Quest was founded by Mark Mariucci to give equal treatment to businesses, bars, organizations, etc. throughout the state of Wisconsin. Originally primarily a calendar, directory, and advertising venue (dismissed by some as a 'bar rag', and subheaded "Wisconsin Gay Entertainment Guide"), Quest evolved over time into an important community resource for news and community happenings, especially after the demise of both state LGBT newspapers: In Step and Wisconsin Light. During 2003-2004, the magazine was subheaded "Wisconsin's Source for LGBT News & Entertainment".

In 2006 the owner purchased the rights to OutBound magazine from that magazine's publishers, who were moving out of state. Mariucci continued to publish both publications, with OutBound concentrating more on bar events and calendars, and Quest covering more of a news, articles, and analysis role.

In 2007, Quest Magazine passed an important milestone: it moved into its 14th year of publishing, a landmark that only one other LGBT publication in Wisconsin had achieved prior (the 20-year-old In Step, which ceased publishing in 2003).

The paper has maintained a balanced coverage of news and events statewide throughout its history, although it wisely adjusts news content based on the existence (or non-existence) of other GLBT news media in the state. It has however excelled in coverage of the Drag and show scene, which many other publications covered sparsely.