What is the GDA?
Gerald Development Association began in 1961, to bring more business and industry to Gerald.
Seven business owners continue the historic GDA, today, to invite new industry to Gerald and grow our town. As we welcome visitors traveling US Hwy 50, and perspecitve business owners, Gerald’s midwest hospitality is vibrant. With a small budget we are attracting new home owners and businesses to this old Rock Island Railroad town.
We are supporting local and family endeavors to celebrate and share the past. History is coming alive in Gerald.
— the restoration of the original four room Gerald School by former students and Gerald Historical Society
— the preservation of the original Rock Island Railroad Depot by the Gerald Chamber of Commerce
— the revitilization of the roller mill as a Bistro and artisan shops by grandchildren of the mill builder
— reinventing the Gerald Theater, The 353, for a variety of entertainment venues by a local band leader
— the hosting of two museums in town where visitors can step back in time to experience the Rock Island Railroad
– the Rock Island Train museum where visitors can experience the Rock Island Railroad
– MacRae’s Indian Books and Museum celebrating the native Americans that lived here
Currently the GDA has two goals to invest in:
One is opening the trailhead for the Rock Island Trail State Park so that bicycling visitors will have comfort amenities along the trail and return to stay the night and enjoy a variety of food and entertainment.
Secondly, we are building the Rock Island Visitor Center to grow our town, the trades, and Rock Island Trail through tourism.
Please join us as we complete this new Rock Island Visitor Center. Your donations are gratefully accepted and are tax exempt.