Rock Island and the Quad Cities

Welcome to our home.

Hello, Quad Cities! Whether you’re driving into Rock Island from Chicagoland, or getting a bird’s-eye view flying into the Moline airport, you’ll immediately notice Augustana’s beautiful campus is along the shores of the mighty Mississippi River.

Rock Island is part of the Quad Cities, a diverse metro area (pop. 470,000) spanning the Mississippi River border between Illinois and Iowa. Four cities (actually five, when you include East Moline) comprise the Quad Cities: Rock Island and Moline in Illinois, and Davenport and Bettendorf in Iowa.

Whether it's the more than 700 restaurants or more than 100 miles of bike trails, no matter where your interests lie, there’s something in the Quad Cities for everyone.

We’ve created a 24-hour agenda for just about every interest you can think of. Stick to one, or mix and match. Either way, you’re sure to experience the best of the best of Rock Island and the larger Quad-Cities area.

Choose your adventure below, or see the full list of restaurants, shops and attractions.

Ag aficionado

Where to stay: Stay in the heart of downtown Moline (the home of John Deere) at Wyndham on John Deere Commons-Moline (1415 River Drive, Moline, Ill.). Even better, it’s walking distance from your first ag-themed destination.
Morning: Start the day at John Deere Pavilion (1400 River Drive, Moline), an interactive experience you won’t want to miss. Climb up onto machines, operate simulators and learn about the history of John Deere.
Lunch: If all that farm equipment left you hungry, stop by Fresh Eatery & Wine Bar in downtown Moline (1514 5th Ave, Moline). Enjoy a wide selection of sandwiches, wraps, salads, flatbreads and more.
Afternoon: Get a behind-the-scenes look at a modern factory during a guided tour of John Deere Harvester Works and/or Deere’s distinctive, award-winning headquarters to see new and old machines.
Dinner: Keep the agricultural theme going with dinner at Steel Plow Burger Company (2180 53rd St., Moline). This family-friendly restaurant features creative burgers with meat choices that go beyond your usual ground chuck, and imaginative “above the rim” shakes that you’ll have to see to believe.

Local favorite | Jenna Lawrence

"As a student when I was tired of eating fast food and frozen pizza, Fresh Eatery is where I would go. The food is fresh, healthy and so delicious!"

Art lover

The Current Iowa lobby — The Current Iowa

Where to stay: Surround yourself with the works of Midwestern artists at The Current Iowa (215 N. Main St., Davenport, Iowa), an art-themed boutique hotel from the Marriott Autograph Collection. Located in downtown Davenport, it’s close to museums, restaurants and nightlife.
Breakfast: Start your day well-caffeinated with a New Orleans-style iced coffee and breakfast sandwich from Redband Coffee Company (329 E. 4th St., Davenport). The lines are often long and there’s no indoor seating, but we promise it’s worth it. Walk up or drive through and enjoy your breakfast on the go or find a sunny spot outside.
Morning activities: After breakfast, stay in downtown Davenport and explore the Figge Art Museum (225 W. 2nd St., Davenport). The permanent collection features many nationally and internationally known art works spanning the 15th century to the present. Check the museum schedule to learn more about the permanent collection and traveling exhibits.

Lunch: If you’re looking for a hearty, made-from-scratch meal, The Diner has what you need. Located in the Freight House (421 W. River Drive, Davenport), this spot touts home cooked meals like meatloaf, fried chicken and waffles, burgers, pies and more.
Afternoon activities: After lunch, cross the bridge to visit Quad City Arts in Rock Island (1715 2nd Ave., Rock Island). This local gallery features art exhibitions by regional artists and a shop with fine arts and crafts for purchase.
Dinner and entertainment: Catch a show in one of the area’s historic theaters. Try Circa ‘21 Dinner Playhouse (1828 3rd Ave, Rock Island IL), a fabulous and rare dinner theater experience, with performing waitstaff, internationally known musicals and plays, and smaller-scale local and regional productions.

