Welcome to the Quad Cities!

The Quad Cities ties Northwest Illinois and Eastern Iowa together seamlessly across the Mississippi River utilizing 4 bridges. This includes the state-of-the art Interstate 74 Bridge. The 800-foot basket handle arches are the longest basket handle true arches erected in the United States. It also includes a pedestrian-access path on the bridge with a glass oculus lookout. More than 37 million people live within a 6-hour drive, making it the perfect destination for a road trip. Plus commute times across the region average just 19 minutes!

The region offers close access to major markets like Chicago, Minneapolis/St. Paul, Des Moines, Omaha, St. Louis, Kansas City, and Indianapolis. It is the largest metropolitan area between St. Louis and Minneapolis.  Being the crossroads of major interstates like I-74 and I-80, the QC lends itself to an ideal location for meetings, conventions, sporting events, group business, reunions, and leisure travel. The Quad Cities International Airport (MLI) also carries 11 nonstop flights across the country.

This 2,341-mile-long river is the 4th longest river in the world and the 2nd longest in the United States. It flows through 10 states, (including our very own Iowa and Illinois), and is home to 260 species of fish. The Upper Mississippi River generates more than $250 billion in commerce each year and the entire length generates more than $400 billion. It's a barge highway, water well, and recreational space. In the Quad Cities, residents and visitors enjoy activities like boating, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, and more. Local and national cruises sail through our region to enjoy the nautical sightseeing and on-land experiences.

The region is home to dozens of venues for live music, theater, dance and visual arts. Not to mention the hundreds of talented artists, musicians, actors and dancers who bring the creativity to life! There are more than 127 sculptures, murals, and galleries included on the QC Public Art Trail, which is a growing self-guided experience to enjoy across the Quad Cities. 

From live music festivals and concerts, markets, and holiday parades, to exhibits, cultural events, and amazing races there is always a celebration and special event going on in the QC. We like jam-packed schedules and keeping busy, so we hope you’re ready to experience some of the best events that the Quad Cities has to offer, no matter the season and no matter the time. Explore our whole calendar of events, here!

The Quad Cities is fortunate to have breathtaking natural amenities, from the riverfront trails to the serene beauty of gardens and parks. Hundreds of miles of trail systems make for countless experiences as a bicyclist or hiker. The Quad Cities is also one of the best places in the United States for bald eagle watching as each winter these amazing birds of prey and our nation’s emblem migrate to key spots along the Mississippi and Rock River. The Quad Cities is also one of the best places in the United States for bald eagle watching as each winter these amazing birds of prey and our nation’s emblem migrate to key spots along the Mississippi and Rock River. Continual investment in the sporting scene has introduced many options for courts and courses to play casual or competitive games of golf, pickleball, tennis, disc golf and more.

The roots of the Quad Cities go back centuries when it became the largest Native American settlement in North America. It was a hub for European immigration in the 1800s and early 1900s attracting people primarily from Germany, and a notable presence from Sweden. Hispanic immigration has also had a significant impact on the region, ultimately blossoming neighborhoods and cultural traditions like those in the Floriciente Neighborhood. This region also played a significant role in the global progression of agriculture, with the development of Deere & Co., leading a legacy of innovation and serving as a major employer that continues to shape the community.

The Rock Island Arsenal, with 200 years of history, invites visitors to explore its rich heritage and attractions. Highlights include the Rock Island Arsenal Museum, the Army’s second-oldest museum, showcasing the island’s role in military innovation, and the Mississippi River Visitor Center, featuring interactive displays, a theatre, and stunning river views. Other attractions include Historic Quarters One, Rock Island National Cemetery, and guided tours. Visitor passes, valid for a year, are easy to obtain at the Moline gate with a valid ID. The Arsenal proudly connects its historical significance to the vibrant Quad Cities community.

QC, that's where we're all in for family. Visitors and Quad Citizens will find countless experiences to enjoy for a wide range of ages. From museums like the Figge Art Museum, Putnam Museum and Science Center, the Family Museum, German American Heritage Center, or Deere-Wiman House & Butterworth Center, to the Niabi Zoo and many parks, playgrounds and outdoor activities. The Quad Cities repeatedly ranks nationally for its livability, affordability, and aesthetics. See the latest rankings and awards here.

Did you know the Quad Cities has its own style pizza? Famous for its rectangle cut, QC-Style Pizza also offers a different take on crust, sauce, sausage and assembly.  Another flavor innovation from the QC region is the invention of the taco pizza, adapted by many pizza joints, but originating at the local Happy Joe's chain. From American cuisine to authentic international flavors, there's something for everyone to try.  On the sweet side, Whitey's Ice Cream has made a national name for itself, and Lagomarcino's has been a family-owned and staple confectionary in the QC since 1908.

The Quad Cities is a haven for craft drink enthusiasts, offering everything from locally roasted coffee to handcrafted beers, spirits, and wines. Embark on the QC Coffee Trail to discover charming cafes like The Brewed Book or Iron + Grain Coffee House, or join the QC Ale Trail to explore standout breweries such as Front Street Brewery and Twin Span Brewing. For a refined experience, sip cocktails at Mississippi River Distilling Company or enjoy the handcrafted wines of Wide River Winery. With diverse flavors and welcoming atmospheres, the Quad Cities invites you to savor every sip of its creative culture.