Dillon Memorial Fountain is a historic landmark at the south end of Main Street in downtown Davenport, Iowa, just south of River Drive.
Its sculpted stonework and riverfront setting make it a compact stop to combine with a walk through LeClaire Park. Across the river, Rock Island’s city centre, covered in the Rock Island city centre guide, is another area to explore.
- Location: Main Street and River Drive, downtown Davenport.
- Parking: two public lots are identified by the fountain; city lots are free and accessible 24/7.
- Nearby: LeClaire Park offers river views and walking and biking trails.
Where to find Dillon Memorial Fountain
Dillon Memorial Fountain is at the south end of Main Street, just south of River Drive, in downtown Davenport. It is about a 10-minute drive from American Motor, a two-star motel.
The City of Davenport identifies the Dillon Fountain West Parking Lot at 200 W River Dr and the Dillon Fountain East Parking Lot at 100 W River Dr. Its public lots are free, unmonitored, first-come, first-served, and accessible 24/7. Vehicles left for more than 24 hours may be considered abandoned and towed.
What to see at the riverfront landmark
The fountain’s design combines a tall column topped by a lamp with relief decorations, lion-head water spouts, and four urns on short pedestals. The Society of Architectural Historians dates the work to 1918–1919 and credits Franklin B. Ware, Arthur Ware, and Paul Schulz as its designers.
The fountain was part of a broader vision for the waterfront. A 1912 design for Water Front Park placed a monument at the center of Main Street, with public buildings in park-like settings on either side. Judge John F. Dillon left $10,000 to Davenport for a fountain, which the city dedicated in 1921.
After viewing the monument, continue into LeClaire Park for riverfront walking and biking trails and views of the Mississippi River.
How do you access the fountain and riverfront?
For Main Street Landing, the city describes an entrance from Main Street across a pedestrian bridge that passes over the railroad tracks. The bridge is 25 feet up and over the tracks.
The city warns that special events or flooding can limit or suspend parking in its lots. Check the official site before you go. Overnight parking is also prohibited in the Freight House Parking Lot on nights before market days—Tuesday, Saturday, and Sunday—from April through October.
Pairing a stop with nearby attractions
Make the fountain part of a riverfront outing: see the landmark, then spend time on LeClaire Park’s trails or take in the Mississippi views. Lock and Dam 15 is another nearby riverfront attraction; Visit Quad Cities describes it as the world’s largest roller dam.
For an indoor stop in downtown Davenport, the Figge Art Museum visitor guide covers practical planning for the museum.
If your plans also include the Illinois side of the river, the Rock Island city centre guide can help you plan that part of the trip. The fountain is a separate stop across the river in downtown Davenport.
FAQs
Where is Dillon Memorial Fountain?
It stands at the south end of Main Street, just south of River Drive, in downtown Davenport, Iowa.
Is parking available near the fountain?
The city identifies west and east Dillon Fountain parking lots at 200 W River Dr and 100 W River Dr. Public lots are free and first-come, first-served, though availability can be affected by flooding or special events.
What details should you look for on the fountain?
Look for the lamp atop the column, relief decorations, lion-head water spouts, and four urns on short pedestals.