Rock Island Arsenal
Archaeological Site Active U.S. Army manufacturing and training complex on Mississippi
Rock Island Arsenal sits on the Mississippi between Illinois and Iowa as an active military installation with a public museum; visitors can tour the Arsenal Museum and view historic armory collections during open hours.
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Rock Island Arsenal is a U.S. Army installation on Arsenal Island in the Mississippi River, notable as a long-standing federal military manufacturing and logistics center and for its historic buildings and museum.
Designated public areas include a museum with displays on the island’s military and industrial history and several preserved historic structures; the broader installation contains active manufacturing and logistics facilities. The island’s riverfront position and historic fabric attract interest from visitors studying industrial and military heritage.
The island has been used for military purposes since the 19th century and developed into a federal arsenal and manufacturing center; it has supplied ordnance and related services to the U.S. military over many decades. Historic uses and buildings reflect the island’s role across multiple conflicts and periods of U.S. military history.
Located on Arsenal Island in the Mississippi River between Rock Island, Illinois, and the city of Davenport, Iowa, the installation is part of the Quad Cities riverfront region.
- Function: Operated by the U.S. Army, the installation combines military manufacturing, logistics and historic preservation functions on an island in the Mississippi River.
- Access: Public access is controlled; portions such as the museum and designated historic areas are open to visitors following security procedures.
What to See #
- Rock Island Arsenal Museum: A small military museum on the island exhibiting ordnance, historical displays and artifacts relating to the Arsenal's industrial and military history.
- Arsenal Island: Arsenal Island itself, a federal military installation on the Mississippi River that hosts manufacturing, logistics and historic buildings.
- Rock Island National Cemetery: A national cemetery located on the installation with historic burials dating to 19th- and 20th-century military conflicts.
How to Get to Rock Island Arsenal #
Rock Island Arsenal sits on Arsenal Island in the Mississippi River between Rock Island, Illinois and Davenport, Iowa. The island is reached by road from the Quad Cities - from Davenport cross the Centennial Bridge (the main river crossing to the island) and from downtown Rock Island local roads lead onto the island. Driving distance from downtown Davenport or Rock Island is only a few miles. Note: the Arsenal is an active military installation with controlled access; civilian visitors should check entry requirements (ID/visitor pass) before arriving.
Tips for Visiting Rock Island Arsenal #
- Confirm public-access rules and opening hours before you go-Rock Island Arsenal is an active federal/military installation and visitor procedures (ID, vehicle/pass requirements) can change.
- If you plan to see the Arsenal's museum or historic buildings, contact the museum or visitor center in advance to confirm guided-tour times and any photography restrictions inside.
- Allow extra time for security screening at the main gate and plan your visit around posted public hours rather than assuming unrestricted island access.
Best Time to Visit Rock Island Arsenal #
Best late spring through early fall when weather is pleasant and outdoor access/river activities are most active.
Weather & Climate near Rock Island Arsenal #
Rock Island Arsenal's climate is classified as Hot-Summer Continental - Hot-Summer Continental climate with warm summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -11°C to 31°C. Moderate rainfall (915 mm/year).
January
January is the coldest month with highs of -1°C and lows of -11°C. Moderate rainfall (37 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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February
February is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -7°C. The driest month with just 28 mm and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of -2°C. Moderate rainfall (64 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 5°C. Regular rainfall (92 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 11°C. Regular rainfall (97 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 16°C. Significant rainfall (108 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 31°C and lows of 19°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (116 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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August
August is mild with highs of 29°C and lows of 18°C. Significant rainfall (101 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 13°C. Regular rainfall (97 mm).
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October
October is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (67 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of -1°C. Moderate rainfall (59 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is freezing with highs of 1°C and lows of -7°C. Moderate rainfall (49 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
