Plan a Visit to Quincy, the Gem City of Illinois
Several years back on a road trip we made a quick lunch stop in Quincy, Illinois. We knew right away that this was a city we needed to return to and explore more! After finally spending a full weekend in this Illinois river town, we left amazed by the hidden charm and variety of attractions. Quincy blends unique history, beautiful outdoor spaces, incredible museums, and a downtown that feels like something out of a Hallmark movie.
If you are planning an Illinois road trip or looking for a Midwest weekend getaway, here are the best things to do in Quincy, Illinois.
Where is Quincy?
Quincy sits along the Mississippi River in western Illinois, about 2.5 hours from St. Louis. 4 hours from Chicago, and just a short distance over the river from Hannibal, Missouri. Known as the Gem City, Quincy is home to an astounding 3,600 structures contributing to the National Register of Historic Places and a dozen unique museums. This makes Quincy one of the most underrated history and architecture destinations in the Midwest.
Best Things to Do in Quincy, Illinois
Siloam Springs State Park
We kicked off our trip just outside town at Siloam Springs State Park. This 3,323 acre park was once home to a mineral spring resort in the 1800s. Visitors traveled from all over the world to soak in the waters that were believed to have medicinal properties.
The resort is long gone, but you can still find one restored spring house and the ruins of the old hotel foundation tucked along the trails. We loved the peaceful trails, the beautiful lake, and the quiet, wooded scenery.
Villa Kathrine
The Villa Kathrine also serves as Quincy’s official visitor center. This is one of the most uniquely beautiful buildings in the state.
Built in 1900 by Quincy native George Metz, this Moroccan style castle sits on the bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River. Inside you will find a courtyard, a reflecting pool, and design details inspired by Metz’s travels abroad. It is worth a stop just for the architecture and the river view and a great way to kick off your visit to Quincy.
Quincy Children’s Museum
The Quincy Children’s Museum is small but adorable, with plenty of hands on exhibits geared toward younger kids. They are currently in the middle of a project to expand into a much larger permanent location in the former Quincy Paper Box building. Be sure to follow their progress as the new museum plans look incredible!
History Museum on the Square
The History Museum on the Square is completely free and does a wonderful job covering the unique local history. The exhibits are extremely well done and detailed and easy for all ages to learn and experience.
Don’t miss the Underground Railroad display, the Lincoln exhibit, or the stained glass gallery containing glass recovered from area churches and buildings.
Quincy Museum
The Quincy Museum sits inside a beautiful historic house. We were surprised at just how much there was to see in this amazing space! For over 60 years, the Quincy Museum has been presenting a diverse range of services to meet the historical, cultural, educational, and recreational interests of visitors.
The lower floor contains period furnishings that showcase the beauty and design of the home while the second floor contains more exhibits on history.
Don’t miss the third floor, especially if you’re visiting with kids. Interactive exhibits let children explore dinosaurs through replica fossils and real specimens, discover Mississippi River wildlife, and experience hands-on Native American activities like building a village, trying on traditional clothing, and exploring a wickiup. It’s a fun mix of learning and play that kept our kids engaged much longer than we expected.
All Wars Museum and Deer Park
Located at the Illinois Veterans Home, the All Wars Museum houses an enormous collection of wartime artifacts spanning American history from every United States military engagement dating from the Revolutionary War through the current times. There is so much history to see all in one spot with over 5,000 artifacts all in one place.
Just a short distance from the museum, don’t miss the adorable Deer Park. You can watch the resident deer that call the Veterans Home property home. The fawns were especially adorable!
Quinsippi Island and Log Cabin Village
We also took the kids to explore the Log Cabin Village on Quinsippi Island. This park has a small collection of historic log cabins on a scenic island just outside downtown. There is a small playground next to the log cabin village as well.
Riverfront Park and Fountains
Quincy’s riverfront is one of its biggest draws. We spent time walking through the Clat Adams Bicentennial Park along the river and admiring the fountains and Mississippi River views. It is a great spot to slow down and take in the scenery. This would especially be a beautiful spot for watching a sunset.
Bill Klingner Trail
The Bill Klingner Trail is a paved trail stretching nearly three miles from the riverfront toward North 24th Street. With scenic bridges and peaceful views this trail is perfect for walking, biking, or running.
Kiwanis Centennial Playground
Don’t miss the Kiwanis Centennial Playground at Lincoln Park. This all inclusive playground was built by Quincy’s Kiwanis clubs to be accessible to kids of all abilities. There are many fun features here plus restrooms.
Historic Stone Arch Bridges
The Quincy area has two historic stone arch bridges dating back to the 1800s. One can be found at South Park right in town with a parking area right by the bridge.
