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I-80 darts through
the northern reaches of Davenport and totally missed the other three of
the Quad Cities. This is great for the non-stop travelers - in a hurry to
get "there' with a minimum of stops. But if you want to really enjoy
your trip, you've got to do what you can't on a plane - stop and enjoy the
many fun places of America.
Unfortunately, getting around - and finding things - in Davenport
can be quite a challenge for a stranger. Many streets just start, go a few
blocks, then stop to continue elsewhere.
Quad Cities Visitors Bureau
At 102 S. Harrison Street in downtown, almost on the riverfront, this
visitors' center is well prepared to assist.
From I-80 eastbound, take exit 290 and follow I-280 to exit
6. Exit and turn left at the end of the off-ramp. Follow US-61 (w. River
Drive) to S. Harrison Street and turn right. The visitors' center is down
the block at the corner.
From I-80 westbound, take exit 295A and follow US-61 all the
way to town, through downtown, to the block after W. River Drive (US-61
turns right here). The visitors' center is down at the end of the next
block.
Phone (toll-free): 1-800-747-7800 ext 217.
Mississippi Valley
Welcome Center
This is a great location for westbound travelers on
I-80 - it is right across the Mississippi River from Illinois. For
eastbound folks, you'll just find out what you missed where you've been.
West or eastbound, take exit 306. At the bottom of the off-ramp turn left
and follow US-67 about one block to Eagle Ridge Road. Turn left and follow
Eagle Ridge to the Welcome Center (by the Super 8 Motel. Phone
1-563-322-3911, ext. 120.
East Davenport
Walk down the brick-paved streets of 1n 1850s era town, view many of the
buildings - inside and out. The Village of East Davenport is a 120 acre
historic district with some 500 homes plus over 50 restaurants and other
shops. Old, preserved, and lived in. An excellent description of what
you'll find here - including a good map - can be viewed at EastVillage.
From I-80 take exit 298 and follow I-74 to exit 3. Turn right at
the end of the off ramp and go one block on Middle Road to Locust St. Bear
right on Locust (11 blocks counting the streets on your left). Turn left
and proceed to E. 12th St. Turn right and you're in the Village.
The Village is mostly residential with an informal collection of
restaurants and shops. We're sure you'll enjoy it - and the shipping - and
the eating.
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in column 2)
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(continued
from column 1)
Riverfront
Drive-by
If you'd like to drive along the Mississippi (it can be beautiful
(especially at sunset).
From I-80 eastbound, take exit 290 and
follow I-280 to exit 6. Exit and turn left at the end of the off-ramp.
Follow US-61 (w. River Drive) to Marquette Street (about 5 miles). Turn
right and go 2 blocks to Biederbecker Drive. Turn right (the only option)
and follow Biederbecker along the Mississippi, under the bridge, past
LeClair Park, to its end at S. Main Street. Turn left, go one block and
you are back to US-61 (and, now, also US-67). Note: the visitors center is
one block west (to your left) at 102 S. Harrison Street. Turn right on the
US-67 and continue east to I-74. To get back to I-80 take the
southbound on-ramp of I-74. At exit 13 you will encounter the I-80
interchange and can either stay on I-74 or get back on I-80 eastbound.
From I-80 westbound, take exit 298 and follow I-74 to exit
4. Exit and turn right at the end of the off-ramp and follow US-67 to S.
Harrison Street. Note: the visitors' center is on the corner here at 102 S. Harrison Street.
Turn left, go one block and turn right. Follow Biederbecker Drive, past
LeClair Park, under the bridge, to its end at S. Marquette Street. Turn
right, go two blocks and turn left. You are now on US-61. Follow it all
the way to I-280. Take the northbound on-ramp and follow I-280 back to
I-80.
River Renaissance
Davenport is a
Mississippi River town and, as expected, it has a riverfront. Years of
decay and neglect had taken their toll but now it is a good example of how
sincere care and a lot of investment can renew the old and near forgotten.
For example, the Adler Theatre, subject of a partial restoration in the
1980s, has been completely restored and will be a regular stop for
Broadway productions.
In
contrast, the New Ventures Center was designed and built from 'scratch' as
a magnet to attract small businesses and artisans. You can watch their
progress by viewing their special web site at: River
Renaissance
- or you can telephone 1-+563-322-1706. (You can also view the River
Renaissance area through several web cams on this web site.)
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