3 minute read
Bettendorf, Iowa
Remember! Your vacation, your choices. Visit as many or few of the included attractions in Bettendorf listed below at no cost. With award-winning museums, cultural centers, and a stunning riverfront, there is something for everyone to explore.
ISABEL BLOOM STUDIO & DEMONSTRATION
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Enjoy behind-the-scenes access to every step in the making of each Isabel Bloom sculpture. During the tour, discover how this company maintains the legacy of artist Isabel Bloom. Get a glimpse of some of her original art and photos and learn how her innovations continue to influence their work to this day.
FIGGE ART MUSEUM
This gigantic glass building on the banks of the Mississippi, designed by British architect David Chipperfield, is home to one of the Midwest’s finest art collections, and hosts world-class traveling exhibitions. Its studios, auditorium and spacious lobby are alive with art classes, lectures and special events that attract visitors of all ages. Tour the facility, which touches in nearly every style of art, spanning across the world, from classical to modern.
RIVER MUSIC EXPERIENCE
Founded in 2004, the River Music Experience began primarily as a museum celebrating the roots of music and the Quad-Cities’ musical heritage. The program was so successful that the museum now hosts more live music and offers more opportunities for local musicians to perform. Explore the history of music in the Quad Cities and then stop in the Redstone Room to listen to live music as you snack on a delicious treat offered from the restaurant and bar inside.
GERMAN AMERICAN HERITAGE CENTER
Founded on August 1, 1994 as a private, not-for-profit organization, the German American Heritage Center (GAHC) seeks to preserve the heritage of German speaking ancestors for present and future generations and to enrich the knowledge of the German immigrant experience. Today, the heritage center has evolved into a museum that includes a large permanent exhibit and two rotating special exhibits.
QUAD CITY BOTANICAL CENTER
Explore this award-winning Sun Garden with blooms of exotic tropical flowers, a 14-foot waterfall, and reflecting pools. Outdoor gardens feature magnificent conifer collections, thousands of spring bulbs, colorful and rare perennials. This stunning botanical center hosts extravagant festivals, parties and events. Be certain to explore the gift shop before you depart.
BETTENDORF PREMIUM EXPERIENCE THE ULTIMATE AMERICAN AGRICULTURE EXPERIENCE
PREMIUM EXPERIENCE HIGHLIGHTS VISIT THE JOHN DEERE PAVILION
FARM-TO-TABLE-LUNCH AT CINNAMON RIDGE FARMS
To start off our day, we will head to the John Deere Pavilion in Moline, Illinois. Here we will witness both modern-day and concept machines in hands-on displays and exhibits. Discover how these incredible pieces of machinery move, are built, and are making an impact in our world.
Make your way to Cinnamon Ridge, a family owned and operated farm. Owners John and Joan Maxwell will show you the true meaning of farm-totable as they invite us into their own personal home for a meal made from all local ingredients grown and raised on the farm. Sit down at the Maxwell family’s dining room table for this scrumptious lunch complete with meats, veggies, breads and more! GUIDED TOUR OF CINNAMON RIDGE WITH DEMONSTRATIONS
PICK UP A TASTY TREAT FROM THE COUNTRY CUPBOARD
With our bellies full, we will now see how it’s done as John and Joan begin a presentation highlighting the modern technological advancements that have enabled the Maxwells to make strides in modern American farming. After the presentation, watch as John demonstrates some of the farm’s latest equipment before we make our way to the dairy barn for a tour of their robotic dairy operation.
Before departing Cinnamon Ridge, pay a visit to the Country Cupboard, a 24/7 farm store the Maxwell family has opened that operates on the “honor system.” Take some time to explore the shop and be sure to bring cash so you can take a delicious treat back to the vessel.