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Schuetzen Park: A Historic German-American Retreat

Discover nature and history at Schuetzen Park, a cherished German-American landmark in Davenport, Iowa, with trails, events, and historic charm.

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Schuetzen Park, nestled in Davenport, Iowa, is a 26-acre park with a rich German-American history. Originally a shooting park founded in 1870, it has evolved into a nature and recreation area with trails, a deer pond, and the historic 1911 streetcar pavilion.

A brief summary to Schuetzen Park

Local tips

  • Explore the park's history by visiting the 1911 streetcar pavilion, the only original building remaining from the park's early days.
  • Check the park's website for upcoming events, including the summer concert series and other community gatherings.
  • Enjoy the park's natural beauty by hiking the various trails, keeping an eye out for local flora and fauna.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the intersection of West 4th Street and Telegraph Road, head west on West 4th Street until it ends. Turn left onto Telegraph Road, then take the first right onto Waverly Road. After 0.5 miles, turn left at the sign for the Good Samaritan Society. The trailhead is at the far end of the parking lot on the left.

  • Public Transport

    Citibus provides public transportation in Davenport. From downtown Davenport, check Citibus routes and schedules for the nearest stop to Schuetzen Park. From the bus stop, follow Waverly Road to the park entrance. A monthly pass for unlimited rides on all QC Transit systems is $30. Single fares and short-trip costs vary.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    From downtown Davenport, a taxi or ride-share service (like Uber) is a convenient option. The ride to Schuetzen Park is approximately 4 miles. Expect to pay around $10-$15, depending on the service and time of day.

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Discover more about Schuetzen Park

Schuetzen Park, located in the west end of Davenport, Iowa, offers a unique blend of natural beauty and historical significance. Founded in 1870 by the Davenport Schuetzengesellschaft as a traditional German shooting park, it quickly became a social and recreational hub for the local German-American community. At its peak, the park boasted an inn, music pavilion, dance hall, shooting range, refreshment stands, a roller coaster, bowling alleys, and even a zoo. During World War I, the park faced challenges due to anti-German sentiment, leading to a temporary name change to Forest Park. Despite these difficulties, the park persevered, later serving as the site of the Chiropractic Psychopathic Sanitarium. In 1995, restoration efforts began, transforming the grounds into a nature and recreation area. Today, visitors can explore acres of nature trails, observe the deer pond, and admire the Bavarian Wayside Shrine. The granite remains of the German Savings Bank and the 1911 streetcar waiting station, a designated local historic landmark, offer glimpses into the park's past. A summer concert series and other events keep the park vibrant, honoring its legacy as a gathering place for the community. The Jens Lorenzen Pavilion underwent a major transformation in 2021, making the building usable year-round.

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