Wheelchair-accessible car park
Yes
Sylvan Island in Moline
Categories
Location on the map
Moline, Rock Island County, Illinois, US
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Yes
Amenities
Good for kids
Yes
Phone: +1 309-524-2424
Site: https://www.facebook.com/Sylvan-...
Site: https://www.facebook.com/Sylvan-...
Opening hours
- Monday:Open 24 hours
- Tuesday:Open 24 hours
- Wednesday:Open 24 hours
- Thursday:Open 24 hours
- Friday:Open 24 hours
- Saturday:Open 24 hours
- Sunday:Open 24 hours
Comments (194)
Went at midnight and just walked the outer path. It is beautiful and quiet. So many places to fish and sit. I wish I would have taken more photos, going back tomorrow during the day to explore the inner part of the island.
Its a very well maintained and calming place to be. Easy trails. Good for all ages. Wildlife is abundant. The dogs and I love the open space to play soccer.
It’s great place to hang. But not fish near the edges of the water. Your not gonna get a bite on your fishing pole. Be careful and ask permission to steps into this island. It’s haunted.
Nice island not too far (1 mile) from the convention center in downtown to go for a walk or a jog. Trails are either dirt or crush limestone. Offer a nice view of the river and Rock Island Arsenal
Such a great little bit of nature right in the middle of the Quad Cities. My boyfriend and I love the hiking trails (some of which are gravel) and the wooden river viewing platforms. Its a great place to take a walk and look at all the native birds nearby! Park at the adjoining parking lot, or park further down the river bike path for a longer walk.
Excellent place for bike trails, fishing, walking, running, wildlife, photography, and enjoying the peaceful raw nature of this historic place.
Cool place, nice trails. But people really need to take better care of the place. Pick up your trash. Plastic will stay on the Earth for 500+ years so why just throw it around so it can damage the ecosystem. Pick it up or dont go anywhere. Its that simple.
Very pretty area despite the current flooding. Gorgeous place for sunsets, walking, cranes and pelicans.
Great trails. Beautiful scenery. Its a wonderful place for families to ride bicycles, especially wide trails for little ones. Not crowded normally.
Certainly one of the more overlooked areas in the QC! I finally visited here in July 2019 and I must say, it’s a beautiful little “island” with an interesting history. I only ran into one person the entire time I was there. Truly a hidden gem.
Great walking & biking path. Choice of relatively flat or challenging terrain. Historical & peaceful experience. Been enjoying this area over 60 years & am very appreciative of the many access & infrastructure improvements! Thumbs up & thanks to all volunteers & support groups!
Unique system of trails based on an island of industrial decay. You will see all walks of life from the QC area at any given moment at this place. And its the only trail system open rain or shine.
Short hike, bring bug spray, lots of trash, broken glass. Nice waterfowl wildlife viewing.
Amazing little oasis considering its in the middle of the Quad Cities. Well maintained mountain bike trails. Find a map online if you dont know your way. Its small but the trail layout is very good and they use every inch of the island.
First time biking Sylvan, and it was a blast. Fun technical riding, especially for novice riders.
Trails to walk. Great fishing spots. Bike path. Also a good spot for Pokemon GO.
Best place for some crazy and exciting mountain bike riding, a must to visit, wear protective gear and be ready to have an amazing time.
Throughout my life this has been the best local place to Jam on a Mountain Bike...Please Help Keep It Clean!Ride On! G.P.
Quiet and peaceful. Good walking area.
Interesting run and walk trail.
Great park for riding or walking.
They have done an awesome job of cleaning it up. I truly enjoyed learning about its history and a nice walk around the island. There are some ruins of the old factory to see also.
Urban Trails on a created island in the Mississippi.
This is a neat little park with some cool trails. Plenty of shade to stay out of the sun. Bring some bug spray though! Tons of areas to go fishing. Lots of places to take photos. There are some trees down blocking some paths but it adds to the fun climbing over them. Cant wait to go again and explore some more trails. Not very packed today which was good as well.
Fascinating. Nice place for a little hike. Quite a bit of garbage was picked up along out walk. Felt a little Jurassic Park-like with some of the ruins from previous buildings.
