Ride the Island

River Action’s Father’s Day family bicycle ride tradition returns June 21, 2026 to the Rock Island Arsenal Island to celebrate America’s 250th birthday!

Register for Ride the Island

Arsenal Island is a life-size history book... LET’S OPEN IT!

Celebrate Father’s Day and 250 years of the United States as River Action’s Ride the Island returns! Join us June 21, 2026 to ride the trails of the Rock Island Arsenal while exploring its rich history and iconic landmarks.

  • Live music and cookout from 10-2, games, Paul Revere group rides, and bike repair by Wright Cycles at Memorial Park & Field.
  • Sign the Declaration of Independence, fun photo ops, face painting, voter registration and tours at Quarters One.
  • Col. Davenport House open for tours.

Packet Pick-Up and Ride Start/Finish

NEW LOCATION:Ride the Island headquarters tent will be at the parking lot on the SW corner of 17th St. and 1st Ave. in Rock Island.

  • Saturday, June 20 | 9 a.m.–12 p.m.
    Packet pick-up and registration*
  • Sunday, June 21 | 7:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
    Packet pick-up and registration until noon*
    Bike repair station by Trek until noon The bike route is open from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, June 21, 2026. Tent open for ride finish, History Trail prizes and quilt raffle until 4:30 p.m.

*Riders will receive a Ride the Island ‘license plate’ to be displayed on all bikes entering Arsenal Island. Same-day registration is available. T-shirts not guaranteed with late registration.

Bike Quilt Raffle

We are raffling off a 5’4" × 6’ handmade quilt featuring Quad Cities Bicycle Club jerseys.

  • Tickets available at the headquarters tent ($5 each or 3 for $10).
  • Drawing held at 4:30 p.m. on Sunday, June 21, 2026.

Visitors to Arsenal Island

Please follow all rules and regulations while you are on the Island for this special event. Thank you!

  • The bike route is open from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, June 21, 2026.
  • Helmets are REQUIRED for all riders.
  • No headphones or earbuds.
  • Passes to Arsenal Island are NOT required for registered participants with a Ride the Island ‘license plate’.
  • Valid Driver’s License or State Issued I.D. required for ages 18+.

History Trail

Visit historic sites on the Island. Along the way, you’ll find answers to History Trail questions. Answer them correctly to win a prize!

Souvenir T-Shirts (Optional)

  • Youth Sizes: S, M, L
    $10 preorder ($15 June 20/21)
  • Adult Sizes: S, M, L, XL, XXL
    $15 preorder ($20 June 20/21)
Event Location:
Rock Island Arsenal
Various Locations
Rock Island, Illinois 52803-5735
Get Directions
Phone: 5633222969
Category: America 250, Family-Friendly, Festivals & Events, Health & Wellness, Live Music
Admission Fee: $15 adults, $5 children, tshirts optional

Event Dates: