2013 Travel Guide
Enjoy Illinois App
Showing 1-83 of 83 items found in Outdoors & Play
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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
Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site
Illinois' only United Nations World Heritage Site. This 2,200-acre site preserves the central section of the largest prehistoric Indian city north of Mexico. An Interpretive Center presents a coherent account of this sophisticated prehistoric culture. Climb Monk's Mound, see the film and life-size village. Don't miss annual events that focus on Native American culture.
CITY: Collinsville
Grafton Zipline Adventures
Looking for a jaw dropping, heart racing experience? Try Grafton’s newest attraction – a zip line that affords those brave enough a stunning river view and hours of fun. The nine zip lines total 1.75 miles, which should take approximately two hours to complete. The first of nine zip lines is nicknamed the Baby Bear – the shortest measuring only 300 feet in length. The longest, at 2,000 feet, is the Soaring Eagle, which has breathtaking views during its 250-foot descent. The Deer Hollow (3rd zip) and the Barn Burner (the final zip) are both 1,500 feet. The Limestone Leap (7th zip) is 1,300 feet, the River Run (5th zip) is 1,200 feet, the Gobblers Knob (6th zip) is 1,000 feet and the Road Runner (2nd zip) at 700 feet.
CITY: Grafton
Pere Marquette State Park
At 8,000 acres, Pere Marquette State Park is the largest state park in Illinois. Go hiking on wooded trails, biking along scenic bluffs, fishing and boating on the Illinois River, or horseback riding through the forest. The park is also known for its guided fall color drives and eagle-watching tours in the winter. The rustic stone-and-timber Pere Marquette Lodge makes a great base for exploring the area.
CITY: Grafton
World's Largest Catsup Bottle
This 170-foot-tall bottle that resembles a Brook's Catsup Bottle served as a water tower for the catsup manufacturer after being constructed in 1949. A popular roadside attraction, it makes for a great photo op.
CITY: Collinsville
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
Grafton Canoe & Kayak
Experience the confluence of the Illinois and Mississippi rivers up close in a canoe, kayak, or wave runner. Take a speed boat out on the river for tubing or just relax on the waves in a pontoon. For landlubbers, rent a mountain bike for the day and hit the nearby Sam Vadalabene Bike Trail.
CITY: Grafton
Laser Force Lazer Tag Zone
A 5,000 sq. ft. laser tag arena and a 2,500 sq. ft. game arcade is conveniently located by hotels and restaurants off I-64.
CITY: Caseyville
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
National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows
The Shrine has 200 beautifully landscaped acres of gardens and devotional areas, including the Outdoor Amphitheatre, Shrine Church, Lourdes Grotto, Stations of the Cross, Millennium Spire, the Visitors Center with a restaurant and gift shop, and the Shrine Hotel.
CITY: Belleville
Gateway Fun Park
Gateway features mini-golf, go-karts, an arcade, bumper boats, a kiddie track and Rudy's Restaurant.
CITY: Collinsville
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
Raging Rivers WaterPark
Choose from four winding waterslides, brave the waves at the Breaker Beach wave pool or just spend the afternoon floating along the Lazy River. Located just outside Grafton on the Great River Road.
CITY: Grafton
Splash City Family Waterpark
Surfing in Illinois? Yes! The FlowRider creates a perfect wave for surfing and body boarding. Water slides, a lap pool, the lazy river, a sandy play area and "Monsoon Mountain" make for a family adventure.
CITY: Collinsville
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
Belle-Clair Fairgrounds & Exposition Center
Home to the annual St. Clair County Fair, several craft shows and monthly flea markets, the complex also includes the Belle-Clair Speedway, with stock car races and demolition derbies.
CITY: Belleville
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
Pleasant Ridge Park
Tucked back away from the street, a relaxing place to get away from it all is Pleasant Ridge Park. The centerpiece is the Kensella Log Home.
