Grand Illinois Trail (East Moline to Silvis)

This multi-use path is actually a small segment of the Grand Illinois Trail network, a 535-mile loop trail that runs along the northern border of Illinois from Lake Michigan to the Mississippi and then curves east-west across the state as it follows the Illinois River and the Hennepin Canal. When completed, the 2.9-mile paved trail segment will provide a connection between the Hennepin Canal Parkway Trail and the Great River Trail, which shares sections with both the Grand Illinois Trail network and the American Discovery Trail.

Running through the City of East Moline and Silvis, this trail is composed of a 2.4-mile paved pathway and about half a mile of bike lanes. From the intersection of 7th Street and Beacon Harbor Parkway, the route heads southeast through East Moline 21st and ends at 10th Street in Silvis. It provides increased connectivity between neighborhoods and offers new ways to navigate popular areas like the Rust Belt, downtown East Moline, and the Bend.

The trail passes residential homes, local businesses, schools, offices, restaurants, and community facilities. In East Moline, it runs along the western edge of Butterworth Park (1400 23rd Ave), which has a lagoon with the opportunity for fishing, a playground, pavilions, picnic tables, basketball courts, and lots more. Just south of the park, the trail also passes by the Soule Bowl Stadium. Near the southern end of the trail in Silvis, Friendship Park (14th Street & Crosstown Ave) has a playground, restrooms, picnic tables and shelters, tennis courts, pickleball courts, and softball fields.

For those who want a longer adventure, the northern endpoint connects to Becon Harbor Parkway Trail (aka 7th Street/The Quarter Trail). Heading north for 1.3 miles, the paved trail ends by the Mississippi River and connects to the Great River Trail. Plans are underway to continue the trail from East Moline and Silvis through Carbon Cliff to Colona.

Parking and Trail Access

The MetroLINK bus system provides access to the trail. To plan your trip, visit the MetroLINK website.

For those driving, parking is available at Butterworth Park (1400 23rd Ave, East Moline), Friendship Park (on 14th Street and around the corner from Crosstown Ave in Silvis), and street parking may be available as well.