Historic Rivertown BUCKET LIST: QUINCY, ILLINOIS

Celebrating 200 years in the making, Quincy, Illinois is 2025’s historic destination of the Midwest. Built on value, the scenic small city along the Mississippi River bluffs was established in 1825 for a whopping 60 bucks. John Wood of Moravia, NY set his sights on the sweeping landscape and a vision was born. Quincy and the County of Adams donned its name from the newly elected president, John Quincy Adams.

To commemorate the 200th Anniversary, a deep dive into the city’s attributes produced THE BIG LIST: 200 THINGS WE LOVE. It’s the centerfold feature of the 2025 Travel Guide Special Bicentennial Edition. The list is a celebration of people, places and pastimes that represent the very fabric of the area spanning 20 decades. Visitors can enjoy all things local, from the smallest of treasures like penny candy from a 1948 corner market to gargantuan tenderloin sandwiches at a mom & pop bar. The BIG LIST also includes Looking for Lincoln locations, Underground Railroad stops and century stone arch bridges. It spotlights the best annual festivals, Illinois Makers, and the wonders of the Mississippi River. 

Culinary enthusiasts will find fun foodie sections in the Travel Guide. Eight Foods You Didn’t Know were Invented in America & Where to get Them Locally links classics like English muffins, spaghetti & meatballs, Chimichangas, and German Chocolate Cake to unique versions at area eateries. Breakfast at Thyme Square Café & Bakery is a must. Recognized as an Illinois Maker for artisanal bread, Thyme Square serves Eggs Benedicts three ways, all with house made English muffins. Lox Benedict treats salmon lovers to muffs topped with smashed avocado, house-cured lox, two poached eggs, and hollandaise sauce.

Seasonally themed itineraries outline fall and winter activities including scenic Eagle watching spots, cozy S’more Old Fashions at a German bar in the cellar of an historic brewhouse and comforting Irish Cheese Soup. Take full advantage of winter with SeeQuincy’s Spots to Spot Eagles Guide, highlighting ten scenic locations along the Great River Road to view the majestic national bird. Fair weather suggestions showcase sunrise kayaking on Quincy Bay, guided Summer Flavor Tours, and free Blues concerts in historic Washington Park. 

Architecture buffs will love Architecture IQ: Top 10 Iconic Quincy Places. As a city with over 3,600 structures contributing to the National Register of Historic Places, Quincy is an architectural treasure trove. The Top 10 List includes marvelous Mid-Century Modern structures designed by a renown local architect, a Mediterranean villa built in 1900 now serving as the tourist information center, and the city’s oldest brick house once used as the first Underground Railroad stop east of the Mississippi. 

Get the 2025 Travel Guide + 200 Things We Love by calling or downloading. Cheers to 200 Years!

800.978.4748 | seequincy.com