Beautiful place to take a walk or ride a bike. My only suggestion would be more gard rails, but over all I love this place!!!
Great hikes with so many options. Wonderful views.
Ive been going there since i was a kid my old stomping grounds. Its Changed over the years clean and safe . lots of trails for hiking and biking.good fishing and lots of wildlife to be seen Lots of good memories there. All i can say is go there and make some of your own memories today
Great trails
Very peaceful. Its great that its an Island walking over such a calm part of the Mississippi is exciting but not scary like the Centennial bridge. Walking or running is nice but there is a bunch of great off road biking trails as well. Definitely worth checking out.
Its a good place so my little doggie can walk or run love it
Great island for walking, jogging, fishing. Probably one of the most beautiful parks in the area. Though, no playground or anything so may or may not be great for little kids especially with close proximity to water everywhere. Also be forewarned it can get very muddy or even flood.
Bike park but nice hiking if you look out. Birds migrate through. Interesting ruins from steel factory. Wish trash was picked up better. Two outlook decks. Statue of John Derek. People fishing. Graffiti.
Its wonderful whats been done with the entire area there. A pleasure to walk through & read of the history & future of the different areas. Beautiful. Thankyou.
A great time for the nature family
One of my favorite places to ride especially just starting out again you can build your stamina up just by going around the perimeter or you can take one of the middle trails and give yourself more of a workout. And a thumbs-up to all the people that are continuing to improve the trails its really a nice place.
The island floods at least once a year, so areas need cleaned up. Its a nice place to picnic, walk, fish, bike ride. Currently the road into the park is tore up. But you can still get in. I think they are giving up on maintaining the island.
Good place to fish all night and day
YE HA!!! The new bridge is open!!! Great place to fish, hike, bike, explore, or have a religious experience. The island used to have factories all over it. Nothing left but grown over foundations.. And plenty of trails. Come have fun, observe what really lasts in this crazy world.
This is a great place , nature Lovers must visit
The recreational area has a selection of trails for biking/hiking as well as a lot of water front available for fishing. One downside is that no restrooms of any kind are present on the island.
Sylvan Island is a Quad City classic. Such a fun place to walk, explore, run, or mountain bike. During the winter months there are times for great Bald Eagle watching. This island is also host to some great races during the year like the Sylvan Stampede. Whether you want to race or watch, its fun to be present.With the new access bridge to the island complete, Sylvan promises to be great fun for decades.
A very nice recreational area, but closed to pedestrian access as of summer of 2013 due to structural issues with the pedestrian bridge. While the island is still open to the public, hopefully walking and biking access will be restored.The island had historical value and is a nice place to walk, bike, fish, or just enjoy a bit of nature in an otherwise urban location.EDIT: As of December 2017, the island is open to pedestrian traffic again because of a newly built bridge!
Its always a great outing weather biking the trails walking or relaxing and enjoying the scenery
Went there to ride the mtb trails. It was a decent place to thrash around once you spend a little time to connect some trails to get a decent loop. Youre in Rock Island so theres a good chance of getting your vehicle broke into.
Bike trails for all levels of experience. Clean and maintained well
I caught a couple of fish at that Park, Sylvan Island Park or whatever it is. Its great, its nice, its clean and I think theyre going to plant native plants or something there. I got a Sheepshead and some other guys caught a striper and a catfish. Weather was nice, cant beat it.
Love the trail in the mornings
My parents tell me alot of great stories of this place before it was for trails and walking so its pretty cool to be here and fish, walk, mild hike, bike trail, alot of nice people come here to enjoy as well
Well cared for bike/walking trail system
This place is very cool. Lots of bike trails and good views of the Mississippi.
Nice place for a hike. We hiked around the whole island. Some parts there is access to the water for fishing.
Nice place to hike and bike
Its a beautiful island and it has lots of fun little trails and some cool beaches. I found a pretty cool walking stick that I am now very fond of.
Loved it 15yrs ago in high school, loved seeing all the trails and nicely arranged, not a fan of the mosquitos. We will be back for more hiking.
Nice little hour home
Fun bike trails, we left wanting more
Great trails for walking or comfort biking. Separate trails for single track riding and walkers. Great eagle viewing and a lot of history.
