Davenport IA

Davenport, IA – Nestled along the scenic Mississippi River, Davenport blends Midwestern charm with a rich history and growing arts scene. It’s a place where riverfront festivals, historic neighborhoods, and friendly faces create a welcoming small-city vibe. From outdoor adventures to live music and local eats, Davenport offers something for visitors and locals alike.

• Population: ~101,724
• Weather: Four-season climate (15-85°F); warm summers, cold snowy winters, and colorful fall foliage.
• Places To Visit: Figge Art Museum, Vander Veer Botanical Park, Putnam Museum, Freight House Farmers Market, Village of East Davenport.
• Top Activities: Biking along Riverfront Trail, catching a River Bandits baseball game, exploring antique shops, attending Bix Beiderbecke Jazz Festival, enjoying summer concerts in the park.
• Famous Food: Midwest-style pork tenderloin sandwiches, Iowa sweet corn, brews at local craft breweries, and homemade pies from small-town bakeries.

Davenport, Iowa is a riverside city that plays a key role in the Quad Cities region. It has a diverse economy with strong sectors in manufacturing, healthcare, education, and logistics. The city continues to grow as a center for industry and innovation in the Midwest.

Top 5 Jobs in Davenport, IA

Davenport, Iowa, offers students plenty of great spots to relax, unwind, and have some fun after classes. Whether you're into outdoor parks, tasty food joints, or vibrant hangouts, Davenport has got you covered.

Vander Veer Botanical Park – Need fresh air and green surroundings? Vander Veer Park is perfect for a laidback afternoon picnic or leisurely strolls around beautiful gardens and fountains. It's the ideal spot to relax with friends or read a book under the trees.

Figge Art Museum – If creativity speaks to your heart, you'll love hanging out at Figge. It's a cool space to explore art, catch exciting exhibitions, or attend special student events throughout the year.

Freight House Farmers Market – Weekend mornings at the farmers market are always a great choice. Grab some fresh, tasty snacks, listen to live music, or simply hang out by the Mississippi River with your friends.

Rhythm City Casino Resort – Want some fun entertainment and tasty food under one roof? Check out Rhythm City's entertainment center. You can bowl, listen to live bands, or grab dinner with your group here.

392 Caffé – This coffee shop is a favorite among Davenport students. With delicious drinks, tasty bites, comfy seating, and a chill atmosphere, it's a perfect place to study or just catch up with friends.

Sunderbruch Park – For those who enjoy outdoor adventures, Sunderbruch Park offers hiking, biking trails, and peaceful spots to sit back and enjoy nature. Get active with friends or take a solo break in the woods.

Analog Arcade Bar – Retro games, delicious drinks, and good music make Analog Arcade Bar a popular student hangout. Challenge buddies to vintage arcade games or simply kick back and enjoy the nostalgic atmosphere.

Davenport has something for every student's style—offering plenty of chill places to hang out, relax, and have fun between hitting the books.

Davenport, Iowa is a hub for education in the Quad Cities region, offering a mix of public and private colleges and universities. The city is known for institutions that emphasize healthcare, business, liberal arts, engineering, and technology—providing students with hands-on learning experiences and pathways to strong careers.

Top Public Colleges & Universities in Davenport

Eastern Iowa Community Colleges – Scott Community College – Part of the Eastern Iowa Community Colleges system, Scott Community College offers affordable two-year degrees, certificate programs, and transfer opportunities to four-year universities. It is especially known for programs in healthcare, technology, and business.

Western Illinois University – Quad Cities Campus – Although based in Macomb, Illinois, WIU maintains a strong Quad Cities presence, offering bachelor's and master's degrees in education, engineering, business, and liberal arts. The campus provides flexible evening and hybrid learning options for nontraditional and working students.

Kirkwood Community College – Online Extension (serving the Davenport area) – Based in Cedar Rapids, Kirkwood serves the Davenport region with online and extension courses in career and technical education, liberal arts, and general studies, making it a popular choice for students seeking flexibility.

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach in Scott County – While not a traditional college campus, this educational resource supports adult learners and professionals with continuing education, workforce training, and agricultural programs connected to Iowa State University’s land-grant mission.

University of Iowa – Quad Cities Outreach – The University of Iowa extends its reach into the Davenport area with educational initiatives and degree partnerships, giving students access to accredited programs in fields such as public health, nursing, and education.

Top Private Colleges & Universities in Davenport

St. Ambrose University – Founded in 1882, St. Ambrose is a leading private university in Davenport, offering undergraduate and graduate programs in health sciences, education, business, and the liberal arts. It is known for small class sizes, personalized mentoring, and a strong commitment to community service.

Palmer College of Chiropractic – Davenport is the home of the founding campus of Palmer College, the birthplace of chiropractic care. Palmer is a world-renowned institution known for doctoral programs in chiropractic medicine, research in health sciences, and clinical training in its on-campus clinics.

Trinity College of Nursing & Health Sciences (affiliated with UnityPoint Health) – Located near the Davenport area in Rock Island, Illinois, Trinity offers specialized programs in nursing, radiography, and health sciences. Its close affiliation with one of the region’s largest healthcare systems provides unparalleled clinical learning opportunities.

Kaplan University (now Purdue University Global – served the Davenport region) – Though now operating under Purdue University Global and based primarily online, this private institution continues to serve Davenport students with flexible, career-focused degrees in business, criminal justice, IT, and healthcare.

