Money Smarts Blog


Planning another staycation? Don't miss these local attractions

Jul 18, 2022 || Breanna Pollmeier, Financial Solutions Specialist

IHMVCU team member and her family at a Quad Cities River Bandits baseball game

Vacay all day?

Sadly, this year’s summer plans have been deflated for many Americans due to sky-high inflation. According to a Bankrate survey, 7 in 10 adults have changed travel plans to save money, including traveling shorter distances (those gas prices are brutal) and choosing cheaper destinations or lodging.

Don’t let inflation ruin your summer vibe … make plans for a staycation! After my family and I went to a Quad Cities River Bandits game for the first time in forever (if you didn’t sing that in Anna’s voice from Frozen, you’re lying), we realized how many great things there are to do right in our own backyard — or pretty close. Not only that, but some of the bucket list items we’ve been meaning to do are included as IHMVCU Member Advantages.

Let’s have some fun and run through an action-packed Member Advantage staycation, complete with a sample itinerary.

FRIDAY

Discovery Depot Children’s Museum

Launch into your long weekend with a visit to Galesburg’s Discovery Depot — a must-see museum for any curious kiddo. There are two floors of interactive exhibits that promote hands-on learning through play, plus a real caboose and outdoor playground. Plan to spend two-plus hours here letting your littles explore and burn off energy. We planned our visit at the start of the weekend since they’re closed on Mondays.

IHMVCU members enjoy BOGO admission through July.

FRIDAY NIGHT

River Music Experience

Every summer through September, the RME Courtyard comes alive with free entertainment by some of the area’s best bands. Book a babysitter and kick off your weekend with live, local music every Friday during Live@Five.

All you need to bring is a lawn chair (and maybe your air guitar if you’re feeling up to it).

IHMVCU members get $1 off drinks during scheduled Live@Five events.

SATURDAY

Adventureland

Get your thrill on at Adventureland, home of more than 100 family-friendly rides, attractions and Adventure Bay Waterpark. At just under 2.5 hours away, this regional gem makes a quick day trip and is fun for all ages. Plus, it’s recently been updated with nine new rides for summer 2022! It’s an easy drive back after a fun-filled day, but you could always book a stay at the Adventureland Inn for a family getaway.

IHMVCU members save on single-day tickets using promo code: IHMVCU

SUNDAY

Quad Cities River Bandits

Enjoy a beautiful afternoon on the banks of the Mississippi River while cheering on the home team at Modern Woodmen Park. A minor league affiliate of the Kansas City Royals, the Quad Cities River Bandits are sure to put on a high-energy game no matter when you visit (but keep in mind, Friday night games end with a spectacular fireworks show). Amusement rides, like Kidz Koaster and River Rocker, can help keep the kids entertained if they get antsy sitting for nine innings.

IHMVCU members enjoy BOGO tickets to all regular season home games.

Need more staycation ideas?

Bike along the river, venture across the I-74 bridge bike and pedestrian path, rent a kayak or paddleboard at the Sylvan Slough, hike Wildcat Den State Park, cook an advanced recipe you’ve wanted to try, take a day trip to Field of Dreams … the point is to try something new and spend a few days reenergizing.

Planning another staycation? Don't miss these local attractions

Jul 18, 2022 || Breanna Pollmeier, Financial Solutions Specialist

IHMVCU team member and her family at a Quad Cities River Bandits baseball game

Vacay all day?

Sadly, this year’s summer plans have been deflated for many Americans due to sky-high inflation. According to a Bankrate survey, 7 in 10 adults have changed travel plans to save money, including traveling shorter distances (those gas prices are brutal) and choosing cheaper destinations or lodging.

Don’t let inflation ruin your summer vibe … make plans for a staycation! After my family and I went to a Quad Cities River Bandits game for the first time in forever (if you didn’t sing that in Anna’s voice from Frozen, you’re lying), we realized how many great things there are to do right in our own backyard — or pretty close. Not only that, but some of the bucket list items we’ve been meaning to do are included as IHMVCU Member Advantages.

Let’s have some fun and run through an action-packed Member Advantage staycation, complete with a sample itinerary.

FRIDAY

Discovery Depot Children’s Museum

Launch into your long weekend with a visit to Galesburg’s Discovery Depot — a must-see museum for any curious kiddo. There are two floors of interactive exhibits that promote hands-on learning through play, plus a real caboose and outdoor playground. Plan to spend two-plus hours here letting your littles explore and burn off energy. We planned our visit at the start of the weekend since they’re closed on Mondays.

IHMVCU members enjoy BOGO admission through July.

FRIDAY NIGHT

River Music Experience

Every summer through September, the RME Courtyard comes alive with free entertainment by some of the area’s best bands. Book a babysitter and kick off your weekend with live, local music every Friday during Live@Five.

All you need to bring is a lawn chair (and maybe your air guitar if you’re feeling up to it).

IHMVCU members get $1 off drinks during scheduled Live@Five events.

SATURDAY

Adventureland

Get your thrill on at Adventureland, home of more than 100 family-friendly rides, attractions and Adventure Bay Waterpark. At just under 2.5 hours away, this regional gem makes a quick day trip and is fun for all ages. Plus, it’s recently been updated with nine new rides for summer 2022! It’s an easy drive back after a fun-filled day, but you could always book a stay at the Adventureland Inn for a family getaway.

IHMVCU members save on single-day tickets using promo code: IHMVCU

SUNDAY

Quad Cities River Bandits

Enjoy a beautiful afternoon on the banks of the Mississippi River while cheering on the home team at Modern Woodmen Park. A minor league affiliate of the Kansas City Royals, the Quad Cities River Bandits are sure to put on a high-energy game no matter when you visit (but keep in mind, Friday night games end with a spectacular fireworks show). Amusement rides, like Kidz Koaster and River Rocker, can help keep the kids entertained if they get antsy sitting for nine innings.

IHMVCU members enjoy BOGO tickets to all regular season home games.

Need more staycation ideas?

Bike along the river, venture across the I-74 bridge bike and pedestrian path, rent a kayak or paddleboard at the Sylvan Slough, hike Wildcat Den State Park, cook an advanced recipe you’ve wanted to try, take a day trip to Field of Dreams … the point is to try something new and spend a few days reenergizing.

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