The whole family will enjoy a winter weekend in the Quad Cities!
Things to Do
Putnam Museum & National Geographic Big Screen Theatre
Explore the Putnam's wonderful exhibits like "River, Prairie & People," "Black Earth," "Hall of Mammals," "Egyptian Gallery" and "The Discovery Room." After browsing the museum, step inside the National Geographic Theatre - featuring a screen six stories tall and seven stories wide, with digital surround sound. It is the most technologically-advanced projection system in the world, showing both 2D and 3D movies. Check their website for current visiting exhibits and movie showings.
Family Museum
The award-winning Family Museum is appealing for children ages 3 to 12 years old. Visit the Lil'Ssippi River Valley that includes a 28-foot indoor waterway table, resembling an actual stretch of the Mississippi River and allows children to add obstacles, raise and lower water levels and watch their boat make its journey down the river. Kids can also play on bridge structures and visit the Main Street with its various shops and businesses.
Elevate Trampoline Park
Let your kids literally climb the wall, jump into a foam pit or fly on the high-performance trampolines at Elevate Trampoline Park. Two adults and two children can play for one hour for $36.
Bald Eagle Watching
Winter is prime viewing time for bald eagles along the Mississippi River. According to the Iowa DNR, the Iowa eagle population rises from 500 to 3,000 birds in the winter as eagles from Canada, Wisconsin and Minnesota seek open water to hunt. Prime viewing time is mid-December through early March.
Davenport Skybridge
The Davenport Skybridge offers a great aerial view of the Mississippi River, Lock & Dam 15 and the river bridges. It’s a great place to watch the sunset or see bald eagles.
Mississippi River Visitor Center
Arsenal Island, an island in the Mississippi River, has been owned by the federal government since 1804 and is a working military facility. Stop at the Mississippi River Visitor Center on the island to learn about the river and see the world's largest roller dam. (It’s also a good spot to watch bald eagles!)
Where to Eat
Lagomarcino's
Put a cherry on top of your trip with a stop at Lagomarcino's. The soda fountain has been serving up old-fashioned ice cream treats, handmade chocolates and award-winning hot fudge sundaes for over 100 years.
Harris Pizza
Head to Harris Pizza to try a Quad Cities-style pizza - so named for the special blend of ingredients used. The pizza spices are homemade, the sausage is made with a secret family recipe and the cheese blend comes from a variety of cheese made by local dairies.
Where to Stay
The Current
The Putnam Building in downtown Davenport, which formerly housed the first hotel in the area, is now home to The Current, one of 130 Marriott Autograph Collection properties in the world. A rooftop restaurant (which includes indoor seating) provides views of the Mississippi River.
