Saturday Retreat at Rock Island Arsenal

Saturday, August 2

Location: Rock Island Arsenal Museum and Mississippi River Visitor Center

Time: 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM (including travel time)

Ticket: $15

Transportation: Ride the bus with AMM in order to access the site.

Capacity: 100

For this year’s Saturday Retreat, we’re going to cross the bridge to Rock Island Arsenal, an active U.S. Army facility, headquarters of the First Army, and located on a 946-acre island on the Mississippi River between the Quad Cities. The island features many historical attractions including the Rock Island Arsenal Museum, Colonel Davenport House, Memorial Park, Mississippi River Visitors Center, Rock Island National Cemetery and a Confederate Cemetery.

Our first stop on this charter bus tour of the island will be the Rock Island Arsenal Museum, the Army’s second oldest museum (c. 1905). Their exhibits tell the story of how diverse people, innovative manufacturing processes, and the production of cutting-edge military equipment have shaped the Island’s past, present, and future.

We’ll take in views of this base, its historic military quarters, the Arsenal factory, and the mighty Mississippi on our way to the Mississippi River Visitors Center and the historic clock tower, operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Observe navigation through Lock & Dam 15 from their viewing windows and, weather permitting, step out onto the locks during a guided tour with a ranger.

Please note that some of the featured activities on this Retreat are outdoors. Please dress for the weather, wear comfortable shoes, and expect that outdoor activities may be affected by severe weather.

Getting Around:

  • Access to Rock Island Arsenal requires military clearance. The Arsenal has asked that all attendees arrive together on a charter bus with an escort from the property. The ticket for this event contributes to the cost per person for the bus(es). Bus(es) will depart the hotel between 8:30-8:45 AM and return to the hotel at approximately 12:30 PM.
  • NOTE: Locals who have already obtained clearance and are in possession of a Rock Island Arsenal military guest badge may drive separately and meet our tour group at the Arsenal Museum at the designated time.