Lots of wildlife, fishing, walking, off road bike trails FORC access to bike path. Make sure you have bug spray.
Beautiful place for run, cicling walk.
I just wish we would have had more time there are Trails for miles
This is an awesome place to kick back and go fishing and some people even use the trails for biking.
Good place for a short hike. Lots of people fish and mountain bike here
A lot of history and river views at this small island park. Extensive ruins of a former steel mill make for a fascinating hike!
Awesome spot for pictures, a walk, biking, or fishing :-) it also connects to the long bike path that runs the river
Some good fishing spots just have to find them
Doing an investigation..AJ was telling us what was being said.
Great place for everything outdoors 👍 fishing, walking, bicycling, running,kyaking, nature watching. Love this place!!
10 out of 10 would recommend for just about any outdoor activity. It is absolutely gorgeous here. So glad I came.
Great place to stomp around. Pretty flat with short steep features. Perfect place for a fat dude like myself.
Fun place to run, ride bikes or just a scenic walk.
It was a rather small islands not really kept up the best for hiking. Would be a great biking trail though.
My crew and I like to do our nefarious deeds on this island, away from the prying eyes of the common folk
This is the best place to go ride your Fat Tire Bike Im glad its open again sit right down the street from my house
Its a great place to hike with little chance of getting lost.
Cool bike trails lot of fun Good view of the arsenal
Loved it!!! Nearby country in the city? U bet!
Has beautiful scenery along the shore of the Mississippi, plus spots made to sit and fish!
It Was awesome. First time on island. Great trails
Great location for senior photos! One of my top 3 locations to use in the Illinois side.
Great place to walk the dog, ride a bike or go fishing for awhile!
Never been there but is seems great place to visit
Just do not EVER go here at night! The spirits are AnGrY.
You should check it out. Cool place
I always enjoy going fishing, walking and bike riding....
Trails were alot of fun for my kids and I.
This used to be the hangout in my teen years. We went to visit while we were in town and they have made so many changes but so many memories came back.
Great place to walk, hike, bike or just reflect.
So happy the bridge is finally open again. Trails are in fantastic shape!
Tbd
The trails are phenomenal
Wonderful place to walk and unwind.
Tons of different types of trails and terrain!
Absolutely beautiful .... excellent trails and natural beauty!
Was definitely a great place to walk and talk for a first date.
The water is pretty low right now, so not the best fishing.
Great place to go for a walk, bike, or throw in a line!
Nice place for pictures
I live that they have it back open now. The trails are awesome!!!!
Open! Busy bike race day, but good to see it used and all the people, even kids!
Hard to find if you dont know where it is, but some beautiful views of the Mississippi.
Nice spot for fishing. Or exploring trails.
Great place, lots of different areas to explore!
Great outdoors recreation area!
Great mountain bike trails!
Great place to mountain bike
Alot of good trails worth it
Very cool place to walk
Stunning trail. Lots of places to go and explore!
Great park for a quick hike!
Awesome trails and beautiful scenery.
I went swimming here its super fun and climb the tower thx
Great place to walk
Great place for a quick hike.
Nice quiet place to take the kids fishing
Snow covered trails and heavy snow. Great fun.
Peaceful
Beautiful scenery 😍
Needs more mowing but very peaceful
Great place to fish.
So. Much fun
Crate mountain biking trails in between the two cities of Davenport and Moline.
Very historic place!
Love all the trails
Unique trails. Somewhat technical (MB) with all the history left behind.
Just wished I was younger to enjoy it more lol
Nice quiet place to walk!
The river,flowers and the walkway are my favorites
Great place to run and bike
Short walk in a beautiful space...
Exelent place, a lot of fun
Great for fishing and biking.
Exceptional bike trails❗❤💯
Great get away for a few hours.
Great mtb trails.
Cool place for a relaxing walk
Most of the time it was vandalized so the crossing was closed off
My favorite place in the quad cities
Open space for everyone to ride or walk!!
Beautiful Island with artistic street art throughout
Great variety of surfaces and technical sections
No glass at all on the trail 😉
So many trails to explore
Went to see old fishing and stopping grounds.
