America’s Great River

See the Deere family homes and discover the inventions that changed American farming at the John Deere Pavilion. Filled with a wide array of iconic green-and-yellow farm machinery, the John Deere Pavilion also includes a replica of John Deere’s original blacksmith shop, as well as simulators and equipment you can climb into and explore. Learn about the history of John Deere and view vintage equipment, as well as modern machinery, including lawn and farm tractors, sprayers, and construction hardware. After touring the Pavilion, visit one of the Deere family homes. Admire the array of antiques and memorabilia as you get a glimpse of the life of America’s Victorian-era gentry and discover how the Deere family built their beloved brand.

Get a private, insider’s view of Davenport’s premier natural history and science museum, the Putnam. Start your explorations in this Smithsonian Affiliate with an exclusive introduction from the museum’s President and learn about its extensive Native American and Midwest collections. Join the Putnam’s Curator of History and Anthropology for an in-depth, Privileged Access tour of the “River, Prairie and People” exhibit and view some of the museum’s most valuable artifacts of the period—including one of the few surviving copies of the 1832 Black Hawk Treaty signed by Chief Keokuk. Your Privileged Accessed experience continues with unique performances, lectures and craft demonstrations celebrating the rich and meaningful lives of Indigenous Americans today.

Visit Cinnamon Ridge, a family-run Midwestern farm, and discover what it takes to put food on America’s table. Visit a farm to see what it takes to put food on America’s table. Upon arrival, meet the local family who operates this fifth-generation farm and, during a question and answer presentation, learn how they sustainably produce milk, beef, pork and soybeans. While touring the barn, attend a farming machinery demonstration and see how this robotic equipment assists with the milking of cows. Afterward, enjoy a Cinnamon Ridge cheese tasting paired with local beers and wines followed by free time to explore.

Celebrate the Midwest’s visual arts with a guided tour of the region’s premier museum. Visit the Figge Art Museum, a landmark glass building on the banks of the Mississippi; it is considered the finest of its kind between Chicago and Des Moines. Designed by British architect David Chipperfield, the Figge hosts world-class traveling exhibitions and permanent collections, with its vast holdings including more than 4,000 works ranging from the 16th century to the present. The tour offers a focused exploration of American Gothic’s Grant Wood, including a Privileged Access look at Wood’s archived belongings and works on paper. Afterward, guests will have free time to explore the museum on their own before returning to the ship.

Discover the Mississippi River by bicycle during a guided tour along the Great River Road National Scenic Byway. See the Mighty Mississippi from a unique vantage point during a guided bicycle tour along the Great River Road National Scenic Byway. You will travel to the Moline Visitor Center where a bike and helmet will be provided along with water, a small snack and a bag to carry your belongings. At an easygoing pace of approximately 3 to 5 miles per hour, follow your guide on bicycle, passing sights such as the KONE elevator, John Deere Seeding, Rock Island Arsenal,  Fort Armstrong Historic Site and Davenport Skybridge, learning about the fascinating local history along the way. Your invigorating ride will take you back to the ship where you will return your bicycle.

Delve into the history and modern operations of key US Army installation at the Rock Island Arsenal. Located on Arsenal Island in the Mississippi River, the arsenal has been critical for military manufacturing and logistics since its establishment in 1862. You will have an opportunity to explore its museum, open to the public since 1905, and discover its extensive collection of small arms, manufacturing innovations and historical artifacts. Browse exhibits covering the Civil War, including ordinance production and the Confederate prison, as well as modern military technologies. Cap your tour at the visitor center at Lock and Dam 15, the world’s largest roller dam, built between 1931 and 1934 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Here, learn about its unique roller gates and distinctive design, as well as its crucial role in Mississippi River navigation.