Museum Month highlights QCA museum offerings

Learn what museums in the Quad Cities area have to offer this month as Visit Quad Cities announces a new event, Museum Month.

The celebration runs October 1 – 31 and will spotlight the diverse and unique museums in the area. It began as a one-week event held in June but expanded this year to allow more residents and visitors to see the art, history, science and cultural exhibits in the Quad Cities area.

“We are incredibly grateful to our museum partners for their invaluable contributions to tourism and the Quad Cities community,” said Dave Herrell, president and CEO of Visit Quad Cities. “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 is the ninth year of a celebration of Quad Cities museums. Expanding to an entire month gives visitors more flexibility to plan visits throughout the month of October. A longer event offers more opportunities for far-off travelers, first-time visitors and returning guests to enjoy the exhibits, events, and tours across the region.

Museum Month highlights lesser-known museums and encourages residents to be tourists in their own backyard by supporting the cultural institutions that make the Quad Cities one of a kind.

“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. As a small museum, we rely heavily on the support of our community, and events like these help us stay relevant.”

Over 20 museums and historical sites across the Quad Cities will be part of Museum Month, with special discounts, events and tours, including:

• Bix Beiderbecke Museum and Archives: Book a free weekend appointment for a personalized tour.
• German American Heritage Center & Museum: 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 October 3-5. Adult admission will be 25 cents and youth admission 10 cents.
• Iowa 80 Trucking Museum: 10% off in the gift shop.
• Sawmill Museum: Buy one adult ticket, get a child’s ticket free.

Click here for a list of participating museums.

Visitors have another incentive to check out area museums in October. They can sign up here to track their trips to museums. Those who check in at multiple museums can win a giveaway prize basket filled with QC museum swag like tshirts and a cooler.

Visit Quad Cities also offers the QC Family Pass , a free pass good all year for discounts at attractions in the area, including discounts on admission and merchandise. The pass is downloaded directly to phones for easy access.

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