Downtown Davenport’s Adler Theater (136 E. 3rd St.) is a great place to catch Broadway musicals, big-name music acts, comedians and more.

Student favorite | Rachel Hart

"I go out of my way for Redband's New Orleans style iced coffee! Then take a walk over to the Farmer's Market or just along the river."

Beer and wine connoisseur

Where to stay: Spend the night in the quaint, nearby rivertown of LeClaire, Iowa, at the Wide River Winery Inn (106 N. Cody Road, LeClaire). This cozy one-bedroom apartment is above the tasting room in the winery’s LeClaire outpost, and just a few steps from shops, restaurants and more. Plus, it’s even fewer steps to enjoy a glass of local wine.

This libation lane day doesn’t really get rolling until noon, so feel free to sleep late and enjoy a leisurely breakfast.
Noon: Start the day with a tour of Mississippi River Distilling Company (303 N. Cody Rd., LeClaire). See the entire process from cleaning, milling and cooking the grain, to fermentation, to bottling and everything in between. Afterward, enjoy a cocktail or flight of spirits in Cody’s Cocktail House.
Lunch: Head into Davenport and grab lunch downtown at Armored Gardens (315 Pershing Ave.), a local favorite designed to give you a country club vibe. Enjoy upscale pub food (with vegetarian and vegan offerings!) and choose from 100 beers on tap.

Dinner: Grab a bite at Front Street Brewery (208 E. River Drive, Davenport). This brewpub is nestled inside a century-old brick and wood warehouse. Enjoy some cozy comfort food inside or out in the beer garden.
After dinner: If you want a nightcap, stop by Cru (221 Brady St.) a wine bar with a seasonal cocktail menu and selection of craft beers. They’re known for themed pop-up bar nights (think Harry Potter, Tipsy Pineapple Tiki Bar and Roaring 20s-style speakeasy).

Family friendly

students enjoying Whitey's Ice Cream — Whitey's Ice Cream

Where to stay: The relaxed Northwoods theme makes Stoney Creek Inn (101 18th St., Moline, Ill.) the cozy space for traveling families. Located on the banks of the Mississippi River in the heart of downtown Moline, this hotel is just a short drive from most Quad-Cities destinations.
Breakfast: Take advantage of the hotel’s free hot breakfast bar before hitting the town—or go right downtown to Dead Poet’s Espresso (1525 3rd Ave. A, Moline) for breakfast eats and drinks, including many options for kids (and espresso for you).
Morning activities: Kids will love the John Deere Pavilion (1400 River Drive, Moline), an interactive experience that gives kids and adults alike the opportunity to climb on real farm equipment, operate simulators and learn the history of John Deere.

Once you’ve gotten your fill of farm equipment, head toward Rock Island to take in the tropical atrium, outdoor gardens and educational greenhouse and children’s garden at the Quad City Botanical Center (2525 4th Ave., Rock Island).
Lunch: Stop by the QC Coffee and Pancake House in downtown Rock Island (1831 3rd Ave.). This family-friendly diner is known for its taste, presentation and generous portions.
Afternoon: Cross the Centennial Bridge into Iowa and go up the hill to the Putnam Museum and Science Center (1717 W. 12th Street, Davenport), a great place for kids and adults alike to learn by doing, making and experiencing. Take a peek at ancient mummies, dig for dinosaur bones, experiment with a 3D printer and more. You can even take in a movie in the Giant Screen Theater.

Students enjoy arcade — The arcade at QC Family Entertainment

Snack: After a day full of learning and exploring you’ll be ready for a treat. Swing by Whitey’s Ice Cream (locations in Iowa and Illinois) for a taste of this award-winning Quad Cities icon. With more than 30 ice cream flavors, shakes, malts, smoothies and more, there’s something for everyone.
Dinner: Still have some leftover energy to burn off? There’s no better place for families to have fun than QC Family Entertainment (4401 44th Ave., Moline, Ill.). Have dinner at Frankie’s Sports Bar and Grill, then spend the rest of the night bowling, playing laser tag or hanging out in the arcade.

