Skip to content

Discover the Quad Cities

Discover the Quad Cities

The MIssissippi riverfront on both the Illinois and Iowa side offer plenty of spots for recreation, relaxation or study.

Whether you’re in the Quad Cities for the first time on a Main Campus visit, planning your move to the area, or looking for a new place to hang out, we have you covered.

Palmer’s Main Campus is located in Davenport, Iowa, which is part of the Quad Cities, a mid-size bi-state region along the Mississippi River comprised of Davenport and Bettendorf in Iowa and Moline and Rock Island in Illinois.

Just a short walk down the hill from our campus, you can catch a minor league baseball game at Modern Woodmen Park, pick up local produce from the farmers’ market or hang out with friends at a local brewery. 

Palmer students gather for ice cream in downtown Davenport.

Davenport

Costco Wholesale
Membership-based warehouse retail store offering bulk groceries, home goods and more.

Raising Cane’s
Popular fast-food chain known for chicken fingers and signature Cane’s sauce.

Portillo’s
Chicago-style restaurant serving hot dogs, Italian beef and classic comfort foods.

Dave & Buster’s
Entertainment venue with arcade games, sports viewing and American fare.

Makenna Koffee
Local beach-themed coffee shop offering specialty drinks and a cozy study-friendly atmosphere.

Whitey’s Ice Cream
Beloved Quad Cities ice cream shop featuring handmade shakes and unique flavors.

Vander Veer Botanical Park
Historic urban park with botanical gardens, a conservatory and walking paths.

Iron + Grain Coffee House
Trendy café serving craft coffee, teas and light bites. Plus, they offer student discounts with your Palmer ID!

Redband Coffee
Small-batch coffee roaster known for strong brews and minimalist vibe.

Miss Phay Cafe
Asian-inspired eatery offering fresh, flavorful noodle and rice dishes.

Here’s The Scoop
Neighborhood ice cream shop serving hand-dipped cones and sundaes.

Mac’s Tavern
Classic local pub with comfort food, drinks and a welcoming atmosphere.

Me & Billy
Modern bar and kitchen offering cocktails and elevated American dishes.

Adler Theatre
Historic downtown venue hosting concerts, Broadway shows and performances.

Armored Gardens
Beer garden featuring self-pour taps, BBQ and outdoor seating. A favorite meeting place for students on the weekends.

Devon’s Complaint Dept.
Unique cocktail bar known for creative drinks and intimate ambiance.

The Last Picture House
Independent movie theater and cultural space co-founded by filmmakers. Check out the rooftop theatre in the summer!

Ragged Records
Vinyl record store featuring new and used music and local merchandise.

RAYGUN
Midwest-themed apparel and gift shop with witty designs.

Blue Spruce General Store
Boutique shop with curated lifestyle goods and local items, especially the fresh baked breads!

UP Skybar & Lounge
Rooftop bar offering cocktails and scenic downtown views.

Figge Art Museum
Regional art museum with rotating exhibits and community programs.

Freight House Farmers’ Market
Large year-round market with fresh produce, artisans and food vendors.

The River’s Edge
Indoor sports facility with ice skating and fitness programs.

Modern Woodmen Park
Home to the Quad Cities River Bandits, Modern Woodmen Park is consistently voted among the top minor league ballparks in the nation.

The Last Picture House is downtown from campus and offers a small, intimate movie experience and cocktails.
 

Bettendorf

Central Standard
Local restaurant serving American comfort foods and brunch favorites.

The Tangled Wood
Family-friendly restaurant with outdoor seating, live music and wood-fired fare.

Smash Pizza
Pizzeria known for creative pies and casual dining.

Family Museum
Interactive children’s museum with hands-on learning exhibits.

Bruegger’s Bagels
Chain bakery known for New York–style bagels and breakfast items.

Channel Cat Water Taxi
Seasonal water taxi offering scenic rides along the Mississippi River.

TBK Bank Sports Complex
Large recreation complex with sports fields, dining, bowling, an arcade and escape room.

Ghost Chicken
Restaurant known for spicy fried chicken and bold flavors.

Twin Span Brewing
Local brewery with craft beers and a full kitchen menu.

Hurts Donut
Quirky donut shop offering creative, oversized treats. With late-night hours, it’s great for long nights studying.

Foundry Food + Tap
Modern eatery featuring craft beer and American cuisine.

Flips Pancake House
Breakfast spot known for generous portions and homestyle dishes.

Iron Tee Golf
Golf entertainment venue with bays, games and food.

BiBimBap Asian Fusion Bistro
Asian fusion spot specializing in fresh, customizable bowls.

Ray’s Roundabout Lounge
Relaxed bar offering cocktails, snacks and social atmosphere.

Black Hawk Forest is a popular trail for students to enjoy the warm weather.

Rock Island

Quad City Botanical Center
Indoor and outdoor botanical gardens with seasonal exhibits.

Quad City Arts
Nonprofit arts organization hosting galleries, events and public art.

Circa ‘21 Dinner Playhouse
Historic theater offering dinner and live, local stage productions.

La Flama
Mexican restaurant known for generous portions and flavorful dishes.

ROZZ-TOX
Eclectic café, bar and arts venue with indie events.

Rooster’s Sports Bar & Grill
Sports bar serving classic American pub food.

QC Haunts & History Tours
Guided tours exploring local history and ghost stories.

Rock Island Brewing Company
Live music venue and bar with craft beers.

Icons Martini
Cocktail lounge specializing in martinis and upscale atmosphere.

QC Coffee and Pancake House
Beloved breakfast spot known for scratch-made dishes.

Wake Brewing
Independent brewery focused on bold, experimental beers.

Milltown Coffee is a great place for Palmer students to catch up or study while supporting a local business.

Moline

Creative Signature Cuisine
Restaurant offering globally inspired fine dining. And check out their bakery next door.

Celebration Belle
Riverboat offering cruises, dining and sightseeing events.

Vibrant Arena at The MARK
Large venue hosting national names in music, sports and entertainment. The Quad City Storm minor league hockey team and Quad City Steamwheelers arena football teams play at the Vibrant Arena.

Bass Street Chop House
Upscale chophouse known for steaks and elegant dining.

The Black Box Theatre
Intimate theater presenting local performing arts.

River House Bar & Grill
Casual waterfront restaurant and bar.

John Deere Pavilion
Interactive museum showcasing farming history and machinery.

Johnny’s Italian Steakhouse
Steakhouse blending Italian classics and modern dishes.

Take Cover Tiki Club
Tiki-themed bar with tropical cocktails and décor.

Bent River Brewing
Brewpub offering craft beer and hearty menu items.

LemonGrass Cafe
Thai restaurant serving authentic dishes and fresh flavors.

Lagomarcino’s Confectionery
Historic candy shop and café known for chocolates and malts.