Looking for fun places near the Quad Cities? QC.LocalDayTrips.com 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 day away without going far!
Don’t miss your chance to step inside a terrifying haunted house — in full virtual reality!
For a limited time, Virtual Ventures is offering this 25-minute horror experience for ONLY $10!
🕓 Walk-in hours: 4–6 PM, starting FRIDAY NIGHTS ONLY
📍 Location: Virtual Ventures, Davenport, IA
⚡ No reservations needed — just show up and survive.
Explore the original home base of the hit TV show American Pickers at Antique Archaeology in Le Claire, Iowa. Tucked inside a historic 1800s brick building, this one-of-a-kind shop is packed with vintage finds, refurbished relics, and exclusive merchandise you can’t get anywhere else. Whether you're a die-hard picker or just curious about classic Americana, this spot offers a unique peek into the world of rare treasures and TV-famous antiques—just minutes from the Quad Cities.
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!
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.
Whether you're into nature, history, or family fun, the Quad Cities region offers a variety of destinations within a short drive. From scenic state parks and historic towns to zoos and distilleries, there's something for everyone.
