Quincy

Quincy is a small city of 40,000 in Adams County, Western Illinois, near the westernmost point in the state on the Mississippi River. It is home to some of the most impressive historic architecture in the region, with four major historical districts showcasing a wealth of styles from the 1850s–1930s when Quincy was the most important river town in Illinois. The city's architecture ranges from Italianate and Greek Revival to Romanesque, Queen Anne, and Prairie designs.

The climate features hot, humid summers and cold winters, with spring and fall being the most pleasant visiting seasons. Quincy's position on the Mississippi River gives it scenic bluffs and river views, and the Great River Road connects it to other river towns. The city has a strong German heritage visible in its South End Historic District, and was an important Underground Railroad stop.

By Plane

Quincy Regional Airport-Baldwin Field serves the city, accessible from the center by going east on Illinois Route 104 (Broadway St.). Service is limited.

By Train

Amtrak serves Quincy via the Carl Sandburg and Illinois Zephyr routes, with two trains daily originating in Chicago. Trains depart Chicago at 7:35AM and 5:55PM, taking approximately 4.5 hours. The Quincy railway station is at Wismann Lane.

By Car / Road

From St. Louis, take I-70 West to US-61 North to I-72 East, then I-172 North to exit 14 (Broadway St.). This takes roughly 2.5 hours. From Chicago, take I-55 South to I-72 West to I-172 North, about 4.5 hours.

Quincy is best explored by car or on foot. Many sidewalks in the historic districts make walking pleasant, but parts of Broadway are not pedestrian-friendly.

• Governor John Wood Mansion — 425 S. 12th St, +1 217-222-1835. M-F 10AM–2PM. A Greek Revival mansion built in 1835.

• Villa Kathrine — 532 Gardner Expressway, +1 217-666-0802. M-F 8:30AM–4:30PM. A Moorish-style castle on the bluffs of the Mississippi.

• Granite Bank Gallery — 428 Maine, +1 217-228-2354. Preserved bank interiors with massive safes. Washington Perk coffee shop on premises with free WiFi.

• Dr. Richard Eells House — 415 Jersey, +1 217 223-1800. A documented Underground Railroad station.

• Historical Society of Quincy & Adams County — 332 Maine St, +1 217-214-1888. Tu-Sa 10AM–4PM. Features a second-floor stained glass gallery salvaged from area churches.

• Quincy Museum — 1601 Maine, +1 217-224-7669. Tu-Su 1PM–5PM. The corner of Maine and 16th was featured on National Geographic as one of the ten most architecturally significant corners in the U.S.

• 18th and Maine Streets — Free. Four distinctive residential architecture styles showcased at this nationally recognized intersection.

• Woodland Cemetery — 1020 South Fifth St, +1 217 222-2412. Created in 1857, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Magnificent Mississippi River views, mature trees, and ornate grave markers. Free.

• Historic District Walking Tours — Self-guided tours through the four historic districts: Business District, East End, South End (German heritage), and North End.

• Gem City Pizzeria & Mexican — 1801 State Street, +1 217-228-0550. 4PM–Midnight. A Quincy institution with pizza, Italian dishes, and Mexican specialties. Expect a wait on weekends.
• Maid-Rite — 507 North 12th Street, +1 217-222-7527. The very first Maid-Rite in the franchise, serving unique loose meat ground beef sandwiches. $2–$9.
• Tiramisu — 137 North Third Street, +1 217-222-9560. M-F 11AM–2PM, M-Sa 4:30PM–close. Authentic Italian at reasonable prices. $7–$17.
• Best Buffet — 5325 Oak St, +1 217-228-8883. M-Sa 11AM–3:30PM, M-Th 3:30PM–9:30PM, F-Sa 3:30PM–10:30PM, all day Su. The best Chinese buffet in town.

Quincy's downtown area has several bars and pubs along Broadway Street and the historic districts. Local establishments offer craft beers and cocktails. The Quincy Brewing Company serves house-brewed beers in a taproom setting. Coffee shops and cafes in the downtown area provide daytime beverages and pastries.

• Stoney Creek Inn — 3809 Broadway St, +1 217-223-2255. Nice indoor/outdoor pool and wilderness-themed suites. 72 rooms.
• Holiday Inn — 4821 Oak St. Newly constructed on the eastern side. On-site dining at Tony Too restaurant. $90/night.

• Quincy Town Center — 3347 Quincy Mall. Shopping with national retailers.

• Nauvoo (30 miles north) — Historic Mormon settlement on the Mississippi River with the rebuilt temple and Icarian heritage.
• Hannibal, Missouri (35 miles south) — Mark Twain's boyhood home along the Mississippi.
• Great River Road — Follow the scenic byway along the Mississippi through river towns.
• Springfield (90 miles east) — Illinois state capital with Abraham Lincoln historic sites.
• Quincy Regional Airport — Limited commercial flights to connecting cities.