Dog walking in Rock Island

Columbia Ave Historic District

Davenport is considered the most historic city in Iowa and is home to the beautifully unique Columbia Avenue Historic District. What makes this neighborhood stand out among other districts is that it's comprised almost entirely of old apartment buildings. This quiet neighborhood is a pawfect place for a leisurely stroll with your canine companions. Just bring some poo bags for when they decide to leave their mark! Pooches more interested in waterfowl than architecture should give the Duck Creek Recreation Trail a spin. This 13.5-mile path runs from West Central Park Avenue and Emeis Park Avenue in Davenport to South Kensington Street and State Street in Riverdale. The trail is excellent for biking or inline skating and is also wheelchair- and stroller-accessible! Your pooch will have a blast cruising this spot!

Valley View

Your pooch can party from dawn until dusk at the Greenvalley Dog Park on 50th Avenue in Moline, just a bone's throw away from the Valley View Apartment Complex. This leash-free facility encompasses 2 acres for frolicking and even has water fountains to quench the parched pooches! The park does not have a public restroom, so make sure you go beforehand! A short walk to 41st Street will take you to Whitey’s Ice Cream -- a cool spot that shouldn't be missed! Doggy duos will love the decadent selections here, with options like Mango Raspberry, Honeycomb Crunch, and Watermelon Sherbet! Looking to go all out? Try a Boston! It's a malt or milkshake of your choice with a sundae on top!

The Villas at Devils Glen

Locals describe Crow Creek Dog Park (located near the Villas at Devils Glen) as the best bark park in the Quad Cities. This is unsurprising considering the amenities there, like the special needs area called the “SPOTT”, which stands for Small Park for the Old, Timid, and Tiny. The small and mighty folks aren't restricted to the SPOTT, though; they are more than welcome to play in the main area if they prefer! It isn't the other way around though -- big dogs must stay in the large enclosure! There is a watering station at the entrance and waste bag dispensers as well. No worries if you lose a ball at the park -- it's located right beside a popular chain pet store!

Hennepin Canal Historic District

Just a 30-minute drive east of Rock Island is the city of Geneseo, home to the Hennepin Canal Historic District! The Hennepin Canal was created to be a shipping shortcut between the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers, but now serves as an outdoor recreation area for the Quad Cities' residents. The Hennepin Canal Parkway Trail is an excellent way to sniff out the area, with diverse landscapes such as marshes, grasslands, forests, and farmland. After you have worked up a sweat, cool down with some delicious frozen custards from Culvers (and maybe a couple of Butter Burgers too)!

Beacon Harbor Pkwy

The Beacon Harbor Parkway in East Moline is a great place to hop on the Great River Trail. This 60-mile paved rail-trail follows the mighty Mississippi River from Broderick Dr. in Savanna to Sunset Park in Rock Island! Along your way, you will see the Rock Island Armory, as well as Campbell’s Island which was the site of a battle during the War of 1812. There are also many great fishing spots along this paw path, so bring a pole and drop a line! Afterward, grab an outdoor table at Los Charros Mexican Restaurant and enjoy some tacos with your best bud!