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WORLD-RENOWNED RIVER T he Mississippi is the fourth longest river in the world and the second longest river in North America. Did you know our section of the river is the only place where it flows east to west? The river is 2,341 miles of power and beauty, and it is The Arsenal Bridge, also known as the Government Bridge, has two decks, the upper deck of the bridge is used by trains and the lower deck carries automobile traffic. Completed in 1896, the bridge is adjacent to Lock and Dam No. 15. The bridge spans 1,854 feet, connecting Rock Island to Davenport. It’s a swing bridge with a span that can swing a full 360 degrees to allow river traffic to pass.
vital to our existence. The Mississippi is a barge highway, water well, and recreational space. The upper Mississippi generates over $250 billion in commerce each year and the entire length of the river generates over $400 billion. Barges and their tows move approximately 175 million tons of freight each year through a system of 29 locks and dams. It also supports more than 750,000 manufacturing, agriculture and tourism jobs in 60 counties directly adjacent to the waterway. Our river is an important recreational resource for our boaters, canoeists, hunters, anglers, and birdwatchers. It offers outdoor opportunities, whether on the water or admiring its strength from our riverfront biking and walking trails, bluffs, parks, and riverfront festivals and events. Great river views can be found high atop our bridges, and each provides access for walking and biking. The Centennial Bridge between Rock Island and Davenport provides great photo opportunities of the downtowns, Lock & Dam 15 and the Roller Dam as barge traffic makes its way along the river.
The newest addition to Quad Cities’ vistas is the I-74 River Bridge between Moline and Bettendorf. The bridge was completed in 2021 and is the largest basket handle true arch bridge in the United States. It is also one of only a few interstate bridges with pedestrian access. The bridge’s 14-foot-wide bike and pedestrian path offers an amazing scenic overlook and connects biking, walking and jogging trails between Iowa and Illinois. A glass oculus in the observation area allows a view of the river below with boats passing by underneath the bridge. In addition, colorful LED lighting brings the bridge to life at night. Take a cruise on the river aboard Celebration River Cruises, the Twilight riverboat, or Channel Cat Water Taxis. The Celebration Belle, a family-owned riverboat, offers cruises April - November. Experience the Mississippi on a lunch, sightseeing or Captain’s dinner cruise. You can also take a themed lunch cruise or a scenic daylong excursion to
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