The Putnam Museum is one of those broad civic museums that covers a bit of everything: natural history, regional culture, science exhibits, and hands-on displays for children. It has been part of Davenport's museum life since the 19th century.
Families will get the most from it, but adults interested in the region's river history and collections should not dismiss it. It sits west of downtown, so combine it with other non-riverfront stops rather than trying to walk there casually.