Student favorite | Jordyn Sundberg

"Whitey's Ice Cream- Home of original flavors that are out of this world. My family does not enter or exit Rock Island without a trip to Whitey's!"

Hipster

Where to stay: Historic and modern go hand-in-hand at Element Moline (316 12th St.), a stylish new hotel located in an old warehouse downtown. The historic, loft-style rooms feature kitchenettes and stylish accommodations. Or if you're into something with more of an old school feel, The Axis Hotel in Moline is a nationally recognized historic hotel with character and charm (and a great restaurant/bar on the main floor).
Morning: Take in a great view of the Mississippi River and some seriously great coffee at Milltown Coffee in Moline (3800 River Drive #2). The rustic-modern decor, simple breakfast and lunch menu and wide selection of caffeinated beverages make this a great place to hang out.
Lunch: Get lunch (and a local beer, if you’re inclined) at Bent River Brewery (1413 5th Ave.), a staple in downtown Moline for over 20 years. The brew pub offers a wide range of food and drink in a relaxing atmosphere.

Dinner: Take a tropical getaway in the middle of downtown Davenport at Cavort QC (229 Brady Street). You'll be on island time in no time with their tiki-themed cocktails and Asian fusion food. Think pot stickers, blackened tuna nachos, drinkable fish bowls, and so much more.
After dinner: Grab a drink and relax at Devon's Complaint Department (304 E. 3rd St., Davenport), a dive bar atmosphere set up with a retro-basement feel, featuring daily drink specials, cheap and craft beers and a surprisingly upscale cocktail selection. On the Illinois side, it’s hometown meets the world at Rozz-Tox (2108 3rd Ave., Rock Island), where you’ll find an eclectic selection of drinks—including global spirits and teas from around the world—and off-the-beaten-path musical acts.

Student favorite | Kaylee Anderson

"Milltown has a relaxing environment to study and $3 bottomless coffee (with syrup flavors in your coffee)!"

History buff

Morning: Start your day at the Rock Island Arsenal, an active U.S. Army base on an island on the Mississippi River. The island has many historical attractions, including the Colonel Davenport House, Rock Island Arsenal Museum and a national cemetery.
Late morning: Located in an historic building in downtown Davenport, the German American Heritage Center and Museum is designed to give visitors a glimpse of the immigrant experience of the late 1800s.
Lunch: River House Bar & Grill is a local favorite in downtown Moline. It features a casual atmosphere and a wide menu.
Afternoon: Step back in time and tour two homes that once belonged to descendants of John Deere: Butterworth Center and Deere-Wiman House.
For music fans: The Bix Beiderbecke Museum in Davenport is a must-stop for jazz and history lovers. You can learn more about this local jazz genius, then stick around or return to the Redstone Room for a music act.
Dinner: Inside the historic Hotel Blackhawk is Bix Bistro, a stylish, contemporary restaurant serving modern American cuisine.

Instagrammer

Morning: Start your day with breakfast and a gourmet coffee from 392 Caffe (502 W. 3rd St., Davenport), a popular spot in downtown Davenport. The remodeled industrial interior, latte art and upscale wall treatments are just begging to be photographed.

Then, explore downtown. Enjoy shopping, the Mississippi riverfront, the Skybridge, Figge Art museum and more!
Lunch: If you love Thai, Korean or Vietnamese food, cross the river to Lemongrass Cafe (1419 5th Ave, Moline, Ill.). Locals love the Asian fusion cuisine, lively atmosphere and photo-worthy dishes. For a fine dining experience, try Le Mekong just down the street. If you’d like to stay in Davenport, try Miss Phay Cafe for Viet-Thai cuisine.
Afternoon: Back in Iowa, take a stroll through the Village of East Davenport, home to shops, dining, a beautiful park with rolling hills, river views and more.
Dinner: Grab a bite to eat back in downtown Davenport at Me & Billy Kitchen + Bar (200 W. 3rd St.), a place run on a simple idea — a bar with great food. With a lively atmosphere, a menu that changes with the seasons and friendly service, this is a local favorite.

