Moline is a gorgeous city nestled in Rock Island County, Illinois, United States; it is one of the Quad Cities.
With a population of more than forty-two thousand people in the 2020 census, Moline is known as the most populated city in Rock Island County.
Moline offers a unique mix of history and cultures with different kinds of attractions, including those for fun, education, and dining.
There are numerous amazing attractions in Moline, suh as the John Deere Pavilion, Stephens Park, Butterworth Center and Deere-Wiman House, the Center for Belgian Culture, Barley & Rye Bistro, Johnny’s Italian Steakhouse, Bass Street Landing Plaza, QC Family Entertainment, and more.
Molina is graced with a handful of beautiful places and things to do with great people; these are all you need to make your vacation unforgettable.
Are you searching for the fun things to do in Moline, IL? Here is a list of top places to visit in Moline.
Things to Do in Moline
1. Explore Downtown Moline
Downtown Moline
Take a stroll around the downtown Moline a place that gives you a clear insight into the lifestyle of the residents in Moline.
Downtown Moline is like the soul of the city, and a place architecture enthusiasts will cherish and hold in high esteem.
The region has gone through several development processes since the 2000s; even though it has changed, it still retained piles of history and historical buildings from the 19th century.
Downtown Moline is packed with preserved warehouses, a Carnegie library, ornate commercial complexes, brick industrial buildings, Italianate housing blocks, and many unique architectural-styled buildings.
There is absolutely nothing you need you wouldn’t find here, there are several antique shops, restaurants, and pubs.
You’ll find major attractions like Lagomarcino’s Soda Fountain shop, Channel Cat Water Taxi, the John Deere Pavilion, Celebration Belle riverboat, and many others.
2. QC Family Entertainment
QC Family Entertainment is a family-friendly fun center that offers every family an amazing experience in Moline.
QC Family Entertainment is all about Games, Fun, and Food for everyone; there is something for you irrespective of your age.
The fun center features thirty-two bowling lanes, in which twenty-four lanes are laid out in the conventional bowling style with eight additional lanes in a boutique style.
QC Family Entertainment features a laser tag arena and a game room with over sixty-five video games with different skill levels.
There are leather couches in a private area excellent for family gatherings, children’s birthdays, and corporate meetings.
QC Family Entertainment is open for private events and parties; they also host bowling leagues for adults, seniors, youth, and mixed leagues. Don’t forget to check out the food bar and enjoy delectable meals and tasty chilled drinks.
Address: 4401 44th Ave, Moline, IL 61265, United States
3. SouthPark Mall
One of the top things to do in Moline, IL is stopping by SouthPark Mall, one of the best shopping centers in the city.
SouthPark Mall is currently owned and operated by Macerich, it was formerly owned by General Growth Properties before 1998, and from 1998 to 2011, it was managed and owned by the Simon Property Group, Inc.
This mall consists of more than sixty stores, some of the popular stores include Dillard’s Clearance Center, Dick’s Sporting Goods, JCPenney, Von Maur, Olive Garden, and more.
SouthPark Mall usually goes through an upgrade process with new additions and subtractions; there is a food court where you can stop by for a snack before, during, and after shopping.
Everything here is arranged accordingly; the mall is clean and well organized with nice and friendly staff who always offer assistance when visited.
Address: 4500 16th St, Moline, IL 61265, United States
4. Ben Butterworth Parkway
Visiting Ben Butterworth Parkway is certainly one of best things to do in Moline, IL when you’re in the mood for a fun time with your friends and family.
Ben Butterworth Parkway is an incredibly fifty-acre park located along the mighty flowing Mississippi River and offering families an amazing experience.
The park features an ample green space with well-paved 4.54 miles of trails great for walking, biking, and running.
Ben Butterworth Parkway is also a nice place for boat launch and fishing, also featuring an accessible fishing pier.
There are flower gardens and two picnic shelters, making it an outstanding choice for picnicking; come along with your picnic basket filled with food, snacks, and drinks.
While the Adults are busy or relaxing, there is a lovely playground with water fountains for the little children. You’ll also find fitness equipment and a little free library with clean restrooms and a parking lot.
Address: 3000 River Dr, Moline, United States
5. Celebration Belle
Celebration Belle
Add a riverboat excursion to your list of things to do in Moline, IL with your family and friends for a more unique adventure.
