Top 5 Day Trips Around the Quad Cities
Want to shake things up a bit and change your routine for at least a day, but you don’t want to go too far out of your comfort zone for it? Sounds like a day trip from the Quad Cities will meet all your needs and then some! Take a look at some ideas that you can use the next time you have a day off.
1. Michigan’s Beaches
Whether your goal is to wine & dine, shop until you drop, or just spend a day not moving from one spot (and still having an incredible view while doing it), then Michigan’s beach towns are the perfect solution for you. What’s good about this option is the fact that it has more than just close proximity to the Quad Cities to offer – it also gives you several coastal towns to choose from, all coming with their unique attractions.
Therefore, you can go with South Haven, which is a lakeside town that’s great for those interested in water activities, or you can opt for Norton Shores – a place perfect for families and small kids.
Moreover, many of Michigan’s coastal locations are close to cities that have magnificent brick-and-mortar casinos, which is an important consideration for people who love to take a spin on the slot machine here and there.
If you are a fan of online gambling and you love taking advantage of lucrative bonuses and rich game libraries of these sites (source: casinos not on gamstop), then you will, without a doubt, love visiting a casino in person. Don’t forget to add a quick stop to these facilities on your itinerary, or make an entire day trip out of visiting a casino.
2. Lake of The Ozarks
If you are a fan of the great outdoors and you love to spend your time listening to birds chirping and water splashing, then a short, but sweet, trip to the Lake of the Ozarks will fill you up with all the positive energy you need. This premier lake resort destination is only a 5- to 6-hour drive away from the Quad Cities, and it’s as beautiful during the day as it is peaceful during the night.
As one of Missouri’s finest destinations, Lake of the Ozarks puts many activities at your disposal. Therefore, you can enjoy boating, shopping, outdoor escapes, and so much more. While you can visit it any time of day or week, it’s better to venture into this adventure during the work week. Weekends are a busy time, and the area might be a bit out of control with both tourists and all the high-speed boats.
3. Kansas City
What do you do when a beachside, lakefront destination isn’t your cup of tea? Then you don’t settle, and you go straight to Kansas City. This beautiful city has plenty of attractions that will keep you occupied for the day, starting with its jazz heritage. If you love this music genre, then you’ll cherish a visit to the American Jazz Museum for years to come.
Of course, Kansas City is perfect for more than just jazz lovers, as it’s known for its barbecue, fountains, Boulevard tours, and different types of museums, like the World War I museum, which took the lives of more than 9 million soldiers. Even if all you are interested in doing is just roaming around the city and shaking up your routine, Kansas City will still rise to the challenge by keeping you occupied for hours and days on end.
4. Starved Rock State Park
If you prefer to always be on the move, then a place where you can hike until your legs give out is what would suit you perfectly. And if that’s the case, then you’ll want to head straight to Starved Rock State Park, which is located on the Illinois River.
Let’s start by mentioning the service options available within the park itself, which include picnic tables and barbecue grills. You can enjoy these alone, in good company, or with your furry best friend, as dogs are allowed in the park.
The real fun begins once you are done barbecuing, as you can go on to enjoy the park’s wilderness area that’s known for its steep sandstone canyons. A few of them, like the French and Wildcat canyons, have waterfalls, so you can take some postcard-worthy pictures after your hike. Even if all you do is enjoy the park’s peace, it will be well worth the day trip.
5. Adventureland Resort
Finishing things off with a location that will give you an adrenaline rush, the Adventureland Resort in Iowa is perfect for thrill-seekers. Dive headfirst into a world full of adventure and enjoy Iowa’s best theme park, which also has an impressive swim-up bar. If you are ready to go straight to the scariest ride at the resort, we suggest you try out the Monster – the park’s first-ever infinity rollercoaster.
Single-day tickets cost $39.99, which is a small price to pay for the incredible world that will open up right in front of you.
The Bottom Line
From Michigan’s beachside towns to Kansas City’s numerous museums, you have quite a few day trip options at your disposal. Just go with your personality and indulge in an activity you like – it shouldn’t be too difficult to choose.
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