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Our History |
History of the
Mississippi Valley Welcome Center
In 1987 the Iowa Legislature approved House File 540 which allowed for the
creation of the Pilot Welcome Center Program by using Iowa Lottery
proceeds. The Mississippi Valley Welcome Center Council received a
$640,000 grant to build the facility. The communities of LeClaire,
Bettendorf, Davenport and Scott County matched the grant. These four
municipalities are the owners of the building and grounds through a 28E
joint municipality agreement. Upon completion of the construction, there
was a balance of slightly higher than $100,000 that was raised by generous
donations of local businesses, individuals and the Riverboat Development
Authority.
The building officially opened in May 1989 with the intent to encourage
economic development though the promotion of tourism. Encouraging our
guests to stay a little longer and explore Iowa and the Quad Cities
communities.
The Center is open 361 days a year to serve the nearly 100,000 guests per
year that travel through our community. Since opening, the Mississippi
Valley Welcome Center has served over 2 million visitors and has had a
positive economic impact that exceeds over 200 Million Dollars of
additional income to the State of Iowa and the Quad Cities.*
The Mississippi Valley Welcome Center was designed to look like a
Riverboat Captains Home sitting high on the bluff overlooking the
Mississippi River. This 8,000 square foot facility encourages guest to
linger a little longer and discover our unique regional attractions.
The building is currently operated by the
Quad Cities
Convention & Visitors Bureau our community
recognized and accredited tourism organization.
The building features over 400 brochures and travel
publications of things to see and experience in Iowa and the Quad Cities.
The Iowa Peddler Gift Shop showcases many products that are made in Iowa
and the Midwest. Our guest shave the opportunity to see works from local
artists on a rotating basis in the MidCoast Fine Arts Gallery. Local
antique dealers feature items in the Center to encourage the guest to
visit their shops. The Center also features many historical displays and a
video presentation that showcases the Quad Cities and the State of Iowa.
In 2001 the Welcome Center became an official partner of the Silos and
Smokestacks National Heritage Area and the Great River Road Scenic Byways.
The exterior of the building features two acres of natural Iowa Prairie
along with picnic shelters and a playground for the kids as well as ample
parking for cars and RV’s.
The Welcome Center is famous for two wonderful events, one being the
“Apple Fest” that is held the second Sunday in October, and the “Bald
Eagle Watch” in late
January. There are many new events hosted at the Welcome Center so be sure
to continue checking our website for more information!
Click here for
details on all of our events.
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