Mississippi River Visitor Center

Located on the grounds of the US Army's Rock Island Arsenal, the Visitor Center is a nice facility located next to the river locks at Dam number 15 on the Mississippi river. It features clear views of the locks and the vintage swing-span bridge, interesting displays on lock operation, river commercial traffic, Corps history and duties, bald eagle viewing (in winter time), and features a small movie theatre. The US Army Corps of Engineer's Ranger (Mike) was very outgoing and gave an interesting tour of the nearby, Civil War era, Rock Island Arsenal Clock Tower building, which is home to the Corps' District Headquarters. Initially built as a store house for weapons and equipment, the building still retains some original features relating to that use, such as a pulley and rope system to raise material to upper floors. There are also historical displays of the Corps river operation, and a six-flight walk up into the Tower to see the 1877 clock mechanism that drives the hands of the four, 12-foot diameter clocks and the 3500 pound bell. Because the facilty is located on the grounds of an operational US Army facility, you must enter via the bridge from Moline and pass through a security checkpoint. Visitors must stop at the nearby security Visitor center and fill out simple forms which allow them to run a quick background check. You are then issued a photo ID good for one year which allows you to enter onto the Arsenal. That ID allows you access to not only the Corps' River Visitor Center, but also the Arsenal's outdoor displays of vintage tanks and artillery pieces, a museum housing a history of the Arsenal and a large display of all kinds of firearms, the original, the vintage Quarters One which was the residence of the base Commander ( and second only to the White House in size), National Cemetery, and Confederate Cemetery. Any visit to the Quad Cities should include the Mississippi River Visitor Center and the Arsenal.
5 7 years ago (29-01-2018)

Overlooks lock and dam 15 with different perspective of barges locking thru; guided tours over the locks and dam are free and very interesting.
5 8 years ago (28-07-2017)

This is disappointing. This place has an awesome view of the river and locks with tons of knowledge, history and information about wildlife, parks and more. They are friendly and eager to help you. The bad side is to get to it you must enter through Arsenal Island security checks including a background check and then drive across Arsenal Island to get to it which happens to be next to the open to the public road and historic bridge. Such a shame that you have to go thru all the hassle to get to such an awesome example of the Corp of Engineers at work.
3 9 years ago (06-12-2016)

Great history. A must stop at kind of place.
5 8 years ago (20-07-2017)

Tour is very interesting and staff very informative.
5 8 years ago (01-07-2017)