Top 15 Activities and Attractions in East Moline, IL

This manufacturing city is positioned within the Quad Cities, adjacent to the Mississippi River and the state line of Illinois and Iowa.

East Moline is home to the John Deere Factory Works, renowned for its cutting-edge technology and expansive operations.

Visitors can enjoy complimentary guided tours and explore the John Deere Pavilion, the brand’s museum conveniently located nearby in Moline.

In different areas of East Moline, heavy industry has diminished, giving way to The Bend, a modern expo center and event location, complemented by a newly constructed Hyatt hotel and residential complex.

Adjacent to this site is the Rust Belt, a former automotive factory that now serves as the second-largest live music venue in the Quad Cities, surrounded by a variety of restaurants and bars.

1. John Deere Harvester Works Factory Tour

The predominant employer in East Moline is John Deere’s extensive, technically advanced combine harvester facility.

Established in 1913, it is recognized as the largest and most modern facility of its kind worldwide, spanning 90 acres (four million square feet) under a single roof.

Guided tours are conducted three times daily, Monday through Friday, lasting approximately 90 minutes.

During the tour, participants can learn how large machinery simplifies the harvesting process and observe the innovative cutting, painting, and assembly techniques used to produce the industry’s most advanced combine harvesters.

2. John Deere Pavilion

Expand your John Deere knowledge at this remarkable museum located just ten minutes away in downtown Moline.

The John Deere Pavilion employs former employees who are eager to offer guided tours of the museum, providing valuable insights into the company’s heritage.

The exhibits illustrate the progression of John Deere tractors, starting with the 1918 Waterloo Boy, allowing you to juxtapose earlier models with the cutting-edge machinery produced today.

Additionally, broader agricultural displays, such as the multimedia Cornucopia, showcase the journey of crops like cotton and apples from seed to market. Another exhibit, The Future, anticipates the technological innovations expected to revolutionize farming in forthcoming decades.

3. Great River Trail

East Moline is situated along a remarkable bike trail, extending over 60 miles, following the contours of the Mississippi River in northern Illinois, from Rock Island to Savanna.

Much of the Great River Trail traces an old branch of the Chicago, St. Paul, Milwaukee, and Pacific Railroad. Upon departing the Quad Cities, the trail leads you through sparsely populated rural areas, featuring expansive sand prairies and quaint waterfront towns that have relied on the river for their livelihoods.

In Moline and East Moline, the trail runs atop the levee, providing stunning vistas of the Mississippi bridges and the skyline of the Quad Cities.

4. Rock Island Arsenal Museum

Another essential attraction in the Quad Cities is located just ten minutes from East Moline. The Rock Island Arsenal was established in 1862 and currently holds the distinction of being the largest government-operated weapons manufacturing facility in the United States.

Military equipment and ordnance have been produced on-site since the 1880s, and the Arsenal also houses the U.S. Army’s sole active foundry.

Visitors can explore the history, production processes, and outputs of the Rock Island Arsenal at the museum, which has been in operation since 1905.

The museum boasts an extensive collection of firearms, both large and small, including several used in the Battle of Little Bighorn (1876). Outside, near the museum’s entrance, stands one of the last remaining M65 atomic cannons.

5. Campbell’s Island State Memorial

Campbell’s Island, an unincorporated area, is connected to East Moline via a bridge and possesses a wealth of intriguing historical tales. In the early 20th century, it thrived as a resort area, linked to the Quad Cities by streetcar.

The entire island was acquired at the start of the century by a streetcar enterprise with the intention of transforming it into a large amusement park, a project that ultimately never came to fruition.

A century prior, on July 19, 1814, the island was the site of the prolonged Battle of Rock Island Rapids during the War of 1812.

Resulting in an American defeat, the battle occurred between Illinois Rangers and regular soldiers of the 1st Infantry Regiment, alongside British-allied Sauk, Fox, and Kickapoo under the leadership of Chief Black Hawk.

Dedicated in 1908, there exists a memorial with a plaque that recounts the battle in a serene park near the river.

6. The Rust Belt

To the west of the John Deere Harvester Works, a substantial section of former riverside industry has been revitalized. “The Bend” includes an apartment complex, expo center, and event space, as well as a newly built Hyatt hotel positioned along the waterfront.

A short distance away, an early 20th-century brick factory has been repurposed into a live entertainment venue, complemented by various restaurants, a café, and a craft brewery.

The main venue, the Rust Belt, accommodates close to 4,000 people and has rapidly become a favored destination for concerts, festivals, stand-up comedy events, exhibitions, parties, and wrestling shows.

7. TPC Deere Run

In July, the PGA tour event known as the John Deere Classic is held at this championship golf course located on the outskirts of East Moline.

Opened in 2000, TPC Deere Run is nestled along the Rock River and spans 385 acres, with an interesting historical background that includes being the site of a horse and cattle ranch, coal mining, and Native American settlements.