Celebration Belle is an 800-passenger riverboat making it the largest non-gaming excursion boat on the upper Mississippi.
They offer you all-day cruising as you explore the breathtaking mighty Mississippi; you will also enjoy breakfast, lunch, afternoon snacks, dinner buffets, and other entertainment on board.
Celebration Belle offers different kinds of cruises for guests to pick from, such as romantic dinners, all-day voyages, narrated sightseeing trips & themed lunch cruises, and overnight packages.
Address: 2501 River Dr, Moline, IL 61265, United States
6. Sylvan Island
Sylvan Island
If you’re an adventure seeker, Sylvan Island is a place in Moline you would love to visit in a bid to explore this incredible city.
Sylvan Island features an abandoned industrial spot of a 2km (1.2-mile) urban multipurpose trail system perfect for hiking.
This trail system runs across and surrounds the extremely beautiful thirty-five-acre Sylvan Island park.
Sylvan Island’s hiking trails have various levels of difficulty and challenges with relative elevation changes, making the trails evenly challenging and fun.
This island has lots of interesting industrial past, and it served as a peninsula until the channel was discovered as the first source of water power for the Rock Island Arsenal.
Sylvan Island housed a Republic Steel mill dating back from the 19th century until 1956, and you will also find remnants of the buildings destroyed over sixty years ago.
Address: 1st Ave & 2nd Street, Moline, IL 61265, United States
7. Lagomarcino’s Confectionery
Lagomarcino’s Confectionery
The company was established by Angelo Largmarcino, who traveled from Italy to the United States in 1896 to startup his family and set up the business.
Lagomarcino’s Confectionery is currently operated by the fourth generation and flourished greatly when Moline experienced a big city bustle.
Having existed for many decades, the menu hasn’t changed a lot consisting of homemade ice cream, egg creams, ice cream sodas, hot fudge sundae with its bittersweet fudge sauce, and malts.
Lagomarcino’s Confectionery also offers a variety of soups, sandwiches, salads, and other options for you to choose from.
Address: 1422 5th Ave, Moline, IL 61265, United States
8. Prospect Park
If you want to spend time outside, visit Prospect Park for an incredible experience.
Prospect Park features an amazing disc golf course that is well designed and open for use by both beginners and experts.
The park is over a hundred years old, with a large lush green space offering a calm and peaceful atmosphere for relaxation and meditation.
Prospect Park also features a fishing pond, a fishing dock, a 3.4 km walking trail, and several benches for resting.
There is a shaded picnic area for get-togethers and a gazebo, with a lovely children’s playground with exciting features.
Address: 30th Ave, Moline, IL 61265, United States
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9. Riverside Park
Riverside Park is a place you should visit when you want to go for an evening stroll or get outside and have fun.
This is the first all-inclusive park in Moline, which was initially part of the historic cemetery on the south side before it was later restored.
Riverside Park is a fifty-acre park that offers many families in Moline lots of exciting opportunities and a perfect place for athletes.
There are two fully equipped playgrounds and a beautiful set of formal gardens with a greenhouse put up in 2007.
Riverside Park features many sports facilities such as baseball courts, volleyball courts, and an ice skating rink.
The park is an excellent place for swimming and fishing, with lots of water fountains, and picnic shelters for a fun day with loved ones.
Address: 3300 5th Ave, Moline, IL 61265, United States
10. Rock Island County Historical Society
Rock Island County Historical Society
Rock Island County Historical Society gives you a clearer glimpse into the region’s fascinating history and currently maintains two beautiful old buildings and a library.
The main highlight is the Atkinson-Peek House built by a shipper at Deere & Co., Edmund B. Atkinson, in 1877-78.
The interior section of the house consists of original features, including stairs, woodwork, tilework, and fireplaces with many pieces of furniture from the 20th century.
The Carriage House Museum was built in 1910 by the Burton F. Peek family with a fine display of historic horse-drawn vehicles, collars, yokes, and harnesses.
Address: 822 11th Ave, Moline, IL 61265, United States
11. Stephens Park
Your list of fun things to do in Moline, IL wouldn’t be complete without visiting Stephens Park, a nice place to spend the day.
