rock island arsenal museum

Biggest firearm collection I've ever seen. Stuff I've only read about in magazines. I could've spent a day or more there. Way more than I was expecting.The architecture on the base is worth the visit alone as well.

This is a must see, especially if you'd like to see 100's of long rifles, handguns and more from the settling of our country right up to modern age. They still are a foundry and ammunition center. There is a bed that Charles Lindburg slept in and so much more!

My son and I were visiting the Quad Cities and the Arsenal was one of our choices. I always knew it existed but didn't know it had such a history. My son and I are gun enthusiasts, so we were impressed with the collection of arms - but didn't realize the importance they had to each war effort. My late husband served in Korea, so that was of special interest to us. After the museum, we toured the island - housing, cemeteries, etc. - it was a very pleasant experience and I recommend it to any one going in that direction.

Well maintained and organized museum of the things that have happened at the Rock Island Arsenal location from the mid-1800s through the present. Online access is available in the museum to the complete record of Confederate prisoners-of-war that were held at Rock Island. Extensive collection of military small arms.The museum is on the grounds of the Arsenal, which is the current headquarters of the US First Army (logistics). All visitors must show picture ID when entering the main gate.

The Arsenal Museum is free and has a lot of good information on the history of the Arsenal. It also has a huge arms collection--not my thing, but my dad was really impressed. The museum also includes exhibits on local history and Quarters One, which is the second-largest home belonging to the US Government, after the White House, so there's something for everyone. Some of the local schools bring the kids there, so it's appropriate for all ages.The island itself is very beautiful and is probably one of the best maintained, historical, and stunning Army posts, with the possible exception of, say, Fort Belvoir or Fort Story--places that are better-known. The architecture of many of the buildings is incredible! You will need government ID to access the island, and I recommend you just drive around the island and take in the sights.

It is very unique & Beautiful. It has a lot of History and much on the Island Installation to see & do. Also for the kids- lots of places to wear off that extra energy climbing on old Tanks etc. Anyone passing by the area needs to stop in this Community and see this and other sights like the International Headquarters for John Deere, & LeClaire Ia. Home of Buffalo Bill & MORE.

Stunning array of small arms and some artillery. Seemed to be missing most British small arms of I missed them e.g. Brens, SMLEs, etc saw Stens. Down the main road is an amazing display of artillery and armour. Very glad to have seen it.

The museum looks small from the outside but makes up for it inside. There are a lot of interesting displays. My favorite is they actually have 4 or 5 authentic weapons from the battle of the Little Big Horn where Custer and most of the 7th Calvary fell. There is a lot of history here.

From the old limestone building overlooking the Mississippi to the museum itself, this is a must to see! This is the second oldest US Army museum and it houses a history of how the arsenal played a role in Rock Island's development. There are walls full of weapons, cases of grenades, a stuffed horse (it is real) showing harnesses from World War I and furnishings from officer's quarters. It is not a big museum, but one that will keep you interested.

The Rock Island Arsenal dates back to before the Civil War. Rock Island was settled in the early 1700's as a fur trading camp. The museum has a wonderful collection of hand guns, cannons and machine guns. If you are a history buff or interested in armament, you will enjoy the museum. The arsenal was used as a Civil War Union camp and has a confederate cemetery. Interesting place to spend the afternoon.

Lots of history here. Right in our own back yard. A must see when visitors are in town. Haven't been there recently, but recommended stop for newcomers.

Our visit to Rock Island to re-unite with a Vietnam Army buddy gave us the opportunity to visit the Rock Island Arsenal. It offered a very complete and interesting history of the area and the arsenal. There are many pieces of military equipment on display but my husband's favorite was the walls of gun on display. Hundreds of them. After taking in what the museum had to offer we drove around the Island which is the home of an active mililtary base. The grounds of the base are beautiful and well maintained. The cemetery is visible as you drive by and you can get out and walk around. So glad we took the time to see this piece of our American history.

The museum tells the story of the history of Rock Island Arsenal and Arsenal Island, including the Union prison camp once located there that held captive Confederate soldiers. Today, Rock Island Arsenal is an active military base and the only active U.S. Army foundry, manufacturing ordnance and equipment such as small firearms and grenade launchers. The Arsenal Museum is best known for its wall of guns, which is quite impressive. I especially enjoyed seeing the experimental weapons. Not a lot of information is given on each weapon, and all information must be looked up in the binders provided, but it is definitely a unique experience. You will be stopped before crossing into Rock Island Arsenal, so be sure that all members of your party over the age of 16 have a photo ID and that any foreign nationals have a passport or alien registration card.

This museum tells the story of The Rock Island Arsenal. It features examples of equipment manufactured at the arsenal. It also includes a small exhibit on the Black Hawk War of 1832 that disrupted the area.The most impressive part of the collection is the walls of guns, hundreds of them: pistols, revolvers, rifles and shotguns, the whole gamut. Some are exotic, others are ones that are commonly seen in personal and museum collections. The Rock Island Arsenal Museum is my favorite site in Rock Island. It is definitely worth a visit.

Of all the things that we found to do in Rock Island area, this was probably the most interesting. It is a free attraction at the Rock Island Arsenal open to the public. Beware the opening times, as it was open during the afternoon on the day we visited. We particularly enjoyed the displays in which you are shown the supplies of a typical soldier during various wars. Additionally, the museum is a great introduction to the work of the arsenal over its history. You need about 45-60 minutes to casually browse. If you are a gun enthusiast, then probably a lot longer. There is a park for a picnic a short distance down the road.