Discover the Best Day Trips around the Quad Cities

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!

Wilson's Orchard & Farm – Iowa City

Wilson’s Orchard & Farm is a scenic seasonal destination just outside Iowa City offering U-pick apples, pumpkins, and strawberries, plus hayrack rides, live music events, cider tastings, and family-friendly fall festivals. The farm includes a ciderhouse, bakery, and sprawling hillside orchard — perfect for relaxing day trips and photo opportunities.

#1–2 Hours Away
#Camping Nearby
#Food Nearby
#Great for Photos
#Kid Friendly
#Outdoor
#Paid Admission
#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.

🚤 Boating Access
🎣 Fishing Areas
🥾 Hiking Trails
🌿 Nature Preserves
🏖️ Swimming Spots
Camping Nearby
Great for Photos
Kid Friendly
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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

Wilson's Orchard & Farm – Iowa City

Wilson’s Orchard & Farm is a scenic seasonal destination just outside Iowa City offering U-pick apples, pumpkins, and strawberries, plus hayrack rides, live music events, cider tastings, and family-friendly fall festivals. The farm includes a ciderhouse, bakery, and sprawling hillside orchard — perfect for relaxing day trips and photo opportunities.

🌸 Botanical Gardens
🎠 Carnivals & Fairs
🧺 Flea Markets
👻 Haunted Attractions
🌿 Nature Preserves
1–2 Hours Away
Camping Nearby
Food Nearby
Great for Photos
Kid Friendly
Outdoor
Paid Admission
Seasonal