2013 Travel Guide
Enjoy Illinois App
Showing 1-67 of 67 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
J-H Bison Ranch
Tours of this family-run bison ranch include baby bison feeding, herd tours, and photos with baby bison, llamas and horses.
CITY: Trenton
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
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
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
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
Centerfield Park
Spend the day tackling go-karts, miniature golf, batting cages, bumper boats and a video arcade.
CITY: O'Fallon
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
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
Historic National Road Scenic Byway
The National Road is called the "road that built the nation" because it was the first highway in American history. Today the National Road in Illinois covers 164 miles, from Marshall and the Wabash Valley, to East St. Louis and the Mississippi River.
CITY: Greenville
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Chouteau Island
Route 66 runs through the island which connects Illinois and Missouri. East side of the Mississippi River.
CITY: Pontoon Beach
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
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
Rustic Acres Campgrounds
155 sites, recreation building, swimming pool, lake fishing, boat rentals, tent camping, handicap access.
CITY: New Douglas
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
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
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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
Ripson Bridge
Located north of Greenville in Sorento, this covered bridge holds festivals every year that draw thousands of visitors.
CITY: Sorento
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
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
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
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
Far Oaks Golf Club
This par 72, Goalby-designed golf course has 18 challenging holes.
CITY: Caseyville
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
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
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
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