The Quad Cities River Bandits' opening day is Thursday, April 3, at the #1 Minor League Ballpark in the country, according to USA Today. Modern Woodmen Park in downtown Davenport, Iowa, is consistently ranked among the top minor league ballparks for its stunning view of the Mississippi River.
Niabi Zoo opens on Monday, April 7, 2014, for their season. Get a passport to Africa to see the graceful giraffes, the King of the Jungle lion, colobus monkeys and more, or take an Australian Walkabout with wallabies and lorikeets. Visit the Jungle Trek for hands-on activities about rainforests and the place for frog-lovers. Niabi Zoo, 13010 Niabi Zoo Rd. in Coal Valley, Ill., is open daily from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and longer hours in the summer.
The 850-person capacity Celebration Belle riverboat starts its cruises the first week of April. It is the largest non-gaming luxury excursion vessel on the upper Mississippi River. The boat offers lunch and dinner cruises, big band cruises, sightseeing, and specialty cruises. Contact 800-297-0034 or celebrationbelle.com for its schedule and more information.
The Twilight riverboat offers two-day overnight cruises from LeClaire, Iowa, to Dubuque, Iowa. Cruises include all meals, activities, and lodging.
Walnut Grove was a Scott County cross-roads settlement and stage coach stop in the 1860s. The Walnut Grove Pioneer Village now includes 18 historic buildings to tour, some relocated from rural Scott County. It is open daily April through October 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Village is located in Scott County Park, 18817 290th Street, Long Grove, Iowa.
According to folklore, springtime is the BEST season for pixie spotting! Children are invited to the Pixie Tea on Sunday, April 6th from 1:00-4:00 p.m. at the Quad City Botanical Center in Rock Island, Ill. In the lush enchanted garden, find tea and pixie treats. There will be magical crafts for the children and the gift of a pixie wand for remembering the day! (Reservations are required.)
Ballet Quad Cities premieres their interpretation of Igor Stravinsky's famous Rite of Spring, one of the most inspiring and challenging ballets ever written. International renowned director and choreographer Elie Lazar will also premier his new piece set to Appalachian Spring. Performances are Saturday, April 12 at 1:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. with live music provided by Orchestra Iowa at the Adler Theatre, 136 E. 3rd Street in Davenport, Iowa.
Join in the inaugural Tour de Brew of the Quad Cities on Saturday, April 12. Registration starts at 12 noon at the Front Street Tap Room at the Freight House, 421 W. River Dr. in Davenport. This bicycle ride follows the bike trail to visit 5 different stops before returning to Front Street by 5 p.m. It's a poker ride format with a donation of your choosing to the LIVESTRONG Foundation.
Look for spring crafts at the German American Heritage Center in Davenport on Saturday, April 12, during their Eiermarkt (Egg Market) and Spring Craft Fair. Hours are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Local and regional vendors sell their springtime wares including decorated eggs, carvings, baked goods, and more!
Celebrate with the Easter Egg Scramble 5K Run on Saturday, April 19. The 9:00 a.m. start/finish is in the Historic Village of East Davenport. Those who choose to run or walk the event will receive a swag bag. Brunch-style breakfast items will be available along with your typical refreshments. A live band rocks the 11th Street Precinct, and don't forget photos with the Easter Bunny. There is also an Easter Egg Hunt for children 8 years of age and younger.
The annual free Stroll Through Springtime is Saturday, April 26th from 7:00 a.m. until noon at the Black Hawk State Historic Site, 1510 46th Ave. in Rock Island, Ill. All events are free, and participants can come for any or all of the events. Birds will be the focus of groups going in the field from 7-9 a.m. Expert leaders will help to locate both resident and migratory birds. At 9 a.m., enjoy refreshments inside the Lodge, including wild violet jelly and a short program about invasive plants. At 10:00 a.m., participants will walk outside to observe and identify wildflowers.
