25 Best & Fun Things to Do in Quincy (IL)

Looking for the best and fun things to do in Quincy, IL?

The great Quincy city is Illinois’s “Gem City” in Adams County, Illinois, United States. Quincy rests on the Mississippi River, there it bridged to Missouri, approximately 140 miles northwest of St. Louis.

The city was initially called Bluffs but later became the county seat and renamed “Adams” on March 4, 1825, during the inauguration of President John Quincy Adams, in his honor.

Here are the best things to do in Quincy, Illinois, United States.

Things to Do in Quincy

1. Quincy Museum

Quincy Museum
Credits: Randy von Liski / Flickr
Quincy Museum

Quincy Museum offers a vast range of services to its visitors to meet the entertainment, recreational and cultural interests in the Quincy, Illinois area.

The museum is the best destination to explore the local history, the Native or local wildlife, tour the amazingly restored historic home, and a unique way to enjoy your afternoon. Visit the museum to tour the great programs available in Quincy Museum.

Some of the museum’s educational programs are fun and engaging hands-on activity for kids of all ages, the Backyard and Ocean animals Christmas classes, Dinosaur classes, and others. Visiting the museum with your kids is affordable and accessible.

A gift shop in Quincy Museum is a great place to stop and shop for various unique items for kids and gifts; you will also find the American Girls series of historical dolls in the gift shop. The store also features old-fashioned wooden toys and historical craft kits for children, leather bracelets, old-fashioned sewing cards, beaded Indian ring kits, and others.

You can also plan your bridal showers, weddings, meetings, and parties in the museum.

Address: 1601 Maine St, Quincy, IL 62301-4264

2. John Wood Mansion

John Wood Mansion
Credits: Ched [CC BY-SA 4.0], Wikimedia Commons
John Wood Mansion
In 1835 and 1838, John Wood built the John Wood Mansion, and John Wood became the 12th governor of Illinois on the death of Governor William Bissell in 1860.

John Cleveland built the Woods’ 14-room mansion that endured a move from its initial site to its current location, about a block east, to enable Wood to create an enormous estate.

The John Wood Mansion consists of four large rooms, which Wood turned at a lathe he built for that reason, plus many ornate details inside and out. You discover many great original Wood family items and period furnishings displayed throughout the mansion.

John Wood Mansion is currently owned and managed by the Historical Society of Quincy and Adams County. The mansion is available for public tours from April through October, educational excursions, and candlelight tours in December.

Address: 425 S 12th St, Quincy, IL 62301-4303

3. All Wars Museum

All Wars Museum
Credits: David Cornell / Facebook
All Wars Museum

The All Wars Museum has been running for approximately thirty years. All Wars Museum is dedicated to preserving and exhibiting artifacts and equipment relevant to the history of America’s military engagements.

The museum features a huge number of artifacts from every United States military engagement dating from the Revolutionary War via the recent “War on Terrorism.”

The All Wars Museum is situated on the grounds of the Illinois Veterans Home at Quincy, under the direction of Curator Bob Craig & Associate Curator Les Miller added about 300 square feet of the display area and several other new exhibits. The All Wars Museum offers group tours to individuals, organizations, and classes.

All Wars Museum is open every Tuesday through Saturday from 9 am to 12:00 pm and from 1 pm – 4:00 pm on Sunday.

Address: 1707 N 12th St, Quincy, IL 62301-1355

4. Villa Kathrine

Villa Kathrine
Credits: Jonathunder / Wikipedia (Public Domain)
Villa Kathrine

The Villa Kathrine features a four-acre park on Gardner Expressway, which also houses Quincy’s Tourist Information Center, It adds to our list of things to do in Quincy, IL.

The Villa Kathrine is a Moroccan-style home standing on the bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River in Quincy, Illinois; the wealthy and eccentric architect George Metz built the structure in 1900. The beautiful home is sometimes branded as a castle.

