The Quad Cities of Illinois and Iowa

family vacations museums historic sites and riverfront festivals

The Quad Cities area consists of Davenport and Bettendorf in Iowa, and Moline, East Moline and Rock Island in Illinois. The region has the excitement of a big city and the hospitality of a small town with award-winning museums and cultural centers, internationally-recognized festivals, beautiful riverfronts and a vibrant nightlife.
Davenport has beautiful riverfront vistas and an active downtown area with the Figge Art and Putnam History Museums and great shopping at the North Park Mall.
Bettendorf the Library and adjacent Family Museum provide exciting programs and storytelling. The numerous outdoor activities include the Splash Landing water park, Wallace's Garden Center and Duck Creek Recreational Trail.
Rock Island‘s downtown is known for its festivals and nightlife with Cajun food and zydeco music; Jamaican food and reggae music; and a fall Irish folk festival. Family activities include the country's largest go-kart street race. Experience a downtown architectural tour and the Broadway Historic District.
 

Moline is one of the agricultural capitals of the world, home of John Deere and steeped in history. The modern downtown area features great riverfront views and evening entertainment with musicals performed by local actors.
East Moline is home to many great events and festivities. Empire Park is right on the Mississippi River, walk along the riverfront trails of The Quarter or visit to the John Deere Harvester Works, one of the world's largest combine factories.

                                                                  Quad City Museums
 

The Figge Art Museum in downtown Davenport is community-centered facility and a gathering place for residents and visitors alike to experience and enjoy the visual arts. Located on the banks of the Mississippi River, this 100,000 square foot museum was designed by British architect David Chipperfield, and includes nine permanent collection galleries, traveling exhibition galleries, art studios for children and adults, aFamily Gallery and Activity Center. The Figge has a collection of approximately 3,000 works that reflect artistic styles and developments from the Renaissance to contemporary art, with particular strengths in American Regionalist, Mexican Colonial and Haitian Art.

The Iowa 80 Trucking Museum was a dream of Iowa 80 Truckstop founder, Bill Moon who had a passion for collecting antique trucks and other trucking memorabilia. Every truck has a story to tell and can provide a unique glimpse back in time. Many rare and one-of-a-kind trucks are on display.

Breweries Wineries and Distilleries 

Mississippi River Distilling vodka, gin and bourbon whiskey handmade from local corn and wheat grown within 25 miles in small handmade batches.

Wide River Winery atop the Mississippi bluff north of Clinton with some of the finest wines in the Midwest; 11 types of wine, all with catchy names including Felony Red and Ms. D'Meanor White.

Riverboats the Quad Cities' location on the Mississippi River has inspired many riverboat captains and writers. Enjoy this mighty river aboard a riverboat cruise or an open-air water taxi.

 River Action strives to foster the environmental, economic, and cultural vitality of the Mississippi River and its riverfront in the Quad City region and 12 communities in two states and two counties. Some of the many accomplishments have been the lighting of the Centennial Bridge, The Quad City Water Taxi, QC Riverfront Design Principles, and Waterfront Master Plan. River Way projects include development of a way finding system to guide people along riverfront trails, art projects, historic markers, riverfront parks, enhancement and restoration of wetland habitats.

The Rock Island Arsenal was established by Act of Congress in 1862 and has been an active manufacturer of military equipment and ordnance since the 1880s: leather horse equipment, meat cans and canteens, paper targets, artillery recoil mechanisms and carriages, and the Model 1903 rifle.  The Museum on the Island is the second oldest US Army Museum in the United States. 

Biking and Hiking the Quad Cities is at the crossroads of the national Mississippi River Trail and American Discovery Trails; 100 miles of beautiful trails that meander along the mighty Mississippi River, through parks, over bridges and through history-filled sections of these riverfront cities.

Historic Neighborhoods

The Broadway Historic District is a collection of historic homes in Rock Island. Founded as a neighborhood association in 1988, it gained National Register of Historic Places status in 1998.

The Village of East Davenport a historic logging and Civil War military community with unique shops, restaurants and pubs. Lindsay Park, home to the Union Army’s parade grounds during the Civil War.

