Fun Things to Do In Quincy IL for a Memorable Family Vacation

Quincy is the most western city in Illinois, conveniently located a two-hour drive from St Louis and five hours from Chicago.

With its moderate climate and mostly sunny days, the city is a stable economic and retail hub for the region but also one of the 8th best small cities to raise a family (Forbes). What can make your family vacation there a memorable one?

Take a look at the fun things to do in Quincy.

1. Explore the Riverfront, Quincy Bay

Quincy Illinois bridge at night — Quincy Illinois bridge

Quincy is located along the Mississippi River and has plenty of water sports, boating, and golfing activities, both public and privately owned.

Skating in the winter

There are ten skating and roller-skating rinks in Quincy and its surroundings.

You can visit Scotties Fun Spot or Crystal Ball Roller Rink.

Golfing

There are six golf courses in Quincy and extra six courses, within 20 miles of the city.

In Quincy, one municipal course is an irrigated 27-hole public golf inside Moorman Park with its own clubhouse.

Within Quincy close surroundings, there are four public courses, and one private course.

The oldest course is Quincy Country Club. (2410 State St Quincy, IL 62301-5708)

The longest course is Arrowhead Heights, in nearby Camp Point. (Location: 1403 S Main St Camp Point, IL 62320-1353)

Tennis

Tennis centers: there are private clubs but also public lighted tennis courts within the Park District Complex.

Quincy Park District

The city is conveniently located close to beautiful nature and outdoor activities opportunities.

The Quincy Park District, established in 1941, maintains public parks and facilities as well as provides recreational events.

Quincy Park District Illinois — Quincy Park District

There are twenty-five parks around town and one of them, in particular, is perfect for families: Bob Mays Park.

You will find an outdoor swimming pool with waterslides.

Moorman Park Complex has miniature golf, kayaks, multipurpose courts, for soccer, basketball, and two sand volleyball courts. Moorman Park also offers a 241-slip marina and public boat-launching ramp.

Canoe, paddle, and swim in the summer

You can go swimming at the Indian Mounds Pool, in Indian Mounds Park.

There are public boat ramps and also a marina on the river for boating and fishing fans.

You can visit the South Side Boat Club and the North Side Boat Club. As an alternative, you can head to the Quinsippi Yacht Club if they have events planned.

2. Party at the Dogwood parade and festival

When spring arrives, it is time for the Dogwood parade and festival. Every year in late April or early May.

It is a festive time that visitors should not miss on a visit to Quincy in spring.

It is an annual event to celebrate team and family work achieving full bloom of the Dogwood trees.
The festival includes events such as the Little King and Queen pageant, the ABWA Dogwood dance, and a comedy show by Quincy Community Theatre.
Guests can also visit the historical building Quincy Preserves and attend the garden party.
There are live acoustic concerts on all days and vendors and amusements open to the public.

Where to find the event? 24th and Maine Street, From May 6th, 2023 to May 7th 2023

Go see Mississippi river Quincy Illinois dam — Mississippi river Quincy Illinois dam

3. Discover the Blues music and arts

Mississippi equals blues music for many of us. If you visit Quincy in the summertime, you will have a chance to attend numerous art and musical events.

Quincy: America’s First Art Council

Visitors can enjoy many performing art organizations with a variety of events.

Check the upcoming shows for the following places.

The Quincy Symphonic Orchestra

The Quincy Community Theater

Summer music series: “Blues in the district” is a festival held in Washington Park.

‘Blues in the district’ celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2022.

This yearly tradition starts around June 9th and until August 26th with weekly concerts. It brings friends and family together to enjoy quality music and visitors are welcome.

The audience is regional and diverse.

Hot Tip – You can bring your own lawn chair and refreshments but you can also buy some from the vendor stalls.

Where to attend?

Washington Park North 5th Street Quincy

Visiting Quincy Illinois — Quincy Illinois

4. Admire the Architecture

More than 3600 historic buildings are listed on the National register of historic places, and you can discover many of these in Downtown Quincy, along Main Street.