Trails are in great shape.
Been going there since I was a boy
Great place to be with nature and relax
Great place to race bikes
Waters high but fish were biting !!!
Great trails
Is nice when its not flooded
Sylvan Island, Big improvement, great job.
Very cool
Beautiful pictures galore.
Great for mountain biking.
Decent paths to walk.
So fun!
24/7 gnar shreddage.
Very interesting place
Love fishing there
Very very thankful SI reopened
Because its the Mississippi River
Love the outdoors
Fun place to ride
Blast...
Good urban riding
So many activities!
Good fishing hole.
Still a lot of Riff Raff.
Nice place to tromp around
Awsome!
Found this place by accident, awesome place
Fishing was great 👌
Mysterious yet cool
Trails were clear!!!
Ok
Love the outdoors
Quit littering.
Fishing and trails.
Bikes
Great place
Redone nicely
All nature
So its peaceful, fishing spot.
Total reviews rating 4.6
194 Reviews for Sylvan Island 2023:
Review №1
2021-09-01A great venue for mountain biking right on the Mississippi River. A small, easily managable tangle of trails with a solid ring trail that will always bring you back around to the bridge.
Review №2
2022-04-01This is a great place to hike or bike ! Theres even a little skate park that someone built recently. The trails are well kept and worn in due to constant use! Lots of fishing spots around the edge of the island. A wonderful place to go on a nice day
Review №3
2022-05-05Went at night so the ruins were extremely creepy! I definitely scared myself more than once while waiting for a ghost to pop out! It was a blast and I was very happy that even the low maintenance trails were easy to navigate.
Review №4
2021-09-22Great place to ride or walk the dogs. Island is busy on the weekends but rarely meet someone on a trail. Very safe.
Review №5
2021-08-18Weve only been here twice but were in love with this island! Making plans to explore more next spring when everything warms back up but I also want to go play in the snow there! Its beautiful and I highly recommend checking it out!
Review №6
2020-11-18Unique park, with great views.Ive been going here for over 20 years, and its always a lovely walk. A reclaimed Iron works the area features trails that wind through the old crumbling foundation. Mind you dont trip over bits of iron slag.The trails that edge the island make for some great views and offer good bord watching. Also a popular fishing spot. If your into plants and herbology, your spot quite a bit of biodiversity, such as sweetgum, mullen, and motherwort to neme a few.Well worth the drive to this little of the way spot.
Review №7
2021-03-09A unique outdoor recreation area in the Quad Cities! This island is an old factory and remnants are still prevalent within the hiking and mountain bike trails. The outer perimeter trail on the island is approximately a 1-mile loop and offers plenty of views of the slough river area. The trails seem to be ever-changing with the rise and fall of the river levels each year. While maintained by the local mountain bike group QC FORC (qcforc.org), this trail system is the most resilient to the changing conditions and is nearly always open. Trails wind around and interconnect and it seems that each ride will take you on a different route. On the back or north side of the island is an old dam which brings fisherman and plenty of water foul viewing. In the winter, this is an underrated but fantastic spot to see the bald eagles.
Review №8
2019-05-19A great place for a Hike !!I found this park on Google maps while looking for somewhere to jog and hike during a trip to Moline last year. This is a historic area as its the former home of the Republic Steel mill which was shut down years ago. The island has hiking and mountain bike trails, its quiet and I did not see too many people there while on my hike. There are several trails on the island, so I had time to walk most of them. There are wooden outcrops that you can use for photos. The trails go in and around the island. You find find wildlife, birds, small animals, and the remnants of the old steel mill. This is a great place for a hike.
Review №9
2019-06-22Its one of the best places to do some off road Mountain Bike trail riding within City Limits...Its a very good place to teach Kids how to Ride & Enjoy trail riding with different levels of trail riding All in a fairly small area with nicely groomed trails. Theres just never enough places like Sylvan Island to Enjoy Mother Nature on a Bicycle, its One of the Quad Cities Area hidden Jewels !
Review №10
2020-06-13Absolutely beautiful nature! The circle takes about a half hour to complete. But there are many side trails to take so your journey could take several hours to fully explore. Great for all ages!