Rock Island, IL - The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Mississippi River Project announces they will be offering to the public free weekday tours of Locks and Dam #15. These special tours will be conducted on Mondays and Fridays from 11:00-12:00 (weather permitting). These tours will begin on July 22nd and run through August 23rd.
Participants must wear shoes with enclosed toes and backs, tennis shoes are preferred. Purses, bags, cameras and pictures are not allowed on the tour but they are allowed in the Visitor Center. Walking is required. Pre-registration is also recommended as the group size is limited and tours sometimes fill fast.
If you do not have time to attend tours then just stop by for a visit. The Mississippi River Visitor Center gives you a great view of the locking process at Locks and Dam # 15. There is a picnicking area, restroom facilities, observation deck and an indoor theater. The center is located on the west end of Arsenal Island in Rock Island, Illinois and is open 9:00am till 5:00pm daily.
The facility is only accessible via the Rock Island or Moline entrances. All persons over the age of 16 must carry a photo ID in order to enter the island. All vehicles are subject to random search and participants should allow 15 minutes extra to ensure proper arrival time. Pedestrians and bicyclists with helmets have access to the Mississippi River Visitor Center through the Rock Island gate only. Appropriate ID is required.
Contact the ranger staff at (309) 794-5338 to make a tour reservation or for any additional questions.
Release no. 13-054