100 Things to Do in the Quad Cities Before You Die

The Quad Cities—three hours from both Des Moines and Chicago—is a unique metropolitan area along the mighty Mississippi River, growing in both size and nationwide reputation. This region of 400,000-plus people has all the friendliness, affordability, and short, headache-free commutes of many small towns, but also a staggering variety and quality of things to do. 100 Things to Do in the Quad Cities is an invaluable source to help you track down some of the top places, events, and organizations that make the area pulse and thrive.


Take a tour of the creative, intoxicating QC Ale Trail including Bent River and Front Street breweries. Taste some terrifically varied restaurants like Me & Billy, Tantra, and Food Affair Bistro or enjoy live entertainment at Circa '21 or the Adler Theatre. Abounding museums and art galleries like the Figge and Putnam make the QC a genuinely special, entertaining place.


Veteran local journalist Jonathan Turner is your knowledgeable, friendly guide to all that is great about the QC and how to make the most of your visit—whether you’re here for a busy, rich weekend, or a satisfying lifetime. You’ll want to check all 100 things off your list and then come back around the River Bend for more!