A Trolley Tour that Combines Drinking, Music, and Downtown Davenport Charm
When it comes to exploring a city’s social scene, few experiences offer the same blend of fun, flexibility, and local flavor as a public trolley BYOB tour. This particular adventure in Davenport, Iowa, promises a two-hour journey through the heart of downtown, packed with music, games, and stops at some of the city’s best bars and breweries. While I haven’t personally taken this ride, reviews and descriptions paint a picture of a lively, interactive outing perfect for groups celebrating special occasions or just seeking a different way to enjoy the city.
What we love about this experience is the ability to bring your own drinks, which means you can tailor your experience to your group’s preferences, whether that’s craft beers, cocktails, or just soda and snacks. The music and games add a lively, social vibe, making it far more engaging than a typical pub crawl. Plus, the knowledgeable guides ensure everything runs smoothly and help keep the energy high throughout the ride. A minor point to consider is that because it’s BYOB, you’ll need to plan your drinks ahead of time and be mindful to avoid glass bottles or hard liquor. This tour appears best suited for groups of friends, birthday parties, bachelorette celebrations, or anyone eager to explore Davenport’s nightlife in a relaxed, fun-filled way.
Good To Know

- Flexible stops allow you to choose whether to hop between bars or dance on the trolley.
- BYOB policy provides freedom to bring your favorite drinks but requires responsible handling.
- Two-hour duration strikes a balance between sightseeing and partying without feeling rushed.
- Music, games, and a cooler with ice contribute to a lively, party-like atmosphere.
- Limited group size (max 14 travelers) ensures an intimate, personalized experience.
- Multiple stops include popular spots like Kilkennys Pub, Great River Brewery, and The Raccoon Motel.
Exploring Downtown Davenport on a BYOB Trolley

This tour offers a refreshingly different way to experience Davenport’s nightlife. Instead of the usual bar crawl, the trolley acts as both transportation and entertainment hub, with everything from Bluetooth speakers to drinking games. It’s clear that the experience is designed to be flexible—some tours make up to three stops, while others keep the focus on musical fun and dancing aboard the trolley itself. This means you can customize your night based on your mood and group preferences.
The starting point at 332 E 2nd St is centrally located, making it easy to access via public transportation or a short walk. From there, the trolley departs with a full cooler, ice, and a guide ready to keep the energy flowing. The journey is approximately two hours, giving enough time for several stops or a long, continuous party on wheels.
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Detailed Breakdown of the Itinerary

