Rock Island, Illinois 2025

Rock Island is a city in Illinois, United States. It is located in Rock Island County and is part of the Quad Cities metropolitan area. As of 2020, the city's population was 38,000. The city is located on the Rock River and is home to several parks, museums, and cultural attractions.

The city has a rich history, dating back to 1855 when the first railroad bridge to cross the Mississippi River was built. Rock Island Arsenal, a large military facility, was established in 1862 and played a significant role in the American Civil War. Today, the arsenal is a National Historic Landmark and is open to visitors.

One of the city's most notable cultural attractions is the Figge Art Museum, which contains a diverse collection of American art from the 19th and 20th centuries. For theater lovers, the Quad City Music Guild has been producing professional quality theater productions for over 40 years.

Rock Island is also home to several historic districts, such as the Broadway Historic District, which features beautiful turn-of-the-century architecture, and the Rock Island Railroad Historic District, which showcases the city's railroad history. Visitors can take a trolley tour of the city to see all the historic sites.

In addition to its history and culture, the city has several parks and outdoor recreation areas, including Rock Island's largest park, over 400 acres. There are several hiking and biking trails, including the Great River Trail, which runs along the Mississippi River.

If you're looking for something unique to do, visit the Mississippi River Visitors Center, which offers a variety of exhibits and interactive displays that showcase the region's history and culture. The Quad Cities Botanical Center is another great option, offering a tropical atmosphere with lush plants and flowers from around the world.

Rock Island has several events and festivals throughout the year, including the Quad Cities Music Festival, which features live music, food, and activities for all ages. The city also hosts a summer concert series at the riverside amphitheater, as well as a monthly art hop, where visitors can explore local art galleries and businesses.

Rock Island is located in northwest Illinois, near the Iowa border, and is part of the Quad Cities metropolitan area, which includes Moline and East Moline in Illinois and Davenport and Bettendorf in Iowa. The city offers visitors a variety of experiences, from history and culture to outdoor recreation and entertainment.

Rock Island has a population of around 40,000 people. The racial makeup is roughly 62% White, 31% Black or African American, and 13% Asian. The median household income is around $45,000, and the median age is 38.

There is access to several higher education institutions in Rock Island, including Augustana College and Black Hawk College. Residents must commute to neighboring cities or states for air travel, as there are no airports in Rock Island. However, Interstate 88 runs through the city and connects to Interstate 80, making it easy to access other parts of the state and the Midwest.