Nature Lovers

dandelion_cropped — ***“There are always flowers for those that want to see them.”*** -Henri Matisse

A picture is worth a thousand words. Truer words couldn’t be spoken regarding the beauty infusing Quincy and surrounds.

Below are pretty paths, rambling routes and awe-inspiring areas worthy of exploration…as well as intriguing points of interest around the bend. Enjoy.

Spring Valley Trails and Arboretum at John Wood Community College, just southeast of the Quincy campus. Encompasses three small trails, outdoor classroom and wildflower & butterfly gardens.

1301 S 48th St |Quincy | 217.224.6500

Siloam Springs State Park is a 3,323-acre site with beautifully wooded terrain, and a generous lake…ideal for picnicking, hiking or bird-watching. The park is surrounded by forested gullies and scenic crests with wild roses, black-eyed Susans, white false indigo and snapdragons. Located approximately 30 minutes east of Quincy.

938 East 3003rd Ln | Clayton, IL | 217.894.6205 dnr.state.il.us

Quinsippi Island in the Quincy Bay is a unique island park of 130 acres, playground, shelter houses, beach and Lincoln-era log cabins. Cross the bridge at Front & Cedar to the entrance.

217.223.7703 quincyparkdistrict.com

South Park has 135 acres of rolling hills with walking paths and creeks. Three shelter houses, playground equipment and grills are spread throughout the park for public use.

12th & Harrison | Quincy 217.223.7703 quincyparkdistrict.com

Lock & Dam 21 has been winter home to bald eagles since 1938 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places covering 1,075 acres. The best vantage point to see the eagles is from the boat ramp. CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPOTS TO SPOT BALD EAGLES

909 West Lock & Dam Rd (off Hwy 57) | Quincy | 217.228.0890

Great River Road to Nauvoo is a beautiful portion of America’s historic 1938 north-south transcontinental byway, with many scenic stops along the way. Begin your road trip at Quincy’s Tourist Info Center, the Villa Kathrine Castle, Stop #26 on the Great River Road.

532 Gardner Expy (Villa Kathrine) | Quincy greatriverroad-illinois.org

Monument to Women Memorial Garden is a lush 2-acre site, burgeoning with a stunning variety of flora, surrounding inspiring bronze statue vignettes of women and children. Adjacent to the Historic Nauvoo Visitors Center.

350 N Main | Nauvoo | 217.453.2419 historicnauvoo.net

Pike County has an abundance of natural resources and wildlife infusing its scenic rolling hills. The setting lends itself to a variety of outdoor activities with camping, boating, off-road jeeping, parks, trails, lakes and, of course, its two rivers. 217.285.2971 pikeil.org