Explore Rock Island, Illinois

This town definitely rocks. Unapologetically authentic, Rock Island is one of the National Football League’s eight original towns, Rock Island is full of meaningful history and creative spaces.

Rock Island was once home to the Sauk and Meskwaki Native American Indian tribes. Have you read the book Road to Perdition or watched the movie? They both depict the gangster John Looney that once lived in this city.

Rock Island welcomes visitors with an amazing riverfront setting at Schwiebert Riverfront Park. The park features a promenade, splash park, boat docks, and outdoor concert area where free concerts take place during the summer months. The park connects to riverfront biking and pedestrian trails that are part of the Great River Trail - a 62-mile journey from Rock Island to Savanna, IL.

Downtown Rock Island offers an excellent array of all-ages activities. Find artists' markets at Skeleton Key, a producers-only farmers market, pop-up rooftop events at The Urban Reserve, creative programs and events at Quad City Arts and Circa '21 Dinner Playhouse. Don't forget to check out the Quad City Botanical Center, featuring hundreds of plants in both indoor and outdoor spaces.

While in Rock Island, indulge in some really good eats at QC Coffee and Pancake House, winner of multiple QC people's choice awards, and home to their signature cinnamon roll pancakes. Stop in for a cold mug of craft brew at Wake Brewing or sip a martini at Icons – their martini menu is extensive and inventive.

Get #QCoutdoors in Rock Island and take leisurely walks in parks, explore hiking trails and bike rides along the Mississippi.

SOME HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE

Home to Augustana College
Arts Alley
Quad City Arts
Quad City Botanical Center
Circa ’21 Dinner Playhouse
Circa ’21 Speakeasy
Black Hawk State Historic Site and John Hauberg Indian Museum
Hauberg Estate
Rozz Tox
Backwater Gamblers Water Ski Shows
Fryxell Geology Museum

NEIGHBORHOODS TO EXPLORE

Downtown Rock Island – Rock Island’s downtown features older historic architecture and is walkable. Check out Arts Alley, which showcases giant murals in a pedestrian-friendly outdoor event space. Enjoy the restaurants, visit the organic grocery store, get a beer at the craft breweries, and experience an amazing martini bar. You’ll also enjoy live concerts on the plaza, and Quad City Arts Gallery. The downtown also features the historic Circa ‘21 Dinner Playhouse – one of only two dinner theatres still in operation in the U.S. Loft apartments with river views and set in buildings with exposed brick — home to residents of all ages.

College Hilltop – Visit this unique little district located near the campus of Augustana College, home of the QC’s Vikings. This two-block area offers several antique and gift shops, a craft brewery, and several locally-owned restaurants. All within walking distance.

Watch Hill/Hillcrest Neighborhoods – Watch Hill and Hillcrest addresses today are among the most prestigious in Rock Island. The rolling hillsides, curving streets, and shade trees make this quiet residential neighborhood a fitting complement to Black Hawk State Historic Site, which borders the neighborhood. Elaborate homes were built in Watch Hill from the 1920s to the 1950s, including many Craftsman, Tudor Revival, Contemporary and International-style homes designed by architects. This is an enjoyable car or bike ride for architecture and nature enthusiasts.

Broadway Historic District – This grand Victorian neighborhood is the premier historic area in Rock Island, where old houses are regarded as treasures. Great architecture, constant restorations, and a first-rate neighborhood association have made this area the place to be in the Quad Cities for old home lovers. More than 550 homes make up the Broadway collection, which features Queen Anne, Italianate, and Colonial Revival architecture. The earliest homes are from 1865. The Broadway neighborhood is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.