Rock Island Travel Guide

Trek Zone

City

Facts and practical information

Located in the heart of the Illinois region, Rock Island is a vibrant city that offers a unique blend of history, nature, and cultural attractions. With its rich heritage, stunning landscapes, and bustling downtown area, Rock Island is a must-visit destination for travelers seeking an authentic American experience.

One of the highlights of Rock Island is its rich history. Visitors can explore the fascinating Rock Island Arsenal, one of the largest and oldest active military installations in the United States. This historic landmark offers guided tours where visitors can learn about its role in various conflicts throughout history. Additionally, the Arsenal Island Museum showcases an impressive collection of military artifacts, providing a captivating insight into the nation's military heritage.

Nature enthusiasts will be thrilled to discover the beauty of Rock Island's outdoor spaces. The city is surrounded by breathtaking natural landscapes, including the scenic Rock Island Trail, a 26-mile trail that winds its way through lush forests, picturesque farmlands, and charming small towns. Whether hiking, biking, or simply enjoying a leisurely stroll, visitors can immerse themselves in the tranquility of nature and take in the stunning views along the trail.

For those seeking cultural experiences, Rock Island offers a diverse range of attractions. The Figge Art Museum is a must-visit for art enthusiasts, featuring an impressive collection of American, European, and Haitian art. The museum also hosts rotating exhibitions, ensuring there is always something new to discover. Music lovers can catch a live performance at the renowned Circa '21 Dinner Playhouse, where Broadway hits, comedies, and musicals are brought to life in an intimate setting.

Downtown Rock Island is a bustling hub of activity, filled with charming shops, vibrant restaurants, and lively bars. Visitors can wander through the historic District, admiring the beautifully preserved architecture, and indulge in delicious cuisine at one of the many local eateries. From farm-to-table restaurants to international cuisine, there is something to suit every palate.

Alternative names: Population: 38.6 thous.Area: 17.06 mi²Elevation: 584 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 41°30'11"N, 90°34'11"W

Location

IllinoisUnited States

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Rock Island Top Attractions

Rock Island Attractions - What to See and Explore

Rock Island offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Rock Island Arsenal, Bally's Quad Cities, Downtown Rock Island Historic District, Quad City Botanical Center. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Museum • Military museum
Rock Island Arsenal
The Rock Island Arsenal comprises 946 acres, located on Arsenal Island, originally known as Rock Island, on the Mississippi River between the cities of Davenport, Iowa, and Rock Island, Illinois. It lies within the state of Illinois.
Casino • Gambling • Nightlife
Bally's Quad Cities
Bally's Quad Cities, formerly Jumer's Casino & Hotel, is a casino hotel in Rock Island, Illinois, part of the Quad Cities area. It is owned and operated by Bally's Corporation. The casino has about 42,000 square feet of gaming space, with 1,000 slot machines, 18 table games, and a poker room.
Neighbourhood • Downtown Rock Island
Downtown Rock Island Historic District
The Downtown Rock Island Historic District is a national historic district encompassing 82.3 acres in downtown Rock Island, Illinois.

