Skip to main content

What to do with a day in the Quad Cities

Hello! My name is Berenice, and I lived in the Quad Cities for the first time last summer. I had been eager to familiarize myself more with the community, so that's what I did! Here's a list of recommended places to explore in the Quad Cities.

Restaurants

My list for restaurant recommendations is hard to narrow down because of all the great local places. A classic option would be La Rancherita, just a couple blocks from campus. If I am ever missing my mom’s authentic Mexican food, I will stop by for some tacos! 

A new place I recently tried was Miss Phay Cafe. The cafe serves Vietnamese and Thai cuisine in a chic downtown Davenport location. Along with delicious cuisine, the cafe is also known for traditional beverages.  

Check out Arthur’s Garden Deli if you are looking for a quick sandwich, baked potato, salad or sweet treat. It's the perfect place to bring picky eaters or when you have a taste for comfort food.

Coffee Shops 

For a peaceful place to study with a view, Milltown Coffee in neighboring Moline is the spot. Not only do they have incredible coffee, being located on the Mississippi River makes the experience quintessentially QC.

Another great coffee shop on the other side of the river in Davenport, Iowa, is 392Cafe. The setting is a more social environment and makes for a great place to relax and catch up with friends. Also, their warm pastries are the best!

An Augie coffee favorite is Cool Beanz. They recently relocated but continue to be a student go-to coffee spot. I would also recommend the grilled cheese sandwich if you're hungry.

Fun activities

On the weekends, just across the Mississippi River in Davenport, the Freight House Farmers Market sells fresh produce, local handicrafts and so much more.

If you're lucky enough to be in the Quad Cities during baseball season, catch a River Bandits game at Modern Woodmen Park, also in Davenport. Evening games are the best because you can watch the sun set right over the Mississippi River.

The Black Hawk State Historic Site near the Rock River is a beautiful place to get out in nature. Located less than 10 minutes by car from campus, this 208-acre park is a go-to for hikes, hammocks and picnics.

I hope you enjoy your time in the Quad Cities! If you’re looking for even more to do, check out this list with something for everyone.