Whitey's Ice Cream

When you’re looking for the “Best in the Midwest”, Whitey’s Ice Cream is the place to go, especially if you have a sweet tooth! With their great atmosphere and delicious treats, this ice cream store is definitely the place you don’t want to miss. The manufacturing plant and corporate office is located in the Quad Cities, in Moline, Illinois. It was established in 1933 by Chester “Whitey” Lindgren, and was a one-store company until 1977. Now, this family business has grown so much that there are stores scattered all over the QCA, and their products are sold in grocery stores and distributed to schools within a 100-mile radius. Today, people around the country can purchase delicious Whitey’s Ice Cream with just the click of a button online. Whitey’s sells a wide variety of products including shakes and malts, sodas and floats, sundaes, banana splits, frozen yogurt, smoothies, slushies, and of course, the classic ice cream cone. The company has been recognized nationally by the Food Network, Midwest Living Magazine, and Travel Magazine. You haven’t truly gotten a taste of the Midwest until you’ve enjoyed Whitey’s, so if you’re visiting the area (and even if you’re a local!) buy yourself a treat from here that you won’t regret.

Lagomarcino's Confectionery

When Italian immigrant Angelo Lagomarcino moved to Moline, he never thought that his small confectionery shop would turn into one of the greatest landmarks of the Quad Cities. Dating all the way back to 1908, Lagomarcino's has not only been known for their homemade candies, caramels, creams, truffles, chocolates, delicious soda fountain, and more, but for their family-oriented customer service. After all, not all fourth generation businesses can treat their customers as well as the Lagomarcino’s have done. From the Hot Cocoa 5k to the “Green River” beverage, Lagomarcino’s has something for everyone.

The Rock Island Arsenal

In 1804, a small island in the middle of the Mississippi (smack dab in between Iowa and Illinois) was purchased from the Sauk and Mesquakie Indian tribes. Little did we know, this piece of land would serve many purposes throughout American history. From being a military base in the Blackhawk war to being a prison in the Civil War, this island is rich with history. As time has moved on, this historic piece of land has turned into the Rock Island Arsenal, a government-owned artillery producer for American troops. For those who are interested the Arsenal, it offers all history “junkies” a chance to dive into the past, by taking a visit to the Arsenal Museum. Additionally, tourists can take a tour of the late Colonel Davenport’s home, the founder of Davenport, Iowa. So, if you're looking to take part in an eventful day, just remember that the Rock Island Arsenal offers everyone a huge dose of fun and history!

The iWireless Center

Whether you’re in the mood for a great concert or a local ice hockey game, the iWireless Center is the place you want to be. This facility has 12,000 seats and hosts regular concerts, ranging from pop artists to country music singers, and they even sell tickets for family shows and events; people of all ages can have a great time. Every Christmas season, the iWireless Center is home for Trans-Siberian Orchestra, who is known for their rock and roll twist on classic Christmas music. Not only is this location a place for music events, but the floor is converted into an ice skating rink, and becomes home to the Quad City Mallards, our local hockey team. No matter what you are looking to do for fun, there is always an upcoming event that sure to make everyone have a great time.

LeClaire, Iowa

LeClaire, Iowa has been voted “Best Place to Take an Out of Town Guest” 5 years in a row in the Quad Cities… for many great reasons! With a beautiful riverfront view, this town offers wine tasting, gourmet food at local restaurants, visiting the brewery and distillery, and fun activities to do on the Mississippi. A great attraction includes taking a guided tour of the city, and you can dive into 19th century architecture along the way. Lastly, an extremely popular place to visit is Antique Archaeology, which is owned by Mike Wolfe, and he is the host with Frank Fritz of American Pickers, a show on the History Channel. This small city with only a population of 3,915 people has a lot to offer, and there is something for everybody to enjoy in LeClaire.

The Hotel Blackhawk

For those of you wishing to hit all the hotspots in the QCA you might need to take a break, as our city has much to offer, and relax at the great Hotel Blackhawk. As a part of the Autograph Collection at Marriott, the Blackhawk holds more than just your usual hotel. After all, how many hotels have you visited that have their own state-of-the-art bowling alley? This unique feature is great for guests looking to party well into the night. On the other hand, if you’re looking for an escape from stress, come visit the salon and spa where all of your problems will be whisked away. On top of that, the Blackhawk is a great location for your Easter brunch or family wedding, in which all the food is beyond delicious and catered to your needs. So, if you haven’t quite been convinced that the Blackhawk is the place to stay, just remember that this small piece of luxury tops all other hotels in customer service, quality, and just overall enjoyment.  

