Why You Need to Visit the Quad Cities

Two states, five cities, and one epic adventure! Let’s find out why you need to visit the Quad Cities…

What are the Quad Cities?

As the mighty Mississippi surges toward the Gulf of Mexico, it creates a natural border between Iowa and Illinois.  On each side of the divide are five unique cites… yes, you read that right.  The Quad Cities are actually five flourishing cities!

Each brings distinct features and flavors to the Quad region that visitors LOVE!  And all of them welcome you with friendly faces and Midwestern charm.

What Can You Do in the Quad Cities?

The Quad Cities have been through a tremendous evolution during the last few decades. From a foundation in agricultural manufacturing, the area has grown into a thriving tourist destination.

There is literally EVERYTHING to do here!

Explore the History

If you love history and like to do your own thing, snag a Quad Cities PastPort and hit all the historical highlights.  It’s packed with fascinating spots and stories that have made the region what it is today.

While you’re out and about, don’t forget to mosey over to the Buffalo Bill Museum and Cody Homestead!

Get Out on the River

The Mighty Mississippi is the lifeblood of the Quad Cities.  Its beauty and strength have powered thriving commerce, industry, and recreation.  When you visit, be sure to spend some time on the water.

Celebration River Cruises

The Celebration Belle is a great way to experience the stunning waterways here.  The 750- passenger paddlewheel boat offers a casual experience as you sit back and enjoy magnificent vistas.  Delectable dining rounds out a high-spirited lunch cruise or a relaxing sunset dinner on the water.

Adventure

If you’re more into an adrenaline rush than a river cruise, check out the trails, kayaking, boating, fishing, and more that abound on the 4^th largest river in the world.

6 Favorite Ways to Get on the Water in the Quad Cities

Go for the Trifecta

If you love the slots and tables, Quad Cities has you covered with three, land-based casinos.   The Isle Casino Hotel Bettendorf, Bally’s Quad Cities Casino & Hotel in Rock Island, and Rhythm City Casino Resort in Davenport are world-class gaming destinations.

Enjoy luxurious accommodations, live entertainment, and delectable dining as you play the night away.

Bet on a great time gaming in the Quad Cities!

Take in a Game

Go from gaming to a great game at one of Quad Cities’ premier minor league sports venues.  There’s a ton of action on the ice at a Quad City Storm SPHL game, or you can take in a River Bandits ball game at one of the nation’s top minor league parks.

Don’t forget the Steamwheelers indoor arena football team and the PGA Tour’s John Deere Classic.  It’s year-round fun for everyone!

The Big GREEN Must Do

There is one big, green, rolling takeaway when you visit.  The Quad Cities are literally populated with attractions and experiences related to John Deere!

The legacy of Deere & Company is richly documented throughout the region.  John Deere began as a modest blacksmith and eventually achieved wild success as the manufacturer of the world’s first self-scouring steel plow in 1837.

Today you see his imprint throughout the area – from the Deere & Company World Headquarters to the PGA Tour stop that bears his name.  Tour the impressive Harvester Works, visit the Deere-Wiman House, explore bucolic Cinnamon Ridge Farms, snap a selfie at the charming John Deere Historic Site, or shop for your favorite green and yellow swag at the John Deere store.

Agricultural tour opportunities abound!

Find Out More About John Deere and AG Tourism in the Quad Cities

Fun Facts

• Davenport is the home of sliced bread
• Dairy Queen started in East Moline
• Abraham Lincoln served as a lawyer here to defend the railroad against angry steamboat companies
• The recliner was really invented in Rock Island
• The Quad City Symphony is one of the oldest in the U.S
• The Quad Cities was the site of the western-most battle fought in 1780 during the Revolutionary War
• Quarters One at the Rock Island Arsenal, is the second-largest single-family dwelling owned by the federal government (only the White House is larger)
• The Palmer Mansion parlor is home to what may be the world’s largest ivory chess set

There are So Many More Reasons Why You Need to Visit the Quad Cities

We just scratched the surface on why you need to visit the Quad Cities – but there’s so much more to do here!

Find out why the Quad Cities is great for student groups, history buffs, agricultural enthusiasts, adventurers, and more as Nicki Brus from Visit Quad Cities shares some homegrown know-how on the most recent episode of Destination Dispatch.

Check it out and then plan your unforgettable tour of the Quad Cities!