Meeting of the Great Rivers National Scenic Byway

Cruise along the Meeting of the Great Rivers National Scenic Byway, where the Mighty Mississippi, Missouri and Illinois Rivers converge. The 33-mile byway begins in Hartford, leading you through Alton and bends along the forested river bluffs to its end point in Grafton, at Pere Marquette State Park.

CITY: Alton

Doc’s Soda Fountain

Located on historic Route 66, this was originally a pharmacy built in the 1880’s. The soda fountain was added to the business in the 1950’s. Stop in for an old-fashioned treat or ice-cream. Doc’s is also open for lunch and dinner.

CITY: Girard

The Old Chain of Rocks Bridge

Built in 1927, Old Chain of Rocks was the fifth bridge to cross the Mississippi River, which shortened the distance between St. Louis, Missouri, and Edwardsville, Illinois by 15 miles.

CITY: Edwardsville

Henry's Ra66it Ranch

This quirky must-see Route 66 attraction, information center and souvenir gift shop is home to rabbits of all kinds, bunny and VW, as well as Mother Road memorabilia.

CITY: Staunton

Melvin Price Locks & Dam

Get the best view of Alton and the Mississippi River from eight stories in the air atop the Melvin Price Locks & Dam. Take a free guided tour and see towboats and barges as they push their way through this incredible structure. It's also a great spot to eagle watch in the winter.

CITY: Alton

Alton Riverfront Amphitheater

The 4,000 seat Alton Riverfront Amphitheater hosts a variety of events from community festivals to live concerts throughout the summer months. With the Mighty Mississippi River as a backdrop, bring your blanket and spread out for an evening under the stars. Check out our website for a list of upcoming events.

CITY: Alton

Scotty's Route 66 Bar & Grill

Drive Route 66 to one of the Mother Road's few remaining original diners, and try your hand at golf on the nine-hole course next door.

CITY: Hamel

Sam Vadalabene Bike Trail

Extending 20 miles from Alton to Pere Marquette State Park, the Sam Vadalabene Bike Trail runs parallel to the Meeting of the Great Rivers National Scenic Byway along IL Route 100, as well as the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers. The route is completely paved and takes cyclists through the towns of Elsah and Grafton. Comfort stations are available at Piasa Park, Clifton Terrace Park, Elsah, Grafton Visitors Center, Grafton Harbor public restroom and Pere Marquette State Park. This is a great ride for cyclist of all ages, including families looking for a free day of fun!

CITY: Alton

Alton Marina

A destination port on the Mississippi with picnic area's, playground, outdoor pool. Within a half of a mile to Alton's historic antique district and the Argosy Casino.

CITY: Alton

Dream Catcher Ranch and Kennel Petting Zoo

Specializing in small animals that kids can touch and play with, at Dream Catcher you can also tour the farm and ride the zoo train.

CITY: Staunton

Aquatic Center

Splash around at the Aquatic Center. Climb up four stories and launch down your choice of two waterslides with more than 320 feet of winding turns and diving wells, or take a dip in the pool.

CITY: Wood River

Geocaching Programs

Geocaching is an outdoor treasure-hunting game in which the participants use a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver or other navigational techniques to hide and seek containers (called "geocaches" or "caches"). Several are located at the Rivers Project and interested individuals can attend this free 1 hour program on Saturdays, June through August,to learn more and get involved in geocaching.

CITY: Alton

Bilbrey Farms

Just outside of Edwardsville, Bilbrey Farms is home to exotic animals and trained birds. Come feed the animals or stay at the bed and breakfast.

CITY: Edwardsville

Shoal Creek Nature Preserve

This 260-acre site offers nature trails for visitors to explore wetlands, prairie openings, and sandstone bluffs and ledges. The preserve is home to more than 700 plants and 70 bird species, including bald eagles during the winter months.

CITY: Litchfield

Walton Park

Home of the first Litchfield Chautauqua, with speakers such as William Jennings Bryan and Carrie Nation in 1905. Beautiful lake, playground and picnic areas.

CITY: Litchfield

Oak Leaf Country Club

Oak Leaf offers a nine-hole, par 32 course.

CITY: Girard

Watershed Nature Center

A 3,000 ft. wheelchair-accessible pathway at lake level and wood-chipped trails wind through forested areas. An elevated walkway spans the wetlands and two observation towers, a wildlife viewing blind, an outdoor amphitheater and classroom.

CITY: Edwardsville

Backwoods Berry Farm

Pick up fruits of the season from the roadside stand or head to the fields to pick your own strawberries, black raspberries or asparagus.

CITY: Hettick

Timber Lakes Golf Course

Timber Lakes features an 18-hole, par 72 course.

CITY: Staunton

Red Barn Rendezvous RV Park

30 sites, phone hookups, handicap access

CITY: Edwardsville

McMaster Woods Nature Preserve

McMaster Woods is a beautiful oak woodland and barrens that occurs on deep ravines, steep slopes and a ridgetop. Limestone bedrock outcrops along the bases of ravines and an intermittent stream crosses the northwest corner of the preserve. A great variety of wildflowers, grasses, sedges and ferns occur here, including large-flowered bellwort, spikenard, false dragonhead, wood reed and maidenhair fern. A small, but interesting barrens remnant occurs on the ridgetop. For Further Information Contact: Illinois Department of Natural Resources, District Natural Heritage Biologist, 4521 Alton Commerce Parkway, Alton, Illinois 62002 (618-462-2424)

CITY: Carrollton

Rustic Acres Campgrounds

155 sites, recreation building, swimming pool, lake fishing, boat rentals, tent camping, handicap access.

CITY: New Douglas

Ripson Bridge

Located north of Greenville in Sorento, this covered bridge holds festivals every year that draw thousands of visitors.

CITY: Sorento

Terry Park Golf Course

Terry Park offers a nine-hole, par 35 course.

CITY: Palmyra

Oak Brook Golf Course

Oak Brook features a 27-hole golf course.

CITY: Edwardsville

Beaver Dam State Park

Camping, fishing, and restaurant. Named for beavers whose dam-building formed the lake more than a century ago, the state park is not home to the industrious rodents today.

CITY: Plainview

Bur Oaks Camp Ground

Open all year, swimming and fishing, handicap access.

CITY: Alhambra

East Alton Ice Arena

Grab your skates and hit the ice any time of the year at this indoor ice arena. Didn't bring your skates? No problem. Rent a pair and take a few laps around the rink. It's the coolest place in town all year round!

CITY: East Alton

Carlinville Lake

Fishing, boating, and campground.

CITY: Carlinville

Lone Oak Golf Course

The 9-hole "Lone Oak" executive course at the Lone Oak Golf Course facility in Carrollton features 2,150 yards of golf from the longest tees for a par of 32. Designed by George DeGeal, the Lone Oak golf course opened in 1984.

CITY: Carrollton

Staunton Country Club

This well-established, hilly nine-hole, semi-private course has many mature oaks, small greens and one water hole. The club also offers a swimming pool, tennis court and snack bar.

CITY: Staunton

Rainmaker Campground

Pump track available, approximately 25 weekend sites and 200 permanent sites.

CITY: Butler

Fox Creek Golf Club

Fox Creek features an 18-hole golf course.

CITY: Edwardsville

Raymond Shoal Creek Golf Course

This nine-hole course is par 36.

CITY: Raymond