List of attractions in Quincy, Illinois facts for kids

Welcome to Quincy, Illinois! This city has many cool places to visit, from interesting museums to fun outdoor spots and exciting events. Let's explore some of the best attractions Quincy has to offer!

Museums to Explore

Quincy is home to several museums where you can learn about history, science, and art.

• 1930s Preserving Agriculture Museum: See old John Deere farm machines from the 1930s. It's like stepping back in time to a Midwest farm! You can visit by making an appointment.
• All Wars Museum: This museum is inside the Illinois Veterans Home. It shows military items from different wars, like the American Civil War. You can also see a space rocket and other cool equipment outside.
• Dollhouses Then & Now: Discover over 70 amazing dollhouses! They are from the 1920s all the way to today.
• Dr. Richard Eells House: This old house from 1835 was a secret stop on the Underground Railroad. This was a network that helped enslaved people find freedom. You can take group tours or attend special events here.
• John Wood Mansion: Visit the home of John Wood, who founded Quincy. He was also the 12th governor of Illinois. The mansion shows exhibits about local history.
• Lincoln-Douglas Debate Interpretive Center: Learn about the famous Lincoln–Douglas debates that happened here. Find out how Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas were friends and influenced Quincy.
• Mississippi Valley Auto Museum: See cool cars from the early days of automobiles, like the Model A.
• Quincy Museum: This is one of Quincy's most famous mansions. It has exhibits about animals, dinosaurs, space, and Native American history.
• Villa Kathrine: Explore this unique Moroccan-style mansion. It also serves as a visitor center for the area.
• World Aero Space Museum: About five miles east of Quincy, this museum has some of America's top fighter planes from the Cold War era. You can visit by making an appointment.

Fun Attractions

Quincy offers many attractions for art lovers and outdoor adventurers.

Arts and Culture

• John Wood Community College: Check out the Heath Center Art Gallery. It's located in the Paul Heath Community Education and Fine Arts Center.
• Muddy River Opera Company: This group started in 1989. They put on professional opera shows and offer learning chances for the area.
• Oakley-Lindsay Center: This large convention complex is near downtown Quincy. The Quincy Community Theater also performs here. Their shows are almost as good as Broadway!
• Quincy Art Center: See art from local, regional, and national artists. They also have art competitions and a permanent collection.
• Quincy University: The Brenner Library has the Gray Gallery. It shows art by famous and local artists, plus works by students and teachers.

Outdoor Adventures

• Clatt Adams Bicentennial Park: This park is between the Quincy Memorial Bridge and the Quincy Bayview Bridge. It offers amazing views of the Mississippi River, especially at sunset.
• Downtown Quincy Historic District: Walk through this historic area and see beautiful old buildings.
• Jesus Tree: Find this old tree in Calvary Cemetery. People say it has an image of Jesus holding a lamb in its bark.
• Maid-Rite: This restaurant is part of a franchise. It's located on North 12th Street.
• Quinsippi Island: This isle is in the middle of the Mississippi River. It has a historic village with log cabins from the 1800s. You can hike or bike on the island's many trails.
• Quincy National Cemetery: Located on Maine & 36th Streets, this is where many brave heroes from the region are laid to rest.
• South Side German Historic District: Explore another historic neighborhood with German influences.
• Stone Arch Bridge in South Park: This park is on the south side of Quincy. It has a baseball diamond, a playground, and many hiking trails. There are also ponds. In winter, it's a popular spot for sledding and snowboarding on its rolling hills.
• Woodland Cemetery: Opened in 1846, this cemetery is on a bluff above the river. Many important local people are buried here.

Historic Places to See

Quincy has many buildings and areas listed on the National Register of Historic Places. These places are important because of their history or unique design.

• Coca-Cola Bottling Company Building
• Downtown Quincy Historic District
• Ernest M. Wood Office and Studio
• John Wood Mansion
• Morgan-Wells House
• One Thirty North Eighth Building
• Quincy East End Historic District
• Quincy Northwest Historic District
• Richard F. Newcomb House - This is home to the Quincy Museum.
• Robert W. Gardner House
• S.J. Lesem Building
• South Side German Historic District
• State Savings Loan and Trust
• U.S. Post Office and Courthouse
• Villa Kathrine - This romantic castle is built on the bluffs of the Mississippi. It's also an Illinois Welcome Center.
• William S. Warfield House
• Woodland Cemetery

Exciting Regional Events

Quincy hosts many fun events throughout the year!

• Adams County Fair: A classic county fair with rides, animals, and fun.
• Avenue of Lights: Moorman Park lights up with beautiful Christmas lights.
• Big Dam Film Festival: An independent film festival where you can watch unique movies.
• Blues in the District: Enjoy live jazz or blues music from local and national bands at Washington Square.
• Bridge The Gap To Health: A race across the Bayview Bridge that helps raise money to find cures for diseases.
• The Crossing Church: This church hosts "Journey To Bethlehem." Visitors can experience the story of baby Jesus's birth. It includes fun activities, animals, and a walk through the woods.
• Dogwood Festival: Celebrate the beautiful flowering dogwood tree with a parade and festival at Washington Square. There are also amusements!
• Gus Macker: This is the biggest 3-on-3 basketball championship in Illinois.
• 4th of July at The River: Celebrate with music, movies, fun activities, and fireworks by the Bayview Bridge.
• Knights of Columbus BBQ: Enjoy delicious BBQ, amusements, and games at the Knights of Columbus Park.
• Midwest Vintage Go-Kart Race & Show: Racers from all over the Midwest show off their skills in go-kart racing.
• Movies on the Muddy: Watch movies outdoors once a month by the Mississippi River.
• Pepsi Little People's Golf Championships: This is the largest international golf tournament in the United States for young golfers aged 3 to 21.
• Quincy Races & Monster Jam: Get ready for exciting races and monster truck action!
• Rock The River: Bands perform live music right by the Mississippi River.
• Smoke on the River: A BBQ competition held every September at Kesler Park and The Dock.
• Soap Box Derby: Young racers compete in homemade cars to win prizes and move on to national competitions.
• Titan Wheel Firecracker Classic: A fun event with a patriotic theme.
• U.S. Catfish Anglers Tournament: The biggest fishing contest in the U.S.
• WGEM Home & Living Show: A convention that shows off the newest home products.

Past Events

Quincy used to be the home of the World Freefall Convention. This was the most popular skydiving event in the world! In August 2000, Quincy set a world record with 5,732 skydivers from 55 different countries. This amazing event is now held in Rantoul, Illinois.

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