The Bettendorf center is about the area of Isle of Capri Casino and the area of Celebration River Cruises.
Iowa has four distinct seasons. In the spring and fall, the weather is typically mild. Summers are warm, and winters are frigid. In the summer, the average temperature ranges from 60 to 83 degrees. During the winter, the average weather ranges from 13 to 34 degrees. Although you will see the most precipitation in the summer, it's also when there is the most to do.
During the summer, you can rent jet skis, a pontoon boat, or a paddle board and use them to explore the Mississippi. In the winter, if you want to brave the cold and leave your hotel, there are some fun festivals like the Ice Extravaganza, Winter Carnival, and Outdoor Adventure Show. You will find the best rates on hotels during the winter, while you should expect to pay a little more during the summer. The Quad Cities hosts many conventions, so be careful of your timing to avoid paying a premium on hotels during that time.
Take advantage of your AAA discount when staying at Radisson on John Deere Commons-Moline. Just a couple miles of Bettendorf, enjoy this eco-friendly hotel right on the river. Start your day by making the coffee available in your room. Enjoy swimming in the indoor pool or working out in the fitness center. This hotel puts you near the Celebration River Cruise Dock and the John Deere Pavilion. You don't have to worry about getting to and from the airport because of the complimentary hotel shuttle.
Military and government employees can take advantage of their discounts available at the Days Inn & Suites Davenport. Only about five minutes away from Bettendorf, the Days Inn & Suites has an indoor pool and jacuzzi, business center with computer station, a multilingual staff, and a complimentary continental breakfast in the mornings.
To get the most of your money, reserve a room at the Holiday Inn & Suites Davenport. Just 3 miles away from Bettendorf, this hotel provides most of the amenities anyone could need during their stay at a reasonable price. Each room features a refrigerator and flat-screen TV. Relax in the deep soaking tubs or go for a swim in the indoor swimming pool. This hotel is also perfect for events with 2,600 square feet of event facilities. Parking is free on-site.
Another great value is the Staybridge Suites Davenport, which also sits about 3 miles away from Bettendorf. This hotel puts you near the John Deere Pavilion, the Putnam Museum of History, and the Quad City International Airport. Each room has a microwave and DVD player to use during your stay. The hotel also has a complimentary breakfast and BBQ grills on-site. You have full access to the indoor pool and fitness center as well. There are also laundry facilities for those staying for more extended periods.
During the warmer months, there's so much to do outdoors in Bettendorf and the Quad Cities. The Riverway Trail offers a stunning scenic backdrop for a walk, run, or ride bikes. The trail follows the Mississippi in Davenport through Bettendorf and into Riverside. If you want to cross the river and see what the other side has to offer, then you can hop on the Channel Cat Water Taxi even with your bike.
Duck Creek Parkway is a 20-mile long trail that also offers a chance to connect with nature and enjoy some scenery on your bike ride, walk, or run. If you're visiting from out of town, you can rent bikes at the Visitors Bureau to enjoy these trails. If you're in town during the summer, you could also take part in the Tour of the Mississippi bike ride that travels on a 69-mile or 120-mile route.
Step off of dry land to experience the Mississippi River out on the water. Explore all four cities by taking the water taxi, The Channel Cat. The taxi stops at different locations and will drop you right in downtown in all of the Quad Cities. If you just want to sightsee, you don't even have to leave the taxi. The price includes rides for the entire day, so you can make the most out of your adventure crossing the Mighty Mississippi and exploring each of the towns.
Experience a cruise on one of the largest riverboats in the Upper Mississippi River. The Celebration Belle takes you on a 100-mile ride on the river with live entertainment and delicious meals. If you prefer a shorter journey, the Riverboat Twilight offers sightseeing cruises lasting less than two hours.
If you rather spend your time indoors than outdoors, Bettendorf has plenty to do as well. Start out by visiting the John Deere Pavilion with hands-on exhibits of the famous tractors and heavy machinery. You could also take a tour of the John Deere Harvester Works offering tours to kids and adults over 13. Take the kids to the Family Museum and experience play-based exhibits and different day programs.
Head a little bit out of town, and you can do a tasting at one of the many wineries and the distillery near Bettendorf. Wide River Winery, Creekside Vineyards Winery and Tasting Room, and Lavender Crest Winery are all delicious wineries close to Bettendorf. You could also take a free tour of the Mississippi River Distilling Company where different liquors are crafted from local grain.
Bettendorf, Iowa, has lots to offer visitors with plenty of hotel options from simple, affordable hotels or grand casino hotels. Enjoy a walk along the river, or see the Quad Cities from out on the water. Whether you're an outdoorsy person or you prefer to wander museums, shop, and eat, you have your pick in this city.
Below are reviews of the city of Bettendorf, IA from an actual visitor's perspective.
Lots of dining options!
Not too bad!
Quad City area is very nice to visit.
Lots of food and shopping nearby.
The city was bustling with shops, large and small.
We will be back! Bettendorf is a very pleasant city. Everyone we encountered was very friendly. There is a good variety of restaurants and the city is super easy to navigate. My favorite is Vander Veer Botanical Garden in Davenport.
Neat river town. Wish I had more time to explore.
Property is clean and tidy.
We were very surprised and pleased with all that Bettendorf (and the Quad Cities area) had to offer! We were there to attend the golf tournament (John Deere Classic) but found that area to have a lot of fun things to do. We especially liked the water taxis. We never had a bad meal - we found some great restaurants that we will definitely want to visit again
I liked the museums and the area in general, the places looked clean and safe.
Bettendorf has lots to do!
There's a lot to do.