How to Spend a Winter Day in the Quad Cities

When winter is in full blast, finding fun may appear difficult, but Visit Quad Cities is here to show you the truth about winter. This itinerary helps you plan your perfect winter day!

Start Your Day

Start your day with a warm (or cold) cup of coffee! With dozens of locally-owned coffee shops on the QC Coffee Trail, the Quad Cities is packed with diverse tastes and something everyone can enjoy.

Dead Poet’s Espresso offers unique flavors from famous poets. Enjoy their cozy environment as you sip on favorites, including Shakespeare Salty Turtle Mocha and Burns Dirty Chai.

The Atlas Collective is a woman and queer owned coffee shop. Perfect for the snowy weather, Atlas is a “third space” for people to hang out, play games, or read a book from their bookstore.

For a quick stop, visit QC Fuel offering a drive-through option, making your morning energy easier to attain.

Get Active

Winter brings new outdoor activities and fun adventures. There are so many ways to explore the outside beauty within our region.

Hit the slopes at Snowstar where snow tubing, skiing, and snowboarding are all in store. Their snowmaking system ensures the fun never stops.

Venture out on the Mississippi River Trail for a scenic view of the icy waterway.

Spot bald eagles in their natural habitat along the Mississippi River at Sylvan Island or Credit Island.

Unwind and Dine

Escape the cold in a unique, winter, outdoor experience featuring food and drinks. These heated igloos are a seasonal delight you won’t want to miss.

TYCOGA Winery & Distillery offers transparent igloos to enjoy the winter scenery from as you taste their homemade creations. Reservations are required.

Sip on handcrafted cocktails in a Cocktail Castle at Mississippi Distilling Company. Bring your own snacks as you take in the nighttime sky. Reservations are required.

Enjoy a laid-back environment with gourmet food at Edison’s Gastropub. Their cozy outdoor igloo is complete with a video fireplace.

Sit Back and Relax

There’s endless entertainment in the QC. From classical performances to local sports games, there is always a show to attend.

Relish on a city theater feeling on a local level at Circa ’21 Dinner Playhouse, offering a dining experience with professional entertainment.

Cheer on the Quad City Storm hockey team as they compete for the President’s Cup. 

Relax in a listening bar, cinema, and gallery space at Rozz-Tox, a unique break from mainstream culture.  

Check out our “Things To Do” page for full inspiration.