The Best Way to Get Involved Is to Discover Big Island for Yourself
Amenities
Big Island has hospitality as large as it's name implies, giving its visitors ample access to its natural places along the bike/walk path; wet your fishing line or throw something on the grill, there is something for everyone. Each of the locks on the Hennepin Canal have their own amenities with Lock 31 having the most to offer with a covered picnic shelter, grill, and easy access off the bike path.
Mirror lake is located on your left, going West onto the island and is an optimal viewing area for scores of water fowl; herons, egrets and numerous duck species are often spotted gracing its shores.
Activities
Big Island is connected to the bike path that can be taken from the Milan/Rock Island Parkway all the way through Milan and into Big Island. The island is an oasis for outdoor activities, like biking, walking, paddling, fishing and wildlife viewing in a near pristine green corridor running the length of the Rock River. Although the island is known for its green spaces and abundant wildlife, visitors still have immediate access to all the services and restaurants in Milan close at hand.
The confluence of the Rock and Mississippi Rivers at Lock 32 is the prime spot to view both rivers in one breathtaking vista. This location is often a destination for bikers and hikers who want that "I have arrived" moment.
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bike path into Big Island -
Enjoying the confluence -
Heron at Big Island -
Shelter at Lock 31 -
Big Island is a short distance from most anywhere in the Quad Cities. Located off Highway 67, Big Island can be accessed by going West just off the "blue bridges." Parking is available at Lock 31 and Lock 32.