My favorite place in the QCA to hike! Crowds are typically minimal, it has a more remote/nature feel, and there are a lot of ways to recreate here. There are easy, moderate, and hard trails here, including one of the most challenging hikes you will find in the QCA! The challenging hike would make a great training for a destination backpacking trip or if you’re just looking for something more involved while staying local. Book a campsite, bring a kayak, and make a weekend of it!

Growing up in Moline, it was a common family past time to "go to the river to feed the ducks". I think we know now that it's actually not ok to the feed the ducks. Not bread, anyway. But it’s still a lovely place to take in a sunrise or sunset, watch the ducks or geese, and get some exercise in. The parkway features a 2.2 mile paved path along the Mississippi River…