Cordova’s riverfront community has farmland, manufacturers and race cars
Cordova stretches along a bend in the Mississippi River in the rural reaches of the Quad Cities metropolitan area. With the river on one side and farmland on the other, the village has sustained itself through its natural resources since the late 1830s. "Back in the day, we used to be a button town," says Colleen Willhite, Cordova's village clerk. "They used to make buttons here from river clamshells, and then coal and logging became big. Now, we focus on agriculture and manufacturing." The community has several industrial sites, such as 3M, Matcon Manufacturing and Constellation Energy, the Quad Cities' nuclear power plant. This gives most residents a quick commute, and people return home to quiet residential streets near the riverfront. The community's CAP Index Crime Score is 1 out of 10, ranking significantly lower than the national average of 4.
People boat on the Mississippi River and race at Cordova Dragway
River recreation is a popular pastime, and two public boat launches offer easy access to the water. "People will boat out to the sand islands on the Mississippi, like Princeton Beach," Willhite says. "It's right off our banks, so people spend the whole day there." On the mainland, people watch sunsets and eagles flying overhead from the Fifth Street overlook. Cyclists ride along the Great River Trail, which follows State Route 84. Kids run around the playgrounds at River's Edge Park or Village Park. Throughout the year, spectators gather at the Cordova Dragway to watch cars speed and skid around a quarter-mile track.
Homes by the river and out in the farmland
Most homes are between the riverfront and State Route 84. Residential streets have leafy trees, large grass lawns and wide driveways. Homes near the Cordova District Library look out over Main Avenue, where over 100 mini paintings decorate the street as part of a public art project. American Foursquares, ranch-style homes and split-level houses are the usual offerings, but rural parts of the community usually have farmhouses with acres of land. Home prices range between $115,000 and $285,000, even with attached acreage.
Riverdale Schools serve Cordova students
Students attend Riverdale Elementary School, which has a B rating from Niche. Next door are Riverdale Middle and High schools, which have B-plus and B ratings, respectively. The middle school holds an annual career day, during which students can interact with community professionals and enjoy hands-on activities, such as operating a mini excavator.
The community has two restaurants and one convenience store
Cordova has minimal shopping and dining options. "All we have is a gas station and a tavern," Willhite says. "We definitely have to go out of town to eat out." The area's longtime staple is Riley's Roadhouse Bar & Grill. The restaurant is known for its breaded tenderloins and fried mushrooms, which people enjoy while playing pool or slots. Great River Mart has gas pumps and a convenience store. Next door, Plates & Pours is a recent addition to the community. It serves laidback fare, from traditional breakfast foods to smash burgers and beer on tap. People head into the neighboring city of Port Byron to find more restaurant choices, and the closest grocery store is in Le Claire, Iowa, 10 miles away.
State Route 84 connects to local employers and the Quad Cities
While some residents cruise around the community in golf carts, most rely on cars. State Route 84 cuts through Cordova like a lifeline, connecting residents to local employers and the Quad Cities. The road meets Interstate 80 in about 8 miles. The nearest hospital is MercyOne Genesis Silvis Medical Center, 17 miles away, and the Quad Cities International Airport is 28 miles southwest.
Drag racers battle to win the World Series Crown
Cordova is home to one of the nation's oldest drag racing competitions. The O'Reilly Auto Parts World Series of Drag Racing happens each August, drawing massive crowds to the rural community. Over 200 race cars of every specialty battle on the track to claim the World Series Crown. People buy grandstand tickets months in advance, tailgate before races and even camp at the track to avoid missing a single race. The dragway stays busy throughout the year, hosting car shows and other events. Cordova residents also get involved in nearby events, like the Great River Tug Fest in Port Byron or the Floatzilla Kayak Race, the largest paddle event on the Mississippi River.
