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Rock Island Arsenal Museum: A Journey Through Military History

Explore over 200 years of military history at the Rock Island Arsenal Museum, the second-oldest US Army Museum, with free admission!

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The Rock Island Arsenal Museum, the second-oldest US Army Museum, showcases the history of Rock Island Arsenal from its early days to its modern role in national defense. Explore exhibits featuring over 250 artifacts, photos, and interactive displays highlighting the Arsenal's impact and the contributions of the Quad Cities.

A brief summary to Rock Island Arsenal Museum

Local tips

  • All visitors aged 18 and older without a Department of Defense ID must obtain a visitor pass at the Moline Gate Visitor Welcome Center.
  • Present a valid state identification card, driver's license, or U.S. passport to obtain a visitor pass.
  • Photography and filming are generally allowed, but tripods, selfie sticks, and drones are prohibited.
  • The museum is accessible to people with mobility limitations, and accessible parking is available to the North of the main entrance.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    To reach the Rock Island Arsenal Museum, enter Rock Island Arsenal through the Moline Gate. All visitors aged 18 and older without a Department of Defense ID must obtain a visitor pass at the Moline Gate Visitor Welcome Center, located at 23 Prospect Drive, Moline, IL. Present a valid state identification card, driver's license, or U.S. passport. After obtaining a pass and undergoing a background check, proceed to Building 60, along North Avenue, where the museum is located. Visitor parking is available throughout the island. There is no fee to park.

  • Public Transport

    The Quad Cities MetroLINK provides bus service to Rock Island Arsenal. Check the MetroLINK website for the most up-to-date route information and schedules. From the Moline MetroLINK station, you can take a bus that stops near the Moline Gate. After obtaining a visitor pass at the Moline Gate Visitor Welcome Center, proceed to the museum. A single ride fare is $1.00 [https://www.qcmetrolink.com/fares].

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Discover more about Rock Island Arsenal Museum

Delve into the rich history of American military manufacturing at the Rock Island Arsenal Museum, the second oldest Army museum in the United States. Established in 1905, the museum's collection has grown to encompass over 7,000 artifacts that document the Arsenal's evolution from its early days to its current role as a vital part of the U.S. Army Organic Industrial Base. The museum's exhibits explore the history of Rock Island and the Arsenal from 1805 to the present, highlighting the impact the Arsenal has had on national defense and the contributions of the Quad Cities region to the U.S. military. See displays of small arms, weapons systems, and unique items like the M1903 Springfield rifle (Serial Number 1) and lumber from the original Fort Armstrong. Originally opened in Shop A (Building 102), the museum moved to its current location in Building 60 in 1948 after being temporarily closed during World War I and World War II to support manufacturing efforts. In June 2023, the museum reopened after extensive renovations, offering visitors an enhanced experience with a focus on the work, people, and impact of Rock Island Arsenal. Visitors can explore the Arsenal's historical significance, from its origins as a Native American summer camp to its role in the Black Hawk War, the Civil War, and every major conflict since. The Arsenal was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1969 and designated a National Historic Landmark in 1989, reflecting its enduring significance.

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