“located on the Rock Island Arsenal”
The Mississippi River Visitor Center is located on the Rock Island Arsenal in Rock Island, Illinois at Locks & Dam 15, overlooking the Upper Mississippi River. Since the early 1800's the Corps of Engineers has been instrumental in making the river navigable for both commercial and recreational vessels. From January to March each year visitors come from all around to see the many Bald Eagles that flock to the locks and dams on the Mississippi during the winter months to feed. In early spring the river opens to commercial navigation. From April through mid December visitors from around the world come to watch boats pass through the locks. The visitor center welcomes over 60,000 people annually and is handicap accessible. In addition to providing lock and dam tours during the summer months, rangers also offer a wide range of programs to the local community.
Reviews
Very cool place to watch the canal lock works with the boats. We went there last week as part of out road trip out west. Very interesting place for children and nature enthusiast. We were really lucky as the weather was gorgeous while we were there. Boaters waiting in the Canal were very polite and interact with onlookers outside while the waters were rising. Though the water was somewhat dirty, it was still a nice place to visit!
Come to see the eagles. The river is just big and dirty.
Came to see the eagles and the locks. Turns out this place is impossible to get to! After an hour of circling the island we gave up. The entire island seems to be a military base and there was no way to get through the military checkpoints to the visitor center. It sounds very cool if you can find it...
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Mississippi River Visitors Center
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Parking
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Pets Allowed
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Restrooms
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Wifi
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Wheelchair Accessible
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Credit Cards Accepted
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