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Day Trips from Davenport

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Day Trips from Davenport: Scenic Drives & Road Trips

The most beautiful scenic drives and road trip routes within reach of Davenport, IA. Winding back roads, dramatic overlooks, and picture-perfect byways that make the drive itself the destination. Drive times and route info included.

12 scenic drives near Davenport

Pikes Peak Scenic Overlook, McGregor, IA 52157

Pikes Peak Scenic Overlook

McGregor, IA 52157

Just 2 hrs 21 min from Davenport, rated 4.9 stars by 110 visitors, a popular destination with plenty to see and do.

2 hrs 21 min4.9 (110)Attraction$10 - $40

Best time to visit: Spring and fall offer mild weather and smaller crowds at most attractions.

Mississippi River Overlook (Eagle Point Park), Dubuque, IA 52001

Mississippi River Overlook (Eagle Point Park)

Dubuque, IA 52001

Just 1 hr 22 min from Davenport, rated 4.9 stars, a popular destination with plenty to see and do.

1 hr 22 min4.9 (33)Attraction$10 - $40

Best time to visit: Spring and fall offer mild weather and smaller crowds at most attractions.

Scenic overlook, Galena, IL 61036

Scenic overlook

Galena, IL 61036

Just 1 hr 33 min from Davenport, rated 4.9 stars, a popular destination with plenty to see and do.

1 hr 33 min4.9 (35)Attraction$10 - $40

Best time to visit: Spring and fall offer mild weather and smaller crowds at most attractions.

Grandview Lookout #3, IL 61614, USA

Grandview Lookout #3

IL 61614, USA

Just 1 hr 40 min from Davenport, rated 4.8 stars by 138 visitors, a popular destination with plenty to see and do.

1 hr 40 min4.8 (138)Attraction$10 - $40

Best time to visit: Spring and fall offer mild weather and smaller crowds at most attractions.

Castle Rock Overlook, Oregon, IL 61061

Castle Rock Overlook

Oregon, IL 61061

Just 1 hr 31 min from Davenport, rated 4.8 stars by 329 visitors, packed with outdoor activities and adventure.

1 hr 31 min4.8 (329)Adventure$15 - $50

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for most outdoor activities. Winter for snow sports where available.

Balltown Scenic Overlook, Sherrill, IA 52073

Balltown Scenic Overlook

Sherrill, IA 52073

Just 1 hr 38 min from Davenport, rated 4.8 stars, packed with outdoor activities and adventure.

1 hr 38 min4.8 (41)Adventure$15 - $50

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for most outdoor activities. Winter for snow sports where available.

Louis Scenic View, Savanna, IL 61074

Louis Scenic View

Savanna, IL 61074

Just 1 hr 14 min from Davenport, rated 4.8 stars, a popular destination with plenty to see and do.

1 hr 14 min4.8 (12)Attraction$10 - $40

Best time to visit: Spring and fall offer mild weather and smaller crowds at most attractions.

Balltown Scenic Overlook, Sherrill, IA 52073

Balltown Scenic Overlook

Sherrill, IA 52073

Just 1 hr 39 min from Davenport, rated 4.8 stars by 165 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.

1 hr 39 min4.8 (165)NatureAdventureFree - $20

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.

Lover's Leap Overlook, IL 61348, USA

Lover's Leap Overlook

IL 61348, USA

Just 1 hr 32 min from Davenport, rated 4.7 stars by 137 visitors, packed with outdoor activities and adventure.

1 hr 32 min4.7 (137)Adventure$15 - $50

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for most outdoor activities. Winter for snow sports where available.

Scenic Overlook, Marquette, IA 52158

Scenic Overlook

Marquette, IA 52158

Just 2 hrs 28 min from Davenport, rated 4.7 stars, packed with outdoor activities and adventure.

2 hrs 28 min4.7 (10)Adventure$15 - $50

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for most outdoor activities. Winter for snow sports where available.

Mississippi River Scenic Overlook, Guttenberg, IA 52052

Mississippi River Scenic Overlook

Guttenberg, IA 52052

Just 1 hr 54 min from Davenport, rated 4.7 stars by 161 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.

1 hr 54 min4.7 (161)NatureFree - $20

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.

Oregon River View, Oregon, IL 61061

Oregon River View

Oregon, IL 61061

Just 1 hr 40 min from Davenport, rated 4.7 stars by 103 visitors, a popular destination with plenty to see and do.

1 hr 40 min4.7 (103)Attraction$10 - $40

Best time to visit: Spring and fall offer mild weather and smaller crowds at most attractions.

Frequently Asked Questions About Scenic Drives Day Trips from Davenport

What are the best scenic drives near Davenport, IA?

The best scenic drives near Davenport include national scenic byways, state route back roads, and lakefront highways with dramatic views. Check the destinations above for top-rated scenic stops along these routes.

How long are the scenic drives from Davenport?

Most scenic drives near Davenport range from 1-4 hours one way. Many can be done as a loop or combined with stops for hiking, dining, or small-town exploring to fill a full day.

What is the best time of year for scenic drives near Davenport?

Fall (mid-September through October) is peak season for scenic drives near Davenport, with spectacular foliage. Spring wildflower season and summer green are also beautiful. Winter drives can be dramatic but check road conditions first.

What should I bring on a scenic drive from Davenport?

Bring a full tank of gas, snacks, water, and a camera. Cell service is unreliable on many scenic routes, so download maps beforehand. Pack layers since temperatures at overlooks can be cooler than in the city.

Don't know where to go?

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