George Metz had a fondness for Mediterranean architecture, which made him use the Villa Kathrine as his home when he wasn’t venturing the world; he eventually sold the castle in 1912.

After being worked on, restored, and completed in 1998, the villa is recently a site for the official tourist information center to Quincy, and tours are allowed on an appointment basis. In the Villa Kathrine, you will find a courtyard, a reflecting pool, a harem, and others.

The interior and exterior designs of Villa Kathrine were based on W. George Metz’s sketches of Islamic Architecture that he observed during his traveling times.

Address: 532 Gardner Expy, Quincy, IL 62301-4829

5. Quincy Community Theater

Quincy Community Theater
Credits: SimoneN / Shutterstock

Quincy Community Theater offers lots of significant productions, touring performances, and various workshops and classes throughout the year.

Quincy Community Theater uses the combined talents and resources of the Tri-States to advance the theater in the community by producing accessible, professional-quality performances and also offering first-rate educational opportunities for everyone.

The Quincy Community Theater consists of seating for 498 people; the thrust-style stage is 40′ wide and 22′ tall, alongside a 15′ apron in front of the proscenium. The Nine sections of the apron can be removed to unveil the orchestra pit, which has 25 musicians and their equipment.

The theater’s lighting & sound are computer-controlled from a booth at the back of the auditorium alongside a soundboard between the theater’s orchestra section and the mezzanine.

Visit the Quincy Community Theater with your friends or family to enjoy outstanding performances, art presentations, and exhibits; you’re sure to have a wonderful experience and learn in the theater.

This adds to what to do in Quincy, IL, for theater lovers, do add to your bucket list of things to do in Quincy, IL.

Address: 300 Civic Center Plz Suite 118, Quincy, IL 62301-4139

6. Gardner Museum

The Gardner Museum is dedicated to fostering increased awareness and appreciation of Quincy’s designs and architectural heritage, the Upper Mississippi Valley, and the United States.

The Gardner Museum also strives to explore the influence and impact of national events on its development; this is accomplished by interpreting and preserving the heritage through research and preservation activities.

Quincy’s designs and architectural heritage are preserved by maintaining artifacts and documents with the presentations and development of exhibits and public educational programs.

Visit the Gardner Museum with your friends or family to discover fascinating histories and artifacts about Quincy, Illinois.

Exploring this museum is one of the fun things to do in Quincy, IL, do add to your list of places to visit in Quincy.

Address: 322 Maine St, Quincy, IL 62301-3929

7. Ben Bumbry Riverview Park

The Ben Bumbry Riverview Park is situated on 23 acres at 2nd and Chestnut Streets. The Ben Bumbry Riverview Park is a great place to spend a good time having fun with your friends or family.

The Ben Bumbry Riverview Park is one of the three parks with rock-lined roadways on Quincy’s north side. You will enjoy watching the captivating views of the Mississippi River.

In The Ben Bumbry Riverview Park, you will find picnic tables, shelters, grills, a basketball court, playground equipment, well-maintained restrooms. You’re sure to have an exciting experience in the park.

There is also a shelter house with picnic tables, grills, restrooms, a basketball court, and playground equipment.

Address: 730 Maine St Quincy City Hall Plaza, Quincy, IL 62301-4053

8. Deters Frozen Custard

Deters Frozen Custard
Credits: Daylight Donuts & Deters Frozen Custard/ Facebook
Deters Frozen Custard

If you’re on holiday in Quincy, Illinois, with your loved ones and you’re in search of a beautiful place to buy fresh and delicious desserts and ice cream, visit the Deters Frozen Custard as they have things you will love.

Deters Frozen Custard offers friendly services in the field of Ice Cream and Frozen Dessert Shops; you also enjoy fresh donuts accompanied with a steaming cup of rich coffee.

Visit the Deters Frozen Custard with your friends or family to enjoy tasty donuts, dessert, and many others.

