Davenport to San Antonio Road Trip Guide

Introduction

Located on the Mississippi River and known as a green city due to over 50 parks that are in and around the city, Davenport is a midwestern hidden gem. The city is part of the Quad Cities and is one of the best destinations for active travelers due to the many miles of walking paths, biking trails, and picnic areas where you can kick back and relax.

Along with having plenty of green spaces, Davenport is also home to some interesting museums, such as the Putnam Museum and Science Center, German American Heritage Center & Museum, and Iowa 80 Trucking Museum. The location of the city means that you will able to travel to many different destinations, including heading down south to the get state of Texas.

Taking the time to go on an extended RV road trip means that you will be able to make the most of the many attractions that are in the central midwest. Traveling through Missouri, Kansas, and Oklahoma will give you a broad range of landscapes and attractions, including towering forests, breathtaking lakes, and many oddities that you wouldn't find on the coasts of the country.

Finishing your trip in San Antonio is the best way to experience both Mexican and Texan culture. Home to some of the most underrated restaurants in the country, multiple professional sports teams, and the classic San Antonio River Walk, the city has plenty of great RV camping areas to top off your trip too.

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Details

60'
Max RV length
60'
Max trailer Length
Road trip length: 7+ days
Recommend rig: motorhome
audience: single

Point of Interest

Figge Art Museum

One of the cultural highlights of Davenport is the fantastic Figge Art Museum. Known as the major art museum for the western Illinois and eastern Iowa region, the museum has roots dating back to 1928 with the current site opening in 2005.

If this is your first visit to The Figge you can't beat going on a guided tour that is offered by staff and volunteers. During the tour, you will learn about the different collections that are displayed in the museum that range from Midwestern, Colonial Mexican, and Haitian. There are over 4,000 pieces in the museum and the second-floor gallery is home to the University of Iowa collection after their building was flooded in 2008.

Another benefit to visiting The Fig is that you can attend any special exhibitions that are showing with the cost of your ticket so you won't have to spend any extra cash.

When it comes to staying the night in the Davenport area you can't beat the Rock Island / Quad Cities KOA.


Mark Twain State Park

Located on the banks of the gorgeous Mark Twain Lake, Mark Twain State Park is one of the more unique state parks in Missouri and is well worth checking out as you begin to make your way down south.

Originally established in 1924, the recreation options are near limitless, mostly due to the lake. You can use it for fishing all year round, boating, and swimming during the summertime thanks to the swimming beach.

When it comes time to relaxing there are plenty of picnic areas to check out with multiple areas that have tables, BBQs, and electricity. There are also plenty of learning opportunities during the summer months with a naturalist in the park providing guided hikes, workshops on survival skills, and live animal demonstrations.

You won't have to leave the park looking for a place to stay as Mark Twain State Park contains three campgrounds suitable for RVs. There are plenty of sites to choose from, including some that are located on the banks of the lake.


Bennett Spring State Park

A day out at Mark Twain State Park can be hard to top, but Bennett Spring State Park offers you a different side of midwestern natural attractions. This is one of the earliest parks in Missouri and it has been attracting visitors from all over wanting to make the most of Bennett Spring, which is the crown jewel of the park.

Over 100 million gallons of crystal clear waters flow through the park each day and there is no doubt that Bennett Spring State Park is one of the best fishing destinations in the midwest. If you aren't an angler don't fret, because there is more to the park than just fishing. The Niangua River is a great spot to go paddling, there are seven unique hiking trails that allow you to explore the untouched wilderness, and a nature center with plenty of activities and attractions.

With five campgrounds to choose from including full hookup sites in summer, the amenities at Bennett Spring State Park will be a highlight of your trip.


George Washington Carver National Monument

It's always exciting to visit attractions that are a little off the beaten trail, and for a place to learn about the history of one of America's greatest scientists and inventors, check out the George Washington Carver National Monument. The monument is a part of the National Parks Service and was designated as such to protect the boyhood home of George Washington Carver - the first dedicated to an African American.

During your visit to the George Washington Carver National Monument, one of the highlights is the guided tour. This is where you will be able to see the house that George Washington Carver grew up in, as well as getting the chance to see the protected prairie grasses that are on the 140 acres within the monument.

There is also a well-equipped visitor center where you can view exhibits and find out more information on the man who helped bring growing peanuts and sweet potatoes into the mainstream.


Tulsa

Take a 125-mile drive southwest from the George Washington Carver National Monument and you will arrive in the former oil capital of the world, Tulsa. Gone are the days of when oil dominated city life, now Oklahoma's second-largest city is brimming with things to do during your time here.

One of the most popular attractions in Tulsa is the Gathering Place, which was named as one the best new attraction of 2019 by USA Today. This is a completely modern urban park where there is a mixture of activities, including kayaking, hiking trails, and even a skate park.

After a day out at the Gathering Place you can live like a local and head to one of the many watering holes within the city limits, such as Valkyrie is you want to enjoy some delicious cocktails, or the cycling-themed Soundpony Lounge if you want a classic place to have some cheap drinks.

When it comes to choosing where to stay in Tulsa you are spoilt for choice, but the Tulsa NE / Will Rogers Downs KOA Journey that is located a few miles outside the city stands out from the pack.


Attending a Dallas Mavericks Game

Dallas is a very proud sporting city, but since Dallas Cowboys tickets are near impossible to get unless you are willing to spend some serious cash, attending a Dallas Mavericks game during your time in the city will give you your professional sports fix.

The Mavericks have been a successful NBA franchise for many years, and since you are in Texas the price for attending a game will be much cheaper than they would be on the coasts.

The American Airlines Center where the team plays its home games has some great food and drink options with 11 full-service bars, along with 18 concession options where you can get some dinner before or during the game.

Since you are traveling in your RV it would be a wise idea to park at your campground for the night and then catch public transport or rideshare services into the city. The Good Luck RV Park is one of the closest to the stadium, so if you feel like doing some urban RV camping, here will be perfect.


Waco Mammoth Site

Not many travelers usually take the time to stop between Dallas and Austin, but there is a big reason to pop into Waco before continuing your RV adventure.

Found in 1978 while hunting, the Waco Mammoth Site is the largest collection of Columbian Mammoths in the world that perished at the same time. Over the years site has been transformed into a unique attraction where you can view the fossils from above thanks to a purpose-built viewing platform and indoor Pavillion.

Officially designated as a National Monument in 2015, guided tours can also be done of the dig site in conjunction with the National Parks Service. The tour will cost a fee, but if you are interested in learning more about these incredible creatures and the discovery of the site it is well worth it.

The city of Waco is also home to many great campgrounds, including the lakeside destinations of the Midway Park COE that is operated by the US Army Corps of Engineers.


Summary

There's plenty of reasons why San Antonio is one of the most populated cities in Texas, and arriving here at the end of your trip will a glorious way to end this trip of a lifetime. The city is the most visited in Texas, and it's easy to see why. There are so many unique attractions that are suitable to all ages, so whether you want to kick back and get some rest and relax done or continue to go exploring, San Antonio has something on offer for you.

Culturally you can't much different from where you started your trip in Davenport, so when exploring San Antonio eating authentic Mexican food is an absolute must. If you find yourself in the Historic Market Square you will have to check out the Mi Tierra Cafe y Panaderia. This is a Mexican cafe that features a bakery and dinner options that has been open since the 1940s where you will be able to enjoy the best local cuisine.

Ending your trip on a high note is important, and staying at the Traveler's World RV Resort will certainly make this possible.

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