Discover the Best Day Trips around the Quad Cities
Looking for fun places near the Quad Cities? QC Day Trips is your local guide to unforgettable adventures across Iowa and Illinois — all within easy driving distance. Plan a spontaneous weekend, a family road trip, or a peaceful day away without going far
Devonian Fossil Gorge
Imagine walking on a 375 million year old ocean floor! This glimpse into Iowa's geologic past was first exposed during the Floods of 1993 at Coralville Lake, then again more was exposed during the Floods of 2008. The fossils and limestone bedrock of the Devonian Fossil Gorge date back almost 200 million years before the dinosaurs!
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John Deere Attractions – Quad Cities
Explore the legacy of American innovation at John Deere’s Quad Cities attractions. From hands-on exhibits at the John Deere Pavilion to immersive history at the John Deere Tractor & Engine Museum and the historic Deere family home, these destinations bring agriculture, technology, and Midwest pride to life for visitors of all ages. Addresses (key locations): John Deere Pavilion 1400 River Dr, Moline, IL 61265 Tractor & Engine Museum 500 W. Field Ave, Waterloo, IA 50701 (Note: not in Quad Cities but sometimes mentioned as part of extended visits) Historic Deere Family Home (Butterworth Center & Deere-Wiman House) 1105 8th St, Moline, IL 61265
Starved Rock State Park
Starved Rock State Park, nestled along the Illinois River in La Salle County, stands out as one of the most stunning spots in Illinois. Established as the state's second state park in 1911, it boasts 18 canyons with striking vertical walls of moss-laden St. Peter Sandstone, shaped by glacial meltwater over 14,000 years ago. With over 13 miles of trails, visitors can explore rain-fed waterfalls, sandstone overhangs, and breathtaking viewpoints. The park is rich in diverse plant life, including white and red oaks, maples, hickories, white pines, eastern red cedars, and northern white cedars, all of which provide a habitat for a variety of wildlife. There are numerous recreational activities available, including hiking, camping, fishing, boating, and hunting. Throughout the year, the park hosts special events, guided tours, and various programs. The Starved Rock Visitor Center welcomes guests year-round, while the historic Starved Rock Lodge, built in the 1930s, offers upscale accommodations, cabin rooms, and exquisite dining options. For reservations at the lodge, you can call 1-800-868-ROCK (800-868-7625) or 815-667-4211, or visit the lodge website.