Davenport is one of the Quad cities alongside the Mississippi river. The Quad cities are Davenport, Bettendorf, Moline, East Moline and Rock Island - five closely knit small cities. Davenport is the third largest city in Iowa, and stands at a unique juncture on the path of America’s river Mississippi, where the river flows from east to west. Davenport is also known for some of the nation’s best schools, warm neighborhoods, great public services and love for music and arts. Davenport is 2007s Most Livable Small City, hence a visit to Davenport might be a good idea if you are thinking of relocating.
In this article I’ll introduce you to some of the places of interest in Davenport. These include the Adler Theater, the Putnam Museum of History and Natural Science, the Davenport Public Library, a 50 year old Children’s Theater and the Figge, one of the largest art institutions in Iowa.
The Vander Veer Botanical Park
If you are in love with nature, you should visit the Vander Veer Botanical Park. This 33 acre park was established in 1885 includes a number of gardens and floral displays. A conservatory, greenhouses, rose garden, lilac garden, stone fountain and the Grand Allee will present you with the lustrous beauty of nature, well- preserved and maintained, throughout the year. The stone fountain, built in 1930, runs from 8 am to 11pm from May through October. The billowing water jumps at varying heights, and the fountain is decorated with colored lights to give different colors to the water, making it a pleasant view in the evening. The Rose Garden has 1800 different types of roses of approximately 145 varieties, while the Stampe Lilac Garden will enthrall you with the colors and fragrances of around 30,000 different blooms in spring. You can purchase garden tools and special gifts from the Garden Store.
The Putnam Museum of History and Natural Science
Located on the “Museum Hill” The Putnam Museum of History and Natural Science is a storehouse of information. The permanent exhibits include Hall of Mammals, Asian/Egyptian Gallery, Discovery Room, Iowa’s Wild Places, River, Prairie and People, Black Earth|Big River, etc. They also have a number of changing exhibits throughout the year. The exhibition halls are open from 10am to 5pm on weekdays and from noon to 5pm on Sunday. The entry fee varies between $4-$6 depending on age.
The Figge Art Museum
The Figge Art Museum [formerly the Davenport Museum of Art], situated in the heart of downtown Davenport, has a collection of around 3,00 painting, sculptures and other works of art displayed in a spaciously build building launched in 2003, which allows ample space for visitors and educational tours. The collections include Haitian, Mexican Colonial, American and European works of art.
A visit to Davenport would not be completed without taking a stroll at the beautifully maintained riverfront, and watch the eagles catching fish or pleasure boats and barges passing by If you are interested in the local music scenario, you can take a look at the River City Music Experience.
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Davenport, Iowa and the surrounding Quad City Area are also host to the best Riverboat Gambling in the USA! With three riverboats to choose from, you have a great variety as well. Davenport, Iowa has the Rhythm City Casino parked at it’s riverfront by LeClaire Park. Bettendorf, Iowa has the Isle of Capri Casino which is just North of the I-74 bridge. Lastly Rock Island, Illinois is home to the Jumer’s Casino which is docked by the District of Rock Island, Illinois.
With Penny to Dollar Slot Machines, card games like Blackjack, Pai-gow Poker, etc., Roulette, and the ever popular Craps you will have plenty to keep you entertained. If you lose your money early, you can just stroll outside and enjoy the view of the Mighty Mississippi River!
Comment by Lucky Lang — September 28, 2008 @ 2:31 am