The course was crafted by Illinois native D. A. Weibring, who skillfully utilized the variable landscape characterized by mature hardwood trees and unexpected elevation changes.

This course is accessible to the public, offering discounted rates for Quad Cities residents. Golf enthusiasts may recall Jordan Spieth’s remarkable bunker shot that secured victory at the 2013 John Deere Classic.

8. Adolph’s Mexican Foods

A local favorite in the Quad Cities, this family-run Mexican microchain was established by Adolph and Louise Perez in East Moline in 1952. During that era, Mexican cuisine was largely unfamiliar to this region, making their endeavor quite bold.

Nevertheless, Adolph’s has demonstrated remarkable resilience, continually adapting to meet contemporary tastes.

The extensive menu features a variety of offerings including burritos, fajitas, taco salads, tostadas, quesadillas, enchiladas, and an array of tacos, from al pastor to carne asada to chorizo & bean. If you’re looking to enjoy Taco Tuesday in the Quad Cities, Adolph’s is a prime destination, often featuring substantial discounts.

9. Midwest Ale Works

Adjacent to the Rust Belt, within the same repurposed factory complex, is a craft brewery that commenced operations in 2019. The taproom at Midwest Ale Works showcases an industrial aesthetic, featuring a spacious patio and an extensive selection of beers on draft.

The brewery specializes in four core styles: Kolsch (crisp and hoppy), IPA (prominently featuring hops with various flavor profiles), Porter (a roasted malt beer with coffee or chocolate notes), and Red Ale (malty with caramel and biscuit undertones).

For a perfect culinary pairing, visit Jennie’s Boxcar, located next door, offering delightful tacos to complement your drink.

10. Skate City QCA

Located at 1140 Avenue of the Cities, this classic indoor roller skating rink is complemented by a variety of additional attractions.

Skate City QCA offers a schedule of public skating sessions throughout the week, with special pricing on Sundays and extended hours on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.

This facility also includes a laser tag arena, an arcade, a professional shop, and a three-level jungle gym. Naturally, the rink serves as a popular venue for birthday celebrations, providing a range of packages for two-hour slots during both public and private sessions.

11. Empire Park

A pleasant spot for relaxation by the Mississippi, Empire Park is one of East Moline’s latest parks, situated along the Great River Trail with views of Campbell’s Island.

The park features a boat launch and numerous areas for seating, providing a perfect setting for enjoying the scenery or having a picnic under the trees. Children will enjoy the primary playground, constructed entirely of wood, which is accompanied by a smaller metal playset nearby.

There are also picnic shelters available for rent, equipped with grills and electrical outlets, in addition to rolle bolle courts and an 18-hole disc golf course.

12. Rock Island County Fair

The Rock Island County Fairgrounds, located in East Moline, host a variety of festivals, markets, and events year-round.

The most significant of these is the Rock Island County Fair, which has a rich history of over 150 years and occurs over a five-day period in late July.

Like the best county fairs, it is organized to appeal to individuals of all ages and preferences. Attendees can enjoy livestock shows, a petting farm, carnival rides and games, monster truck exhibitions, and an array of beloved fair foods, including corn dogs and funnel cakes.

13. Niabi Zoo

Just a short drive south of East Moline, across the Rock River, lies a popular zoo attraction for the Quad Cities, featuring more than 600 animals within 40 acres of parkland.

Managed by the Rock Island County Forest Preserve District, Niabi Zoo boasts a legacy that dates back to the 1950s.

The zoo is open from April through October and hosts a variety of species, including Burchell’s zebras, Amur leopards, snow leopards, reticulated giraffes, Aldabra tortoises, reticulated pythons, ostriches, bald eagles, and bi-colored poison dart frogs.

For families, the Niabi Zoo Express train offers rides that pass by many animal exhibits, with accompanying amenities such as a playground, carousel, and scheduled zookeeper interactions and feeding opportunities.

14. Factory of Fear

Situated near the Bend XPO and the Rust Belt, another former factory site has been converted into one of Illinois’ highest-rated haunted attractions.

Factory of Fear has established itself as a seasonal favorite in the Quad Cities since 1994, continually expanding its offerings. Since 2018, it has added over a dozen new rooms and 14,000 square feet of immersive horror experiences.

As the entire attraction is indoors, it provides a lengthy and intense experience, filled with chilling sets, atmospheric sounds, and skilled performers in realistic makeup.

15. East Moline Speedway

For motorsport enthusiasts, the East Moline Speedway features a ¼-mile, steeply banked track located at the Rock Island County Fairgrounds, home to thrilling stock car races throughout the summer months.

These races generally occur on Sundays, showcasing various competitions including MCA Late Model, IMCA Sport Mod, IMCA Hobby Stock, IMCA Modified, Sport Compact, Street Stock, and Mod Lite events.

Experiencing a race at the East Moline Speedway is an event to remember, filled with high energy, noise, dust, and the unmistakable aroma of gasoline and rubber.