Student favorite | Melina Thurmond

"392caffe is the absolute CUTEST coffee place I have ever been too. The vibe is super chill and the baristas actually care and want to get to know you. Their peanut butter cookies are also really good!!"

Local (Rock Island) legends

Breakfast: Get your pancake fix at QC Coffee and Pancake House with their famous cinnamon roll pancakes, skillets and more! (1831 3rd Ave., Rock Island). Locals love the diner atmosphere and friendly staff.
Lunch: Get a made-to-order deli sandwich or loaded baked potato at the deli voted “Best Lunch” 16 years running. Arthur’s Garden Delicatessen (3727 46th Ave., Rock Island) is a favorite of Augustana students and residents alike.

Or, try Hungry Hobo, another local favorite for subs, grilled sandwiches, chili and baked potatoes.
Dinner: When it comes to pizza in the Quad Cities, people fall firmly into two camps: those who prefer the region's signature (and nationally recognized) Quad City-style slices, and fans of Happy Joe’s, a more traditional pizza with inventive toppings.

If you go Quad City-style, try the original Harris Pizza in Rock Island (3903 14th Ave.). You can expect a nutty, toasted crust, sauce that’s more spicy than sweet, and toppings under the cheese instead of on top. Another clue you’re enjoying QC style? The pizza is cut into strips rather than slices.

Happy Joe's is known as the inventor of taco pizza, a polarizing flavor that’s worth trying at least once. The Taco Joe features a base of refried beans, sausage and taco seasoned beef all topped with lettuce, tomato and taco chips and served with tangy Spicy Joe’s taco sauce.

Student favorite | Rachel Hart

"I'm sad that I didn't have Happy Joe's until my senior year at Augie. I highly recommend the taco pizza."

Luxury lover

Where to stay: Enjoy affordable luxury in downtown Davenport at the hip and historic Hotel Blackhawk (200 E. 3rd St). Overlooking the majestic Mississippi River, this hotel features a spa, rooftop pool, barbershop, restaurant and bar, and even a bowling alley.
Morning: Just a few blocks down from Hotel Blackhawk you’ll find the Figge Art Museum (225 W. 2nd St., Davenport), a premier art exhibition and education facility with more than 4,000 works of art. Spend your morning browsing the collection housed in a building that is a work of art in itself.
Lunch and afternoon: Take the short drive along the Mississippi River to LeClaire, Iowa. This historic river town is one of Iowa’s most beautiful hidden treasures. Stop for lunch at Crane & Pelican (127 S. 2nd St., LeClaire), a restaurant serving classy comfort food in a converted riverboat captain’s mansion. After lunch, stroll the scenic streets near the river and visit antique stores, gift shops, a winery and more.
Dinner: Treat yourself to a nice dinner at The Half Nelson (321 E. 2nd St., Davenport, an eatery and lounge offering upscale American fare and craft cocktails in a mid-century modern setting.
After dinner: Take in the best views the Quad Cities has to offer from Up Skybar (215 N. Main St.). This rooftop bar features signature cocktails and a cozy environment with killer views.

Local favorite | Keri Rursch

"For the best view of the Quad Cities, visit the Up Skybar. Get a cocktail, take a selfie, and look for Augustana's Old Main dome off to the east."

