The Quad Cities

This page is for the out of towners to give you some familiarity with The Quad Cities and some ideas on things to do while you are here for our wedding.

Before we get started... the Quad Cities are:

  • Moline, Illinois
  • Rock Island, Illinois
  • Davenport, Iowa
  • Bettendorf, Iowa

Now, some websites of interest:

Quad Cities Visitors Bureau
QuadCities.com
Wikipedia Article
Quad Cities (Illinois side) Chamber of Commerce
Davenport, Iowa Chamber of Commerce (Davenport One)
Bettendorf, Iowa Chamber of Commerce

History

There are two historic events that dominate the Quad Cities: The Black Hawk War and John Deere's rise to prominence.

Saukenuk - the principal village of the Sauk Indian tribe - was located near what is today Rock Island. Chief Black Hawk - a great Indian warrior - lived in Saukenuk and led his tribe in a clash against the United States in what is known as the Black Hawk War. The War took place in 1832 and when the peace treaty was signed in Davenport, the United States gained 6 million acres of land. When in the Quad Cities, you will notice many roads, businesses, and signs named after Chief Black Hawk.

The second major even to happen to the Quad Cities was when John Deere brought his agriculture implement business to Moline in 1848. Deere and Company grew into the largest manufacturer of farm equipment in the world. Deere and Company are still headquartered in Moline and are by far the largest employer in the Quad Cities.

Things to Do

Black Hawk State Historic Site: Located in Rock Island, Black Hawk State Historic Site is a park dedicated to the aforementioned Chief Black Hawk. The park features a museum, hiking trails, play areas, and picnic area. Check out their website for more information.

John Deere Commons & John Deere Pavilion: The John Deere Commons is an area in downtown Moline that features antique and craft stores, restaurants, and coffee shops. Located in the middle of the commons is the John Deere Pavilion- where you can see John Deere equipment and visit "The World's Most Comprehensive AgriculturalExhibit." See their website for more information. If you are staying at The Radisson or Stoney Creek, you will be right in the middle of the John Deere Commons area.

Casinos: If gambling is your thing, the Quad Cities has 3 river boat casinos: Jumer's Casino Rock Island in (you guessed it) Rock Island, Isle of Capri Casino in Bettendorf, and Rhythm City Casino in Davenport.

Museums: The Quad Cities features several museums besides the Black Hawk and John Deere museums mentioned above. The Figge Art Museum - located in Davenport - is a very nice little art museum with rotating exhibits. The Putnam Museum - also located in Davenport - is a science museum that features an IMAX theater. The Rock Island Arsenal Museum is the second oldestUS Army museum. It offers informationon the Rock Island Arsenal - a US Army establishment where armament is manufactured.

The District of Rock Island: The District is primarily known for its nightlife - as there are several bars and clubs - but it also has dining, shopping, and some cultural offerings. Check out their website for more information.

Downtown Moline: Downtown Moline, aside from the John Deere Commons area features a couple of notable bars: Bent River Brewery is a local brew-pub with several micro-brews to choose from. The Bier Stube is a German restaurant/bar that features good German food and excellent German Beers on tap. Jack's Place is more of a laid back american bar with typical american bar food. All three bars are located within a block of each other and all three bars are very close to the Reception location and the hotels.

Village of East Davenport: The Village of East Davenport has many shops, restaurants, parks, and bars. It is a historic neighborhood with many places to shop, eat, and drink. Visit their website for more information.

Shopping Malls: The South Park Mall is located in Moline and has the following anchor stores: Dillard's, JC Penneys, Sears, Von Maur, and Yonkers. The North Park Mall is located in Davenport and is probably a little nicer mall. Its anchor stores are also Dillard's, JC Penney, Sears, Von Maur, and Yonkers.

The Quad City International Airport (MLI)

The Quad Cities has an international airport located in Moline. The airport has regular service on AirTran, American, Delta, Northwest, and United. A direct flight is available through these cities: Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Detroit, Las Vegas, Memphis, Minneapolis, and Orlando. Click here for the official airport website.

You may also wish to fly into either Chicago O'Hare or Chicago Midway and rent a car to drive the approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes to Moline.