Union Station celebrating 100th anniversary

Help Union Station celebrate its centennial next week!

The building at 102 H. Harrison Street in Davenport will mark its 100 ^th anniversary at a free open house on Thursday, September 26 from 3 – 7 p.m. The historic building, located at 102 S. Harrison St., has served as a transportation hub and historic landmark for generations. Now operating as a Visit Quad Cities Destination Center , Union Station has a range of services to help visitors and locals explore the unique attractions in the area. Destination Experience Specialists provide information, directions and personalized recommendations to enhance the Quad Cities experience. Visitors can shop for local QC merchandise, rent bikes and pick up a complimentary QC Destination Guide.

The event will have live music, remarks from Quad Cities leaders and a special announcement at 3:30 p.m. The Edgar Crockett Trio will perform from 3:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. A 2024 time capsule filled with items representing the current era of the Quad Cities will be unveiled.

“Union Station is a symbol of our region’s rich history and growth,” said Lindsey Row, Director of Public Relations & Communications at Visit Quad Cities. “As we celebrate its 100th anniversary, we look ahead to its continued role in welcoming visitors and activating this historic space as a dynamic hub for engagement, exploration and celebration of the QC’s vibrant culture.”

Union Station was built in 1924 by the Davenport, Rock Island and Northwestern Railway Co., along with the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Railroad and the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad. It replaced three separate stations in downtown Davenport and was a hub for passengers and freight. The station, with a Package Express Building next door, was in a prime location near the Arsenal Bridge and Crescent Railroad Bridge, establishing Davenport’s importance as a railroad center. The station played a key role in connecting the Quad Cities region via rail throughout the mid-20 ^th century, but by the 1950s, passenger rail service declined. It transitioned into a bus terminal before housing a visitor center. Union Station was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1983 in recognition of its architectural and historical significance. In 2022, Union Station was revamped as a modern Destination Center for Visit Quad Cities. The renovation included design elements by Edwards Creative, interactive features and modern technology to enhance visitors’ experiences while preserving the building’s historic charm.

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