Music fan

Shopping: Visit Ragged Records, one of the Midwest’s largest record stores with over 30,000 records and locations in Davenport and Rock Island.
Catch a show: The Quad Cities music scene is thriving with local, regional and national acts performing in a variety of venues nearly every day of the week. Check online to see who's playing at any of our most popular venues:
- Adler Theatre
- Capitol Theatre
- Common Chord
- Raccoon Motel
- Rozz-Tox
- The Rust Belt
- Vibrant Arena
- If you're willing to drive a little out of town, Codfish Hollow Barnstormers is 45 minutes north of the Quad Cities in rural Maquoketa, Iowa. This one-of-a-kind venue regularly brings in premier-level artists for unforgettable nights in an intimate barn-turned-music venue.

Local favorite | Beth Roberts

"At Codfish Hollow, experience the best new indie bands live onstage in a round-roofed barn surrounded by Iowa hills. Bring a picnic for before the show, then ride down to the barn in a hayrack, and afterwards you can pitch a tent under the stars in the nearby camping pasture."

Nature lover

Morning: Enjoy the cultural history and diverse natural resources of the Quad Cities at Blackhawk State Historic Site. Hike the 208 acres of public use areas, prairie and nature preserve along the Rock River, and discover the history of Black Hawk and the Sauk and Meskwaki people in the John Hauberg Indian Museum.
Lunch: Local favorite Arthur’s Garden Delicatessen (3727 46th Ave., Rock Island) is just down the road. (You could order to-go and have lunch back at the park in good weather.)

Afternoon: After lunch, take a stroll through the Quad City Botanical Center gardens and tropical atrium in Rock Island. As a public garden, it maintains hundreds of plants ranging from tropical varieties to regional perennials. The atrium is open year round and offers a warm respite from Illinois winters.

Next, head across the river and visit Nahant Marsh (4220 Wapello Ave., Davenport), a 305-acre nature preserve. The marsh is part of one of the largest urban wetlands on the upper Mississippi and features grassy hiking trails, a dock and a boardwalk that leads to a wildlife viewing blind.
Dinner: Harris Pizza in Rock Island is a local favorite for Quad City-style pizza. Our signature style features a malty, nutty crust, sauce that is spicier than sweet and toppings safely tucked UNDER the cheese. After being cooked to perfection in a gas oven, the pie is cut into strips instead of slices.

Student favorite | Jenna Lawrence

"My roommate and I go hiking along the trails at Blackhawk Park when we need a study break. It's amazing that these beautiful nature views are so close to campus!"

Walker and wanderer

River front park — Sunset at Schweibert Park

Morning: Take a walk on the Mississippi River Trail in Iowa or Illinois. The concrete and asphalt path passes through riverfront communities on both sides of the river and offers sweeping riverfront views all along the trail.

The trail in Illinois stretches 34 miles from Rock Island to Cordova. The trail connects to many neighborhoods, shopping districts, parks and recreation areas.

In Iowa, the trail starts in Buffalo and stretches 18.5 miles to Riverdale. The trail runs through downtowns, residential areas and historic districts, passing through many riverfront parks.
Afternoon: If you’re still craving river views after your morning walk, head to the Skybridge in downtown Davenport. Enjoy an expansive view of the Iowa/Illinois border framed by the Mississippi River, Arsenal and Centennial bridges.

Also visit Vander Veer Botanical Park (215 W. Central Park Ave., Davenport). Spanning 33 acres in the middle of town, Vander Veer was modeled after New York City’s Central Park and is believed to be one of the first botanical parks west of the Mississippi River. The park features changing flower displays all year, decorative fountains, a conservatory and All-American Rose Selection gardens.
Near campus: La Rancherita (4118 14th Ave., Rock Island), is beloved by Augustana students, faculty and staff, who like to walk here for lunch. This friendly-feel restaurant is a great place for authentic Mexican cuisine at a great price. Wander the shops in the College Hill District near campus for antiques, books and retro treasures, and stop by award-winning neighborhood bar Sallie’s or Radicle Effect. You also won’t need to venture too far for Harris Pizza or Whitey’s Ice Cream.