Where the Locals Go
Consider this insider trading. Here are some places that the locals enjoy.
When people come back to Rock Island to visit, one of the first stops is to satisfy their hunger pains. Here are the tempting treats people miss when they're not in Rock Island.
If you need a local souvenir, here are some items that are made in Rock Island.
If you've got company coming, there are some things it seems everyone should do.
- Gamble at Jumer's Casino & Hotel.
- Tour the Quad City Botanical Center.
- Gaze at the Mississippi River.
- Take a drive through our historic neighborhoods.
- Watch the sunset at Sunset Park & Marina.
- Take The Loop shuttle bus to all Quad Cities downtowns, start your adventure in The District.
If you just want to meet some locals doing their "everyday thing," you'll find them hanging out at:
- Blue Cat Brew Pub having a bite to eat or enjoying a specialty brewed beer.
- Catching a live music show at the Rock Island Brewing Co.
- The best fine dining in town is at Le Figaro Restaurant.
- Enjoy an excellent salad bar and great sandwiches at Arthur's Garden Deli.
- For the traditional supper club experience, head to O'Melia's.
- Grab a quick coffee at Theo's Java Club downtown or Cool Beanz Coffeehouse near Augie.
- Attend any Rocky athletic event - Rocky pride is strong.
- For those dog lovers, Hasselroth Dog Park is a happening place for owners and their dogs.
- On any given Saturday, you'll probably find your neighbor up at Handy True Value.
- During the summer, the water slides at Whitewater Junction are refreshing.
- And if you're looking for some great nightlife - you'll find it all within walking distance in The District.
Cool things to do include:
- Any District festival.
- A Backwater Gamblers ski show.
- Shakespeare in Lincoln Park by the Genesius Guild.
- Bike or walk the Great River Trail bike path along the Mississippi River.
- Eagle watching in the winter.
- Shows at Circa '21 Dinner Playhouse.
- Comedy Sportz improv comedy champions.
- Art gallery openings.
- Dance at its finest with Ballet Quad Cities.
- St. Patrick's Day Parade and Labor Day Parade.
- History & Architecture Tours - the Chippiannock Cemetery Tour, the Broadway Tour of Homes, and the Legend of John Looney tour.