The John Deere Historic Site the original Grand Detour homestead where he created his first self-scouring plow. The site also features a replica of his blacksmith shop with a working blacksmith and an exhibit from an archeological dig. Tour guides tell what life on the prairie was all about.

Connect for a Travel Experience 
in the Quad Cities of Illinois and Iowa

The Delaware and Hudson Canal

History a British blockade preceding the War of 1812 cut off the supply of imported bituminous coal led to the commercial development of Pennsylvania’s anthracite coal fields. But transporting the anthracite from the mines to coastal markets was a problem; a water route would be required given the weight of the coal and the poor condition of the roads.

The 108-mile 108-lock waterway operated from 1828 until 1898 transforming the economic landscape, as towns and villages sprang up along its route, and industries developed to exploit local resources such as lumber, agricultural products, and bluestone. The discovery of natural cement near High Falls in 1825 spawned the Rosendale cement industry, whose product was widely used in construction projects, including the Brooklyn Bridge and Statue of Liberty.

The Story of Mobility in America

Maritime Museums in Historic Towns

The High Falls - 16 through 20 - five locks were built in 1847, as part of a new route designed to accommodate increased traffic and larger canal boats.  This section also included a loading quay, still visible just past lock 16. The canal locks were constructed of Shawangunk conglomerate, an indigenous stone.  Each lock measured 90’ long, 15’ wide, and 15’ deep, and provided an average change in elevation of 12.6’. A leader in 19^th century technology, the D&H Canal Company is associated with such innovations as:

the D&H Gravity Railroad designed by John Jervis to transport coal over a mountainous region;

Wire suspension aqueduct by John Roebling, a technology he later used in the Brooklyn Bridge;

Anthracite Canals created a steady supply of inexpensive coal—which then fueled America’s Industrial Revolution. Steam-powered factories burned anthracite coal, and began to manufacture products such as glass, earthenware, beer and spirits, replacing the work of artisans.

The D&H Canal Historical Society maintains a Canal Museum and Five Locks Walk trail to preserve canal-era artifacts, and document the canal’s creation, operation, and importance as an engine of economic development in the region and beyond.

Connect for Travel to High Falls New York and the Delaware & Hudson Canal

Rockland County and Piermont on the Hudson River Valley

The Arts Historic Sites and Landmarks Farmers Markets and Outdoor Recreation

Rockland County is located just 30 miles north of New York City and is known for its quaint villages, spectacular river views and outdoor recreation with 32,000 acres of parklands dotted with sparkling lakes and streams rushing down to the Hudson. Miles marked trails lead right to the foothills of the Ramapo Mountains.

The first half of the 18^th Century saw much of the land cleared, homes built, grist and saw mills erected on the numerous small creeks; general stores opened at Haverstraw and Tappan Slote, present day Piermont. Because of the lack of roads, travel was largely confined to sloops, which made regular trips up and down the river.

The dawn of the 20^th Century saw the beginnings of the decline in the number of farms and the gradual rise in industry. For example, the California Perfume Company was founded in Suffern in 1897. Today it’s a major cosmetics company known as Avon. 

By the 1920s, Rockland County became home to many artists, writers and stage celebrities and, with the opening of the Tappan Zee Bridge in 1955 and completion of the Palisades Interstate Parkway and the New York State Thruway, a major suburban community.

Historic Sites

Dewint House and Museum in Tappan. George Washington’s temporary Headquarters at Tappan on four separate occasions during the American Revolutionary War. Two important battles took place here: the capture by the British of Fort Clinton at Bear Mountain in October 1777 and the victorious attack by General “Mad Anthony” Wayne’s army on the British fort at Stony Point in July 1779.

Jacob Blauvelt Restored Farmhouse in New City.  An example of Flemish Vernacular architecture with Greek revival ornamentation the house contains period rooms that illustrate the lifestyles of local farming families during the first half of the nineteenth century. It is owned and operated by the Historical Society of Rockland County, a nonprofit educational institution and principal repository for documents and artifacts relating to the history of Rockland County.

