A walk across the water

Join LMQC Outdoor bloggers Teri and Kaia as they take a tour of the new I-74 bridge – by way of its amazing, 14-foot wide pedestrian walkway – which spans the Mississippi River in the Quad Cities.

By Teri Stickler and her Samoyed, Kaia

Finally, Kaia was able to accompany me as we took our first walk across the Mighty Mississippi by way of the new I-74 pedestrian walkway. And what a thrill it was!

At 14 feet wide, there’s plenty of room for those wishing to walk, run, bike or in my case, bring along my favorite four-legged companion to enjoy the view.

On our day earlier in May, Kaia and I walked from Iowa to Illinois and back again. I timed our walk and it took us 25 minutes round trip, but we did stop and marvel and chat with others, so we were not moving at a fast clip. After all, our outing was not about speed, but rather about the walk and the experience and just being out and about and together.

The walkway provides safe passage

While the idea of walking next to an interstate can be unnerving, there are substantial barriers between you and traffic. Ignore any noise from the passing cars and just stop and take in miles of unobstructed view. Watch from this whole new vantage point as this majestic Mississippi River flows downstream.

And you most definitely want to pause for a bit once you reach the halfway point. Here you can come to sit a spell, as several built-in benches await your visit. Here you can see through the barriers as they are clear and allow for a great view.

One of the bridge’s unique features is the giant oculus built into the ‘floor’ of the overlook. You’ll be able to stand in the middle of it and look through the super thick glass. Kaia found it rather fascinating.

At first, she looked carefully, deciding if that was something she should stand on or not. However, not a problem at all. She even posed for a photo op!

Come stand on it yourself, and if you’re so fortunate, you may even get a bird’s eye view over the top of a river barge should one pass beneath while you are there. Come “watch the water wiggle.” Maybe let your mind think of times past and stories from Mark Twain.

Worth the walk … and the search for a parking spot

I highly encourage you, if you have not already done so, to take the time and make the effort to come to experience our new Q.C. lookout. I’m certain you will be impressed.

Do, however, hold on to your hat if you’re wearing one. It can get quite windy on the bridge. Also, if you want to pack a sandwich or bring along water, please note there are no trash cans so be prepared to carry home what you bring along.

I would be remiss if I were not to mention parking and how to access the walkway. At this point and as so much construction is still going on, this can be a challenge. We ended up finding some side street parking in Bettendorf, but that meant we had to navigate the walk to the bridge entrance, and we had to cross some busy traffic along with State and Grant Streets.

Just be patient and know, that though you might get lucky and find a nearby parking spot, you likely may end up having to park a short distance away.

That said, it will all be worth it in the end. This walk might end up being your ‘daily workout,’ with an easy incline and a place to sit and rest in the middle.

Come check it out. You’ll be glad you did.

And if you have out-of-town guests, be proud to show off one of the most beautiful views in the QC.

By Teri Stickler and her Samoyed, Kaia

Finally, Kaia was able to accompany me as we took our first walk across the Mighty Mississippi by way of the new I-74 pedestrian walkway. And what a thrill it was!

At 14 feet wide, there’s plenty of room for those wishing to walk, run, bike or in my case, bring along my favorite four-legged companion to enjoy the view.

On our day earlier in May, Kaia and I walked from Iowa to Illinois and back again. I timed our walk and it took us 25 minutes round trip, but we did stop and marvel and chat with others, so we were not moving at a fast clip. After all, our outing was not about speed, but rather about the walk and the experience and just being out and about and together.

The walkway provides safe passage

While the idea of walking next to an interstate can be unnerving, there are substantial barriers between you and traffic. Ignore any noise from the passing cars and just stop and take in miles of unobstructed view. Watch from this whole new vantage point as this majestic Mississippi River flows downstream.

And you most definitely want to pause for a bit once you reach the halfway point. Here you can come to sit a spell, as several built-in benches await your visit. Here you can see through the barriers as they are clear and allow for a great view.

One of the bridge’s unique features is the giant oculus built into the ‘floor’ of the overlook. You’ll be able to stand in the middle of it and look through the super thick glass. Kaia found it rather fascinating.

At first, she looked carefully, deciding if that was something she should stand on or not. However, not a problem at all. She even posed for a photo op!

Come stand on it yourself, and if you’re so fortunate, you may even get a bird’s eye view over the top of a river barge should one pass beneath while you are there. Come “watch the water wiggle.” Maybe let your mind think of times past and stories from Mark Twain.

Worth the walk … and the search for a parking spot

I highly encourage you, if you have not already done so, to take the time and make the effort to come to experience our new Q.C. lookout. I’m certain you will be impressed.

Do, however, hold on to your hat if you’re wearing one. It can get quite windy on the bridge. Also, if you want to pack a sandwich or bring along water, please note there are no trash cans so be prepared to carry home what you bring along.

I would be remiss if I were not to mention parking and how to access the walkway. At this point and as so much construction is still going on, this can be a challenge. We ended up finding some side street parking in Bettendorf, but that meant we had to navigate the walk to the bridge entrance, and we had to cross some busy traffic along with State and Grant Streets.

Just be patient and know, that though you might get lucky and find a nearby parking spot, you likely may end up having to park a short distance away.

That said, it will all be worth it in the end. This walk might end up being your ‘daily workout,’ with an easy incline and a place to sit and rest in the middle.

Come check it out. You’ll be glad you did.

And if you have out-of-town guests, be proud to show off one of the most beautiful views in the QC.

Pictures of Kaia and Teri’s hike across the Mississippi on the I-74 bridge