Introduction to Bettendorf, Iowa
Bettendorf is situated near the Mississippi River in Scott County. It's part of the Quad Cities which include Davenport and the Illinois cities of Rock Island and Moline.
Bettendorf History
Bettendorf, which was originally a part of the Black Hawk Purchase of 1832, was purchased from the Sac and Fox Indians. The Germans were amongst the first white settlers and they established the villages of Lillienthal and Gilbert. The two villages were later combined to form the city of Gilbert. Joseph and William Bettendorf were given land in Gilbert around 1900 for their iron wagon business. In 1903, when the city was incorporated, its name was changed to Bettendorf to honor the Bettendorf brothers whose factory had contributed to the initial development of the city. The setting up of the Aluminum Company of America (A.L.C.O.A.) around the 1940s led to the growth of the city.
Bettendorf and Nearby Attractions
- Family Museum of Art and Science
- Bickelhaupt Arboretum
- Wildcat Den State Park
- Bishop Hill State Historic Site
- Black Hawk
- Scott County Park
Things To Do In Bettendorf
Interesting artifacts and memorabilia are displayed at Bishop Hill Heritage Museum, Figge Art Museum, Putnam Museum of History & Natural Science, and the Rock Island Arsenal Museum. The Putnam Museum of History and Natural Science has exhibits on prairies, mammals, Iowa history, and rivers. Visitors can also explore the historic sites of Black Hawk and Bishop Hill State. The Wildcat Den State Park has camping and picnicking areas, as well as hiking trails. Opportunities to play golf are available at the Sunrise Golf Course , the Duck Creek Golf Course, and the Palmer Hills Golf Course. Some of the local shopping centers are Duck Creek Plaza Shopping Center and the Cumberland Square Shopping Center.
Bettendorf Transportation
The closest major airport is the Quad City International Airport.
Bettendorf Higher Education
The closest colleges to Bettendorf include Black Hawk College, Saint Ambrose University, Eastern Iowa Community College District and Augustana College.