Visit Quad Cities creates first-ever Quad Cities Museum Month

visit quad cities Museum Month

Visit Quad Cities announced Monday, Sept. 30, the creation of Quad Cities Museum Month, a month-long event to celebrate the diverse and unique museums in the Quad Cities region. It begins today, Oct. 1, and will run through Thursday, Oct. 31. 

Museum Month Visit Quad Cities

This will be the first year for the promotion, which is an extension of QC Museum Week previously held in June. 

The new October celebration will give residents and visitors more time to explore and appreciate the rich cultural heritage, science, art, and history that our area museums offer, Visit Quad Cities said in a news release.

“We are incredibly grateful to our museum partners for their invaluable contributions to tourism and the Quad Cities community,” Visit Quad Cities President and CEO Dave Herrell said in the release. 

“Museum Month showcases the diversity and depth of our region’s cultural offerings, and it’s a testament to the hard work and dedication of these institutions. Their efforts not only enhance our community’s quality of life but also attract visitors from near and far, making the Quad Cities a must-visit destination.”

This year marks the ninth year of a dedicated celebration of Quad Cities museums. The new Museum Month allows visitors and locals more flexibility in planning their visits throughout the entire month of October, Visit said. This longer timeframe opens up more opportunities for travelers from far distances, first-time visitors, and returning guests to enjoy a variety of exhibits, events, and tours across the region.

Lesser-known sites benefit

Museum Month also aims to highlight lesser-known museums and encourage locals to be tourists in their own backyard, supporting the cultural institutions that make the Quad Cities a unique destination.

“We are thrilled to expand Museum Month to allow families and visitors more time to discover all that our museums have to offer,” said Clare Tobin, assistant director & curator at the German American Heritage Center and Museum in Davenport. 

“Over half of our visitors come from outside the Quad Cities, and this event allows us to better promote our community and encourage both locals and tourists to explore the rich history and experiences available here,” Ms. Tobin added in the release. “As a small museum, we rely heavily on the support of our community, and events like these help us stay relevant.”

More than 20 museums and historical sites across the Quad Cities will be participating, offering special discounts, events, and tours throughout the month. 

Highlights, special offers

Highlights include:

  • Bix Beiderbecke Museum and Archives, Davenport: Book a free weekend appointment for a personalized tour.
  • German American Heritage Center & Museum, Davenport: Enjoy free admission on open Saturdays and a 10% discount in the gift shop.
  • Putnam Museum & Science Center: Throwback admission prices to celebrate the 60th anniversary of their building from Oct.r 3-5. Adult admission will be just 25 cents and youth admission 10 cents.
  • Iowa 80 Trucking Museum. Walcott, Iowa 10% off in the gift shop.
  • Sawmill Museum: Buy one adult ticket, and get a child’s ticket free for the Clinton, Iowa, attraction.

Additional participating museums include the Figge Art Museum, Rock Island Arsenal Museum, Buffalo Bill Museum, and many more. For a full list of participating museums and their offerings, visit QCMuseumMonth.com.

Track your trip, win prizes

New this year, visitors can sign up for free at QCMuseumMonth.com to track their journey through Museum Month. Participants who check in at multiple museums will be eligible to win a giveaway prize basket filled with QC museum swag. The more museums you visit, the more chances you have to win!

In addition to Museum Month, Visit Quad Cities offers the QC Family Pass, a free, year-round pass that provides access to special discounts at participating attractions. The QC Family Pass can be downloaded directly to your phone, making it easy to access deals throughout the year.

Founded in 1990, Visit Quad Cities is the region’s official destination management and marketing organization (DMMO). Visit Quad Cities is a private 501(c)(6) non-profit engine that drives economic opportunity through tourism, builds our authentic brand, tells and sells the Quad Cities story, and enhances Quad Citizens’ quality of life and place.  

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