Attractions and Places To See around Riverdale - Top 17
Best attractions and places to see around Riverdale include a variety of historical sites, bridges, and natural river features. The region is characterized by its connection to the Mississippi River, spanning between Illinois and Iowa. Visitors can explore significant infrastructure like double-decked bridges and enjoy scenic river views. Riverdale offers opportunities for cycling and pedestrian activities along its waterways.
Best attractions and places to see around Riverdale
- The most popular attractions is Sylvan Slough, a river in Illinois that…
Last updated: June 25, 2026
Government Bridge
Highlight • Bridge
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Sylvan Slough
Highlight • River
If you follow the river further east, you'll get wonderful views to Rock Island Arsenal and Sylvan Island.
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I-74 Pedestrian and Bicycle Bridge
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Hampton Village Hall and Soldiers Memorial
Highlight • Monument
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Mississippi River Trail (MRT) – Illinois
Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway
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Tips from the Community
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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The Mississippi River Trail (MRT) is a long distance bike trail that traverses 10 states. It travels for over 2,000 continuous miles on each side of the river, between the headwaters at Lake Itasca, Minnesota and the Gulf of Mexico. It is still work in progress but when complete the route will consist of trails and bike-friendly roads, with “MRT” signs identifying the way. In Illinois, the MRT route goes through some of the state’s most diverse landscapes and provides miles of great cycling. It hugs historic canals, crosses unglaciated hills, parallels the Rock and Fox Rivers, and includes one of America’s first rail-trails.
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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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Frequently Asked Questions
Are there family-friendly attractions around Riverdale?
Yes, Riverdale offers several family-friendly attractions. The Government Bridge is a unique double-decked structure that carries both rail and road traffic, offering an interesting sight. Sylvan Slough provides scenic river views, and the Hampton Village Hall and Soldiers Memorial offers a glimpse into local history.
What historical sites can I visit in Riverdale?
Riverdale is rich in history, particularly with its connection to the Mississippi River. The Government Bridge, built in 1896, is a significant historical landmark. You can also explore the Hampton Village Hall and Soldiers Memorial, which commemorates various wars and stands at the site of the first log cabin in Rock Island County.
Are there any wheelchair-accessible attractions in Riverdale?
Yes, the Government Bridge and the I-74 Pedestrian and Bicycle Bridge are both wheelchair-accessible. The I-74 bridge, in particular, offers a safe route for pedestrians and cyclists with a dedicated viewing area.
What cycling opportunities are available near Riverdale attractions?
Riverdale is well-suited for cycling. The I-74 Pedestrian and Bicycle Bridge provides a safe path across the Mississippi River and connects to various cycleways. Additionally, the Mississippi River Trail (MRT) – Illinois is a long-distance bike trail that offers miles of scenic cycling through diverse landscapes. For more cycling routes, check out the Cycling around Riverdale guide.
Where can I find hiking trails around Riverdale?
There are several hiking opportunities near Riverdale. You can find easy trails like the Scott Community College Trails Loop or the Crow Creek Park loop. For moderate options, consider the Mississippi River Trail: Davenport Section or the Riverfront Trail Loop. More details and routes are available in the Hiking around Riverdale guide.
What natural features can I see in the Riverdale area?
The Riverdale area is defined by its connection to the Mississippi River. You can enjoy scenic views along Sylvan Slough, which passes Rock Island and offers vistas of Rock Island Arsenal and Sylvan Island. The region's bridges also provide unique perspectives of the river.
Are there any running trails near Riverdale attractions?
Yes, Riverdale offers various running trails. Easy options include the Crow Creek Park loop run and the Scott Community College Trail. For longer, moderate runs, you can explore loops from East Moline or Panorama Park. Discover more routes in the Running Trails around Riverdale guide.
What is the Mississippi River Trail (MRT) in Illinois?
The Mississippi River Trail (MRT) – Illinois is part of a vast long-distance bike trail spanning 10 states. In Illinois, it offers diverse landscapes, hugging historic canals, crossing unglaciated hills, and paralleling the Rock and Fox Rivers, including some of America's first rail-trails. It's an excellent option for intermediate cyclists.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Riverdale?
Visitors appreciate the unique infrastructure, particularly the double-decked Government Bridge, and the scenic river views offered by places like Sylvan Slough. The dedicated pedestrian and bicycle paths, such as the I-74 Pedestrian and Bicycle Bridge, are also highly valued for safe outdoor activities.
Can I see wildlife near Riverdale attractions?
While specific wildlife sightings are not guaranteed, areas along the Mississippi River, such as Sylvan Slough and the various trails, provide natural habitats where you might observe local birdlife and other small animals, especially during quieter times of day.
What is the best time to visit Riverdale for outdoor activities?
The best time to visit Riverdale for outdoor activities is generally during spring and fall when the weather is mild and comfortable for cycling, hiking, and running. Summer can also be pleasant, but it's advisable to plan activities during cooler parts of the day to avoid high temperatures.
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