Every year the Rock Island Arsenal offers a family-friendly event that is free to the public. The clock tower and eagle watch tours are coming up later this month. 

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Mississippi River Project announced that the Visitor Center at Locks and Dam 15 is inviting guests to participate in historic clock tower and eagle watching tours. Learn about the clock tower building as you climb the stairs to the top. Waiting there is a spectacular view of the Mississippi River where you will have the opportunity to see bald eagles, who visit our area during the cold winter months.     

Tours will be happening on Saturdays and Sundays on the following dates: January 13, 14, 20, 21, 27, 28 and February 3, 4, 10, 11.

There will be two tours each day beginning at 10 a.m. and Noon. The tours will last approximately 1½ hours and will be guided by a Corps Park Ranger.

The tours will begin at the Mississippi River Visitor Center, located on the western end of Arsenal Island at Locks and Dam 15.  You must check in with the ranger staff upstairs in the visitor center when you arrive for the tour.  The tour does involve walking up 12 flights of stairs and is outside for a short duration of time so plan and dress accordingly. The tours are free of charge and everyone is invited to attend. Advance registration is recommended.  An adult must accompany children under 12 years of age.  

The Mississippi River Visitor Center is located at building 328. To gain access to Arsenal Island, all visitors must be issued a pass which can be achieved by going to the Visitor Control Center which is located in building 23 near the Moline entrance. More information on accessing the Rock Island Arsenal can be found by visiting the website 
www.usagria.army.mil/accessrequests or by calling 309-782-1337.