In Moline and Rock Island, you'll feel the Mississippi's presence everywhere.
Moline draws tractor enthusiasts to John Deere's world headquarters, where the familiar green machines reflect Illinois' proud farming heritage. Rock Island keeps things lively with its pedestrian mall, clubs spilling music into warm nights, and theaters lighting up the arts district.
Seventeen miles of riverfront trails connect breweries, parks, and river views. You might find yourself biking past barges pushing upstream, stopping for craft beers in converted warehouses, or catching summer concerts with a river backdrop. Industrial heritage meets modern energy here, all flowing at the steady, endless pace of America's great river.
Attractions in Moline and Rock Island
River views and prairie brews
Looking for activities in Moline/Rock Island? You could climb aboard massive green machines at the John Deere Pavilion, or cross to Arsenal Island for the Rock Island Arsenal Museum's collection of vintage firearms and tanks. At the Quad City Botanical Center you'll find tropical heat year-round, and for the quintessential Mississippi experience you can't go past a paddlewheeler ride with Celebration River Cruises. For culture, catch a show at the restored 1922 Capitol Theatre or browse the Figge Art Museum's galleries overlooking the river.
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John Deere Pavilion
The John Deere name is known worldwide, but it was first heard here. Kids (of all ages) love discovering the iconic green machines on display, and you can even climb into the cabs! The vintage tractor collection shows how farming changed America, one plow at a time. All that, and free entry too.
John Deere Pavilion -
Circa '21 Dinner Playhouse
Like your dinner with a side of theater? This converted 1920s vaudeville house serves up more than just meals, with Broadway-style musicals playing out on stage as you dine. It's one great show after another each year, and they say that even the wait staff get in on the act...
Circa '21 Dinner Playhouse -
Quad City Botanical Center
Inside the 6,000-square foot glass conservatory you'll find a balmy 70-degree environment hosting a tropical lagoon with a 14-foot waterfall and koi-filled ponds, and trees bearing such treats as banana, coconut, vanilla, coffee, and cacao. Outside, the gardens change with the seasons.
Quad City Botanical Center -
Celebration Belle River Cruises
Real paddlewheelers still work this stretch of river, and this one offers trips from April through October. Day trips include lunch and captain's commentary about lock-and-dam operations, plus there are themed cruises galore: fall foliage, Rat Pack, Oktoberfest, and even "Dueling Pianos"!
Celebration Belle River Cruises
Moline and Rock Island's downtown districts
Two cities, endless discoveries
Downtown Moline's John Deere Commons anchors a walkable district where century-old buildings house craft breweries and farm-to-table restaurants. The Bass Street area pulses with nightlife, from Bent River Brewing to the historic LeClaire Hotel.
Over in Rock Island, The District stretches along 2nd Avenue with galleries, antique shops, and the kind of bars where you'll quickly feel like you're a local.
Both downtowns connect via riverfront paths, making bar-hopping between cities a scenic adventure.
Moline and Rock Island restaurants and bars
River city flavors
The Quad Cities holds the honor of producing the world's first taco pizza, and you'll find the best at Happy Joe's original location. Lagomarcino's has been hand-dipping chocolates since 1908, and when you try their sodas, egg creams, or phosphates, you'll feel like you've stepped back in time.
It's a real hot-spot for local breweries, too. Bent River Brewing Company, Radicle Effect Brewerks, and Crawford Brew Works pour everything from IPAs to sours. For dinner, Johnny's Italian Steakhouse offers dining with river views.
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Lagomarcino’s
Lagomarcino’s has been creating fine chocolates in Moline since 1908 - not to mention their Hot Fudge Sundaes are out of this world. Stop in… Read more about Lagomarcino’s -
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Johnny's Italian Steakhouse - Moline
Delicious steaks, Italian dishes & cocktails served up in an upscale, supper club-like environment with a sleek bar. Read more about Johnny's Italian Steakhouse - Moline -
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Jim's Rib Haven
A Quad Cities tradition, Jim's Rib Haven in Rock Island, Illinois is world-famous for their tasty ribs. Be sure to have plenty of napkins on… Read more about Jim's Rib Haven -
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Jennie's Box Car
Street tacos and tequila are what this restaurant is known for. Stop in for a taste and check out the menu. Read more about Jennie's Box Car -
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Happy Joe's Pizza
Over 13 Happy Joe's Restaurants are scattered throughout the Quad Cities. Ten offer ice cream parlors along with their menu and 3 are known as… Read more about Happy Joe's Pizza -
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Bent River Brewing Company - Moline
Great micro-brews and delicious food are all served up in this turn-of-the century building in downtown Moline. Read more about Bent River Brewing Company - Moline -
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Catfish Charlie's
Captain's Table Craft Foods/Brews has been a QC staple for more than 40 years. We are set beautifully alongside the Mississippi River with fantastic views. Read more about Catfish Charlie's -
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LemonGrass Cafe
Extending a warm welcome and offering tasty dishes from a variety of Asian cultures and styles. Read more about LemonGrass Cafe -
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Radicle Effect Brewerks
Radicle is the first root to grow from seed and what grows is the Effect. Born as craft beer enthusiasts that grew into craft beer creators. Read more about Radicle Effect Brewerks
Outdoor adventures along the Mississippi
Pedal, paddle, and play
Extensive riverfront trails make this one of Illinois' best urban biking destinations. Rent some wheels and cruise from Sunset Marina to Schwiebert Riverfront Park, stopping for river views at every bend.
Prefer water to wheels? You can rent a kayak or stand-up paddleboard during the summer months from the Sylvan Boathouse to enjoy the easygoing waters of the Sylvan Slough.