The organization known as River Action, a
non-profit citizen’s action group dedicated to riverfront improvement, has been the
leading force behind projects that are helping the Quad Cities to rediscover the river.
One way in which the Quad Cities are using their Mississippi River location for recreation
is by the building of bike paths by the river’s edge. 65 miles of recreation trails
have been constructed, providing residents and visitors a place to enjoy the scenic river
views. People can use the trails for walking, biking, and roller-blading. In addition, the
trails have many places available to sit down and enjoy the view of the river.
River Action also has brought art to the river’s edge.
On both sides of the river art pieces can be found that are inspired by the river and by
the communities along the river. These projects educate the public about the history
of the river and the surrounding area. One such project is Lindsay Architecture Park
in Davenport. The sculptures represent historic local architecture from the area,
branching from Indian wickiups to current types of architecture. Historic
preservationists, business people, and river activists were all involved in the two-year
process of creating the park (www.riveraction.org).
Less conspicuous but also impressive is the set of sculptures known as “Sunday in the
Park”, located on Credit Island. Completed in 1998 by artist Ted McElhiney, these
life-sized wooden figures reflect recreation on the island during Victorian times.
The sculptures resemble the painting by George Seurat, Sunday Afternoon on the Isle of
La Grand Jatte. Students from Davenport Central High School helped in the painting of
the figures (www.riveraction.org).
Boats offer an important form of recreation on the river. In the early
1980’s, several tourism boats cruised the Mississippi daily, going as far north as
Dubuque before returning to the Quad Cities. They included The Queen of Hearts, The
Mississippi Queen, and the Belle of Princeton (American Mosaic 83). Private
recreational boating can be found on the river also. Boat owners, such as the one pictured
to the right, can access the river from several places including Leach Park in Davenport
and Sunset Marina in Rock Island. River Action created a water taxi operated by MetroLink
called the Channel Cat. The 45 minute round trip offers stops in Moline, Bettendorf, and
Davenport.
In 1989 a new
form of river recreation arrived in the Quad Cities. Gambling was legalized in 1989 and
two gambling boats, The President and Diamond Lady debuted in 1991 in
Davenport and Bettendorf respectively. Illinois soon followed with Casino Rock Island
opening in 1992. The boats brought an increase in tourism and revenue to the area. The
boats at first cruised up and down the river but now are anchored to offer open boarding
for gaming (American Mosaic 88). Pictured to the right is Bettendorf’s current
riverboat, the Isle of Capri.
The organization known as River Action, a
non-profit citizen’s action group dedicated to riverfront improvement, has been the
leading force behind projects that are helping the Quad Cities to rediscover the river.
One way in which the Quad Cities are using their Mississippi River location for recreation
is by the building of bike paths by the river’s edge. 65 miles of recreation trails
have been constructed, providing residents and visitors a place to enjoy the scenic river
views. People can use the trails for walking, biking, and roller-blading. In addition, the
trails have many places available to sit down and enjoy the view of the river. 
River Action also has brought art to the river’s edge.
On both sides of the river art pieces can be found that are inspired by the river and by
the communities along the river. These projects educate the public about the history
of the river and the surrounding area. One such project is Lindsay Architecture Park
in Davenport. The sculptures represent historic local architecture from the area,
branching from Indian wickiups to current types of architecture. Historic
preservationists, business people, and river activists were all involved in the two-year
process of creating the park (www.riveraction.org). 
Boats offer an important form of recreation on the river. In the early
1980’s, several tourism boats cruised the Mississippi daily, going as far north as
Dubuque before returning to the Quad Cities. They included The Queen of Hearts, The
Mississippi Queen, and the Belle of Princeton (American Mosaic 83). Private
recreational boating can be found on the river also. Boat owners, such as the one pictured
to the right, can access the river from several places including Leach Park in Davenport
and Sunset Marina in Rock Island. River Action created a water taxi operated by MetroLink
called the Channel Cat. The 45 minute round trip offers stops in Moline, Bettendorf, and
Davenport.
In 1989 a new
form of river recreation arrived in the Quad Cities. Gambling was legalized in 1989 and
two gambling boats, The President and Diamond Lady debuted in 1991 in
Davenport and Bettendorf respectively. Illinois soon followed with Casino Rock Island
opening in 1992. The boats brought an increase in tourism and revenue to the area. The
boats at first cruised up and down the river but now are anchored to offer open boarding
for gaming (American Mosaic 88). Pictured to the right is Bettendorf’s current
riverboat, the Isle of Capri.