Free Things to Do in Quincy IL: A Guide to Exploring the Gem of the Mississippi Valley

Quincy, IL is a city with a lot to offer, and its proximity to the Mississippi River makes it a great destination for sightseeing. From outdoor recreation spots to cultural attractions, Quincy has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway or a family vacation, there’s plenty of free activities to do in Quincy that won’t break the bank. Read on for a guide to free things to do in Quincy IL.

Explore the Mississippi Riverfront

The Mississippi Riverfront is the perfect spot for a leisurely stroll. You can take in the stunning views of the river while walking along the waterfront. Along the way, you can explore the many historic sites, such as the John Wood Mansion and the Quincy Museum of Art. If you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of some of the native wildlife, such as deer, turtles, and beavers.

You can also take a boat tour of the river with the Quincy Riverwalk Boat Company. The boat tours offer a unique way to explore the river and its many attractions. Plus, they’re free!

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even take a kayak or canoe tour of the river. There are plenty of rental companies that offer guided tours, and they’re sure to be a fun and memorable experience.

Visit the Parks

Quincy has several parks that offer great opportunities for outdoor recreation. The most popular parks in Quincy are Moorman Park and Westview Park. Moorman Park has a playground, walking trails, and a picnic area. Westview Park has an outdoor pool, tennis courts, and a basketball court.

If you’re looking for a more adventurous outdoor experience, you can take a hike on one of the many trails in the area. The trails range in difficulty and offer stunning views of the city and the surrounding countryside.

If you’re feeling really adventurous, you can even try your hand at rock climbing at Camp Butler, located just outside of Quincy. The camp has a variety of routes to choose from, so you’re sure to find something that suits your skill level.

Explore the Arts Scene

Quincy has a vibrant arts scene, and there are plenty of free activities to explore. The Quincy Art Center offers a variety of art classes and workshops, as well as exhibitions and performances throughout the year. The center also has a gift shop and a library.

The Quincy Museum of Art is another great place to explore the arts. The museum offers a variety of exhibitions and events throughout the year, and admission is always free. The museum also has a gift shop and a library.

If you’re looking for live music, you can check out the concerts at the Quincy Music Theater. The theater hosts a variety of performances throughout the year, from classical music to rock and roll. Tickets are always free and the shows are sure to be entertaining.

Visit the Historical Sites

Quincy is home to a variety of historical sites, and many of them are free to visit. The John Wood Mansion is one of the most popular historical sites in Quincy. The mansion was built in 1835 and is home to a variety of artifacts from the 19th century.

The Quincy Historical Society offers tours of the mansion, as well as a museum. The museum has a variety of artifacts and exhibits that tell the story of Quincy’s history.

The Quincy Historical Society also offers walking tours of the city, highlighting its many historic sites. The tours are free and a great way to learn more about Quincy’s past.

Take a Tour of the Breweries

Quincy is home to a number of breweries and distilleries, and many of them offer tours and tastings. The Quincy Brewing Company offers a variety of free tours, as well as a beer garden. The brewery also has a gift shop and a taproom where you can sample their beers.

The Quincy Winery also offers free tours, and tastings are available for a small fee. The winery has a tasting room where you can sample their wines and ciders, as well as a gift shop.

The Quincy Distillery offers free tours of their facility and tastings of their spirits. The distillery also has a retail shop where you can purchase bottles of their spirits.

Explore the Local Shops

Quincy has a variety of shops and boutiques, and many of them offer free activities and events throughout the year. The Quincy Mall is home to a variety of stores, as well as a food court and a movie theater. The mall also hosts a variety of events, such as fashion shows and live music.

The South Side Shopping District is another great spot to explore. The district is home to a number of unique shops and boutiques, as well as restaurants and bars. The district also hosts a variety of events, such as art walks and live music.

If you’re looking for something a little off the beaten path, check out the Quincy Flea Market. The flea market is open on Saturdays and Sundays, and you can find a variety of antiques, collectibles, and vintage items.

Catch a Performance

Quincy is home to a variety of theaters, and many of them offer free performances throughout the year. The Quincy Community Theater offers a variety of performances, ranging from musicals to plays. The theater also hosts art exhibitions and workshops.

The Quincy Symphony Orchestra offers free concerts throughout the year. The orchestra performs a variety of classical and contemporary pieces, and the performances are sure to be a treat for all music lovers.

The Quincy Ballet Company also offers free performances throughout the year. The company performs a variety of ballets, from classical to contemporary.

Visit the Museums

Quincy is home to a variety of museums, and many of them offer free admission throughout the year. The Quincy Museum of Art is one of the most popular museums in the city. The museum has a variety of exhibits featuring artwork from around the world.

The Quincy Historical Society Museum is another great spot to explore. The museum has a variety of artifacts and exhibits that tell the story of Quincy’s history. The museum also hosts a variety of events, such as lectures and workshops.

The Quincy Public Library also offers a variety of exhibits and events. The library has a variety of collections, ranging from rare books to historical documents.

Enjoy the Local Attractions

Quincy is home to a number of attractions, and many of them are free to visit. The Quincy Aquatic Center is a great place to cool off on a hot summer day. The center has a variety of pools, slides, and water features, as well as a snack bar.

The Quincy Zoo is another great spot to explore. The zoo has a variety of animals, from tigers to monkeys. The zoo also offers a variety of educational programs, such as animal-themed classes and lectures.

If you’re looking for a more adventurous experience, you can take a hot air balloon ride with the Quincy Balloon Company. The company offers a variety of packages, and the rides are sure to be an unforgettable experience.

Summary

Quincy, IL is a city with a lot to offer, from outdoor recreation spots to cultural attractions. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway or a family vacation, there’s plenty of free activities to do in Quincy that won’t break the bank. From exploring the Mississippi Riverfront to visiting historical sites and museums, there is something for everyone to enjoy in Quincy. So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your next trip to Quincy today, and explore the many free things to do in the city!