Stephens Park is a verdant park comprising a 2.7km long (1.7 mile) trail network with other natural amenities like lovely woods, which serves as shades.
The park features sand volleyball courts, baseball fields, and basketball courts open to locals and visitors, including novices and experts.
Stephens Park also features several playgrounds with different kinds of play instruments for kids to have a memorable time.
The park consists of designated picnic areas where you can grab a meal with your loved ones or relax and read a book.
Address: 7th St & 15th Avenue, 941 6th St, Moline, IL 61265, United States
12. Bierstube Moline
Bierstube Moline
Are you craving for a delicious German meal? Then, Bierstube Moline is the best place for you in Moline because they never disappoint.
Bierstube Moline is a German-American restaurant housed in a 2, 500 sq. Feet building serving delightful German meals and drinks.
The restaurant offers lively and energetic German vibes that make you feel like you have just entered a German Community.
Some of the meals served include Jagerschnitzel, Sausage Sampler, Pretzel, Poutine, onions rings, Sausage Plate, French Dip, Coleslaw, Corned Beef Reuben, the Hawaiian chicken salad and more.
Bierstube Moline offers an impressive thirty-seven draft beers, including coffee, tea, lemonade, coke, milk, hot chocolate, raspberry tea, sprit, and more.
Address: 415 15th St, Moline, IL 61265, United States
13. Pub 1848
A place that will get you partying and energetic all night long in Moline is Pub 1848; why not add it to your list of things to do in Moline, IL?
Pub 1848 guarantees you a fantastic moment when you get to forget about the rest of the world and party all through.
They offer almost every drink brand, starting from vodka, rum, cocktails, gin, spirit, wines, to beers ensuring that there is something for everyone.
Some of the drinks they serve include Dreaming Tree Chardonnay, founder KBS, wake up invisible oranges, green tea, Guinness, Budweiser, Coors Light, Michelob Golden Light, 4 Hands Tiki Chocolate Milk Stout, Goose Island 312 Urban Wheat Ale, Left Hand Flamingo Dreams Nitro, and more.
Pub 1848 offers live music entertainment and an exciting karaoke section for you and your friends to enjoy. They are open from Monday to Friday from 3pm-3am, and Saturday & Sunday from 12pm-12am.
Address: 1601 River Dr #106, Moline, IL 61265, United States
14. Barley & Rye Bistro
Barley & Rye Bistro
For a wonderful dining experience in Moline, dine at Barley & Rye Bistro, a restaurant that is fully committed to feeding the community.
Barley & Rye Bistro aims to feed the people with delicious local meals with an impressive changing lunch and dinner menu.
The menu changes according to the seasons and best products; be sure to get something new on the food menu periodically.
Barley & Rye Bistro offers savory appetizers, including hot grief chicken pickles, brisket poutine, cheesecake, White DeeDee, and much more.
The restaurant is open on Tuesday to Wednesday from 4pm-10pm, Friday & Saturday from 4pm-11pm (closed on Sunday & Monday).
Address: 1320 5th Ave, Moline, IL 61265, United States
15. Bass Street Landing Plaza
Another perfect addition to your list of fun things to do in Moline, IL, is visiting Bass Street Landing Plaza with your travel companions.
Bass Street Landing Plaza is your number one location when you want to stay overnight simply dining and getting entertained.
This plaza is the venue for many outdoor events throughout the summer, with an assortment of riverfront hotels and restaurants.
Bass Street Landing Plaza features a raised stage with a fantastic white canopy and two columns that are replicas of riverboats’ smoke stacks.
There is a fountain gateway that takes visitors to a water feature with sculptures of children fishing in the Tom Sawyer/Huck Finn era.
The fountain is a popular splash pad for children to cool off during the hot summer days; there is an outdoor seating with string lighting that brightens the area at night.
Address: 1601 River Dr, Moline, IL 61265, United States
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16. The Center for Belgian Culture
Center for Belgian Culture
If you’re interested in Belgian Culture, add a visit to the Center for Belgian Culture to your checklist of things to do in Moline, IL.
The city of Moline and other Quad Cities are currently ranked second in the country for their Belgian heritage.
The Belgian population grew high from the mid-1800s to the early 1900s, so they became a big influence on the community.
The Belgians came to the area to farm and work; they also brought their sports such as bike racing, rolle bills, lace making, culinary skills, and arts.
