As flowers start peeking through the soil and trees become vibrant green, shake off the winter and experience the “Gem City.” Quincy, Illinois, is the perfect spring destination with an abundance of beautiful parks, riverfront walks, local entertainment and historic sites.
“There are three main things that excite me about Quincy: the art, architecture and athletics,” says Linda Moore, the mayor of Quincy. “The spring is a great time for community and events because there is always something to see or do for everyone.”
Grab a cup of coffee from The Pour Haus or Krazy Cakes Cafe & Restaurant before heading to Clat Adams Bicentennial Park for an amazing view of the Quincy Bayview Bridge. Parks and gardens, such as Washington Park and Ben Bumbry Riverview Park, have stunning views of local nature, lush blooms, spring fawns and, in some cases, the Mississippi River waterfront.
“It is especially beautiful here in the spring with the blooming dogwoods along Maine Street, and I never take it for granted as a Quincy native,” says Holly Cain, executive director of SeeQuincy. “Our architecture and parks are our best assets. Quincy really is a hidden gem.”
Find fun, entertainment, natural beauty and more when you take a spring break adventure to Quincy and discover these unforgettable destinations.
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1. Enjoy the Outdoors
Quincy offers an array of outdoor activities with 30 city parks. Gardner Park has scenic trails for hikers and runners. Visitors can kayak at Kesler Park or enjoy the riverfront at Lincoln Park. Moorman Park has tennis courts, disc golf, archery ranges and more. Don’t miss Washington Park in downtown or the Log Cabin Village in the island park. There is even an All America Mountain Bike Park with jumps and terrain for bikers of all levels.
2. Take in a Night at the Theater
The Washington Theater, currently being restored to its 1924 glory, hosts many events, such as the annual music trivia night and classic movie nights. The Quincy Community Theatre puts on plays and shows. Offering prime entertainment for the community, they perform a variety of shows and host traveling troupes as well.
3. Spark Curiosity for Kids
With spring here, the kids might need to run off their energy after being cooped up all winter. Families can get out of the house and into the Quincy Children’s Museum for tons of hands-on learning and opportunities to explore. Kids will have plenty of active and engaging experiences that inspire creativity, connection and discovery.
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4. Walk Through History
To see the city’s early days, walk through 14 rooms in the 19th-century home of Quincy’s founder, John Wood, which gives a look into daily life at that time. The mansion is maintained by the Historical Society of Quincy and Adams County. This group also manages the History Museum on the Square and the Lincoln Gallery.
The Underground Railroad Museum, located in the Dr. Richard Eells House, honors one of the first documented sites of its kind in the nation. Learn about the significance of this location during the Civil War and how it helped hundreds of enslaved people escape to the north.
5. Visit Niche Museums
The 1930s Ag Museum showcases the impressive evolution of farming equipment. Take advantage of its free admission and learn about the transition from horsepower to tractor power.
Meanwhile, the Dick Brothers Brewery Museum was once one of the largest breweries in the country and offers guided tours of underground tunnels.
SeeQuincy’s Museum Passport gets you a two-for-one discount at all 12 of the city’s museums, though many are free.
6. Grab a Local Bite
After diving into the area’s history, make sure to try the delicious bites ranging from breweries to corner stores. Chick’s on the River offers spicy chicken lips alongside plenty of other options for lunch. Another midday snack can be found at Maid-Rite with the traditional loose meat sandwiches. For drinks, hop by Ratskeller and Quincy Brewing Co. A weekend trip could call for groceries or a $3 meal at the vintage Winkings Market. Grab a delicious baked good from Underbrink’s Bakery and take a free two-hour bike rental through the city, compliments of SeeQuincy.
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7. Ramp Up Game Night
Ever wanted to try axe throwing? Quincy Axe Co. has a modern facility with lots of room to try out a toss. If axes aren’t the competition of choice, they also offer darts and pool for an enjoyable night out.
A must-visit is Scotties Fun Spot because a day full of go karts, mini-golf, laser tag, roller skating and bumper cars is a day well spent. Visitors can enjoy a fun-filled day at the arcade or even play glow-in-the-dark Cosmic Golf.
8. Join Boat Club Events
The Quincy Boat Club, a private club with a lovely riverfront and bay space, hosts unique boating events and concerts for the public. Plus, the space is available for rent to celebrate special occasions. Or visit Art Keller Marina for fun events. This full-service marina is accessible to visitors and boat owners alike.
9. Shop Around Downtown
Maine Street Mile is full of architecture, shops, trees, restaurants and museums. Two standout women’s boutiques include Sweet Apricot and Yellow Kiss Boutique with high-quality clothes and accessories. Roughly three blocks away, people can relax at Luxe Stogie Co., a cigar lounge. Then, head over to Domestics, Etc. for quaint home decor and gifts.
For additional resources and travel suggestions, check out the SeeQuincy website, seequincy.com.
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