Rock Island, IL- The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Mississippi River Project announces they will be offering free tours of Locks and Dam #15 every Saturday and Sunday through Labor Day. These tours will be offered at 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. and will each last one hour. While walking around the locks, visitors will learn about the history of the Locks and Dam #15, the Government Bridge and how they both work.
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 will be allowed in the visitor center before and after the tours. Tours will begin and end at the Mississippi River Visitor Center. Everyone is welcome to attend, but an adult must accompany children under 16 years of age. Tours will not be given during poor weather conditions determined by visitor center staff. Pre-registration is also recommended as the group size is limited and tours sometimes fill fast. To make a reservation call the visitor center at 309-794-5338.
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. A picnic area, restroom facilities, observation deck and an indoor theater are all available for public use. The visitor center is located on the west end of Arsenal Island in Rock Island, IL and will be open 7 days a week from 9:00 a.m. till 5:00 p.m. through Labor Day.
The Mississippi River Visitor Center is located at building 328. To gain access to Arsenal Island, all visitors must be issued a pass which can be achieved by going to the Visitor Control Center which is located in building 23 near the Moline entrance. More information on accessing the Rock Island Arsenal can be found by visiting the website www.usagria.army.mil/accessrequests or by calling 309-782-1337.
Release no. 18-035