With water surrounding three sides, there’s a town in Illinois that is nearly an island. Whether you’re looking for a beautiful place to live or just a quiet, riverside town for your next vacation, this is the perfect destination for a lovely day.
Most don’t know how gorgeous Illinois can be, but this town proves we’re more than farms and the city. Keep scrolling to learn about this amazing place.
Named for the largest island on the Mississippi River, Rock Island is one of the quad cities with Moline, Bettendorf, and Davenport. Home to nearly 40,000 people, it is home to the largest government-run arsenal in the U.S.
Google Maps The town is situated on the confluence of the Mississippi and Rock rivers, and the island is now known as Arsenal Island.
Employing more than 6,000 people, Rock Island Arsenal is situated on the actual isle and includes more than 80 tenant organizations that provide necessary equipment and other services to the military.
Wikipedia/Ericnotderek
Also on the island is the Rock Island Arsenal Museum, which houses the Atomic Cannon as well as other weapons and artifacts from the World Wars.
Wikipedia/Jon.jeckell
You’ll also find the Arsenal Island Golf Course, which lies right along the Mississippi and includes a clubhouse for dining and socializing. The club has been around for about 120 years.
Facebook/Rock Island Arsenal
For the young at heart, there’s also an epic waterpark called Whitewater Junction. The park features a nine-foot pool, four water slides, a tot slide, and other water toys for kids.
Facebook/Whitewater Junction Admission is just $8 and children under age two are free with adult supervision.
Another fun activity is the Quad City Botanical Center which features various exhibits and collections showcasing plants from across the world. You could spend hours traversing these stunning gardens.
Facebook/Quad City Botanical Center
With a collection of over 1,500 fossils, minerals, and rocks, the Fryxell Geology Museum is a free attraction locals and tourists alike love to visit. It is also home to a Cryolophosaurus, which is a theropod (T-Rex) that was discovered in 1991.
Facebook/Fryxell Geology Museum at Augustana College
Rock Island has many places to stay, including the Holiday Inn, which has an indoor pool, conference rooms, and beautifully furnished guest rooms. Located in downtown, it is very close to many things to do and places to eat.
Room rates run about $100 per night, and you can choose between a king-sized bed or two queens.
Speaking of restaurants… There are plenty of great places to dine, including QC Coffee and Pancake House which is known for its morning meals and cheeseburgers.
Open every day from 6:00 a.m. until 3 p.m., you can get a delicious breakfast or lunch made from fresh ingredients. Locals enjoy the homemade soups, freshly ground coffee, and daily specials.
With so much to do and see here, this town is more like a small city, but you’ll find it much easier to navigate than most urban locations. Locals find it affordable, relaxing, and a patriotic place to call home.
Facebook/Rock Island Arsenal
If you were looking for something a little more tropical, check out this Hawaiian-themed restaurant in Illinois.
Google Maps
The town is situated on the confluence of the Mississippi and Rock rivers, and the island is now known as Arsenal Island.
Wikipedia/Ericnotderek
Wikipedia/Jon.jeckell
Facebook/Rock Island Arsenal
Facebook/Whitewater Junction
Admission is just $8 and children under age two are free with adult supervision.
Facebook/Quad City Botanical Center
Facebook/Fryxell Geology Museum at Augustana College
Room rates run about $100 per night, and you can choose between a king-sized bed or two queens.
Have you ever visited Rock Island? Share your experiences and photos with us!
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