CITY: Fairview Heights
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
Wilson Park
Wilson Park offers baseball fields, walking trails, picnic shelters, and much more. Each year the 74-acre park is replanted with seasonal flowers and plants.
CITY: Granite City
Gateway Geyser Fountain
As the world's tallest fountain, the Gateway Geyser Fountain reaches 627 feet in height, and is centered in a pond that holds five million gallons of water.
CITY: East St. Louis
Mississippi River State Fish and Wildlife Area
Consisting of 15 wildlife management areas and 13 public access areas, the Mississippi River State and Wildlife Area manages a majority of its 24,400 acres to accommodate waterfowl hunting and habitat enhancement.
CITY: Grafton
Centerfield Park
Spend the day tackling go-karts, miniature golf, batting cages, bumper boats and a video arcade.
CITY: O'Fallon
Melvin Price Memorial Park
The 24-acre park has a pavilion, walking trails, and many other amenities. It is also the site of the Veterans of All Wars Memorial and the September 11 Memorial.
CITY: Swansea
Scheve Park
This expansive park features picnic areas, baseball and softball fields, playgrounds, tennis courts, horseshoe pits, and sand volleyball courts. The centerpiece of the park is an old train depot, a full-size caboose, and a train car that can be reserved for groups.
CITY: Mascoutah
Family Fun Tyme
Located in Maryville, this facility has an indoor arcade, batting cages and lots more fun for kids. Alfonzo's Restaurant is right next door for pizza lovers.
CITY: Maryville
Tri City Port District
This site is on the Granite City Canal, near the Lock and Dam on the Mississippi River. Tri City Port is a duty-free foreign port, as well as a loading facility for farm and other products being barged on the river.
CITY: Granite City
Woodland Park
50-acre wooded city park located in the heart of Collinsville. Amenities consist of picnic shelters, playgrounds, fishing lake, and softball diamond.
CITY: Collinsville
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
Schnucks Park
One of the newest parks with over 9 acres of natural habitat. Sporting a new playground, small fishing pond and a wooden gazebo on its shore.
CITY: Collinsville
Fults Hill Prairie/Kidd Lake Marsh State Natural Area
This natural area comprimises 532 acres of forest, prairie and flowering trees, with a trail and pond.
CITY: East St. Louis
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
Julius J. Knobeloch State Nature Preserve
Beautiful. untouched nature preserve which way originally purchased by the Knobeloch family in 1874. After a family disagreement, the land was auctioned off to the nature conservancy and then sold to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
CITY: Freeburg
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
Grand Marais Golf Course
Grand Marais includes an on-site restaurant and pro shop.
CITY: Centreville
Moody Park (formerly Longacre Park)
Lighted tennis courts, playground, sand volleyball courts, baseball, softball, and soccer fields. a 1.5 mi walking/running path, concession stands, picnic pavilions, a large lake. The Midwest Salute to the Arts is held every year here in August.
CITY: Fairview Heights
Yorktown Golf Course
Designed by golf legends Pete Dye and Bob Goalby, Yorktown offers an 18-hole lit par 3 golf course.
CITY: Belleville
Stonewolf Golf Course
The 18-hole, par 72 Stonewolf is one of only four Jack Nicklaus Signature courses in Illinois and Missouri.
CITY: Fairview Heights
Frank Holten State Park
A great place to spot water birds, fish, boat, or play a round of golf. The park covers 1,125 acres, including two lakes and a wetlands area.
CITY: East St. Louis
Chouteau Island
Route 66 runs through the island which connects Illinois and Missouri. East side of the Mississippi River.
CITY: Pontoon Beach
U.S. Ice Sports Complex L.C.
An ice arena offering hockey leagues open skate and entertainment for all ages. The facility offers two rinks, a game room and concession area.
CITY: Fairview Heights
Glidden Park
Home to newly added in-line hockey rink. Sitting on 30 acres, five tennis courts, soccer field and basketball court, walking track 4 to 10 mile.
