Any visitor to the Quad Cities should know that the world headquarters for the familiar yellow on green John Deere farm equipment is located in Moline. A visit to the John Deere Pavilion is a must - you can view the history of John Deere plows and tractors in one big room. This is also a fantastic gift shop with everything from t-shirts to golf balls to paper plates for your next John Deere party!
The downtown Moline area includes the original Lagomarcinos, 100 years old in 2008, a confectionery shop with delicious homemade candies and chocolates. Isabel Bloom Studios, where world famous sculptures are created, is located very close by the John Deere Pavilion.
Visitors are strongly encouraged to explore the Village of East Davenport, a converted residential neighborhood that now houses a thriving arts community.
Another notable shopping experiences is the District of Rock Island, a pedestrian mall which hosts several exotic bars and coffee shops, and maintains a near continuous series of music and ethnic festivals throughout the summer.
Arsenal Island is a federally owned 900+ acre island in the Mississippi River. The dreaded Civil War era Rock Island Prison to which Ashley Wilkes is sent in the novel Gone With the Wind was located here, and a cemetery of nearly 2,000 Confederate soldiers as well as a National Cemetery reside on the island. Other island attractions include the Colonel Davenport house, huge limestone buildings over 100 years old, and a lock and dam system that includes a swing-span on the iron Government Bridge. Public entrance is from Moline only, and visitors must register at the gate.
A visit to Black Hawk State Historic Site in Rock Island brings you to an area that served for millennia as a location for Native American villages, particularly Sauk and Mesquakie.
Any of the areas numerous riverfront casinos are recommended to those seeking to blend an old-time Mississippi riverboat cruise with the excitement of modern gambling.
For those interested in a more engaging experience, the Quad Cities plays host to the world-class Bix race, Sturgis on the River motorcycle rally, and the chance to use those golf balls at TPC Deere Run, home of the PGA John Deere Classic held each July.
Moline's iWireless Center formerly the Mark of the Quad Cities is the main concert and event venue, with concerts played year-round, the Quad City Flames AHL hockey team, and the Steamwheelers arena football team.
At Modern Woodmen Park formerly John O'Donnell Stadium, spectators can watch the Quad City River Bandits baseball team formerly the Swing of the Quad Cities devour their opponents. It is located near the North End of the Centennial Bridge, along the Mississippi River in Davenport.
An article (http://www.theonion.com/c...) in the popular satirical newspaper The Onion once questioned where the gay district of Moline could be found. Moline's gay district is located a few minutes away, in nearby Davenport.
Observe the bald eagles feeding along the Mississippi River in the wintertime. The most opportune locations are locks and dams.