Address: 326 N 30th St, Quincy, IL 62301-3739

9. Quincy Area Convention & Visitors Bureau

Quincy Area Convention & Visitors Bureau
Credits: See Quincy IL / Facebook
Quincy Area Convention & Visitors Bureau

As a visitor in the beautiful city or you’re planning on exploring the city, be sure to stop at Quincy Area Convention and Visitors Bureau to be informed of the essential things you need to know about the city, a visit is one of the best things to do in Quincy, IL.

Quincy Area Convention and Visitors Bureau educates its visitors on the best places to visit, fun and exciting things to do in the city, and how to get there. The friendly and helpful staff will also answer questions you need to ask about the town and places.

You will be given brochures, maps, documents, and others that will help take you around the city. The beautiful city offers incredible things, family-friendly games, romantic weekends, and others.

Explore the Quincy Area Convention and Visitors Bureau to learn a lot before you embark on your memorable adventure.

Address: 532 Gardner Expy, Quincy, IL 62301-4829

10. Gallery Solaro, LLC

The Fine Art Gallery specializes in large-scale contemporary artwork. The art gallery is situated in the historical Dick Brothers Brewery building at the corner of 9th & York.

In Gallery Solaro, you will discover four main exhibits each year: the summer, fall, winter, and Spring Exhibits. You can rent spaces in the gallery for your wedding rehearsals, dinners, cocktail parties, and others as it is available for rent.

Explore the art gallery to discover unique exhibits and enjoy live music. There is a history exhibit in October and architectural tours; coffee house nights in the gallery.

Address: 905 York St, Quincy, IL 62301-4020

11. Scotties Fun Spot

Scotties Fun Spot
Credits: Iakov Filimonov / Shutterstock

Scotties Fun Spot is the perfect and best family fun destination to visit with your friends or family to have a wonderful and memorable experience.

Albert R. (Scottie) Scott established the Scotties Fun business in 1936 as he managed the rink in an upstairs hall before it was worked on and moved.

Scotties Fun Spot features a 3-acre family fun center outside Quincy, Illinois. Your children are sure to love the fun spot as there are so many exciting and engaging things to do in the fun center.

There are the State of the art go-karts, roller skating, mini-bowling, a massive arcade with 70 games, laser tag, bumper cars, and a prize counter that has tons of fabulous prizes in Scotties Fun Spot.

The grill area in the center serves pizza, burgers, salads, and ice cream for dessert. Voted the perfect place to take the kids to for a fun day in 2014, 2016, 2017, you can as well plan birthday parties, play golf, and more.

Address: 8000 Broadway St, Quincy, IL 62305-8013

12. Boyer’s Western Wear

Boyer's Western Wear
Credits: Boyer’s Bootnshoe / Facebook
Boyer’s Western Wear

Boyer’s Boot N Shoe is a family-owned business that has been in operation since 1920, and it is the perfect place to visit to buy boots and shoes as they know them in and out.

Edd Boyer, a great, great grandfather, started the Boyer’s Shoe Repair way back in 1920. The family business consists of third, fourth, and fifth-generation shoe cobblers, and they’re committed to offering excellent customer service that keeps visitors coming back.

In Boyers Western Wears, you will discover a wide variety of wears in the store such as Western Boots and wears, hats, jeans, belts, shirts, leather goods, jewelry, and lots more. The store specializes in working footwear, plus they have a mobile Safety Truck called Boot Wagon.

Boyer’s Western Wears also engages in shoe repair. Their massive Repair Department produces professional repairs on shoes, boots, ball gloves, belts, purses, and replacing zippers in jackets, hats, and others.

Address: 420 N 36th St, Quincy, IL 62301-4602

13. Going Bonker

Going Bonker
Credits: New Africa / Shutterstock

Explore the Bonker with your kids, friends, or family to have fun and celebrate at Bonkers. Bonkers features indoor fun for its visitors as they have everything for everyone.

You will enjoy climbing, crawling, and playing in a giant Play Zone. You will also love playing all the best, newest, and biggest games like skill, video games, and huge cranes.

