The Mississippi River built and maintains the Port Byron community
As the Quad Cities slowly formed during the 19th and 20th centuries, the rural village of Port Byron bustled with manufacturers and farmers. White lime production and the Mississippi River made the area a major regional exporter and its industrial influence only grew after railroads extended into the village. Manufacturing eventually declined, turning Port Byron into the residential community it is today. Locals enjoy riverfront views, forest landscapes and a small-town atmosphere. “People definitely know their neighbors, and if somebody needs something, the community will reach out and be there for them,” says Kristie Guardia, Port Byron’s village administrator and deputy clerk. The community’s rural reaches still support agricultural pursuits, but the river has transformed into a hotspot for recreation and a long-lasting competitive tradition - the Great River Tug Fest.
Residential diversity makes each part of the community unique
Port Byron has a lot of residential diversity because of its unique landscape. Some streets are short and compact, creating less space between neighbors. Longer roads have wider lots, allowing lawns to sprawl around homes. The community becomes more rural as it extends east, with dense forests and large stretches of farmland between residential pockets. Homes are also diverse, as styles range from bi-level and ranch-style to American Foursquare and new traditional. Houses built within the past 20 years are mostly contemporary or custom styles. Prices range from $150,000 to $610,000, depending on a home’s proximity to the riverfront, attached acreage, square footage and age.
Interstate 80 keeps Port Byron connected to the Quad Cities
State Route 84, or South High Street, guides drivers through the community. People use 84 to reach Interstate 80, which connects to the Quad Cities in about 13 miles. “We don’t mind driving into the city since we’re so close to the interstate,” Guardia says. “It’s funny how people from the Quad Cities will say Port Byron is so far away when it’s only about 15 minutes away with the interstate.” The Quad Cities International Airport is about 23 miles away, and the closest hospital, UnityPoint Health – Trinity, is 16 miles away.
Local students attend nearby Riverdale schools
Riverdale Elementary, Middle and High schools are along Country Road South. Riverdale Elementary and High have B scores from Niche, while Riverdale Middle has a B-plus. The school offers several field trip opportunities to its students, from career-oriented explorations to the annual eighth-grade ski trip to Chestnut Mountain.
South Main Street is lined with restaurants and a quippy attraction
South Main Street is the community’s dining destination. Blue Suede Cocktails and Coffee lets patio diners watch the sunset over the river. Next door, Tuggers also offers river views but pulls in the weekend brunch crowd. At Peacock’s Tavern, people enjoy a domestic beer over a round of pool or darts. The closest grocery store is Fareway Stores, 5 miles over the water in Le Claire. Clampitt Family Farms sells pure honey to its neighbors during summer and fall. Also on South High Street is the Will B. Rolling Statue. This 30-foot sculpture of a Victorian man riding a Penny-Farthing bicycle is the community’s comedic attraction on account of its name. The man rides his bike parallel to the Great River Trail, seemingly joining modern cyclists.
The community comes together for tug-of-war across the Mississippi River
Port Byron’s friendly feud with Le Claire, Iowa, starts to brew each August. The two communities prepare for the Great River Tug Fest, a massive tug-of-war contest over the Mississippi River. For over 30 years, teams have pulled a 2,400-foot rope with all their might to claim victory. “We do have the most victories and plan on continuing that,” Guardia says. “It’s very competitive.” The three-day festival also features local vendors, live entertainment and a Friday-night fireworks show. Another summertime favorite is the Baby Blues & BBQ Fest. Live bands play at an outdoor gazebo while people enjoy the barbecue and drink specials at nearby restaurants.
Trails, campgrounds and the Mississippi River keep locals active
Bikers and boaters have ample access to the Mississippi River. The Great River Trail stretches over 63 miles, passing several public boat ramps and docks. Dorrance Park offers forest trails with obstacle ramps for mountain bikers, plus a playground and baseball diamonds. Byron Hills Golf Course’s public fairway caters to golfers of all skill levels. People pitch tents and park RVs at Camp Hauberg to enjoy river views and evening bonfires.