The Center for Belgian Culture helps to promote and preserve the cultural heritage of Belgian by creating a professional and social group to assist Belgians in the area.
The center also hosts monthly Belgian waffle breakfasts at the friends’ circle club hall. The Center for Belgian Culture is open on Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday from 1pm-4pm ( closed from Sunday to Thursday).
Address: 1608 7th St, Moline, IL 61265, United States
17. Johnny’s Italian Steakhouse
Johnny’s Italian Steakhouse is a restaurant in Moline that you should visit whenever you are hungry and get to enjoy a delicious Italian meal.
This serves the best Italian dishes in the city, including seafood meals and steaks. The restaurant is well designed with beautiful decorations and comfortable seats.
Johnny’s Italian Steakhouse offers a friendly and enthusiastic atmosphere where you can meet and chat with new people and instantly feel like family.
They offer an outstanding food menu consisting of traditional caesar, Bruschetta, stuffed mushrooms, caesar salads, Filet Mignon with Garlic Mashed Potatoes, lobster bisque, and more, just to mention a few.
Johnny’s Italian Steakhouse offers a wide range of drinks, including limited inventory you can’t get elsewhere. Some of the drinks offered include Champagne / Sparkling Wine, pinot noir, pinot grigio, cabernet, martinis, Premium Scotch Whiskey, and many others.
Address: 1300 River Dr, Moline, IL 61265, United States
18. Butterworth Center and Deere-Wiman House
Butterworth Center & Deere-Wiman House
Visiting Butterworth Center and Deere-Wiman House should be at the top of your list of things to do in Moline, IL.
Butterworth Center and Deere-Wiman House were built in 1872 by Charles, John Deere’s son, the founder of Moline for Mary, his wife, and children.
This swiss-style Deere-Wiman House is filled with fascinating historic details such as a spa-style multi-nozzle shower, a Kimball pipe organ (1910s), and an 1890s elevator.
The Butterworth Center is located just a block away from the Deere-Wiman House, built by Charles as a wedding gift for his youngest daughter, Katherine, and William Butterworth, her husband.
The unique feature that makes the Victorian Butterworth Center stand out is the library with an 18th-century Italian ceiling painting.
Butterworth Center and Deere-Wiman House are open for tours; visitors get insights into the Victorian family lifestyle and architectural innovations.
Address:1105 8th St, Moline, IL 61265 United States
19. Restaurante El Mariachi
Restaurante El Mariachi
Restaurante El Mariachi is a popular restaurant in Moline known for serving delectable Mexican dishes with unique tastes.
The restaurant uses the ancient Mexican recipe with the basic Mexican ingredients like garlic, cilantro, onions, tomato, and pepper in preparing the meals.
Restaurante El Mariachi makes you feel like you have journeyed into a true Mexican village when you step into the building.
They offer a large food menu, including Ribs in Red Hot Sauce, street tacos, cartinas, Steak tacos with Beans and Rice, Steak Tacos with Cilantro and Cheese, Carne de Res, soups, quesadillas, Enchiladas, and more.
Restaurante El Mariachi is open from Tuesday to Thursday from 11am-9pm, Friday from 11am-10pm, Saturday from 9am-10pm, and Sunday from 9am-8pm. (Closed on Monday)
Address: 1317 15th St, Moline, IL 61265, United States
20. Hollar’s Bar & Grill
Hollar’s Bar N Grill
Dine at Hollar’s Bar & Grill for mouthwatering American dishes during your next family eat-out.
Hollar’s Bar & Grill is a bar & restaurant that offers nothing short of unique and delicious American fares and drinks.
The restaurant features a full-service bar that offers a wide option of the best wines, beers, cocktails, and non-alcoholic drinks for guests to pick from.
Hollar’s Bar & Grill also offers an extensive food menu, including mozzarella sticks, Crab Rangoon Egg Rolls, Ribeye Quesadilla, Crispy Buffalo Chicken, Blackened Grilled Chicken Salad, Breaded Tenderloin & unbreaded tenderloin, black & blue burger, and lots more.
This restaurant holds karaoke nights and live entertainment for guests to relax and enjoy while sipping their drinks or eating their meals.
Hollar’s Bar & Grill is open from Monday to Saturday from 11am-2am, and Sunday from 11am-12am.