The second stone arch bridge is about 20 minutes outside of town at the Fall Creek Scenic Overlook. You can park right near the bridge on E 1150th Street near the intersection with Payson Road for an easy walk.
For a longer adventure, park at the lower trailhead when entering the Fall Creek Overlook to explore a mile trail that leads along the creek and to the bridge. This incredible stone arch bridge dates to 1855. This is one of most scenic spots we have found in Illinois with a clear creek and small waterfalls.
Maine Street Mile
Take time to drive the Maine Street Mile, a self-guided architecture tour past dozens of Quincy’s most beautiful historic homes. With over 3,600 structures on the National Register of Historic Places, this drive shows off the diversity of Quincy’s architecture.
Washington Park Farmers Market
If you are visiting on a Saturday, stop by the farmers market at Washington Park in the heart of downtown. It is a lovely way to spend a morning browsing local vendors for farm fresh food and hand crafted creations. The square even a small splash pad for kids to keep cool on a hot day.
Scottie’s Fun Spot
Our kids had a blast at Scottie’s Fun Spot, a family fun center with go karts, laser tag, rides, a playground, and a full arcade. There is something here for kids of all ages to enjoy.
Where to Eat in Quincy
Quincy has a restaurant scene and even foodies will appreciate. With so many great choices, we had a hard time narrowing down where to eat during our short trip.
Thyme Square Café
Thyme Square Café is a farm to table breakfast and lunch spot known for its fresh, locally sourced ingredients and scratch made bakery items. It has been voted Quincy’s best breakfast multiple years in a row, and we can see why. Don’t miss the homemade bread or the macaroons.
Tiramisu
Tiramisu is a cozy Italian spot in downtown Quincy with a menu full of homemade pasta, wood fired pizza, and of course a namesake dessert worth saving room for.
The Abbey
The Abbey has been a Quincy tradition since 1974, serving hand cut steaks, seafood, and a great kids menu.
Kelly’s Tavern
Kelly’s Tavern has been a Quincy favorite since 1982, known for its famous salad bar, homemade cheese soup, and cinnamon rolls.
Tower Pizza and Mexican
Tower Pizza and Mexican is exactly what it sounds like, a local favorite serving up both scratch made pizza and Mexican dishes under one roof. It is a fun stop if your family cannot agree on what to order.
Where to Stay in Quincy
We stayed at The Atrium Hotel on Third in downtown Quincy, which puts you within walking distance of the riverfront and many downtown attractions. The hotel is currently undergoing a major renovation and will soon be transformed into a DoubleTree by Hilton. Our room was freshly renovated and very spacious and quiet.
Sample 2-Day Quincy Itinerary
Day 1
- Siloam Springs State Park or Falls Creek Stone Arch Bridge
- Lunch at Tiramisu
- Villa Kathrine
- Quincy Children’s Museum
- History Museum on the Square
- Check into The Atrium Hotel on Third
- Dinner at the Abbey
Day 2
- Breakfast at Thyme Square Café
- Farmers Market at Washington Park
- Riverfront park, Bill Klingner Trail, or the Kiwanis Centennial Playground
- Lunch at Kelly’s Tavern
- Quincy Museum
- All Wars Museum and Deer Park
- Maine Street Mile driving tour
- Scottie’s Fun Spot
- Dinner at Tower Pizza and Mexican
More to See Near Quincy
While we packed in a lot over one weekend, Quincy is home to a dozen distinctive museums and there are more areas to explore just a short drive away. Here are more ideas of things to see on your visit to Quincy.
More Quincy Museums
The Lincoln-Douglas Debate Museum covers the famous 1858 debate held in Quincy. The Quincy Underground Railroad Museum at the Eells House tells the story of Quincy’s role in the Underground Railroad. The Quincy Art Center showcases rotating art exhibits and classes. The John Wood Mansion is a beautifully preserved historic home tied to Quincy’s founder. And the 1930s Ag Museum highlights the region’s agricultural history.
Nauvoo, Illinois
About an hour north of Quincy sits Nauvoo, a small historic town along the Mississippi River known for its Latter-day Saints history and charming downtown. It makes an easy addition to a longer Quincy area road trip.
Hannibal, Missouri
Just across the river and about an hour south, Hannibal, Missouri is the boyhood home of Mark Twain and offers its own mix of riverfront charm and history. Pairing Quincy with Hannibal makes for a wonderful multi-day Mississippi River getaway.
Why You Should Visit Quincy
We went into Quincy expecting a quiet river town and left completely surprised by how much there was to see and do. Between the stunning architecture, the abundance of museums, the scenic outdoor spaces, and a charming downtown, Quincy has so much packed into one weekend.
Quincy is called the Gem City, and after spending time there we agree it’s a true hidden gem worth visiting.
Disclaimer: Our family was hosted and compensated for our visit to Quincy. All opinions are our own.
