Rock Island Arsenal is an active U.S. Army installation on an island in the Mississippi River between Rock Island, Illinois, and Davenport, Iowa. This guide covers visitor rules, gates, housing, schools, medical care, services, and recreation.

Base Overview

Official name Rock Island Arsenal
Military branch U.S. Army
Base status Active
Street address Bldg. 104, Rodman Avenue, Rock Island, IL 61299-4000
Visitor Center phone 309-782-1337
Official website U.S. Army Garrison Rock Island Arsenal

Location and Directions

Rock Island Arsenal covers 946 acres on an island in the Mississippi River between Rock Island, Illinois, and Davenport, Iowa. First-time visitors must go to the Visitor Welcome Center outside the Moline Gate at 23 Prospect Drive in Moline, Illinois.

Place Hours or details
Moline Gate Open 24 hours a day, seven days a week
Rock Island Gate Monday through Friday, 5:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.; closed Sunday
Visitor Welcome Center Daily, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., at 23 Prospect Drive, Moline

Visitor Information

Visitors without a DoD ID, federal PIV card, or installation visitor pass need a visitor pass and a favorable criminal background check. Adults age 18 and older need state- or federally issued photo identification. First-time visitors need a valid REAL ID or U.S. passport. Drivers also need a current driver's license, vehicle insurance, and vehicle registration.

Pass processing takes about five to eight minutes per person, and the installation asks visitors to submit pass applications at least three days before their visit. People arriving outside Visitor Welcome Center hours can get help at the Moline Gate. Foreign nationals may enter only for official business. Confirm current access rules before traveling by calling 309-782-1337 or emailing the access request office.

Housing and Lodging

Rock Island Arsenal has 80 traditional family homes. The Housing Office is in Building 56 and can be reached at 309-782-3486. The office can also provide information about approved local apartments, and some inspected off-post housing is listed on Homes.mil. The installation does not have single-soldier barracks.

Facilities and Services

Services include Army Community Service, the Housing Services Office, ID card and DEERS enrollment, the Post Exchange, Child and Youth Services, the Transition Assistance Program, Morale, Welfare and Recreation, and the Transportation Office. Army Community Service is at 309-782-0829, and MWR is at 309-782-0573. The installation also has the Rock Island Arsenal Museum and Rock Island National Cemetery.

Schools and Childcare

There is no Department of Defense school on Rock Island Arsenal. Children living on post may attend schools in the Moline or Rock Island school districts in Illinois, or the Davenport, Bettendorf, or Pleasant Valley districts in Iowa, based on enrollment rules. The School Liaison Office is in Building 110 and can be reached at 309-782-6515.

Child Development Center programs offer full-day, preschool, and hourly care for children from 6 weeks through 5 years old. Hours are Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. to 5:15 p.m., except federal holidays. Active-duty personnel, DoD civilians, and DoD contractors may use these services. A waiting list is reported, so eligible families are encouraged to use MilitaryChildCare.com. Call 309-782-2822 for current details.

Medical Services

Woodson Health Clinic is in Building 110 on South Street. It is open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Services include primary care, physical therapy, immunizations, social work, occupational health, pharmacy, laboratory work, and health benefits advising. Call 309-782-0805 or 309-782-0989. The clinic mainly supports active-duty personnel and sees dependents and retirees in the area when space and time allow. Dental care is provided off post.

Recreation and Amenities

Recreation options include the Rock Island Arsenal Museum, the Rock Island National Cemetery, the Mississippi River Visitor's Center, and MWR facilities. The Fitness Center is in Building 67 and can be reached at 309-782-6787. Outdoor recreation and Leisure Travel are in Building 333 at 309-782-8630 and 309-782-5890. The Auto Service Center is in Building 351 at 309-782-8631.

Things to Know

  • Rock Island Arsenal is an active military installation, not a public thoroughfare.
  • All gates check identification.
  • Visitors without DoD credentials generally need a pass and background check.
  • Commercial and oversized vehicles must use the Commercial Vehicle Inspection process outside the Moline Gate.
  • Personal firearms are not authorized. Anyone entering with a firearm must declare it at the gate.
  • Access programs may be suspended because of mission needs, force-protection conditions, or emergencies.
  • Gate access, hours, services, and other operating information can change. Confirm details before traveling.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Rock Island Arsenal?

It is on an island in the Mississippi River between Rock Island, Illinois, and Davenport, Iowa.

Which gate is open all day?

The Moline Gate is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

What identification does a first-time visitor need?

A first-time visitor needs a valid REAL ID or U.S. passport to get a visitor pass.

Does Rock Island Arsenal have family housing?

Yes. The installation has 80 traditional family housing homes.

Is there a DoD school on the installation?

No. Children may attend eligible schools in nearby Illinois or Iowa districts.