The Figge Art Museum

The most pristine and sleek-looking building located in the Quad Cities is definitely the Figge Art Museum. The building is the premier art museum located between Chicago and Des Moines. It was designed by a British architect named David Chipperfield. The all-glass building is one of the Midwest’s finest art-oriented museums, and it hosts displays that have been presented around the world. The Museum was first known in 1925 as the Davenport Municipal Art Gallery, then it was named in 1987 as the Davenport Museum of Art, and finally, in 2005, it was renamed the Figge Art Museum. The museum has held a vast range of exhibitions, including European, American, Haitian, and Spanish art pieces, including pieces from the University of Iowa Museum of Art. Although, these pieces were critically damaged in a flood in 2008. The beautiful and intricate art pieces are a must-see, whether you are a native or a visitor of the QCA!

Circa ´21

Looking for a piece of Broadway in the Quad Cities? Come on over to Circa ‘21 Dinner Playhouse. This new-age theater and business has every bit of Iowan history wrapped into one convenient place. Previously this memorable theater was used to screen movies, but because of other competition it was turned into a dinner theater where people get to enjoy live shows and a fantastic dinner experience. So the next time you’re looking to watch something great, don’t consider anywhere where you will end up sticking your hand into a bag of cheap popcorn. Consider Circa ‘21 where you can enjoy sticking your knife into a juicy steak while watching a live show a million times better than anything in the movie theater!

Vander Veer Botanical Park

If you want to experience one of the most beautiful landmarks in the Quad Cities, then you definitely want to visit Vander Veer Botanical Park in Davenport, Iowa. This 131-year-old park is a 33 acre assortment of trees and gardens. Many of the plants built in the early 1890's are still standing in Vander Veer this very day. Some of the features this place has to offer includes the Grand Allée, Stone Fountain, a variety of greenhouses, the Municipal Rose Garden (est. 1948), the Hosta Glade (est. 1998), and the Old World Gardens and Fountain (ca. 1900). This is just a fraction of what Vander Veer Botanical Park has to offer, and it is definitely a location that you sure don’t want to miss.

Modern Woodmen Park

For those of you who feel Iowa has nothing to offer but corn, think again! The great Modern Woodmen Park is not only great for River Bandits fans, but for people just looking to have a great time. Since 1931 Modern Woodmen Park has been a popular hotspot in the Quad City area, and even through many renovations, us Iowans are proud to say that this stadium is the oldest in the minor league. If baseball really isn’t your thing, this great stadium still has plenty to offer. From rides like the Ferris wheel to the Drop n’ Twist and a great array of food, it's sure every visitor will be happy.

The Mississippi River

The “Mighty” Mississippi River is one of the Quad Cities’ biggest attractions. Little do most people know that Davenport was the first city in Iowa that built a railroad over the river! Besides the interesting history of the Mississippi, there are fun activities for the whole family to enjoy. For example, you can take a ride on the Channel Cat water taxi, which can take you to four different locations around the Quad City area. Or, you can climb aboard the Celebration Belle, which is the largest riverboat on the upper side of the Mississippi. This romantic riverboat has a restaurant inside, and can even take you on a two night cruise through LeClaire, Iowa.

Historic Homes of the Village of East Davenport

One of the most interesting parts about Davenport are the homes that are over 100 years old. These houses in the Village of East Davenport were built in the early 20th century. The Victorian style abodes were built in one of Davenport’s oldest neighborhoods that overlook the beautiful Mississippi River. They are surrounded by numerous historic buildings and local shops that make the village even more unique!

Ross' Diner

When you're looking for an excuse to skip the cooking and the dishes, look no further than Ross’s diner. This family generated restaurant first opened their original location in 1965, located in downtown Bettendorf, but because of bridge construction locals can now find Ross’s on Falcon Ave. in Bettendorf. Besides twenty-four hour service, breakfast food, and comfort food, Ross’s is most famous for the “Magic Mountain”. This monstrous dish consists of grilled Texas toast, ground beef, french fries, cheese sauce, and for those of you who are brave enough to battle the bad breathe, chopped onions. This family restaurant is a great choice for a fantastic meal, and everyone is sure to find something to enjoy.