Riverfront Trail (IA)

Iowa's Riverfront Trail runs along the Mississippi River through the cities of Davenport and Bettendorf to its eastern endpoint near the large Alcoa plant in Riverdale. In the west, the trail starts as a loop around scenic Credit Island Park, which was the site of a battle during the War of 1812 led by future president Zachary Taylor.

True to its name, the Riverfront Trail never strays from the banks of the Mississippi River as it winds through Davenport and Bettendorf. Along the way, trail users will pass Davenport's Centennial Park—which opened on the reclaimed site of a landfill, rail yard and fairground in 2004—and Modern Woodmen Park, home to the Quad Cities River Bandits of Minor League Baseball. Farther east, a cable-stayed pedestrian bridge at LeClair Park and Rhythm City Casino will take you over busy East River Drive to the River Music Experience and the heart of downtown Davenport. In Bettendorf, the trail passes through Leach Park and in front of the Isle of Capri Casino before entering the small town of Riverdale.

The newest section of the Riverfront Trail veers off course from the river in order to skirt the edge of an industrial property. For a short section, the trail runs alongside active train tracks before changing course once again to rejoin the mighty Mississippi River. A steel bridge constructed in 2011 allows trail users to cross Duck Creek, where a short ride north on South Kensington Street will connect you with the Duck Creek Recreational Trail. The Riverfront Trail ends shortly after the bridge at the enormous Alcoa aluminum mill on South Bellingham Road.

There are multiple access points for the Riverfront Trail off US 61 and 67. Park at Credit Island Park, Centennial Park, or Leon "Bix" Biederbecke Memorial in Davenport or at Leach Park in Bettendorf. Refer to the TrailLink map for all parking locations.