First settlements with many German citizens

Quincy’s past includes German immigration. The first German settlement occurred in 1829. In 1833, a German migrant established the first brewery.

Historical buildings still remind visitors today of this specific type of architecture. You can admire most of them in the South Side German District neighborhood.

The suburb is listed on the National Register of historic places.

Fun fact: 56% of Quincy inhabitants claim to have some partial German ancestry.

John Wood Mansion, former governor of Illinois in 1858
The impressive 14-rooms mansion built in 1835 is located at 425 South 12th Street.

This is where John Wood, Quincy’s founder and 12th Governor of Illinois, lived.

In 2007 it was named one of the 150 most important architectural structures in Illinois.

The History Museum

The History Museum on the Square is another historical building in Quincy. Built in 1888 it is a perfect example of Richardsonian Romanesque architecture.

Its stained glass gallery is worth visiting the building. It has been opened to the public since 2014.

Keep In Mind – Admission is free of charge with self-guided tours are available. However, you need to book ahead for guided tours.

Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday, from 10 am to 4 pm

Contact: 217-214-1888

Washington Park: where Abraham Lincoln made a speech

Right in Quincy’s downtown area, Washington Park is the oldest park in the city. Tourists can find picnic benches, a fountain, and a music stage.

This is where the farmers’ market takes place in summer on Tuesdays and Saturdays.

Many events happen in Washington Park, including the Dogwood Festival and the Mid-Summer Art Faire in July.

Visit the 1930’s Agriculture Museum

A privately owned museum that houses forty-two John Deere farm implements dating back to the 1920s and 30s.

Additionally, the museum exhibit includes an antique horse equipment collection, period farm furnishings, and 1930s hand tools.

The museum is free of charge, but you need to book an appointment for group tours.

Address: 1435 Boy Scout Road Quincy IL 62305

Phone: +1 217-430-3036

For book lovers – If you want to learn more about the historical buildings in Quincy, check out “Historic Quincy Architecture” by Richard Payne.

5. Relax in Downtown up-scale dining and abundant entertainment

From local cuisine to up-scale romantic diners, Quincy has it all.

Local cuisine

Best BBQ in Quincy: Fatbacks BBQ (Where to find it? 901 N 24th St, Quincy, IL 62301)

Best home made milkshake and loose meat sandwich: Maid-Rite Sandwich shop (Where to find it? 507 N. 12TH | QUINCY, IL)

Mom & Pop’s lunch favorite: Winking’s Market (A corner grocery with take-away option that you can find 415 S 4th St, Quincy, IL 62301)

Progressive Chefs

Main Course Quincy has a menu with creative vibes. (Where to find it? 626 Maine St. Quincy, Illinois Phone: 217-222-6244)

The Patio also offers innovative American cuisine, from Knap Chop to Lobster tail. (Where to find it? It is located on the lower level of the Elkton Hotel.)

Dining in Quincy dining places — Dining in Quincy

Romantic vibe

Tiramisu: an Italian diner, with fine dining and extensive wine list, and affordable prices. (Where to find it? 131 North 4th St, Quincy, IL 62301)

Dunbelly Bar & Bistro: modern American food. It has a special “Love is in the air” diner on Valentine’s Day. (Where to find it? 4403 Broadway St Quincy, IL 62305)

Family favorites

Krazy Cakes Café has fresh baked house sweets, Bacon-topped French toasts.It is perfect for a quick bite or breakfast before exploring the city.

Thyme Station Sandwich Bar: it uses local sourced ingredients for the best sandwiches. It has slow cooked food, with high quality fresh ingredients. (Where to find it? 150 S. 48th St. Suite 1 Quincy, IL 62305)

There are also several chain restaurants such as JFK and Starbucks in Quincy.

To sum things up

Quincy is typical of mid western values and its cultural diversity. Together with a strong taste for entertainment and culture, it has a unique atmosphere, not often found in this type of smaller Midwest towns.

It makes it worth a visit, and with convenient day trips, such as Hannibal, Missouri, you can add it to your next vacation!