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Rock Island Arsenal Museum: A Military History Treasure

Explore over 250 years of military history at the Rock Island Arsenal Museum, the second oldest U.S. Army Museum, with free admission!

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The Rock Island Arsenal Museum, the second oldest U.S. Army Museum, explores the history of the Arsenal and its impact on national defense. With over 250 artifacts, the museum showcases the Arsenal's role in supporting the military from 1805 to the present.

A brief summary to Rock Island Arsenal Museum

Local tips

  • All visitors must enter Rock Island Arsenal through the Moline Gate.
  • Visitors 18+ without a Department of Defense ID need a visitor pass from the Moline Gate Visitor Center.
  • Bring a valid state ID, driver's license, or U.S. passport for the required background check.
  • The museum is closed on Sundays, Mondays, Federal Holidays, and the day after Thanksgiving.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From I-74 in Iowa, take the River Drive exit and turn left. Go two blocks, then turn right just before the overpass onto the ramp to the Moline Bridge towards the Arsenal. From I-74 in Illinois, take the 7th Avenue exit, turn left, and follow to 14th Street. Turn right and follow the ramp to the Moline Bridge. After entering through the Moline Gate, follow signs to the museum. Free parking is available to the north of the museum's main entrance.

  • Public Transport

    From downtown Rock Island, take the MetroLink bus Route 10 towards Moline and get off at the River Drive & 19th St stop. Walk approximately 1 mile to the Arsenal Bridge, which leads to Arsenal Island. Cross the bridge and follow the signs to the Rock Island Arsenal Museum. A single fare for MetroLink is $1.00 [https://www.qcmetrolink.com/fares].

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Discover more about Rock Island Arsenal Museum

The Rock Island Arsenal Museum, established in 1905, stands as the second oldest museum in the U.S. Army, offering a deep dive into the history of the Rock Island Arsenal and its profound impact on American military history. Originally founded as the Ordnance Museum, its purpose was to preserve and display ordnance material. The museum's collection boasts over 7,000 artifacts, including a vast array of small arms and artillery. Highlights include Serial No. 1 of the M1903 Springfield Rifle, Serial No. 2 of the M1 Garand, and weapons used at the Battle of Little Bighorn. Exhibits explore the Arsenal's history from 1805 to the present, highlighting its role in national defense and the contributions of the Quad Cities to the U.S. military. The museum also showcases the stories of the people who worked at the Arsenal and the products they produced. Visitors can explore the Arsenal's role in supporting the nation's military, its commands, and the Army Organic Industrial Base. The museum is located in Building 60 on the Arsenal grounds.

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