 

 

 Edward Hopper House Art Center in Nyack. Birthplace and boyhood home of the realist painter. The restored house is a NYS Historic Site. One of its rooms is devoted to materials about Hopper’s work and life in Nyack. Three other rooms provide space for monthly exhibits by local artists. The restored garden is the setting for jazz concerts on summer evenings.

Farmers Markets

Village of Haverstraw New vendors selling fresh fruits and vegetables, organic fair trade coffee, herbs, plants, locally handmade soaps, pastries, jams, pies, quiches, chutneys, wines, prepared foods, artisanal bread and more.

Village of Suffern The Suffern Civic Association hosts a wide variety of vendors selling fresh seasonal fruits and berries, vegetables, organic produce, locally made wines, crusty bread and homemade pastries, farm-fresh cut flowers, locally roasted organic coffee, dried fruit snacks, cheese and eggs, salsas, sausage and meats, soups, mushrooms, fresh mozzarella, pasta sauces and ravioli, and much more. The market also features entertainment – storytellers, musicians, cooking demonstrations by local chefs – something new and exciting every week.

The Village of Piermont

Formerly Tappan Landing, is located by a navigable tidal creek linking the Hudson River with Orangetown and the interior. In the 1830s, a pier and a rail link made it the southern terminus connection to Lake Erie. Following the Civil War and the launching of the Nyack and Northern passenger rail line, the Village of Piermont started attracting tourism from nearby New York City. During World War II Piermont was the point of embarkation for Europe-bound troops. For most of the 20^th century, the local economy revolved around the Piermont Paper Factory, a leading maker of paperboard containers, and the largest employer here since the Erie Railroad. Today, the pier continues playing a key role in Piermont as favorite place for residents, fishermen, walking and bicycle tourists and other visitors from the region and beyond.

Piermont Pier offers beautiful views and excellent springtime fishing. Rental boats, canoes, and kayaks, are available in the immediate area. Piermont Pier extends one mile across the Hudson River, from Rockland toward Westchester County. You can bike, walk, jog, or drive to the end of the pier. Fishing along the pier is popular especially during the spring run of stripers.

Piermont Marsh, part of the Hudson River National Estuarine Research Reserve and the Department of Environmental Conservation, is located on the west side of the Piermont Pier. The site occupies two miles of shoreline south of Pier including the mouth of Sparkill Creek. Both locations are great for Bird Watching, Fishing, Hiking, Walking, running and best of all the scenic views of the Hudson and the palisades cliffs.

Tallman Mountain State Park has an entrance directly across from our century old hand cranked drawbridge.  Tallman Mountain has many outdoor and recreational activities such as hiking, walking, cross-country skiing, tennis, picnic areas, track and field.

Piermont Historic Landmarks

Railroad Station on Ash Street overlooking the Hudson River. Built in 1873, this site is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The station is now owned and operated by the Village of Piermont.

The Piermont Drawbridge dates back to 1880 and was recently restored. Today it functions as a pedestrian walkway providing a path to the Tallman Mountain State Park.

Wildlife Piermont Pier and Marsh as well as Tallman Mountain State Park have long been recognized by bird watchers as an ideal area for observing birds.

 

Turin and The Langhe in Piemonte

Food Wine and History

Turin traces its origins to the 3^rd Century BC. Located along the Po River and surrounded by the Alps, this city boasts numerous art galleries, theaters, libraries, museums and palaces in the baroque, rococo and neoclassical styles.

A Walking Tour of Turin’s elegant streets and squares includes Palazzo Carignano and the Academy of Science, with the Egyptian Museum and the Galleria Sabauda. Piazza Castello, the heart of the city, contains the Royal Palace, San Lorenzo Church, the Royal Library, the Armory and the Royal Theater.

Nearby: Venaria Castle, one of Italy’s most visited cultural sites, the Martini Museum and Factory, and Cascina Balbiano’s private museum containing ancient wine making tools.

Food and Wine Turin is famous for its use of aromatic herbs, fish, extra virgin olive oil and no less than 69 traditional local starters. It is also known as the “capital of sweets”, including Revigliasco cherries and scrumptious chocolate.

