MISSISSIPPI RIVER VISITOR CENTER
Come on Over!
Come experience navigation up close at the Mississippi River Visitor's Center. We offer the best view of locking through!
You can watch pilots skillfully maneuver tons of cargo, relax during our short slide show about the Upper Mississippi River,
enjoy looking over the exhibits, or solve the notorious Lock and Dam 15 puzzle.
Tours
Park Rangers provide guided tours for schools, churches, clubs, and the general public. Special Visitor Center or
Lock and Dam tours may be set up for groups that meet age and number requirements. Tours must be scheduled in advance.
See Scheduling a Program in this brochure. Public Lock and Dam tours are given on weekends during the summer season at 11:00
and 2:00. Group size is limited, we recommend registering about 20 minutes early. The tour lasts about 45 minutes so wear your
walking shoes.
Water Safety
One mission of the US Army Corps of Engineers is to promote water safety. We want to help keep our waterways and you
safe!
Water Safety We offer fun and innovative approaches to water safety. Our programs are perfect for all audiences, young and old. They deal with subjects like wearing a PFD, learning to swim, hypothermia, and the effects alcohol has on swimmers and boaters.
Boating Safety Boating on the Mississippi can be hazardous; wing dams, floating objects, tow traffic, and other dangers lurk about. To learn more about boating on the river, we offer boat safety courses free of charge during the lat spring and early summer. Upper Mississippi Navigational charts can be purchased at the Visitor Center.
Environmental & Historical
There are a great variety of programs offered by the Visitor Center staff. Programs are free of charge and lead by a park ranger.
Environmental
Junior Ranger Program
A series of five topics will be presented for young folks in grades 1-6. One session is held per week for five weeks.
The last week is a field trip to the visitor center for graduation, here each student receives a badge and certificate.
Corps Ranger Duties
Environmental Protection
Forestry
Water Safety
Wildlife
Volunteerism
The visitor center staff appreciates participation by volunteers. These activities include working at the visitor center,
greeting visitors, answering questions, and assisting rangers with special events and programs such as Bald Eagle Watches.
Pleas inquire if you are interested in volunteering for these activities or presenting your own program relating to the
Mississippi River.
Scheduling A Program
To schedule a program, call the Mississippi River Visitor Center at least two weeks in advance. Programs can be conducted
at your facility or at the visitor center. The programs are free of charge.
Mississippi River Visitor Center
P.O. Box 2004
Rock Island, Illinois 61204-2004
(309) 794-5338
mvrodmn15@usace.army.mil
http://www.mvr.usace.army.mil/missriver/
The visitor center is located on the western tip of Arsenal Island off Rodmand Avenue.
Rock Island District is part of the Mississippi Valley Division of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Department of Army
For questions about the Rock Island District, email or call: CEMVR-CC@usace.army.mil at 309-794-4200 or FAX: 309-794-5793
U.S. Army Engineer District, Rock Island
Clock Tower Building
Rodman Avenue
Rock Island, Illinois 61299
Mailing and Driving Directions
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