The best road cycling routes in Smith'S Island Recreation Area

This bridge parallels the course of I-74 across the Mississippi River, keeping cyclists and other pedestrians safely away from the fast-moving vehicles. The bridge connects to cycleways on either side of the river, and also has a viewing area with an oculus.

The Government Bridge, also known as the Arsenal Bridge, spans the Mississippi River between Rock Island, Illinois, and Davenport, Iowa. Built in 1896, the bridge has two levels: the upper deck serves the Iowa Interstate Railroad, while the lower deck carries vehicle traffic and has lanes on each side for pedestrians and cyclists. It features a swing section to allow river navigation. The current bridge is the fourth at this location; the first, built in 1856, was the first railroad bridge across the Mississippi. Subsequent bridges were built after damage from collisions, ice storms, and tornadoes.

Sylvan Slough is a river in Illinois that passes Rock Island. If you follow the river further east, you'll get wonderful views to Rock Island Arsenal and Sylvan Island.

From this spot along the Great River Trail you get great views of Sylvan Island. You can cross a bridge to the island, but there are really only hiking and single track mountain bike trails that are unsuitable for road cycling.

Fort Armstrong, established in 1816, served as a vital military installation on Rock Island Arsenal, Illinois. Initially constructed to maintain peace among Native American tribes and European settlers, it later played a significant role in safeguarding American interests during the War of 1812. Throughout its history, Fort Armstrong served as a key strategic outpost, witnessing various conflicts and transformations until its eventual decommissioning in 1836.

This is a great little bridge heading from East Moline out to delightful Campbell Island. You have great views out over the river, and on the island, you can do a nice short, two-mile loop and visit Campbell's Island State Historic Site if you have time on your hands. It is worth crossing the bridge and doing the loop just to get the river views.

The Campbell's Island Historic Site consists of an imposing granite monument dedicated to a battle between Sauk and Fox Indians led by Chief Black Hawk during the War of 1812. At the time, the Indians were allied with the British, and the battle resulted in a British win. It is a beautiful site overlooking the river, and there is also a peace garden with four concrete benches arranged in a sacred circle. It is listed as a national historic site.

This harbor sits sandwiched between the Great River Trail and the great river itself, the Mississippi — all of which offer stupendous scenery as you cycle by.