Best attractions and places to see around East Moline offer a mix of historical landmarks, natural riverfront features, and cultural sites within the larger Quad Cities region. Situated along the Mississippi River, the area provides opportunities to explore significant bridges and scenic river trails. East Moline's landscape combines industrial heritage with accessible green spaces and preserves.
Last updated: May 12, 2026
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The Buffalo Bill Museum in LeClaire, Iowa, sits right on the banks of the Mississippi River and celebrates the town's most famous "native son," William F. Cody (better known as Buffalo Bill). Since Cody was born just outside of LeClaire, the museum features a large collection of his personal items and memorabilia from his world-famous Wild West shows. Beyond Buffalo Bill, the museum also focuses on local river history; its biggest highlight is the Lone Star, the last surviving wooden-hulled, steam-powered towboat of its kind, which is currently a National Historic Landmark. Inside, you can also explore exhibits on pioneer life, early riverboat pilots, and even a restored one-room schoolhouse.
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This bridge parallels the course of I-74 across the Mississippi River, keeping cyclists and other pedestrians safely away from the fast-moving vehicles. The bridge connects to cycleways on either side of the river, and also has a viewing area with an oculus.
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The Government Bridge, also known as the Arsenal Bridge, spans the Mississippi River between Rock Island, Illinois, and Davenport, Iowa. Built in 1896, the bridge has two levels: the upper deck serves the Iowa Interstate Railroad, while the lower deck carries vehicle traffic and has lanes on each side for pedestrians and cyclists. It features a swing section to allow river navigation. The current bridge is the fourth at this location; the first, built in 1856, was the first railroad bridge across the Mississippi. Subsequent bridges were built after damage from collisions, ice storms, and tornadoes.
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Sylvan Slough is a river in Illinois that passes Rock Island. If you follow the river further east, you'll get wonderful views to Rock Island Arsenal and Sylvan Island.
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This impressive and historical bridge is an unusual structure in that it is a double-decked bridge. It carries two railroad lines on top and vehicular/pedestrian traffic on the lower deck. It spans the Mississippi connecting Rock Island, Illinois and Davenport, Iowa.
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Sylvan Slough is a river in Illinois that passes Rock Island. If you follow the river further east, you'll get wonderful views to Rock Island Arsenal and Sylvan Island.
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The village hall of Hampton, Illinois, was built in 1906 with funds resulting from a legal dispute with the local railroad. Next to the village hall, there is a soldiers memorial at the site of the first log cabin in Rock Island County, built in 1828. The memorial's cornerstone, laid September 6, 1926, is inscribed "BLACK HAWK WAR 1832. CIVIL WAR 1861-65. SPANISH AMERICAN WAR 1898. WORLD WAR 1917-18." The ratio of soldiers to citizens in Hampton during the Civil War was the highest in the country. This highlight is right next to the Great River Trail which runs all the way from Savanna on the north end to Rock Island on the south.
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East Moline and its surroundings offer several historical landmarks. You can explore the unique Government Bridge, a double-decked structure spanning the Mississippi River. Another significant site is the Hampton Village Hall and Soldiers Memorial, which commemorates local history and military service. Don't miss Campbell's Island State Historic Site, marking a War of 1812 skirmish, and Hero Street, a tribute to local service members.
Yes, East Moline is rich in natural beauty and offers several scenic viewpoints. The Sylvan Slough provides wonderful views towards Rock Island Arsenal and Sylvan Island. For panoramic river views, visit the viewing area with an oculus on the I-74 Pedestrian and Bicycle Bridge. Empire Park also offers a fine place to relax by the Mississippi River, facing Campbell's Island.
East Moline provides ample opportunities for outdoor activities. You can enjoy cycling on the Mississippi River Trail (MRT) β Illinois, which is part of a 2,000-mile long-distance bike trail. For more options, explore the various cycling routes, hiking trails, and running paths available around the area, including trails in Empire Park and Butterworth Park.
Absolutely! East Moline has several family-friendly attractions. The Government Bridge and Sylvan Slough are great for scenic outings. Empire Park features a large wooden playground, disc golf, and rolle bolle courts. Butterworth Park offers a walking path, swing sets, and a large tornado slide. For animal lovers, Niabi Zoo is a short drive away, and Stone's Apple Barn provides seasonal farm fun.
East Moline boasts a vibrant cultural scene. The Rust Belt, a former automobile manufacturing facility, is now the second-largest live music venue in the Quad Cities. The Rock Island County Fairgrounds host various festivals and events, including the annual Rock Island County Fair. The Bend, a revitalized riverfront site, features Bend XPO, Bend Events Center, and the Riverside Park outdoor amphitheater for more events.
East Moline offers numerous parks for relaxation and recreation. Empire Park provides a boat launch, picnic spots, and a playground by the Mississippi River. Butterworth Park features ancient oaks, a large lagoon for fishing, and a walking path. Other notable parks include Millennium Park with its giant wooden jungle gym and Wiman Park, which also has a large lagoon for fishing, tennis courts, and basketball areas.
Yes, East Moline has strong ties to industry and agriculture. You can visit the John Deere Harvester Works Visitor Center, as East Moline is home to one of the largest combine factories globally. Nearby in Moline, the John Deere Pavilion offers an interactive experience into the world of John Deere, showcasing vintage machinery and innovation.
The AmΓ΄wa Forest Preserve is a 179-acre preserve located along Interstate 80 and Illinois 92. It focuses on preserving biodiversity and protecting natural environments, offering a peaceful escape for nature lovers. The name 'AmΓ΄wa' is a Sauk word for 'bee,' honoring the Sauk people and the preserve's role in conserving habitat for native species, including vital pollinators.
East Moline has a variety of dining and drinking options. Local eateries include Whiskey Stop (with live music), Coya's, Taqueria Any Lu, Adolph's, Bragg BBQ, and The Palace. For coffee, explore Iron + Grain Coffee House, East Moline Coffee Co., and Jaded Java. Midwest Ale Works offers craft beer and mead. For stunning river views with cocktails, visit The Riverview Room at the Hyatt Place East Moline.
Yes, several attractions in East Moline are designed to be wheelchair accessible. The I-74 Pedestrian and Bicycle Bridge provides a safe passage with a viewing area. The Government Bridge also accommodates vehicular and pedestrian traffic. Many parks, like Empire Park and Butterworth Park, offer accessible paths and facilities.
The Rock Island Arsenal Museum, located a short drive from East Moline, was established in 1905. It showcases the history of the Rock Island Arsenal, which is the largest government-owned weapons manufacturing arsenal in the United States. The museum features an immense display of firearms and an M65 atomic cannon outside.


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