You can play games for fun at Bonkers or celebrate your winnings with good prizes from their Prize Center.

Bonkers offer birthday party options and food choices according to your budget; they also provide group packages like school groups, exclusives, overnighters or scours, summer camps, etc. They make sure everyone in the group enjoys fun and memorable day.

Address: 229 N 48th St, Quincy, IL 62305-0409

14. Jokers Lounge

Jokers Lounge
Credits: AP Group of Photographers / Shutterstock

The Jokers Lounge is an incredible and fun destination to play games and a way to enjoy a fun adventure with your loved ones.

In Jokers Lounge, you will enjoy exciting games like the old-school board games and the latest giant Jenga. You will also love playing with the pool tables, darts, and gambling as they have gambling machines, plus frozen boozy slushies.

You can enjoy the evening with your loved ones in a friendly and relaxed Jokers Lounge as they serve great drinks and feature enjoyable games and music. The bear tenders there are friendly and helpful.

The Jokers Lounge opens every Wednesday through Saturday from 5 pm to 11 pm.

In search of what to do in Quincy, for some fun time, do add a visit to Jokers Lounge to your checklist of things to do in Quincy, IL.

15. Quincy Brewing Company

Quincy Brewing Company
Credits:DisobeyArt / Shutterstock

Are you in search of the right place to enjoy great beer with your friends or loved ones? Be sure to visit the Quincy Brewing Company as it is the best place to enjoy a nice beer.

Tierney and Josh’s passion for crafting and exceptional beer is what drives them as it birthed Quincy Brewing Company, and they work towards offering a unique customer experience to their visitors.

Jim Robesky is an experienced and professional head-brewmaster at Quincy Brewing Company; as produces unique styles of beer from ales, lagers, and IPA to sours, gosés, plus exotic styles using fruits, chocolates, and coffees.

The brewery also organizes events, food truck nights, and other special services. You’re sure to enjoy your afternoon or evening in the brewery with your friends.

Address: 110 N 6th St, Quincy, Il, Quincy, IL 62301-2904

For a fun time in Illinois, take to exploring our list of things to do in Rogersthings to do in Jonesboro and fun things to do in Little Rock for a fun vacation time.

16. VIP Quincy 3 Theater

VIP Quincy 3 Theater
Credits: Jacob Lund / Shutterstock

VIP Quincy 3 Theater is a perfect place to watch impressive performances, movies, and others with your friends and family.

The VIP Quincy 3 Theater is a family-owned business that operates in different cities. The VIP Quincy 3 Theater is committed to providing quality services at an affordable price in a family-friendly environment.

You can purchase your tickets with your friends or family to watch the fun and exciting movies and performances. VIP Quincy 3 Theater also groups packages, parties, events, and other unique services.

The group packages are designed for sports teams, schools, organizations, or any group that needs to enjoy an outing at a reasonable price.

Address: 3429 Quincy Mall, Quincy, IL 62301-4640

17. Terrapin Farms

Terrapin Farms
Credits: Romiana Lee / Shutterstock

Terrapin Farms is the perfect place in Quincy, Illinois, to buy fresh produce and food items. If you’re on vacation in Quincy, be sure to explore the Terrapin Farms to shop for fresh produce you will love.

The Terrapin Farms are 4th Generation Vegetable farms situated in Quincy, Illinois, at Four Winds Farms; they grow 12 acres of produce like crops, pumpkins, flowers, and many more.

The Terrapin Farms features a Farm Stand, which consists of produce from their farm and other farms situated within 50 miles of Adams county. The Terrapin Farm also works towards expanding the farm.

You can enjoy exploring the fields, walking in the beautiful flower gardens, finding a cozy place to relax and enjoy nature’s beauty, or shop at the farm stand. Pick up your flower bouquets for your weddings or loved ones in Terrapin Farms.

