quincy, illinois 1825-2025
We're feeling festive!
Let’s get this party started! Welcome to Quincy and the year of celebration, focusing on all things local from small wonders to big feats. Commemorating 200 years in the making, 2025 marks an entire year of cherished reflections and unparalleled community spirit. Experience the best of 20 decades with THE BIG LIST OF 200 THINGS WE LOVE + THE SPOTLIGHT ON 20, featuring favorite people, places & pastimes in Quincy and Adams County.
THINGS TO DO BY INTEREST
Quincy offers over 130 dining options with half locally owned + 85 bars and seven area wineries. The city prides itself on chefs who care about their craft and their customers. For the ultimate local foodie adventure, join guided Summer Flavor Tours to experience three hours of eats & sips in historic downtown. Hop on a self-guided mini crawl via the 85 Watering Holes Guide or spend a relaxing day at wineries in the 3-county surrounds on the Mississippi Valley Wine Trail.
With over 3,600 structures contributing to the National Register of Historic Places and four National Register Historic Districts, Quincy is an architectural hotspot of the Midwest. Explore the city's massive portfolio of designs through four self-guided tours: Abundant Architecture, East End Walking Tour, Mid Mod Quincy, and the Maine Street Mile. For custom guided group tours, reserve Private Home Tours for interior experiences of gorgeous, historic residences.
Home of the 1858 Lincoln-Douglas Debate site and America's First Arts Council, history and art buffs delight in the quality of cultural opportunities the community affords, along with significant historic timelines with roots dating to 1825. Mural Find + Dine is a fun way to see artistic expression via a self-guided driving tour of 24 city murals. Learn about Quincy's roll in the Underground Railroad, Father Augustine Tolton's life, and Latter-day Saints history in the City of Refuge Guide.
Location, location, location! Quincy holds prime real estate along the Mississippi River and has 30 city parks along with robust indoor amusement activities. It's surrounded by fertile farm land, state parks, and acres of recreational opportunities. Kayak Quincy hits its second year with self-checkout rentals on the Quincy Bay, and Bike Quincy offers free bike rentals all year long. Immerse in the Get Lost Guide to trails, farms, and off-grid stays and the Golden Triangle Hunting Guide for all things hunting related in the the tri-county area.
Calling all wine and relaxation lovers! Seven family-owned wineries form the tapestry of the Mississippi Valley Wine Trail. From the oldest winery in the state of Illinois to a young wine tasting venue overlooking the Mississippi River valley, the wineries and vineyards are each unique in their own right. The trail begins in Nauvoo and winds its way to Rockport. Watch for special events and live music throughout the year. Bonus: The Trail Blazer Challenge. Visit all seven wineries to score a signature Wine Trail T-shirt or wine glass. Take your time; there's no deadline. Cheers!
See what you want, when you want. Eight self-guided tours encompass nature, art, architecture, history and food. Ten Spots to Spot navigates eagle-viewing locations in three counties, Maine Street Mile is a 60-minute tour of Quincy's most beloved thoroughfare, and Mural Find + Dine explores wall art with nearby eats. Architecture-focused tours include Abundant Architecture, East End Walking Tour, and Mid Mod Quincy, while the City of Refuge Guide carries historical emphasis reflecting Quincy's first three decades, including Underground Railroad history.
BOGO PASS: Buy One admittance, Get One FREE, on us. A dozen distinctive locations are among Quincy's repertoire of museums. Themes entertained include Abraham Lincoln history, art and architecture, agriculture preservation, the beer brewing industry, and a new childrens museum. The twelve venues provide places to learn about the city's past and present, see unique private collections, and interact with art visually and via hands-on classes.
Explore the heart & soul of Quincy or hop on the Great River Road. Our themed itineraries put you on the inside track to local gems and scenic wonders. Prost: All Things German features six Quincy eats & sips with a side of history. The Great River Road to Nauvoo leads north, and All About Abe & "Joe" is southward bound to historic Pittsfield Lincoln sites paired with coffee spots. Group planners, we'll be happy to arrange your day, along with behind-the-scenes tours.
We love pets in Quincy! The Pet-Friendly Quincy Guide showcases a myriad of locations that welcome pets, including Paw-Friendly Patios, Shopping with your BFF, Pup Parks, Pet Stays, and Boarding & Daycare. Check out all the cuties in need of adoption through the link in the Shelter Pals section. Look for the SeeQuincy Seal on water bowls or window stickers throughout town at over 50 Pet-Friendly locations in all. Bonus: free pup cups along the way:)
