Families vacationing or visiting in the Illinois and Iowa “Quad Cities” never run out of things to do, no matter what the season. Today, the Quad Cities consist of the major cities of Moline and Rock Island in Illinois, and Davenport and Bettendorf in Iowa. The Mississippi River rolls along between Illinois and Iowa, creating a natural, if not imposing natural border. According to the Quad Cities Convention & Visitors Bureau, there is come confusion over the issue of “Quad”, in that there are more than just four cities grouped together along the banks of the Mississippi River. In fact, in the last century, this region was referred to as the “Tri-City” area. Whether you count three or four or even five cities, the combination of close cities and both indoor and outdoor attractions makes this a premier destination for families from Chicago or St. Louis looking for a moderately priced escape.
Location, Location, Location
When the chief mode of transportation in the United States was waterways, the location of the confluence of the Rock and Mississippi Rivers was a natural spot for people to settle down or traverse through. An early settler — and declared enemy of the new “United States– was Blackhawk, the leader of the Native American trip, the Sauk, and main opponent in the 1830’s Blackhawk War against the United States.
He soon had more company than he wanted. A trickle of white settler families soon became a flood. They began to take advantage of the natural surroundings, just as families do some 180 years later.
Here in the Quad Cities everything is on a livable scale, and to the big city visitor from Chicago, costs are easy on the wallet, too.
Outdoor Family Fun
A favorite activity of families visiting the Quad Cities is to watch for Bald Eagles. Once on the endangered species list, this powerful predator bird had made a strong comeback. There are at least five locations along the shores and bluffs of the Mississippi River to catch a look at this official symbol of America. You’ll know why the Bald Eagle was chosen over the Wild Turkey when you see it catch the convection waves from the Mississippi and soar and glide across the huge expanse of water, usually in search of some small prey.
A little bit of the exotic is easily at hand at the Niabi Zoo, just south of Moline in Coal Valley. There are over 900 animals of all species, a children’s zoo, a miniature train and fun things to do like group parties and “safari sleep overs”. (309) 799-5107
If a mechanical beast is more your kid’s speed, then they can “start their engines” at Micheal’s Fun World, across the Mississippi River, in Davenport. Here, one kid can go for speed, another can play laser tag, and for the next major league player, there are batting cages. (563) 386-3826.
Cooling down in the summer is done at the Riverside Family Aquatic Center, in Moline. There are two big 300 foot water slides, a pool with lap lanes and a playground water feature. (309) 797-0788.
Finally, what better thing to do than enjoy a baseball game down at the Riverside, in Davenport. The Quad City River Bandits may be playing one of your home town minor league teams. It’s fun, the players are accessible, and it’s a bargain compared to a major league game.
The most popular attraction in the Quad Cities is the John Deere Pavilion , opened in 1997. Over 1.5 million visitors from all 50 states and just as many countries around the world have come this world class exhibit to learn with interactive displays and activities about John Deere. His famous plow opened up what was once the “frontier” states of Illinois, Indiana and Iowa, by creating a steel blade that could more easily cut through the coarse prairie grasses. Some of the interactive exhibits on display in include “Anthem: A Song of the Land”, which is presented in high definition format. Another popular exhibit is “Factory”, which takes you step by step through the process of actually building a combine. One exhibit that your average city kid (and his parents, too, for that matter) might find interesting is “Cornucopia”, which walks you through process of seeing how the food on your dinner table got there, after starting as nothing more than a tiny seed. For history buffs, there is a video presentation of the John Deere tractors produced in the 1930’s and 1940’s. Some real deal old corn binders, planters and tractors are on display, too. John Deere Pavilion (309)765-1000
Another popular attraction that was built in 1997, on the Iowa side is the Family Museum of Arts and Sciences. It was built next to the Bettendorf Public Library, and has over 44,000 square feet for exhibits and classes. Over 1 million visitors have been entertained and educated by this cool facility. Some of the more popular exhibits include “Watts Up with Energy”, which explores a subject on most of the visiting parent’s mind: sustainable energy, conserving energy and energy usage. Another, “Amazing Acres” takes a look at the relationship between weather and agriculture. With the Mississippi and other rivers at near record high levels, this exhibit had more relevance than just a few weeks ago. Your kids can actually reach out and “touch” a ten foot tornado. If you have a budding guitar hero in the brood, then take a look at the museum’s “Rhythm Alley”. Here you enter into a world of music, lights and mirrors, all designed to enhance your appreciation of how musical notes are assembled and its effect on our lives. It’s interactive and a lot of fun, as you can make your own music on a Clavinova or a bicycle wheel. For the very young, “The Garden” exhibit is the place. The two-story Bear’s Playhouse and climbing maze will occupy little hands and minds, while the older kids are making music — or while mom an dad take a well needed break. (563) 344-4106.
Places to Stay
Because the Quads understand that they draw a lot of overnight travelers from Chicago and even St. Louis, the hotels have a number of family packages that toss in such “family friendly” things as miniature golf and discounts for pizza –so you get a lot for your room rate.
Don’t leave Rover at home, either. There are pet friendly hotels in the area. What’s a family trip without the family pet?
Why Go to the Quad Cities
It’s Family Friendly — Indoors and Out.
It’s close to Chicago (175 miles or 3 hours) and St. Louis (240 miles or 4.5 hours).
It’s affordable for meals and stays.
More Information
To get the complete scoop on the Quads, go to the Destination Quad Cities Web site.
