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List of tourist attractions in Quincy, Illinois facts for kids

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Quincy, Illinois, is a city with lots of interesting places to visit! You can explore cool museums, enjoy outdoor activities, and see many historic buildings. It's a great place to learn about history, art, and nature.

Cool Museums to Explore

Quincy has many museums where you can learn about different topics, from old cars to space rockets!

  • 1930s Preserving Agriculture Museum: This museum shows what farming was like in the Midwest during the 1930s. You can see old John Deere farm machines. It's open by appointment, so you need to call ahead to visit.
  • All Wars Museum: Located at the Illinois Veterans Home, this museum has items from different wars, including the Civil War. You can also see military equipment and even a space rocket outside!
  • Dollhouses Then & Now: If you love miniatures, this museum is for you! It features over 70 vintage dollhouses, all furnished, from the 1920s until now.
  • Dr. Richard Eells House: This house was built in 1835 and played an important role in the Underground Railroad. This was a secret network that helped enslaved people find freedom. You can visit for group tours and special events.
  • John Wood Mansion: This grand house was once the home of John Wood, who founded Quincy and later became the 12th governor of Illinois. It's run by the Historical Society of Quincy and Adams County and shows exhibits about local history.
  • Lincoln-Douglas Debate Interpretive Center: Learn about the famous Lincoln–Douglas debates that happened in Quincy. This center shares stories about Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas's connections to the Quincy area.
  • Mississippi Valley Auto Museum: See cool cars from the early days of automobiles, like the classic Model A.
  • Quincy Museum: This is one of Quincy's most famous mansions. Inside, you'll find exhibits about animals, dinosaurs, space, and Native American history.
  • Villa Kathrine: This unique building looks like a Moroccan-style mansion! It also serves as a visitors center for the area.
  • World Aero Space Museum: About five miles east of Quincy, at the regional airport, this museum houses some amazing American fighter planes from the Cold War era. You can visit by appointment.

Fun Places to Visit Outdoors

Quincy offers many attractions where you can enjoy art, performances, and the great outdoors!

Art and Performance Spots

  • John Wood Community College: Check out the Heath Center Art Gallery, located in the Paul Heath Community Education and Fine Arts Center. It features various art exhibits.
  • Muddy River Opera Company: Founded in 1989, this company brings professional opera performances to the area. They also offer educational opportunities for young people interested in opera.
  • Oakley-Lindsay Center: This large convention complex is near downtown Quincy and the Mississippi River. It hosts many events. The Quincy Community Theater is also located here, putting on many shows that are almost as good as Broadway!
  • Quincy Art Center: This center showcases art from local, regional, and national artists. They also hold art competitions and have a permanent collection of artworks.
  • Quincy University: The Brenner Library at Quincy University has the Gray Gallery. It features art by well-known national and regional artists, as well as works by students and teachers.

Parks and Nature

  • Clatt Adams Bicentennial Park: This park is located 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: Explore the historic downtown area, filled with interesting old buildings and architecture.
  • Jesus Tree: This old tree in Calvary Cemetery supposedly has an image of Jesus holding a lamb in its bark. It's a unique sight!
  • Maid-Rite: If you're hungry, visit this restaurant on North 12th Street. It's part of a famous franchise known for its loose meat sandwiches.
  • Quinsippi Island: This isle is right in the middle of the Mississippi River! It has a historic village with log cabins from the 19th century that you can see from the outside. You can also hike or bike on the island's many trails.
  • Quincy National Cemetery: Located on Maine & 36th Streets, this cemetery is the final resting place for many brave soldiers from the region who served our country.
  • South Side German Historic District: This historic neighborhood shows off the heritage of German immigrants who settled in Quincy.
  • Stone Arch Bridge in South Park: Located on the south side of Quincy, this park has a baseball diamond, a playground, many hiking trails, and ponds. In winter, its rolling hills are perfect for sledding and snowboarding!
  • Woodland Cemetery: Opened in 1846, this cemetery is on a bluff overlooking the river. Many important people from the area are buried here.

Historic Buildings and Sites

Quincy has many buildings and places listed on the National Register of Historic Places, meaning they are very important to history!

  • 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 the home of 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 house built on the bluffs of the Mississippi River is also an Illinois Welcome Center.
  • William S. Warfield House
  • Woodland Cemetery
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List of tourist attractions in Quincy, Illinois Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.