Address: 4050 27th St, Moline, IL 61265, United States
21. The John Deere Pavilion
John Deere Pavilion
If you’re a history enthusiast, do well to add a visit to the John Deere Pavilion to your list of things to do in Moline, IL.
The John Deere Pavilion is filled with more than one hundred and eighty years of history and the vision of John Deere, a blacksmith.
In an attempt to revolutionize farming in the region, John put in all his acclaimed knowledge and skills in the invention of agricultural tools.
The John Deere Pavilion consists of some of the biggest machines by John, such as tractors, combines, and bulldozers; you also have an opportunity to test your skills in state-of-the-art simulators.
Visitors get to learn about how the machines are built, their movements, and how they contribute to changing lives and the world.
The John Deere Pavilion is always open from Monday to Saturday from 9am-5pm, and Sunday from 12pm-4pm.
Address: 1400 River Dr, Moline, IL 61265, United States
22. TaxSlayer Center
Amongst the best things to do in Moline, IL is spending the day at TaxSlayer Center, a multipurpose indoor arena in the city.
TaxSlayer Center was founded in 1993 for sports & entertainment and it is located directly opposite the John Deere Pavillion.
This center offers a lot of entertainment such as Broadway musicals, WWE wrestling events, concerts, concerts, family shows, and local community ceremonies.
TaxSlayer Center has a seating capacity of 12, 000-seat and it was initially known as The Mark of the Quad Cities and the iWireless Center.
Several popular artists have graced this stage over the years like Paul McCartney, Elton John, Kiss, and Cher.
Address: 1201 River Dr, Moline, IL 61265, United States
23. WaterMark Corners
Whether you want to shop for unique gifts or souvenirs, add a visit to WaterMark Corners to your list of things to do in Moline, IL.
WaterMark Corners is located in the heart of historic downtown Moline and offers inspiring, innovative, and intriguing items.
This is a mother-daughter owned store and the only one of its kind that features a full-service bar within its facility.
WaterMark Corners offers stylish and contemporary clothing, jewelry, shoes, gift cards, and much more.
There is a kid area that features books, games, puzzles, and lots of learning elements & novelties for children to explore.
WaterMark Corners features a kitchen section with different kitchen wares, including dish drying gloves, wine stoppers, and dining jewels. In addition, their full-service bar offers a wide selection of beer, spirits, cocktails, and wines.
Address: 1500 River Dr, Moline, IL 61265, United States
24. Wharton Field House
Wharton Field House
Wharton Field House has housed professional teams, concerts, high school teams, and other historical events. The Wharton Field House is just next to Browning Field and has played host as a venue for baseball, track, and football.
The 7,000-seat capacity building was named in 2004 by US Today as part of the premier locations to see high school basketball. It also serves as a home for Moline High School athletic teams.
Wharton Field House took after the name of Theodore Finley Wharton. Theodore Wharton was President of the Moline High School Athletic Booster Club during the 1920s.
He created an association called the Maroon and White Association to generate cash for the building of Wharton Field House. The Wharton Field House is used for holding yearly graduation ceremonies.
Address: 1800 20th Ave, Moline, IL 61265,
25. Bent River Brewing Company
Visit one of the city’s favorite beer companies. The Bent River Brewing Company is the right place to be if you are a beer enthusiast.
Bent River Brewing Company is situated in the central area of the National Registered Historic District of Moline and was established in 1996 by Tim Koster.
Visitors can enjoy the varieties of top-notch craft beers on tap or have great dining experiences from their fine selection of pub foods. It also has one of the most beautiful beer gardens in the Quad Cities area.
All of their beers are made with unique ingredients to offer you the very best experience and their foods. It has a cozy setting and is the perfect place to host your friends and loved ones.
Address: 1413 5th Ave, Moline, IL 61265,
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Plan A Trip To Moline
Moline is a popular tourist destination; people from different parts of the world come to this remarkable city to experience its lovely parks and innovative centers.
This city is surrounded by exhilarating attractions worth checking out; get to explore and have terrific fun.
Although it depends on when you visit, make sure you inquire about their various cultural festivals and try not to miss anyone.
Moline offers visitors opportunities to enjoy its region’s art, culture, and history through its historical buildings, galleries, and festivals.