Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Moline, IL

On the banks of the Mississippi River in Western Illinois, Moline is part of the Quad Cities metropolitan area, which spans the Illinois-Iowa state line.

Moline is distinguished for its manufacturing heritage, tracing back to 1848 when inventor and entrepreneur John Deere (1804-1886) moved his steam plow company to the area.

Today, John Deere continues to have its headquarters in Moline, remaining the largest employer, with a planter factory located along the riverfront and a harvester facility in nearby East Moline.

The impact of Deere and his successors can be explored through historic homes and a walking tour of the well-preserved downtown.

Of course, the Mississippi River itself is a major attraction, while the celebrated Rock Island Arsenal is accessible from the city via a bridge.

1. John Deere Factory Tour

Two John Deere manufacturing facilities welcome public tours within the Quad Cities region.

Ranked among the most advanced and efficient manufacturing environments globally, the tours offer a comprehensive overview of each stage in the production of John Deere’s harvesters and planters.

Located in East Moline, the John Deere Harvester Works offers free 1.5-hour guided tours, showcasing the assembly process of combines and front-end equipment.

This facility resembles a small town, employing approximately 3,000 individuals. Shortly west of downtown Moline, at 501 River Drive, visitors can explore the company’s Seeding Group.

During a complimentary tour, guests can witness the manufacturing of MaxEmerge 5 and ExactEmerge planters. Reservations are available on a first-come, first-served basis and must be made at least 48 hours in advance.

2. John Deere Pavilion

For an engaging introduction to the history, present, and future of John Deere and agriculture, visit this attraction located where downtown Moline meets the waterfront.

The John Deere Pavilion illustrates how Deere harnessed his blacksmith skills to transform the agricultural sector in the 19th century.

A remarkable collection of John Deere’s largest machinery is exhibited, including tractors, dozers, and combines, providing an opportunity to sit in the cab, learn about their manufacturing, and understand their varied applications globally.

Interactive touchscreen displays feature these machines in action, and visitors can even experience a test drive using the same simulators employed by prospective customers of John Deere.

3. Celebration Belle

Undoubtedly, the quintessential way to navigate the Mississippi River is aboard a paddlewheeler, found docked along Moline’s riverfront.

Approaching its fifth decade of operation, the Celebration Belle is the largest excursion boat on the Upper Mississippi, accommodating 750 passengers.

There is a wide selection of cruises available, including narrated sightseeing tours, themed lunch cruises, romantic dinners, overnight packages, and all-day excursions.

Guests can enjoy entertainment during dinner cruises, while breathtaking views await from the upper deck.

4. Butterworth Center and Deere-Wiman House

Four generations of John Deere’s descendants occupied these two elegant mansions located in Moline’s picturesque Overlook District.

Constructed in 1872 and 1892, respectively, the Deere-Wiman House and Butterworth Center open their doors for tours, surrounded by several acres of formal gardens and walkways.

The Deere-Wiman House was built by John’s son, Charles, for his wife Mary and their children. Inside, visitors can observe exquisite historical details, such as an elevator dating back to the 1890s, a Kimball pipe organ from the 1910s, and a spa-style multi-nozzle shower.

A block away, Charles commissioned the Butterworth Center as a wedding gift for his youngest daughter Katherine and her spouse William Butterworth.

Significant highlights include a remarkable pipe organ in the living room and a library from 1917, featuring an 18th-century Venetian ceiling fresco, one of a limited few in the United States.

5. Rock Island Arsenal Museum

The river island separating Moline and Davenport is an intriguing site steeped in military history, dating back to 1816.

Arsenal Island has been engaged in the manufacturing of ordnance and military equipment since the 1880s, and remains the largest government-owned manufacturing arsenal in the United States.

The base here also houses the headquarters of the First Army, along with the US Army’s Center of Excellence for Additive Manufacturing.

Notably, the museum is historic in its own right, established as early as 1905, and features a remarkable collection of small firearms.

Visitors can delve into the extensive history of Arsenal Island, explore its evolving manufacturing practices, and view a substantial assortment of weaponry, including several artifacts from the Battle of Little Bighorn (1876).

6. Downtown Moline Heritage Walking Tour

Given its rich industrial background, downtown Moline is well-deserving of attention from architecture enthusiasts.

Commonly referred to as Moline Centre, this area is bordered approximately by 12th and 18th streets, along with 6th Avenue and the Mississippi, and has experienced significant development since the 2000s.

Despite these changes, the area still retains a remarkable historical character, featuring numerous buildings that date back to the 19th century.

Visitors can encounter towering brick industrial structures, ornate commercial buildings, preserved warehouses, Italianate residences, a Carnegie library, and a variety of architectural styles ranging from Queen Anne to Colonial Revival, Prairie School, and Art Deco.

A downloadable map on the Moline city website provides detailed descriptions of 78 different sites throughout downtown, many of which hold historical connections to the Deere family or Deere & Company.

7. Channel Cat Water Taxi

Also stationed along the riverfront in Moline is a seasonal water taxi service provided by MetroLINK as a public transportation option.

Operational from Memorial Day to Labor Day, this service, established in 1995, utilizes three 47-foot military transport barges powered by 250-horsepower John Deere engines.

The Channel Cat Water Taxi boasts four stops, two on either side of the Mississippi, and presents an excellent means to cross the river for a day of exploration in Davenport and Bettendorf.

