10 Best Day Trips from Quad Cities in 2025
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
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.
#1–2 Hours Away
#Camping Nearby
#Food Nearby
#Free Admission
#Great for Photos
#Kid Friendly
#Outdoor
#Scenic Views
#Seasonal
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Lacey-Keosauqua State Park
Lacey-Keosauqua State Park is one of Iowa’s largest and most scenic state parks, nestled along the Des Moines River in the rolling hills of Van Buren County. With miles of wooded trails, river bluffs, historic CCC-era structures, and a peaceful lake for swimming and fishing, it’s a top destination for hiking, camping, and nature exploration.
⛺ Campgrounds
🚤 Boating Access
🎣 Fishing Areas
🥾 Hiking Trails
🌿 Nature Preserves
Camping Nearby
Great for Photos
Kid Friendly
Outdoor
Over 2 Hours Away
Overnight Stay
Pet Friendly
Scenic Views
Seasonal
Hartman Reserve Nature Center
Hartman Reserve Nature Center is a 340-acre woodland surrounded by the cities of Waterloo and Cedar Falls. We have many habitats to explore including the largest tract of upland timber publicly managed in Black Hawk County. 100-year-old White, Red, and Bur Oaks can be found in the upland woodland. Our lowlands consists of flood-tolerable tree species including a rare grove of native Hawthorne trees and massive Cottonwood trees along our riparian areas.
🥾 Hiking Trails
🌿 Nature Preserves
Educational
Free Admission
Great for Photos
Kid Friendly
Large Group Activities
Outdoor
Over 2 Hours Away
Scenic Views
Seasonal
Rock Creek Marina Campground
Rock Creek Marina & Campground. Where the Mississippi and Wapsipinicon Rivers meet! Camping, cabins, boating, fishing and much more abound at this campground located on the backwaters of the Mississippi River. Site of the Mississippi River Eco Tourism Center ! Home of the popular Blue Heron Eco-Cruises!!!
⛺ Campgrounds
🚤 Boating Access
🎣 Fishing Areas
🥾 Hiking Trails
🛶 Kayak & Canoe
Camping Nearby
Great for Photos
Kid Friendly
Large Group Activities
Less Than 1 Hour Away
Outdoor
Pet Friendly
Scenic Views
Wheelchair Accessible
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