residents. Once a member, you get free admission for a year, access to the American Horticulture Society gardens, and a discount at the gift shop.
The Quad City Botanical Center has outdoor and indoor sections, as well as the Butterworth Center, which provides a look at historical homes from the region.
7. Sunset Park, Rock Island
Sunset Park is an urban park in Rock Island spanning 250 acres, including Lake Potter. The park is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts, as it includes picnic areas with shelters (these must be booked during summer), a ball diamond, 1.9 miles of walking or jogging paths, sand volleyball, and a lovely outdoor ice-skating rink in winter.
8. Explore The Village of East Davenport
The Village of East Davenport was a historic logging and military community. It was founded in 1851 when the sawmill was opened. The area got its title as a Historic District in 1980.
Today, the Village is filled with eateries, boutique shops, and pubs. It is a fun day out, and it’s completely free to pop into the shops and wonder at the historic architecture.
9. Go Geocaching, Anywhere
Geocaching is a global treasure hunt, and people from across the world use the Geocaching app to find hidden treasure and explore new areas. There are over 2,000 geocaches hidden around the Quad Cities area, making it a prime destination for curious adventure-seekers.
The Figge Art Museum is at 225 W. 2nd St., Davenport.
10. Figge Art Museum, Davenport
Although the Figge Art Museum does have an admission fee, there are several days and scenarios where free entry is allowed:
- Free for members
- Free on Thursdays after 5:00pm
- Free to active military members and their families
- Free for seniors on the first Thursday of the month
The museum is home to art from around the world, and also hosts regular art classes and special events.
Wrapping Up
The Quad Cities are the perfect destination for budget-conscious travelers or locals who want to have a fun time without spending a dime. There are plenty of indoor and outdoor activities across the different cities that are free to enjoy, and if all else fails, a night at home is always a good idea for a tight budget.
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