How to Experience Riverside Trails in the Quad Cities Posted on March 1, 2025December 20, 2025 The Quad Cities, located along the mighty Mississippi River, offers many scenic riverside trails perfect for nature lovers, hikers, and casual strollers. These trails wind through lush landscapes, offering stunning river views and a peaceful retreat from city life. Whether you’re an avid hiker seeking a challenging route or a leisurely walk, the Quad Cities has something for everyone. Explore these must-visit trails to experience this unique region’s natural beauty and tranquility. Table of Contents View Table of Contents Ben Butterworth Parkway Great River Trail Riverfront Trail Additional Trails River Heritage Park Rock Island Riverfront Trail Conclusion Like it? Pin it! Ben Butterworth Parkway Ben Butterworth Parkway, a nearly 5-mile paved trail along the Mississippi River in Moline, Illinois, is perfect for walking, running, or biking. This serene path features river views, picnic shelters, benches, and docks for boating or fishing. It’s family-friendly, with small playgrounds for kids and nearby spots like Milltown Coffee for refreshments. While parts of the path may flood in early summer, it’s usually cleared by late July. The trail is a great spot for exercise, relaxation, or gathering with friends and family. You can reserve picnic shelters for special events through Moline’s Parks & Recreation Department. Length: 4 miles Special Features: Picturesque river views, picnic areas, and playgrounds. Address: 3000 River Dr, Moline, IL 61265 Google Pin: Ben Butterworth Parkway Website: Moline Parks Subscribe to Duffelbagspouse Travels! Get personal updates from Stacey each week, including all new posts. We use your personal data for interest-based advertising, as outlined in our Privacy Policy. Type your email… Subscribe Join 224 other subscribers Great River Trail The Great River Trail runs along the Mississippi River, offering breathtaking views and perfect routes for long-distance cyclists and hikers. Passing through towns like Cordova, East Moline, Hampton, Moline, Port Byron, Rapids City, and Rock Island, this scenic trail connects parks, historic sites, and local landmarks. You can park and enter the trail at several convenient locations, including: Sunset Park and Marina in Rock Island (250 acres with Lake Potter) Ben Butterworth Parkway in Moline Shuler’s Shady Grove Park in Rapids City Ingersoll Wetlands Learning Center in Thomson These spots provide easy access for both locals and visitors looking to enjoy this scenic riverfront trail. Length: 60 miles (Quad Cities section is about 15 miles) Special Features: Historical markers, diverse landscapes, and riverfront parks. Address: 12 Great River Trail, Moline, IL 61265 Google Pin: Great River Trail Website: Great River Trail Review: Hong Thai Traditional Thai Herbal Inhaler I bought the Hong Thai Herbal Inhaler and was surprised by its effectiveness. The scent is initially strong, but it quickly becomes soothing. I use it during the day when I feel stressed or tired, and it helps me refocus. It’s compact, easy to carry, and lasts longer than I expected. The blend has a natural aroma—herbal and slightly minty—that clears the nose and refreshes the mind. It doesn’t feel artificial or overpowering. I wouldn’t call it a cure for stress, but it does calm me down and makes breathing easier. Overall, this inhaler is a great natural pick-me-up. It’s affordable, portable, and something I now keep in my bag every day. Buy on Amazon Riverfront Trail Riverfront Trail in Rock Island, Illinois, is a scenic route that follows the Mississippi River, offering beautiful views and a peaceful environment for walkers, joggers, and cyclists. As a result, the Riverfront Trail is a 4 mile less popular white paved path trail located near Davenport Iowa. This multi-use trail can be used both directions and has a easy overall physical rating with a 18 ft green climb. On average it takes 22 minutes to complete this trail. Length: 6 miles Special Features: Views of the Centennial Bridge, gardens, and public art installations. Address: 4500 16th St, Rock Island, IL 61201 Google Pin: Riverfront Trail Website: Rock Island Parks River Heritage Park River Heritage Park is a peaceful retreat located in Davenport, Iowa, along the Mississippi River. This park offers paved trails perfect for a quiet walk or casual bike ride. Visitors can enjoy serene views of the river and surrounding greenery, making it an excellent spot for family outings or solo relaxation. Length: 2 miles Special Features: Beautiful river views, family-friendly spaces, and a tranquil atmosphere. Address: 1514 W River Dr, Davenport, IA 52802 Google Pin: River Heritage Park Website: River Heritage Park Lume Acidified Deodorant Wipes 24 Hour Odor Control Aluminum & Baking Soda Free, Flushable Lume Acidified Deodorant Wipes keep you fresh wherever life takes you. Each soft, flushable towelette is pH-balanced and clinically proven to control odor for 24 hours—without aluminum or baking soda. Developed by a gynecologist, they’re safe for all odor-prone areas like underarms, underboob, and undercarriage. With a light cucumber scent and skin-loving formula, these 6×6” wipes offer a quick, eco-friendly refresh anytime you need it. Pack of 3 (15-count each). On Amazon Rock Island Riverfront Trail The Rock Island Riverfront Trail is a scenic trail that follows the Mississippi River along the Illinois side in the city of Rock Island. It provides an opportunity for walkers, joggers, and cyclists to enjoy the beautiful river views while connecting key points within the city. Length: About 6 miles Starting Point: The trail begins at Sunset Park, a 250-acre park featuring Lake Potter, a 50-acre protected lake that offers access to the Mississippi River. The park is popular for picnics, boating, and fishing. Highlights Along the Trail: Centennial Bridge: The trail runs beneath this iconic bridge that connects Rock Island, Illinois, to Davenport, Iowa. Public Art and Gardens: You’ll encounter art installations and well-maintained gardens that provide added visual interest. Connection to the Great River Trail: The Rock Island Riverfront Trail is a segment of the larger Great River Trail, which stretches over 60 miles along the Mississippi River through Illinois. The trail is peaceful and offers river views along most of its route. Throughout the trail, it offers river views along most of its route. Moreover, it’s regularly used by both locals and tourists as a recreational area. It’s ideal for a morning jog for those looking to get active. Furthermore, it provides the perfect setting for a leisurely bike ride. Lastly, it’s great for an afternoon stroll with family and friends, making it a versatile spot for everyone to enjoy. Conclusion These riverside trails in the Quad Cities offer a perfect escape into nature. Each has unique features and stunning views. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful walk, a vigorous bike ride, or a scenic run, the Quad Cities’ riverside trails provide the ideal setting. Explore these trails, breathe in the fresh air, and enjoy the natural beauty of the Quad Cities. Don’t forget to share your experience along these scenic riverside trails with friends or on social media! Where to Stay in the QuadCities Like it? Pin it! I love sharing stories, lessons from abroad, and tips for curious travelers. If my work has inspired you or made you smile, please buy me a coffee. Your support helps me keep the blog running—at no cost to you. My articles are available as mobile apps for offline reading and GPS-assisted directions. Download my articles on GPSMyCity. This post contains sponsored and/or affiliate links, and I may earn a small commission. Share this: Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook Share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn Share on X (Opens in new window) X Share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest Share on Threads (Opens in new window) Threads Email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email Print (Opens in new window) Print Share on Bluesky (Opens in new window) Bluesky Share on X (Opens in new window) X Like this:Like Loading… Related Discover more from Duffel Bag Spouse Travels Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email. Type your email… Subscribe DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES NORTH AMERICAUnited States