Explore Port Byron, Illinois
The small town of Port Byron is on the Illinois side of the Mississippi River in the QC region. Located on the riverfront directly across from LeClaire, Iowa, the two towns battle it out each August during the only tug-of-war across the Mississippi River. It has been happening for nearly 40 years! (In case you’re wondering, Illinois has more wins.)
Take a picture with Will B. Rolling, the 30-foot tall statue of a man on a penny-farthing bicycle who sits alongside the paved riverfront Great River Trail. Stop at one of the locally-owned restaurants along the riverfront main street. Play a round at Byron Hills Golf Course or take a trip to Adventure Quest during October for the QC Haunted Forest.
Notable festivals and events include their Baby Blues & BBQ Fest, and their main event of the Summer, The Great River Tug Fest. This tug-of-war across the Mississippi River between Port Byron and LeClaire Iowa is a 3-day festival that includes a firework show over the river, food, and entertainment.
Stop at Tuggers for beautiful riverfront dining on their screened-in patio or Riverbend Pizza Place serves up Quad Cities-style pizza. Eat and drink like a local at Jimmie Lee's Bar & Grill.
SOME HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE
- Tug Fest
- Will B. Rolling riverfront sculpture
- Byron Hills Golf Course
- Dorance Park Forst Preserve - 4.8 miles of hiking/biking trails, baseball/softball fields
- Riverfront Restaurant - dock your boat, eat, play games, enjoy live music