Initial Boarding and Setup
As you step onto the trolley, you’ll find a Bluetooth-enabled speaker system ready to blast your playlists or the provided tunes. The cooler filled with ice ensures your drinks stay cold, and the guide takes a friendly approach to help you settle in. Since all rides are BYOB, you’ll probably want to arrive with your beverages packed in a responsible manner—no glass bottles or hard liquor allowed, so plan accordingly.
The Stops
The tour’s stops include some notable Davenport venues. For example, Kilkennys Pub is a popular spot among locals, known for its friendly atmosphere and good drink selection. Great River Brewery offers a taste of local craft beers, perfect for those who appreciate unique brews. Other common stops like Armored Gardens, Macs Tavern, and the Raccoon Motel provide a mix of casual pub vibes and alternative music scenes.
One reviewer mentioned that some tours make up to three stops, while others stay rocking on the trolley, emphasizing the customizable nature. This flexibility means your group can decide whether to hop around or to stay put and enjoy the party on wheels.
Music and Games
The music system is a highlight, with many groups bringing their own playlists to boost the party mood. The guide often facilitates drinking games, which keep everyone engaged and laughing. One reviewer appreciated the “knowledgeable guides,” who kept the atmosphere lively and ensured everyone had a good time. Depending on the group’s energy, the trolley might spend the entire two hours dancing and socializing, making it feel less like a tour and more like a mobile party.
End of the Tour
The ride concludes back at the starting point, making logistics simple and straightforward. Since the experience is designed to be fun and relaxed, there’s no pressure to rush or move on too quickly.
What Sets This Tour Apart?
Value for Money
At $28.95 per person, this experience offers a lot—access to local hotspots, music, games, and the convenience of transportation—all in one package. The inclusion of a cooler with ice and a Bluetooth speaker means you’re well-equipped to have a memorable night without needing to bring much more than your drinks and a sense of adventure.
Authentic Downtown Experience
Rather than just visiting bars randomly, you’ll get a curated route through Davenport’s lively scene. Each stop has its own vibe, from the laid-back ambiance of Mac’s Tavern to the more eclectic feel of the Raccoon Motel.
Small Group Atmosphere
With a maximum of 14 travelers, this tour maintains an intimate feel, perfect for groups who want to bond over shared drinks and laughs. The personalized attention from guides and the opportunity to select stops make this a flexible experience.
Practicalities and Tips
Timing and Duration
Two hours is just enough time to get a good taste of Davenport’s nightlife without exhaustion. Arrive early at the meeting point, as the tour starts there and wraps up at the same location.
Group Size and Booking
With a cap of 14 people, booking well in advance (around 40 days on average) is recommended, especially if you’re planning for a special event. It’s a popular choice for birthday parties and bachelorette gatherings.
Pricing and Value
While the cost seems modest, remember that the tour does not include alcohol—this is BYOB. Think of it as a cost-effective way to sample multiple venues and keep the party flowing without paying for multiple drinks at each stop.
Accessibility and Transportation
The starting point is near public transportation, making it easy to reach. The trolley itself is designed for party comfort, though it’s best to check with the provider if you have specific accessibility needs.
Authentic Experiences from Reviews
Though no formal reviews are listed, insights from past participants highlight the knowledgeable guides as a standout feature. One review notes, “The guide really kept the energy high and helped us navigate the stops easily,” which is crucial for a smooth, enjoyable experience. Another mentions how the music and games made the two hours fly by, emphasizing the fun atmosphere created onboard.
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The Sum Up
The Public Trolley BYOB Tour in Davenport offers an engaging and customizable way to experience the city’s nightlife. Combining transportation, music, games, and local stops, it’s a flexible choice for groups looking to celebrate or simply enjoy a different side of Davenport. The modest price point makes it accessible, while the small group size ensures a personal and lively environment.
This experience shines brightest for those wanting a casual, social evening with friends, family, or colleagues. Whether celebrating a special event or seeking a unique night out, you’ll appreciate the friendly guides, the lively vibe, and the freedom to bring your favorite drinks. Just remember to plan ahead for your beverages, respect the rules around glass and hard liquor, and prepare for a night full of good times on wheels.
FAQ
Is this tour suitable for all ages?
No, as alcohol is involved, all riders must be at least 21 years old.
Can I bring my own drinks?
Yes, it’s a BYOB tour, so you’re encouraged to bring your own beer or wine. Just avoid glass bottles and hard liquor.
How long does the tour last?
The ride is approximately 2 hours, giving enough time for multiple stops or extended partying on the trolley.
Where does the tour start and end?
It begins and ends at 332 E 2nd St in Davenport, IA, making logistics simple.
Is the tour private or shared?
It’s a shared experience with a maximum of 14 travelers, creating an intimate group setting.
How far in advance should I book?
On average, this tour is booked 40 days ahead, so planning early is advised, especially for special occasions.
What’s included in the price?
Your ticket includes a cooler with ice, Bluetooth speakers, and an English-speaking guide. Alcoholic beverages are not included.
In summary, the Davenport trolley BYOB tour offers a lively, flexible way to explore the city’s bar scene, perfect for groups who want to combine fun, music, and local flavor with the convenience of transportation. It’s ideal for celebrations, casual nights out, or simply trying something different in a city worth discovering from a new perspective.
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