Moline IllinoisATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Moline, Illinois.
1. TaxSlayer Center (Vibrant Arena at The MARK)
PREMIER ENTERTAINMENT VENUE
The Vibrant Arena at The MARK (formerly TaxSlayer Center) is a 12,000-seat entertainment venue hosting national touring concerts, sporting events, and family shows in downtown Moline. This large building is filled with charm and history, making it a highly recommended destination for visitors to the area. The arena serves as home to the Quad City Storm hockey team and Quad City Steamwheelers arena football team, offering year-round entertainment options for locals and tourists alike.
2. John Deere Pavilion
AGRICULTURAL INNOVATION SHOWCASE
The John Deere Pavilion is a reimagined hands-on exhibition space celebrating the legacy of John Deere and his agricultural innovations in Moline. Visitors can explore interactive displays showcasing the history, present, and future of John Deere equipment and technology. This attraction is part of the self-guided John Deere Trail developed by Visit Quad Cities and a John Deere archivist, allowing guests to discover the company's profound impact on the region.
3. Butterworth Center & Deere-Wiman House
HISTORIC DEERE FAMILY HOMES
The Butterworth Center and Deere-Wiman House are beautifully preserved historic homes that once belonged to the Deere family in Moline. The Deere-Wiman House is particularly noted for its absolute beauty and hidden architectural treasures that delight visitors. These grand estates offer a glimpse into the lives of the prominent Deere family who shaped the industrial and cultural landscape of the region.
4. Channel Cat Taxi
RIVER TRANSPORTATION EXPERIENCE
The Channel Cat Taxi provides a unique water transportation service across the Mississippi River, connecting Moline with neighboring communities. Passengers can enjoy scenic views of the river and shoreline while traveling between various docks in the Quad Cities area. This ferry service combines practical transportation with a leisurely sightseeing opportunity, making it popular with both locals and tourists.
5. Sylvan Island
NATURAL URBAN ESCAPE
Sylvan Island is a natural oasis located in the heart of Moline, offering walking trails and outdoor recreation opportunities. The island's trails are perfect for getting outside and enjoying nature, especially during times when outdoor activities are preferred. Visitors appreciate the peaceful atmosphere and the chance to explore this unique point of interest with its historic walking areas.
6. Wharton Field House
HISTORIC SPORTS VENUE
Wharton Field House is a historic sports venue with a rich tradition in Moline's athletic history. The facility has hosted countless sporting events and community gatherings over the decades, becoming an integral part of local culture. Its classic architecture and continued use make it both a nostalgic landmark and a functional space for current generations to enjoy.
7. Deere and Company World Headquarters
CORPORATE LANDMARK BUILDING
The Deere and Company World Headquarters serves as the global center for the iconic agricultural machinery company founded by John Deere in Moline. The impressive building represents the continuing legacy of John Deere, who moved his operations to Moline in 1848 to take advantage of the Mississippi River's resources. Visitors can admire the architectural significance of this corporate landmark that symbolizes the company's enduring presence and impact on the region's economy.
8. Western Illinois University - Quad Cities
RIVERFRONT HIGHER EDUCATION
Western Illinois University's Quad Cities campus provides higher education opportunities in a modern riverfront setting in Moline. The campus offers undergraduate and graduate programs with a focus on serving the educational needs of the Quad Cities region. Its strategic location adds to Moline's status as an educational hub while contributing to the intellectual and cultural life of the community.
9. Black Hawk College
COMMUNITY COLLEGE INSTITUTION
Black Hawk College is a comprehensive community college serving students throughout the Quad Cities region from its campus in Moline. The institution offers a wide range of academic programs, vocational training, and continuing education opportunities for diverse student populations. Its accessible education model provides an important stepping stone for career advancement and university transfers for residents of Moline and surrounding communities.
10. Bass Street Landing
RIVERFRONT ENTERTAINMENT AREA
Bass Street Landing is a vibrant riverfront destination in downtown Moline that features weekly outdoor concerts during summer months. Families particularly enjoy the splash pad where children can cool off while parents relax in this scenic setting. The location serves as a community gathering space that celebrates Moline's connection to the Mississippi River through entertainment and recreational opportunities.
11. Greenvalley Sports Complex
OUTDOOR RECREATION FACILITY
Greenvalley Sports Complex offers extensive athletic facilities for various sports and recreational activities in Moline. The complex features well-maintained fields, courts, and amenities designed to support local sports leagues, tournaments, and casual play. Its comprehensive facilities make it a center for community wellness and competitive sports throughout the year.
12. Mercado on Fifth
CULTURAL MARKET EXPERIENCE
Mercado on Fifth brings a vibrant cultural marketplace experience to downtown Moline, celebrating the area's diverse community. Visitors can enjoy local vendors, food, music, and activities that showcase the region's multicultural heritage in a festive atmosphere. This community-centered event has become an important part of Moline's social fabric, creating connections between different cultural groups while supporting local entrepreneurs.
13. Factory of Fear
THRILLING HAUNTED ATTRACTION
Factory of Fear delivers spine-tingling thrills as one of Moline's premier haunted attractions during the Halloween season. The elaborately designed venue creates immersive, frightening scenarios that challenge visitors to face their deepest fears through creative sets and live actors. This seasonal entertainment option adds exciting variety to Moline's recreational offerings, drawing thrill-seekers from throughout the Quad Cities region.
14. Float Quad Cities
RELAXING WELLNESS CENTER
Float Quad Cities offers a unique wellness experience through flotation therapy in a tranquil setting in Moline. Visitors can experience the physical and mental benefits of sensory deprivation tanks designed to reduce stress and promote deep relaxation. This specialized spa service represents the growing wellness industry in Moline, providing innovative health experiences beyond traditional massage treatments.
15. Niabi Zoo
FAMILY-FRIENDLY ANIMAL PARK
Niabi Zoo is a beloved animal park located just outside Moline in Coal Valley, featuring diverse wildlife exhibits and educational programs. Visitors can observe numerous species in naturalistic habitats while learning about conservation efforts and animal biology. The zoo provides family-friendly entertainment with additional attractions including a train ride, carousel, and regular special events throughout the year.