The Village of Rapids City

The Village Office has been contacted by the Canadian Pacific Railroad concerning maintenance of their railway through Rapids City. From Monday, October 14th, 2024 at 4pm to Wednesday, October 16th, at 10pm all rail crossings on 18th, 14th and 13th Streets will be closed. At this time 12th Street and 11th Streets will remain open for through traffic.

The Rapids City Fire Protection District in conjunction with the local Fire Chiefs and the State Fire Marshal’s Office, has determined that open burning constitutes a danger to life & property in Rock Island County, Illinois. Therefore, a Burn Ban is in effect as of 10/07/2024 at 08:00 am for all of Rock Island County, Illinois.

Current conditions and concerns include dry weather conditions, projected rain amounts in the immediate future, dried vegetation, and possible wind conditions. The burn ban will be in effect until further notice. When the conditions improve allowing for a lift of the burn ban, further notification and information will be sent.

Located at the upper end of the Rock Island Rapids, Rapids City grew around the site of a grist and saw mill. Laid out in 1838 and incorporated in 1875, the village boomed during the 1870's through the 1880's. Because of neighboring coal mines during this period, grocery and dry goods stores, a blacksmith shop, a restaurant, hotel, millinery and shoe store provided services for miners, farmers, and their families. Charles Shuler operated the Rapids City Coal Mining Company during the 1880's.

Modern day Rapids City is located in the eastern portion of the Quad City metropolitan area along the banks of the Mississippi river in northwestern Illinois. It is a part of Rock Island County and is situated where Interstate 80 crosses into Iowa. Rapids City's land area equals 960 acres with a perimeter boundary just under 6 miles. The current population of 960 citizens is growing due to increased housing starts in new subdivisions.

Rapids City Junior Women's Club volunteer project