Ben Butterworth Parkway
A 50-acre park along the Mississippi River, featuring fishing, boating, a playground, and scenic paved trails.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Enjoy sunshine and activities
Ben Butterworth Parkway
Best Time
Enjoy sunshine and activities
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 50-acre park along the Mississippi River, featuring fishing, boating, a playground, and scenic paved trails.
"Great spot to come, day or night, for walking, biking, or enjoying amazing river views."
🚶♀️ Walk, Bike, or Run
The paved trails are perfect for all levels of activity. Enjoy the river views as you go!
🎣 Cast a Line
Bring your fishing gear to enjoy a relaxing day by the river.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Mississippi River Views
Breathtaking vistas of the mighty Mississippi, especially unique where it flows east to west.
Fishing Pier & Boat Launch
Cast a line or launch your boat for a day on the water. A favorite for anglers and water sports enthusiasts.
Paved Trails
Perfect for walking, running, or biking along the scenic riverfront. Enjoy the shade and benches.
Playground Fun
A dedicated area for children to play and burn energy while enjoying the park atmosphere.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Outdoors
Riverfront Charm
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Walk, Bike, or Run
The paved trails are perfect for all levels of activity. Enjoy the river views as you go!
🎣 Cast a Line
Bring your fishing gear to enjoy a relaxing day by the river.
🧺 Picnic Perfect
Plenty of picnic shelters and benches to enjoy a meal with a view.
🚻 Restroom Access
Restrooms are available but not 24 hours, plan accordingly.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Walk, Bike, or Run
The paved trails are perfect for all levels of activity. Enjoy the river views as you go!
🎣 Cast a Line
Bring your fishing gear to enjoy a relaxing day by the river.
🧺 Picnic Perfect
Plenty of picnic shelters and benches to enjoy a meal with a view.
🚻 Restroom Access
Restrooms are available but not 24 hours, plan accordingly.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Ben Butterworth Parkway for its beautiful riverfront setting and diverse recreational opportunities. It's a beloved spot for walking, biking, fishing, and family fun, offering a peaceful escape with stunning views of the Mississippi. Some note that restroom hours are limited.
"It was a beautiful though overcast day to sit by the river.
Lots of people were walking, bike riding, at the parks, fishing, and just enjoying some time outdoors."
Rhonda Day
"We bike at the park and the view is amazing! I see the bridge and we took a picture of the bridge and we biked far away through the park and we passed the park and our caros far away nice park!"
A Google User
"Great spot to come, day or night. We have seen plenty of pei9le hear each time we come. Whether you want to walk, bike, or play in the playground, you will enjoy your time he. It also has some amazing views of the river."
Wander America
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Ben Butterworth Parkway is located in Moline, Illinois, along River Drive. It's easily accessible by car, with ample parking available throughout the park.
Yes, there are several river parking lots offering convenient access to the park's amenities and trails.
Absolutely! The park is part of the Great River Trail system, making it a great destination for cyclists.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Ben Butterworth Parkway is a public park and does not require an entrance fee.
The park is generally open from dawn to dusk, though specific amenities like restrooms may have limited hours.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can enjoy walking, biking, running, fishing, boating, playing at the playground, picnicking, and simply relaxing by the river.
Yes, many visitors find it to be a good spot for birdwatching due to its riverside location and natural setting.
Restrooms are available within the park, but they are not open 24 hours.
It's a unique spot on the Mississippi River where it flows east to west, offering a distinct geographical feature.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no restaurants directly within the park, but picnic shelters and benches are available for you to bring your own food.
Nearby Moline and East Moline offer various dining options, from casual eateries to sit-down restaurants.
📸 📸 Photography
The riverfront offers numerous scenic spots, especially along the trails and near the unique river bend.
The west-flowing section of the river can offer beautiful sunset views, making it a great spot for photography.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Parents can feel comfortable letting their children explore the playground area. The proximity to the river, while requiring supervision, also offers educational opportunities about local geography and wildlife. It's a place where families can create lasting memories enjoying nature together.
🚶♀️ Active Travelers
For runners, the flat terrain is excellent for training. Cyclists will appreciate the dedicated path, minimizing interaction with vehicle traffic. The park's accessibility and ample parking make it a convenient stop for those incorporating outdoor exercise into their travels.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Great River Trail
Beyond its recreational use, the Great River Trail also connects to historical and natural points of interest. The unique bend in the Mississippi River at this location is a significant geographical feature that adds to the trail's appeal. Birdwatchers also frequent the area, drawn by the diverse avian life supported by the river ecosystem. The park's amenities, such as picnic shelters, complement the trail experience, allowing visitors to combine outdoor activity with a relaxing meal.
Fishing and Boating Opportunities
In addition to fishing from the pier, the park also features a boat launch, catering to those who prefer to explore the river from their own vessel. Whether you're looking for a day of watersports or a leisurely cruise, the boat launch provides easy access to the Mississippi. The park's location along the river makes it an ideal starting point for exploring the waterways of the Quad Cities region.
Social
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