One of the fastest-growing cities in the Quad Cities area, Bettendorf overlooks the Mississippi River as it marks the border between Iowa and Illinois. Following the 1832 Black Hawk War, the area was ceded to the United States by the Sac and Fox Nation. The settlement was named “Bettendorf” in 1903 after the arrival of an iron wagon business owned by William and Joseph Bettendorf.
Things to do in Bettendorf
If you're travelling with kids, don't miss the Family Museum, where they can role-play in a variety of professions in the town of Fox Hollow. Pick vegetables and feed the animals at George’s Farm or explore the mighty Mississippi River on the water play table. Toddlers can let loose in the Playhouse while older kids will love the plane-themed outdoor playground.
Want to stretch your legs? Follow the Riverfront Trail, which extends from Credit Island in Davenport to the city of Riverdale. Along its route, it takes in the Freight House Farmers’ Market, River Heritage Park and the historic village of East Davenport. In Bettendorf, the trail intersects with the Duck Creek Parkway Trail, a scenic green corridor connecting to Duck Creek Park.
One of Bettendorf’s most popular recreational destinations is Middle Park, where you’ll find children’s play equipment, an 18-hole disc golf course and a family-friendly aquatic leisure park. Sprawling to the east is the Palmer Hills Golf Course, an award-winning facility designed by William J. Spear. Established in 1974, the course is framed by 100-year-old oak trees.
Getting around Bettendorf
Bettendorf is around 10 minutes’ drive from the centre of Davenport and Quad Cities International Airport, which has flights to destinations across the United States. Buses connect to Bettendorf, although renting a car will give you greater freedom to explore the area.