CITY: Collinsville
American Legion Post 58 Freedom Farm
40 sites, recreation building, lake swimming and fishing, boating, tent camping, handicap access.
CITY: Freeburg
Gateway National Golf Links
Gateway National offers an 18-hole, par 71 course made up of rolling links, separated by gentle mounds that meander through lush, green pasturelands.
CITY: Madison
Three Springs Park
Three Springs Park is a multi-purpose facility with a lighted softball and baseball field that can be converted in to smaller fields for a total of six. Also at the park are tennis courts, soccer fields, basketball courts, and volleyball courts. a half-mile walking trail and playground equipment round out the amenities.
CITY: Shiloh
Drost Park
Drost Park features a 7-acre lake, pavilions, 1-mile walking trail, boat ramp, playground, and restroom facilities. The University of Illinois' Master Gardeners keep it seasonally beautiful.
CITY: Maryville
Clinton Hill Golf Club
Boasting some of the largest greens in the Midwest, the 18-hole Clinton Hill has matured into one of the finest public golf courses around, with a great blend of par 3s, 4s and 5s.
CITY: Swansea
Cahokia R V Parque
Swimming, fishing, boat rentals, RV and cabin rentals, tent camping.
CITY: Cahokia
Riding Center
Stop in or make a reservation to ride the trails. Lessons are also available.
CITY: Freeburg
Far Oaks Golf Club
This par 72, Goalby-designed golf course has 18 challenging holes.
CITY: Caseyville
Lock and Dam 27
For a closer look at river traffic on the Mississippi, go by the lock and dam where Ol' Man River is still an important way to move freight in the United States.
CITY: Granite City
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
Grafton Harbor
Visit this "Key West" of the Midwest located where the Illinois River and Mississippi River meet. In addition to harbor faciltiies, a floating swimming pool and the Big Kahuna Bar and Grill, Grafton Harbor features a gift shop where boaters and landlubbers alike can find unique trinkets and treasures. Snacks, beer and wine, boating accessories and parts, clothing for all ages, navigational maps and gifts for that special child are all available.
CITY: Grafton
D&M Hunting Club
Located 2.6 miles south of Rt. 37. With five strategically placed dry, heated, concrete pits overlooking water. Hunt in decoyed spreads in excess of 200 dozen, ducks available. Mandatory professional guides.
CITY: Marine
Tri-Township Park
Just miles off I-55, I-70, and I-270, the park has easy access and has many features for travelers, like a petting zoo, playground equipment, picnic pavilions and a small lake.
CITY: Troy
Todd Hall Retreat and Conference Center
Visitors are invited to walk the tree-lined paths and beautiful labyrinth. The center is open for group reservations.
CITY: Columbia
19 - 20
Grafton Rendezvous
Join us for the return of the Grafton Rendezvous on the banks of the Illinois River. See pre-1840 history come to life and experience what a busy river port was like during that period. Traders will demonstrate candle and rope making, bead working, wood carving, metal working and leather crafting. There will be tomahawk and knife throwing and much more. Bring the family and enjoy the fun.
CITY: Grafton
7
Lewis & Clark State Historic Site: Music Festival
Traditional music of the late 1700s and early 1800s will be performed by musicians playing fiddles, dulcimers and flutes at this free annual dance and music festival.
CITY: Hartford
14 - 15
Grafton Holiday Riverwalk
Celebrate the start of the holiday season in Grafton. Stop in the various businesses along Main Street and near the riverfront for special promotions, discounts, refreshments and entertainment. The Jerseyville High School choir will be caroling throughout the town. Visitors will also be able to tour the various B&Bs and guest houses in town, a perfect opportunity to check out the accommodations and purchase a gift certificate as a gift. The festivities will conclude with a Show Choir performance at the Grove Memorial Park Gazebo as we light up the town!
CITY: Grafton
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