What clients say about Rock Island Arsenal in Rock Island Arsenal (IL)
It is a huge army military complex with a grave yard, residential neighborhoods, parks, a waterfront, lots of different buildings, etc. Need a Real ID or Passport and State ID or DL to enter. Must fill out a form at the visitor center ( for visitors and commercial drivers) and take a photo without any head coverings before entering.
First time checking out the musuem. You have to go thru a background check before getting on base but this is an active federal military installation. It's not a big deal. Museum was a little difficult to find but once we did, he was a very neat place. I learned a lot of things about the base that I never knew and how they are still working on projects for the military. You can spend about an hour or so going thru the museum. It's a free musuem by the way. They have some really cool static displays of military machines. The weather was not the best but I think I would come back on a nice day and check out the static displays closer. Highly recommend.
Nice US Army Base, nested on the Mississippi River... I was amazed by the National Cemetery inside the Base; it's a real piece of History and it worth visiting.
I felt completely stereotyped due to the fact I was on my Harley motorcycle n wearing a sleeveless tshirt...I have long hair n many tattoos as a spiritual connection with my heritage as I am Lupan Apache n felt completely disrespected...the officer told I am not letting u in n I said why? He replies cuz ur not wearing long sleeves gloves n a helmet. I said its a 103° r u serious..do u think I am kidding its federal law 2 wearing a helmet n proper gear 2 enter a federal facility..I understand the helmet but long sleeves n gloves cmon officer seriously as hot as it is? Yes he states.i said can u call 4 me a ride to building 56 to get my military ibadan to anu base?im a 100% disabled veteran ptsd n chronic pain in my lower back n both knees have been replaced there is no way o can walk there its 230pm n she clise st 3pm seriously u can't call 4 me some assistance he said no n im like ok n the female officer asks me if I knew a friend of hers n I replied yes n her demeanor changed immediately she said ok n backed up putting her hand on her weapon n I was kinda shocked cuz she apparently may dislike the individual she asked me of..the male officer then tells me to stand on the side I ask may I ask someone driving thruvtge gate 4ca ride?he states that's up 2 u..im like look there's no way in hell I can walk there its app 1 mile I cannot walk a block! Cuz of my ailments not my problem he replied so a few cars went n a gentleman driving a truck ws there n I ask him sir im a 100% disabled veteran n my ailments i described n i asked him 4 a ride to building 56 2 retrieve my new id cuz I had my DD214 in my hand to give to laticia for my id..the gentleman says sure get on in im goin 2 the garrison building. Which i don't know where that's at.my 1st time there. The gentleman parked across the street from building 56 n I shake his hand in generosity n appreciation n the courtesy n respect he gave n showed me was honorable n I deeply appreciate his respect as a man and veteran of the united states armed forces...thank u so much sir again I honor n ur appreciation to a fellow veteran I wish I could remember ur name to commemorate it in valor...ill never forget ur face tho promise u sir n I definitely owe u one...thank u sir, Robert Cantu jr
Make sure to plan to get your id before going on but to those who take care of the cemetery, I appreciate you and always making my mom’s grave look beautiful. Thank you.
If a visitor or contractor you have to go to visitors center to get pass (Moline entrance). 20-30 min if not longer depending on how many people are waiting. ID required.
Great little museum. Recently redone to more reflect the history and culture of the Rock Island Arsenal Community. Outstanding outreach opportunities to the schools and area in general.
Can't speak for working on the base but they put on a great Armed Forces Day event. Beers, bands, fireworks, rides. What a treat for everyone who was able to enjoy it. Would also mention the staff at the commissary is very friendly. The commissary itself offers a nice variety of grocery items that are well priced.
It was Sunday so nothing was open, beautiful facility though. cemetery well maintained. Looks like a great duty station. We will return and visit on a different day of the week.
What a great historical treasure. A must see if you are a military aficionado, engineer or just curious. The museum is incredibly well curated. The museum is inside however there is an outside display of larger cannon also.
Website
