This Small City In Illinois Is Peak Midwestern Vibes
By Melissa Mahoney|Published February 23, 2022
×
Melissa Mahoney
Author
I'm an east coast girl living in a west coast world. I've worked in the entertainment industry for much of my adult life and I love photography, writing, and traveling around the U.S. as well as to far-flung locations around the world! Travel is my life and writing about it is a dream.
There’s just something about the Midwest that many of us love. Whether it’s the friendly people, slower pace, lower cost of living, charming small towns and cities, or outdoor recreation, the Midwest can offer a great quality of life. One small city in Illinois epitomizes Midwest vibes, and that small city is Quincy. Let’s take a look at what it has to offer.
Established in 1825, the small city of Quincy can be found across from Missouri along the Mississippi River. The Great River Road National Scenic Byway also passes through town.
Since its beginnings, Quincy has been referred to as the "Gem City" of Illinois due to its success in industry, commerce, and hospitality. In the 19th century, it was a hub for riverboats and trains.
Today, Quincy is known for its friendly, down-to-earth residents, small-town feel, and welcoming community. It also features a charming downtown area, 3,600 historic buildings, and four National Historic Register Districts.
This town of 40,000 also has 28 parks, 10 museums, five wineries, and 70 locally-owned eateries. It's a wonderful place that offers plenty to see and do for both residents and tourists.
In town you'll fine a fine arts gallery, and throughout the year, plenty of festivals like Oktoberfest, all of which encourage a strong sense of community that's all too rare nowadays.
With all the history here in Quincy, which was once a stop along the Underground Railroad, a visit to a historic site is a must. One place you can head to is Washington Park, the site of the sixth Lincoln-Douglas Debate held on October 13, 1858.
Have you explored this small city in Illinois yet? What other city or town in Illinois do you think epitomizes everything that the Midwest stands for? Let us know in the comments.
The heart and soul of the Prairie State lie in its small towns. You can read about several of the charming small towns of Illinois in this post.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
