Burlington is a Mississippi River port town with a rich Native American, German pioneer, and transportation history. Downtown Burlington is home to two National Historic Districts, Heritage Hill and West Jefferson Street. For outdoor recreation, area parks offer camping, hiking, and caving. The city has two public golf courses. Bowling, go-karts, laser tag, restaurants, and a climbing wall supply hours of entertainment at Fun City, an amusement and water park.

Davenport and Bettendorf are Iowa's part of the Quad Cities region. Along with East Moline, Moline, and Rock Island, Illinois, they form a metropolitan area with a population of more than 400,000. The Quad Cities have a rich Native American and Mississippi River heritage. Many of the things to see and do in Davenport and Bettendorf are on or along the Mississippi. Visitors can take a riverboat cruise or ferry boat ride or enjoy riverboat gaming at one of the area's casinos. Islands in the Mississippi River between Iowa and Illinois provide a variety of recreational and historical attractions.

Peoria sits along the banks of the Illinois River in a metropolitan area of more than 370,000. The city is often considered to represent the average American city. It has an growing economy based on agricultural products, manufacturing and information technology. The Illinois River Country Nature Trail provides access to outdoor activities along the river.

Rock Island, Moline and East Moline are Illinois' part of the Quad Cities region. Along with Davenport and Bettendorf, Iowa, they form a metropolitan area with a population of more than 400,000. This area along the Mississippi River has a rich Native American history.