Po River Cruises Medieval towns along the Po river and a panoramic boat trip. Island Hopping Stresa and the Borromee Islands, a motorboat cruise to Isola Madre, Isola Bella and the Isola dei Pescatori - Fishermen’s Island.

Points of Interest in the Langhe Region

Alba, the city of 100 towers, is home to white truffles and the Dolcetto red wine.

Serralunga Castle and Regional Winery

Barolo Wine and Corkscrew Museums, Cheese Factory

Grinzane Cavour Regional Wine Cellar and Castle

Torrone Factory

Fontanafredda over 100 hectares of vineyards in the heart of the Langhe hills.

The North Shore Commercial Fishing Museum on Lake Superior

Minnesota’s small towns are delightful. From well-known small towns like Ely, Pipestone and Nisswa, to the truly tiny towns there’s nothing quite like exploring a small Minnesota town with family and friends.

The Superior Hiking Trail is a 310-mile-long hiking trail that follows the rocky ridgeline above Lake Superior. Access the trail from many points from Jay Cooke State Park, through Duluth, and along Hwy 61 from west of Two Harbors to north of Grand Marais. Great for both day hikes and backpack camping, enjoy scenic overlooks, waterfalls, forests and wildlife. 93 free backcountry campsites spaced every 5-8 miles.  
Tofte is one of the many small communities dotting the North Shore. It’s a popular jumping-off point for kayakers paddling through the beautiful sea caves found on the shore.

The North Shore Commercial Fishing Museum on Lake Superior's North Shore is a unique experience of the maritime heritage engrained in the landscape and people who call this country home. Governed by the Tofte Historical Society, the North Shore Commercial Fishing Museum is dedicated to the collection, preservation and dissemination of historical knowledge in commercial fishing and the early lifestyles on the shore and waters of Lake Superior.

Maritime Objects, artifacts, photographs and images are at the heart of the museum's collections. The museum is a replica of the twin fish house in Tofte. In the upstairs rooms, safe from the rain and snow, old nets were dried on net reels and new nets were seamed during slow periods. The second floor had a porch away from the lake that was used to oil and dry corks. In good weather, rope and cord were hung over the porch railings to dry.

The Story of Mobility in America

Maritime Museums in Historic Towns

Museum Exhibits from the fjords of Norway to the isolated, rugged shoreline of Lake Superior, the Museum's exhibits take you across the cultural landscape of North Shore commercial fishermen and their families. From the stories about surviving the raging seas of the Lake to the details of traditional North Shore boat building techniques, you can hear the stories directly from the fishermen themselves.

Steamships were crucial to the development of tourism on the North Shore and Isle Royale

Commercial Fishermen began to take in overnight guests in the 1920's to supplement their income. Rustic, cold water cabins and luxury hotels have proven to be a lasting part of the economy of the North Shore. Steamships helped this fledgling industry by promoting the resorts and transporting potential guests. The steamship captains, representing a link to the outside world, were important personalities along the North Shore. They are remembered as nearly inseparable parts of the ships they commanded.

Lake trout and herring were the two predominant commercial fish on the North Shore of Lake Superior. Whitefish, important on the south shore, lacked proper habitat along this rocky coast. The increasing population of sea lamprey in Lake Superior in the 1950's greatly harmed the trout populations, and effectively ended their commercial harvest. Lampreys were originally prevented from reaching the Great Lakes by Niagara Falls. With the construction of the Welland Ship Canal in 1835, lampreys began to make their first inroads into the eastern lakes, and steadily moved west. They first appeared in Lake Superior in the 1940's.

Fishing Techniques gill netting and hook line were the two primary techniques used by North Shore fishermen. Although gill nets were used for both trout and herring, the hook line was used only for trout. Nets were set in the beginning of the season and moved several times; new anchors were needed with every move. Attached to a coil of strong rope, the anchor was slipped overboard very carefully as the rapidly descending line could entangle and pull a person overboard. Many fishermen used local rocks for anchors. When rocks with suitable natural shapes were unavailable, grooves were chiseled in rocks of the appropriate size.

Connect for Travel to Lake Superior and Minnesota