The service departs from Riverbend Commons in Moline, stopping at the Isle Hotel in Bettendorf, then Lindsay Park in East Davenport, before returning to Moline’s John Deere Commons.

8. TaxSlayer Center

Having undergone various sponsorship names since its opening in 1993, this indoor arena across from the John Deere Pavilion in Moline serves as a vital hub for sports and entertainment in the Quad Cities.

The TaxSlayer Center hosts an eclectic array of theatrical productions, family shows (like Disney on Ice), concerts, festivals, WWE wrestling events, and ceremonies honoring local institutions.

Notable artists such as Elton John, Paul McCartney, Kiss, and Cher have performed here in recent years.

Additionally, the TaxSlayer Center has been home to several sports franchises. At the time of writing this article, the tenants included the Quad City Storm, a team in the SPHL, along with the Quad City Steamwheelers of the Indoor Football League, while the Missouri Valley Conference Women’s Basketball Tournament has been an annual event each March.

9. Sylvan Island

Connected to Moline by a bridge built in 1868, this small forested island in the Mississippi possesses a fascinating industrial history.

Originally a peninsula until the river channel was excavated — first to provide water power for the Rock Island Arsenal, and later to operate the hydroelectric turbines that powered Davenport’s initial electric lighting in 1888.

From the 19th century until 1956, Sylvan Island housed a Republic Steel mill, and remnants of various demolished buildings can still be seen along the trails, over 60 years later.

A six-mile trail network awaits exploration, suitable for walking or cycling, with numerous resting spots, picnic areas, as well as fishing and nature viewing locales.

10. Lagomarcino’s Confectionery

This chocolate shop and ice cream parlor located in downtown Moline has been a cherished fixture since 1908.

Founded by Angelo Lagomarcino, who immigrated from Italy to the United States in 1896 and established the business after starting a family with his wife Luigia.

Now in its fourth generation, Lagomarcino’s Confectionery recalls an era when Moline experienced bustling city life, with seven theaters within walking distance of the shop.

The menu remains relatively unchanged, featuring an array of decadent chocolates, homemade ice cream, malts, egg creams, ice cream sodas, and the renowned hot fudge sundae with its bittersweet fudge sauce.

Savory options include soups, salads, and sandwiches, with popular choices being baked ham and swiss, and egg salad, both served on Swedish rye.

11. Great River Trail

If you seek more of the Mississippi, embark on this 60-mile trail beginning at Sunset Park in Rock Island, extending as far upriver as Savanna.

In addition to tracing the Moline riverfront, the Great River Trail meanders through serene waterfront communities and lovely open countryside, offering stunning views of the majestic river.

Paved with asphalt, the trail accommodates both bikers and hikers, while its flat terrain ensures a leisurely walking or riding experience.

At the city of Fulton, a six-mile sightseeing loop guides visitors through the city streets, featuring the famous windmill.

12. Bass Street Landing Plaza

This revitalized industrial riverfront area on the north side of downtown Moline has undergone significant transformation over the past few decades.

Now featuring riverfront hotels and a selection of restaurants, Bass Street Landing serves as a place for overnight stays, dining, and entertainment.

At the center of this development is a bustling urban plaza, designed as a venue for outdoor events throughout the summer months.

A raised stage with a canopy is located on the west side, while the plaza’s eastern access features a zero-grade entry fountain.

This fountain is embellished with sculptures of children fishing, reminiscent of the Tom Sawyer/Huck Finn era, and serves as a popular splash pad for children during the hot summer days.

13. Rock Island County Historical Society

For additional insights into the region’s captivating history, the Rock Island County Historical Society preserves two lovely historic buildings, in addition to a library in Moline.

The highlight is the Atkinson-Peek House, constructed in 1877-78 by Edmund B. Atkinson, a shipper at Deere & Company. This house showcases Italianate architecture with later Colonial Revival modifications from 1910.

Within its interiors, visitors can admire original features such as woodwork, fireplaces, staircases, and tilework, complemented by several items of period furniture from the turn of the 20th century.

Just opposite, the Carriage House Museum occupies a building erected by the Burton F. Peek family in 1910.

This museum displays an impressive selection of historical horse-drawn vehicles, harnesses, collars, and yokes, which can be viewed by appointment or during open houses held monthly from May to December.

14. Stephens Park

Although not immediately apparent from the street, this urban park situated on the west side of the Butterworth Center features a steep and wooded ravine.

This area can be explored via mountain bike or on foot through a winding 1.7-mile loop. Cyclists may find the trail moderately challenging due to its steep inclines and sudden turns.

Elsewhere, Stephens Park is characterized as a traditional neighborhood park, equipped with playgrounds, sand volleyball courts, baseball fields, and basketball courts.

During summer evenings, visitors can spread a picnic blanket to enjoy a series of free concerts hosted in the park.

15. Riverside Park

Despite its name, this 50-acre park is located slightly inland from the Mississippi riverbank. This area was once part of the historic cemetery on the south side before being sold to the city by the cemetery board in 1909.

Established in 1851, Riverside Cemetery serves as the final resting place for John Deere, alongside Francis Dickens, the son of Charles Dickens (1844-1886).

Riverside Park is replete with facilities, including the Riverside Family Aquatic Center, beautiful formal gardens featuring a greenhouse established in 2007, a winter skating rink, two playgrounds, and sports facilities for tennis, horseshoes, and sand volleyball.