Rock Island Arsenal Museum

Illinois


Floating in the Mississippi River, Rock Island once held a Civil War–era arsenal and POW camp. It's now the site of the impressive Rock Island Arsenal Museum (with old guns galore), as well as a Civil War cemetery, national cemetery and visitor center for barge viewing. Because the island is still an active army facility, it is only open to US residents with photo ID; you must first go through a security check at the Visitor Control Center to obtain a visitor pass.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Illinois attractions

1. Figge Art Museum

1.55 MILES

The glass-walled Figge Art Museum sparkles above the River Road. The museum’s Midwest Regionalist Collection includes many works by Iowa native (and…

2. John Deere Pavilion

1.69 MILES

Moline is the home of John Deere, the international farm machinery manufacturer. Downtown holds the John Deere Pavilion, a kiddie-beloved museum/showroom…

3. Hauberg Indian Museum

4.03 MILES

Part of Black Hawk State Historic Site, the museum outlines the story of Sauk leader Black Hawk and his people, and how they lived in the area prior to…

4. Black Hawk State Historic Site

4.03 MILES

The site sits in an unspoiled, forested park offering 6 miles of trails that meander through ravines and ridges by the Rock River. Eagles sometimes swoop…