Garden • Park • Botanical garden
Quad City Botanical Center
The Quad City Botanical Center is a set of botanical gardens located next to the Mississippi River at 2525 4th Avenue, Rock Island, Illinois. It is open daily except major holidays; an admission fee is charged. The center opened on June 20, 1998.
Cemetery • Gothic Revival architecture
Chippiannock Cemetery
Chippiannock Cemetery is a rural cemetery located on 12th Street and 31st Avenue in Rock Island, Illinois, United States. The word “Chippiannock” is a Native American term which means “place of the dead”.
Cemetery • Rock Island Arsenal
Rock Island National Cemetery
Rock Island National Cemetery is a United States National Cemetery located within Rock Island Arsenal near the city of Rock Island, Illinois.
Museum • Specialty museum
Rock Island Arsenal Museum
The Rock Island Arsenal Museum in Rock Island County, Illinois is based around the history of Rock Island Arsenal. It is the second oldest museum of the United States Army, the oldest being the Museum at West Point.
Museum • Blackhawk
Black Hawk Museum and Lodge
Black Hawk Museum and Lodge is a historic building located in the Black Hawk State Historic Site in Rock Island, Illinois, United States. The lodge was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1985. It is a part of the Illinois State Park Lodges and Cabins Thematic Resources.
Park • Longview
Longview Park
Longview Park Conservatory and Gardens is a city park located at 1300 17th Street, Rock Island, Illinois. It is open daily without charge. The park includes a conservatory, greenhouse, flower gardens, playground equipment, picnic shelters, volleyball pit, swimming pool, tennis courts, and walking paths.
Museum • History museum
John Hauberg Museum of Native American Life
John Hauberg Museum of Native American Life is located in the Black Hawk Museum and Lodge at Black Hawk State Historic Site in Rock Island, Illinois, United States.
Library • Downtown Rock Island
Rock Island Public Library
The Rock Island Public Library is located in downtown Rock Island, Illinois. The Rock Island Public Library traces its beginnings to 1872, making it one the oldest public libraries in Illinois. However, fee-based public libraries started in 1855 in Rock Island and have contributed to the history of Illinois' original library system.
Concerts and shows • Theater
Fort Armstrong Theatre
Circa 21 Dinner Playhouse, Formerly known as The fort Armstrong theater, is an historic building located in downtown Rock Island, Illinois, United States. It opened in 1920 and it was individually listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980.
41°30'16"N • 90°32'59"W
Old Main
Old Main, Augustana College is an historic building located in Rock Island, Illinois, United States. It was built between 1884 and 1893 on the campus of Augustana College, and it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1975.
41°30'17"N • 90°34'10"W
Karpeles Manuscript Library Museum - Rock Island
Museum • Specialty museum • History museum
41°30'11"N • 90°32'56"W
Fryxell Geology Museum at Augustana College
Museum • Natural history museum
Interesting neighbourhood • Downtown Rock Island
Best Building
The Best Building is a historic building located in downtown Rock Island, Illinois, United States. It was built by Louis Best, an industrialist and real estate magnate from Davenport, Iowa in 1908. It was designed by the prominent Davenport architectural firm of Clausen & Clausen in the Renaissance Revival style.
Museum • Blackhawk
Black Hawk State Historic Site
The Black Hawk State Historic Site, in Rock Island, Illinois, occupies much of the historic site of the village of Saukenuk, the home of a band of Native Americans of the Sauk nation. It includes the John Hauberg Museum of Native American Life.
Interesting neighbourhood • Colonial revival architecture
Arsenal Courts Historic District
Arsenal Courts, also known as Century Woods, is a nationally recognized historic district located in Rock Island, Illinois, United States. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2020. At the time of its nomination it consisted of 43 resources, all of them contributing buildings.
41°30'39"N • 90°34'30"W
Peoples National Bank Building-Fries Building
Peoples National Bank Building–Fries Building are two historic buildings located in downtown Rock Island, Illinois, United States. They were listed together on the National Register of Historic Places in 1999.

Day trips

Rock Island – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Rock Island, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Figge Art Museum (Davenport), TaxSlayer Center (Moline), Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum (West Branch).

1.3 miN
Museum, Art museum
Figge Art Museum, Davenport
Nestled in the heart of Davenport, Iowa, the Figge Art Museum stands as a beacon of culture and creativity. This modern museum, with its sleek glass façade, offers a window into the world of art for the curious traveler and the avid art enthusiast alike.
2.6 miE
Arenas and stadiums, Convention center, Sport venue
TaxSlayer Center, Moline
The TaxSlayer Center, formerly known as The MARK of the Quad Cities and the iWireless Center, is a 12,000-seat multi-purpose arena located in Moline, Illinois. The arena has garnered numerous architectural industry awards since its construction.
42 milesW
Museum and library with Hoover exhibits
Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum, West Branch
The Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum is the presidential library and burial place of Herbert Clark Hoover, the 31st president of the United States, located on the grounds of the Herbert Hoover National Historic Site in West Branch, Iowa.
42 milesW
Museum, Cemetery, History museum
Herbert Hoover National Historic Site, West Branch
The Herbert Hoover National Historic Site is a unit of the National Park System in West Branch, Iowa, United States. The buildings and grounds are managed by the National Park Service to commemorate the life of Herbert Hoover, the 31st president of the United States.
31 milesNE
Arenas and stadiums, Baseball, Sport venue
Ashford University Field, Clinton
NelsonCorp Field is a stadium in Clinton, Iowa. It is primarily used for baseball, and is operated by and is the home field of the Clinton LumberKings collegiate summer baseball team of the Prospect League.

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Best Time To Visit Rock Island

Learn when is the best time to travel to Rock Island weather-wise and what to expect in each season.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the top attractions to visit in Rock Island?

The top attractions to visit in Rock Island are:

What is the best time to visit Rock Island?

June and July are the busiest months in this location. Many people also choose to visit in August. The highest air temperature is in June, July and August. While the coldest is in January.