Vander Veer Park Historic District

Vander Veer Park Historic District is a 70-acre neighborhood containing 66 historic buildings surrounding a central park with landscaped gardens, ponds, and walking paths. The houses were built primarily in the late 1800s and early 1900s and continue to define the area's character.

The site began as the Scott County Fairgrounds, was transformed into a public park in 1890, and received its current name Vander Veer Park in 1911. This name change marked the completion of its evolution from an amusement venue into an established residential neighborhood.

The residential buildings display architectural styles from 1895 to 1915 featuring Queen Anne and Tudor Revival elements that shape the neighborhood today. These design choices reflected the prosperity of the middle and upper-class families who lived here during that era.

The district sits roughly 22 blocks north of the Mississippi River and connects to downtown Davenport via Harrison, Main, and Brady streets. The flat terrain and grid layout make exploring on foot or by bicycle straightforward.

The park's core still features original late 1800s infrastructure including a glasshouse and designed flower gardens. The original street lighting from that era remains intact and contributes to the authentic character of the space.