Minigolf through Davenport: 9 holes, par 27

This is Davenport. The map is the real city and the round is played on its real streets, using attractions like the Putnam Museum as the basis for the holes. Skip is a local guide who knows the place. It is a quick round of 9 holes with a par of 27, covering a walk of 3.4 mi.

Sacred Heart Cathedral

Sacred Heart Cathedral is a Gothic Revival Catholic cathedral located in Davenport, Iowa. This building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and serves as a center for worship in the community. The structure was designed by architect James J. Egan and reaches a height of 23 meters. Its history begins with the inception of the cathedral in 1891. Visitors can observe the Gothic Revival style that defines the exterior and interior of the site. While the main cathedral remains a prominent part of the city, the former convent of the Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Cathedral Complex was torn down in 2012. This location provides a glimpse into the religious and architectural history of the region through its preserved design and historic status.

First Baptist Church

First Baptist Church is a Protestant church building located in central Davenport, Iowa, United States. The inception of the church was in 1890. When you look at the exterior, you can see the Romanesque Revival architecture style used in its design. Because of its historical significance, it is a National Register of Historic Places listed place. It was officially added to that register in 1983 under the name Calvary Baptist Church/First Baptist Church. The church maintains an affiliation with American Baptist Churches USA. This building remains a notable example of the architectural and religious history of the region, standing as a preserved site within the city center for visitors to observe and respect.

Trinity Episcopal Cathedral

Trinity Episcopal Cathedral sits on the bluff overlooking Downtown Davenport, Iowa. As the cathedral in the Diocese of Iowa, it is a prominent landmark in the city. The building is designed in the Gothic Revival style and was completed in 1873. Its architectural significance is recognized through several designations; it was individually listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1974 and was later included as a contributing property in the College Square Historic District in 1983. The cathedral was formerly known as Grace Cathedral and was designed by architect Edward Tuckerman Potter. Visitors can see how the structure anchors the bluff, providing a focal point for the surrounding neighborhood while maintaining its role as a place of worship for the diocese.

St. Anthony's Catholic Church

You are not looking at a temporary mission or a small chapel. St. Anthony's Catholic Church is a parish church in the Diocese of Davenport. Located in downtown Davenport, Iowa, at the corner of Fourth and Main Streets, the site is known for its Greek Revival architecture style. The complex holds significant local and national recognition; it was listed on the Davenport Register of Historic Properties as St. Anthony's Church Square in 1992. Additionally, the parish buildings were listed on the National Register of Historic Places as St. Anthony's Roman Catholic Church Complex in 1984. In 2020, the parish buildings were included as contributing properties in the Davenport Downtown Commercial Historic District, with the exception of the parish center. Visitors should note that the rectory was partially torn down in 2009.

Figge Art Museum

Let me show you the Figge Art Museum. You can find it in Davenport, situated right on the north bank of the Mississippi River. This art museum is a nonprofit organization that has been part of the community since its inception in 1928. It is a popular spot for people to gather and view art, drawing in 76,688 annual visitors. When you visit, you can pick out the way the building interacts with the water's edge, which gives the whole experience a different feel than a landlocked gallery. I've noticed that the river breeze makes the walk over here quite pleasant, though it can be a bit of a challenge for those of us with wings if the wind is blowing too hard from the north. It is a great place to stop and appreciate the local culture while enjoying the view of the river.

Capitol Theater

The Capitol Theater is a movie theater that has stood as a fixture of the city's commercial architecture. You can pick out the Chicago School style used in its design, which marks it as a significant piece of the local skyline. The theater is recognized as a National Register of Historic Places listed place. It is housed within the Kahl Building in Downtown Davenport, Iowa. The Kahl Building itself was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1983 and was later included as a contributing property in the Davenport Downtown Commercial Historic District in 2020. I've found that the area around here is great for people-watching while you admire the old facades.

Modern Woodmen Park

Designed by Populous, this architectural structure is a minor league baseball venue situated on the banks of the Mississippi River. It is primarily known as the home of the Quad Cities River Bandits, who are the Midwest League affiliate of the Kansas City Royals. While the professional team draws the biggest crowds, the park also has a long history with local collegiate sports; the St. Ambrose University baseball team has played games here since 1987. You can pick out the river views from the stands, which make for a great backdrop during a game. I've found that the breeze coming off the water keeps things cool when the Iowa summer heat hits.

Centennial Park

Davenport Parks and Recreation operates The River's Edge, an indoor sports complex located on the northeast corner of Centennial Park. This park sits along the Mississippi River in downtown Davenport, Iowa, United States. Development of the 250-acre area was begun in 2000, and the park's inception was in 2004. Its name is derived from the Rock Island Centennial Bridge. Visitors can take advantage of the many amenities available, including fishing areas, a playground, a dog off leash area, and a skateboard park. I've noticed it's a great spot for people to gather by the water. The Riverfront Parkway also passes through the park, making it an easy stop for those traveling through the downtown area. It is a wide open space that provides a lot of room for the city to breathe.

Saint Marys Church

The Diocese of Davenport established a parish here that operated for over a century. They built Saint Marys Church, which was started in 1867. Located in the west end of Davenport at the corner of Fillmore and W. 6th Streets, the building is designed in the Romanesque Revival architecture style. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. While the building remains a significant part of the city's architectural history, the parish ceased operations in July 2020. Following this closure, the parish was merged into St. Anthony's Church downtown. The structure stands as a physical record of the community's religious history and the specific architectural preferences of the late nineteenth century, maintaining its place in the city's west end long after the parish functions moved elsewhere.

Putnam Museum

The Putnam Museum and Science Center is a museum of history and natural science that includes an interactive science center. Located at 1717 West 12th Street on museum hill near Fejervary Park, it is positioned at the corner of Division Street and West 12th Street. The institution was founded in 1867 and was originally called the Davenport Academy of Natural Sciences. It is a great spot to spend an afternoon, and you can pick out a huge variety of items from its collections of around 250,000 historical artifacts and specimens. I've noticed that the hill location gives it a bit of a getaway feel from the rest of the city.