Address: 3729 N 36th St, Quincy, IL 62305-0507

18. Riverview Park

Grab your picnic lunch to explore the incredible view of Riverview Park with your friends and family. Riverview Park is situated on sixteen acres at 2nd and Chestnut Streets.

The main attraction of Riverview Park is the breathtaking view of the river; you will also find the statue of George Rogers-Clark, which overlooks the Mississippi River. Riverview Park is a pet-friendly park, and you can visit the park with your dog to hang out on the Mississippi and Missouri border.

The Riverview Park provides stunning views of the Mississippi River, including the bluffs nestled in the historic Christian Hill District, filled with 1800s architecture. You will also enjoy an evening stroll with your loved ones in the park.

Address: Chestnut Street & 2nd Street, Quincy, IL 62301

19. Great River Road Harley-Davidson

Great River Road Harley-Davidson
Credits: OlegRi / Shutterstock

The Great River Road Harley-Davidson are motorcycle dealers in Quincy, Illinois; if you’re searching for the right place to rent or buy motorcycles, Great River Road Harley-Davidson is the best place to visit.

Great River Road Harley-Davidson is an authorized Harley dealership in Quincy, Illinois; it features a massive selection of new models alongside many pre-owned models.

Great River Road Harley-Davidson is the right place for bikers to stop, shop, and enjoy the captivating view of the open road. Great River Road Harley-Davidson is available to everyone from Monday through Friday from 9:00 am – 6:00 pm and Saturdays from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm.

If you are interested in bikes, add a visit to Great River Road Harley-Davidson to your list of things to do in Quincy, IL.

Address:,5101 Oak St, Quincy, IL 62305-9126

20. The Potted Fern

The Potted Fern is one of the hidden gems in Quincy, Illinois, as it features fantastic home items, gifts, and others you will love to buy.

The Potted Fern is a great store where the ladies will love to shop during their lunch breaks, after work, or stop by while going for an evening stroll. You can enjoy each other’s company while shopping in a relaxing environment.

Kathy Genenbacher’s owner is friendly and helpful as she chats with her visitors and guides them around the store as they search for unique items to take home.

You find unique things like home décor, purses, scarves, greeting cards, candles, gifts and gifts, basket shopping, lotion, baby items, jewelry, and many more in the store. The Potted Fern opened its doors to the public in September 2014. The Potted Fern also offers complimentary gift wrapping to customers that bought gifts for their loved ones.

Address: 502 N 12th St, Quincy, IL 62301-2603

21. Hooty’s Bar & Grill

Hootys Bar & Grill
Credits: Hootys Bar & Grill / Facebook
Hootys Bar & Grill

Hooty’s Bar and Grill is a spectacular place to visit to enjoy a fun and unforgettable experience as they offer games, drinks, and many more to make sure you want your stay.

Hooty’s Bar and Grill is a family-owned business that has been in operation since 2000. Hooty’s Bar and Grill offers home-cooked daily food specials and sweet beer in a fun and friendly atmosphere.

You will also enjoy bar games, great cocktails, and a fantastic selection of beers. Hooty’s Bar and Grill features an outdoor seating arrangement perfect for groups or casuals in a cozy evening environment.

Visit the Hooty’s Bar and Grill to experience delicious food, great beer, games and interact with the residents.

Address: 901 N 12th St, Quincy, IL 62301-2129

22. Edgewood Orchards

Edgewood Orchards
Credits: kozirsky / Shutterstock

Edgewood Orchards has been in the business of producing quality and spectacular fruit and fruit products since 1930. The founders of Edgewood Orchards are Joseph C and Elizabeth Zellerman; the Zellerman family runs Edgewood Orchards.

Edgewood Orchards grows 12 excellent varieties of apples and produces quality apple cider. In the store of Edgewood Orchards, you will discover pumpkins, squash, gourds, candy, apple butter, apple pies, nuts, jams, and honey.