Teikyo Marycrest University (closed, formerly in Davenport) – Once a significant part of Davenport’s higher education community, Marycrest offered liberal arts and professional programs until its closure. It now represents a legacy of academic history in the city.

Davenport, IA, is home to some excellent high schools that offer strong academic programs and enriching extracurricular activities. Students in this area have access to public and private schools that prepare them well for college and future careers.

Top Public High Schools In Davenport, IA

• Central High School – Known for its vibrant student life and strong academic offerings, Central High School has a wide range of Advanced Placement (AP) classes and excellent athletic programs.
• North High School – Offers a diverse curriculum with honors and AP courses, along with career and technical education programs that support college and workforce readiness.
• West High School – Focuses on student growth through advanced courses, solid support systems, and comprehensive extracurricular activities including fine arts and sports.
• Mid City High School – A small public alternative high school that offers personalized instruction and a student-centered approach, ideal for those looking for a non-traditional learning environment.
• Assumption High School (Publically funded Catholic option) – Although considered private by some, it receives funding through local partnerships and offers strong academics and spiritual guidance for students.

Top Private High Schools In Davenport, IA

• St. Ambrose Academy – A leading Catholic school known for its strong moral foundation, academic excellence, and supportive community environment.
• Quad City Christian School – A private Christian school that blends academic rigor with spiritual growth and character development.
• Morning Star Academy – Offers a classical Christian education with a focus on critical thinking, Latin instruction, and moral integrity.
• Trinity Lutheran School – Provides a well-rounded Christian education with small class sizes and dedicated teachers who support every child's needs.
• Rivermont Collegiate (Located in nearby Bettendorf) – An elite private school that serves the Quad Cities region, offering international-level college prep programs, STEM opportunities, and a strong arts curriculum.

Davenport, Iowa, may not have any major league professional sports teams of its own, but it has a vibrant sports culture and is home to several minor league and semi-professional teams that bring excitement and pride to the local community.

⚾ Baseball – Quad Cities River Bandits (MiLB)

• Quad Cities River Bandits – Based in downtown Davenport at the beautiful Modern Woodmen Park, the River Bandits play in the High-A Central League as an affiliate of the Kansas City Royals. The team has a long history dating back to the early 1900s and has had several championship-winning seasons. Their ballpark, located along the Mississippi River, is one of the most scenic in the minor leagues.

🏀 Basketball – Quad City United (ABA)

• Quad City United – Representing the greater Quad Cities region, Quad City United is part of the American Basketball Association (ABA), a semi-professional league. The team showcases local talent and brings competitive basketball to the area with strong community support and exciting home games.

🏈 Football – Quad City Steamwheelers (IFL)

• Quad City Steamwheelers – A professional indoor football team based in nearby Moline, Illinois, just across the river from Davenport, the Steamwheelers compete in the Indoor Football League (IFL). The team brings high-energy football and a fun game-day atmosphere to fans throughout the Quad Cities, including many from Davenport.

⚽ Soccer – Quad Cities Rush Soccer Club

• Quad Cities Rush – While not a professional team, the Quad Cities Rush is an elite youth and amateur soccer organization that helps develop local talent. They often compete in regional tournaments and have become a key part of the growing soccer scene in Davenport and the surrounding area.

🏒 Hockey – Quad City Storm (SPHL)

• Quad City Storm – The Storm play in the Southern Professional Hockey League (SPHL) and are based in nearby Moline, Illinois. They replaced the former Quad City Mallards and have quickly gained a loyal fan base. Their games at the Vibrant Arena at The MARK offer fast-paced hockey action and a fun family-friendly environment for fans across the Quad Cities, including Davenport.

Davenport, IA is a charming Midwestern city nestled along the Mississippi River. Known for its scenic beauty, vibrant arts scene, and historic background, Davenport is full of surprises. Here are some fun facts that make this Iowa city truly special:

1. Part of the Quad Cities – Davenport is one of the Quad Cities, along with Bettendorf, Rock Island, and Moline, even though there are actually five cities in the group!
2. Home of Bix – Jazz legend Bix Beiderbecke was born here, and the city hosts the famous Bix 7 Road Race each year in his honor.
3. Skybridge with a Light Show – The Davenport Skybridge is a pedestrian bridge with a stunning LED light show that changes colors at night.
4. Historic Riverfront – Davenport is located along the Mighty Mississippi, and its riverfront is packed with trails, parks, and outdoor fun.
5. First Fair West of the Mississippi – The Mississippi Valley Fair in Davenport is one of the oldest and largest fairs in the Midwest, dating back to 1850.
6. Flood Resilient – Unlike many river towns, Davenport has no permanent floodwall. City planners use green space and temporary barriers to fight floods.
7. Pioneer in Parks – Davenport’s Vander Veer Botanical Park is one of the oldest public parks in the Midwest and inspired by New York’s Central Park.
8. Art Is Everywhere – With museums like the Figge Art Museum, the city has a strong art scene featuring both classic and modern works.
9. Education Excellence – Davenport is home to St. Ambrose University, a private liberal arts school with a long academic legacy.
10. Famous Film Spot – The city was featured in the movie Star Trek: Voyager, where Captain Janeway’s hometown was said to be “Davenport, Iowa.”