Best places in the Quad Cities to watch the Sunset

Sunsets in the Midwest are some of my very favorites and here in the Quad Cities we have some amazing views! What are you looking for in your sunset background? Would you like bridges, water, rolling hills, skyline?  You name it, we have it. And, we have the clouds and the horizon to make sunsets in the Quad Cities some of the best around. 

1. Ben Butterworth Parkway, Moline, IL
You can stroll along the bike path, go for a ride, or enjoy the playground all while taking in the absolutely beauty of the setting sun over the Mighty Mississippi.

2. Illiniwek Forest Preserve Campground, Hampton, IL
“Illiniwek Forest Preserve campground offers an expansive river view. We like to park in the lot off of 9th St in Hampton, walk through the beautifully restored prairie, and through the campground to the boat ramp to see the sunset. When the campground is open, you can drive through and park at the boat ramp as well,” explains Wendy Kelley of Port Byron.

3. Longview Park, Rock Island, IL
The best view is up on the hill looking towards the Mississippi with your back to the playground area.We had our family photos taken here last fall and I love them. 

4. Port Byron, IL on the riverfront.
“In Port Byron, one of the narrowest navigable spots of the Mississippi, we look across the river and watch the sun set over LeClaire. We like to walk the length of the village, starting on Main Street across from Riverbend Pizza Place, where the Great River Trail and Main Street are the same for a stretch. Parking is allowed all along the Port Byron riverfront of Main Street, as well as marked parking downtown and by the boat ramp. The Tug Fest site is a beautiful open spot for a picture.” Wendy and her husband, Jim, enjoy the amazing views as they enjoy their hometown.

5. Schwiebert Park, Rock Island, IL 
Besides one of the best sprayparks in the Quad Cities, a great playground, a lot of green open space, a bandshell with impressive performances and a lucky chance to see a passing train, this Rock Island riverfront park offers an amazing view of the sunset. 

6. Sunset Park, Rock Island, IL
“Living in Rock Island means a drive though Sunset at sunset,” says Holistic Coach Michelle Gugelmeyer. She and her daughter often close their day breathing in the peace of a lovely sunset. Laurie Elliott of Blue Grass agrees, “I love the tower at Sunset Park!”

Enjoying the natural beauty at our fingertips right here in the Quad Cities is one of the great wonders of being a Quad Citizen. We are right here living in a thriving, metropolitan area and we are right in the middle of a great natural space too. Sunsets are one of those truly magical moments in life that are ordinary and extraordinary. What a fantastic view for community members and visitors to witness right here in the Quad Cities!

Written by Meghan Cooley

Meghan Cooley moved to the Quad Cities from St. Charles, IL, as an Augustana College student over 20 years ago. She left briefly after graduation and then returned to work in admissions and then marketing at Augustana College for 18 years. She now works as a consultant for admissions marketing and social media. She also does copy editing and writes for the Quad City Moms Blog. Now a true Quad Cities transplant, Meghan lives in Rock Island with her husband, Luke (R.O.W.V.A. and Augustana grad and Modern Woodmen employee) and four boys. She loves living in the Quad Cities and finds it the perfect place to raise a family, plan a date night, and go on adventures.