The Mississippi River: Heart of the QC

Some call it the Mighty Mississippi but we call it home. The Mississippi River bridges Iowa and Illinois, creating each state's unique shapes, but also bringing each side closer together. In the Quad Cities, the Mississippi River is an integral part of our community. Bringing people together, providing recreation, and defining the character of the region.

The Quad Cities — Davenport and Bettendorf in Iowa, Rock Island and Moline in Illinois — form a metropolitan area of about 400,000 people that straddles the Mississippi River. The river is the defining feature of the region, shaping its history, economy, and identity.

The riverfront has been transformed in recent years from an industrial corridor into a vibrant public amenity. Miles of trails, parks, and public spaces now line both banks of the river, providing exceptional opportunities for walking, cycling, and simply enjoying the view.

The Quad Cities' riverfront trail system connects parks, neighborhoods, and natural areas on both sides of the river, with bridges providing easy crossings for cyclists and pedestrians. The trails offer stunning views of the river and the historic bridges that span it.

The Rock Island Centennial Bridge and the I-74 Bridge are both iconic landmarks that frame the riverfront, and the trails beneath them provide a unique perspective on these engineering achievements.

The riverfront is lined with attractions that celebrate the region's history and culture. The Rock Island Arsenal — a National Historic Landmark — occupies an island in the middle of the river and houses the Rock Island Arsenal Museum, which tells the story of American military manufacturing.

The Figge Art Museum in Davenport is one of the finest art museums in the Midwest, with a collection that spans five centuries and includes exceptional works by Grant Wood and other Regionalist artists.

For more information, visit visitquadcities.com.