Hidden Gems of the Midwest: Why Davenport Is More Than Just a Casino Town
Davenport Beyond the Casino Scene
While Davenport, Iowa, was home to some of the first riverboat casinos in 1991, there’s more to this town than its prominence in the gambling community.
Below, I’ll discuss the city’s history, including the arts, culture, music, outdoor spaces, and more.
The Casino Factor in Context
In Davenport, there are casinos to visit, and they attract players from all over the state and even from Illinois.
The most popular location is probably Rythm City Casino Resort, but there are others, including Bally’s Quad Cities Casino & Hotel and Isle Casino Hotel Bettendorf.
While you’ll find some free to play casino games, these casinos offer more than slots and table games.
There’s a hotel and live entertainment, and it’s located near other nearby attractions, which helps the local economy thanks to Davenport, Iowa tourism.
There’s no shortage of family-friendly attractions nearby, including arts and outdoor activities.
A City with Rich History and Character
If not for Davenport, Iowa, the Midwest might be slightly different.
The city is located on the banks of the Mississippi River and was used as a riverboat trade hub and military outpost.
The first railroad bridge across the Mississippi River was built in Davenport in 1856.
In downtown Davenport, you’ll find four districts, and they’re listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Throughout Davenport, you’ll find many Victorian-era homes, brick storefronts, and traces of a city that was especially prosperous during the railway/steamboat era.
Arts, Culture, and Music
Not only was Davenport home to some industrial feats, but it also has a history that highlights the arts, music, and more.
It’s home to the Figge Art Museum, Putnam Museum, and more.
The Figge Art Museum houses art from the Spanish Colonial days and has numerous exhibits throughout the year.
The Putnam Museum and Science Center is one of the oldest museums in Iowa.
There’s also the German American Heritage Center, which highlights Davenport’s German immigrant history.
For music lovers, Davenport is home to Bix Beiderbecke, a legendary jazz musician. An annual festival in his name honors him and brings excellent music to the area.
In addition to jazz, there are blues concerts, indie music venues, and the Alternating Current festival, which showcases music, comedy, films, and more. The Davenport arts and culture scene is alive and well.
Outdoor Spaces and Riverfront Life
Davenport’s versatility can also be highlighted by its outdoor spaces.
The Mississippi Riverfront Trail runs 11 miles through the city. It connected Credit Island to Bettendorf, which is toward the East.
Speaking of Credit Island, it’s common to see residents playing disc golf at Credit Island Park. There are plenty of things to do in Davenport.
While outside there, you’ll see riverboats, and it’s not uncommon to see eagles flying over your head in and around the Davenport riverfront.
Fejervary Park & Aquatic Center and West Lake Park are excellent options for families who want to spend a day at the park.
Some public parks host events and festivals, such as the Mississippi Valley Blues Festival, Icetravaganza in the winter, and various food truck gatherings.
Food, Drink, and Local Flavor
In Davenport, there are numerous types of foods and drinks to enjoy. Many farm-to-table bistros, such as Duck City Bistro and The Half Nelson. There are also more casual spots, such as Front Street Brewery, which was founded in 1992.
As for a more local farm-to-table place, check out The Machine Shed.
The Miss Phay Cafe offers Vietnamese dishes if you want to try foods from other cultures.
Finally, if you want to experience nostalgia, there’s no better spot than Lagomarcino’s Soda Fountain in the Village of East Davenport. This ice cream parlor has been in business since 1908 and serves various chocolates.
Comparing Davenport to Other Midwest Destinations
Davenport is unique in that, while Dubuque is also a city on the Mississippi River, it doesn’t quite have the same “vibe” as Davenport simply due to location. Davenport is part of the bi-state Quad Cities Metropolitan area. This community cluster creates something unique that you don’t quite find elsewhere.
Bettendorf is close, but Davenport has more attractions, including a zoo, historic districts, and nightlife.
Of what are considered “Midwest casino towns,” Davenport is so much more than that. Yes, it’s there, but this is a place where people work, live, and spend time together. There are also Davenport casinos.
Looking Ahead: Davenport’s Future as a Destination
There’s investment happening in Davenport, headlined by the RiverVision development plan. The plan is to breathe new life into the. Main Street Landing is a 10-acre park located along the Mississippi River. Construction was set to begin in April 2025 and was anticipated to be complete in 2026. It’s cited as a “four-season park” and will be one of the top Mississippi River attractions.
So, with construction efforts like this and the additional festivals for all types of interests, Davenport, Iowa, isn’t done with its development. It’ll continue to be a hot spot in Iowa.
Conclusion
While Davenport rose to prominence thanks to its riverboat casinos, as you’ve seen, it’s become much more than that. There are museums, festivals, parks, diverse cuisine, and more.
Yes, there are the slots and blackjack tables, but that’s far from the focus of what Davenport represents. It’s truly one of the hidden gems in the Midwest.
We encourage you to visit Davenport and see for yourself. This is a true Midwestern treasure that many have yet to discover.
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