Edgewood Orchards grow about 12,000 bushels of apples every year, which means they produce a considerable number of apples each year. The 12 unique varieties are the Red Delicious, Golden Delicious, Jonathan, Jonagold, Gala, Honey Crisp, September Wonder Fuji, September Wonder Fuji, Fuji, Honey Crisp, Willow Twig, Gala, Granny Smith, and Braeburn.

About 3,000 apple trees in Edgewood Orchards; they produce good quality and ripe apple cider with a secret blend of tart, sweet and neutral flavor.

Visit the Edgewood on Monday through Saturday from 9 am to 5 pm, and Sunday from 11 am to 5 pm to have a wonderful experience.

Address: 1628 Edgewood Orchard Ln, Quincy, IL 62305-0694

23. District Designs

District Designs
Credits: Daniel DeLucia / Shutterstock

District Designs is a great place to explore as they specialize in vintage goods, upcycled furniture, repurposed home décor, and entertaining essentials.

District Designs also features jewelry, clothing, and others. The items in District Designs are crafted by the local vendors made, remade, or sourced locally.

You will see unique items suitable for your home décor or office. District Designs have carefully selected and showcased merchandise in themes vignettes; all items are beautifully displayed to inspire you.

Address: 509 Maine St, Quincy, IL 62301-3931

25. At the Pier Arcade

At the Pier Arcade
Credits: Atmosphere1 / Shutterstock

 

The Pier Arcade is a family-friendly attraction in Quincy, IL, which offers various fun things to do that will keep you entertained and engaged throughout your visit.

You can begin your fun experience by buying gameplay at their counter. You can purchase as many as you want for yourself and everyone you come with.

With this gameplay, you can play any of the arcade games. Play and gather as many points as you get to win prizes. These points are redeemable at the counter.

The games to find here range from vintage classics to the latest technology. The Pier Arcade is also an excellent place to host your next birthday party and other special events.

Address: 3423 Quincy Mall space 3423, Quincy, IL 62301, USA

25. Tangerine Bowl and Spare Time Sports Bar

Tangerine Bowl and Spare Time Sports Bar
Credits: Boris Medvedev / Shutterstock

Tangerine Bowl is a bowling center that offers a clean and secure ambiance for you, your friends, and your loved ones to have fun.

This bowling center is open to the entire public and is designed to provide an authentic bowling experience for its guests, be sure to visit, unwind and have a great time.

This world-class bowling facility features 24 lanes, each with a 24-inch TV screen to show your scores. The latest addition to the facility is the SPECTO by Kegel and Clutch Interactive bowling, an innovation to assist you in honing your bowling skills.

Across the bowling lanes are five-screen TVs to see your favorite games even as you bowl. The facility also features a full-service restaurant and bar, arcades and pool tables, two artificial reality booths, a banquet facility, and party rooms to host your birthday parties and other special events.

Night bowling is fun and entertaining in this place as it is the only facility in the region with Shadowlight Bowling. The Spare Time Sports Bar is housed in Tangerine Bowl and has everything you need for a quick lunch or dinner.

Their vast selection of foods on their menu includes their famous cheeseburgers, pulled Pork that is smoked in-house, homemade-breaded tenderloins, wraps, salads, and others. You can also try their specials and finish your meal with handmade cheesecakes.

Address: 3530 Maine St, Quincy, IL 62301, USA

Take to exploring other cities of Pennsylvania, check out our list of things to do in Champaignthings to do in Schaumburg, and things to do in Naperville.

Plan Your Trip to Quincy

The beautiful city features hidden gems that await you to explore and discover them. There are many amazing things to enjoy and places to visit in the city.

You will discover incredible art galleries, farmers markets, delicious foods, wines and beers, theaters, scenic views, parks, outdoor and indoor games for all ages, architectural structures, jewelry, furniture, gifts, clothing, footwear, museums, mansions, and many others.

So start now to plan your next trip to the beautiful city as the mentioned places will guide you to the perfect places to explore.