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

National Great Rivers Museum

Located adjacent to the Melvin Price Locks and Dam, this museum is dedicated to telling the story of the Mississippi River, from its colorful history to its modern-day role as a major transportation corridor. The museum features kid-friendly, interactive and computer animated exhibits. Steer a towboat through the locks and dam via simulator, measure your water consumption or come face-to-face with river fish in the aquarium.

CITY: Alton

Lewis & Clark Confluence Tower

The Lewis & Clark Confluence Tower is dedicated to the duo's history-making journey, and serves as a gateway to the Meeting of the Great Rivers National Scenic Byway. The Corps of Discovery voyage began here on May 14, 1804, at the confluence of the Mississippi and Missouri rivers. Take the elevator up to the top of the 180-foot-tall tower, where you’ll step out to panoramic views of the swirling river waters (the view is particularly stunning at sunset). On platforms located at 50, 100 and 150 feet visitors learn about the early days of Hartford, as well as Lewis and Clark's journey.

CITY: Hartford

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

Lewis and Clark State Historic Site

The Lewis and Clark State Historic Site commemorates Camp Dubois, the 1803-1804 winter camp of Meriwether Lewis and William Clark. It was at Camp Dubois that members of the Corps of Discovery prepared for their expedition to the Pacific Ocean. The 14,000 square-foot exhibit space contains six galleries that outline the background and history of the Lewis and Clark expedition from its conception to its meaning for today's America. Exhibits are kid-friendly, offering opportunities for hands-on engagement. A "reconstruction" of the winter camp, Camp Dubois, is located on the grounds near the visitor center. Its design reflects 1803 U.S. Army regulations for the construction of military posts. Interpreters are on-site daily in the camp to explain how the men prepared for the journey.

CITY: Hartford

Confederate Prison Site

Built in 1833, Alton houses Illinois' first state penitentiary. During the Civil War, the facility imprisoned thousands of Confederate soldiers. Partial remains of the structure can still be observed today.

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

J.E. Robinson Underground Railroad Tours

In the early 1800s, Alton became a safe haven for slaves escaping from the bonds of slavery. Because of the area's neighboring slave state of Missouri, runaways found refuge in the free land surrounding Alton. The tunnels of the Underground Railroad run deep beneath the streets along the "Alton Route." The area was a major stop along the Underground Railroad, hiding slaves in caves, barns and basements throughout Alton, Otterville and Jerseyville. Hear the slave's tales, feel their fear and learn about Alton's remarkable past on an Underground Railroad Tour. Tours available by appointment only.

CITY: Alton

Lincoln & Civil War Legacy Trail

Walk in the footsteps of Abraham and Mary Todd Lincoln, and Civil War soldiers from both North and South. Experience the life of young Lincoln as a lawyer, duelist and orator. It was here that the final Lincoln-Douglas Debate took place, with the issue of slavery on the minds of spectators. It was here that Confederate soldiers were held captive, died and were buried. It was here that Alton resident and U.S. Senator Lyman Trumbull authored the 13th Amendment, putting an end to slavery in the United States. Experience the 11 historic sites interpreted along the Lincoln & Civil War Legacy Trail.

CITY: Alton

Argosy Casino-Alton

Enjoy three levels of action on the first riverboat casino in Illinois, with more than 1,000 of the most popular machines, from penny to $25 slots. Try your luck at the tables with blackjack, roulette, Caribbean stud poker, pai gow poker and craps.

CITY: Alton

Mineral Springs Haunted Tours

Take an eight-block tour of some of the haunted locations in downtown Alton, investigate the four floors of the Mineral Springs Hotel, be part of a seance and top the evening off with a tarot card reading. All tours begin and end at the Mineral Springs Mall. Tour options include New Moon Haunted Tours, Waking the Dead Walking Tours, Cemetery Tours and Haunted Overnights.

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

Lincoln-Douglas Square

The final debate of Stephan A. Douglas and Abraham Lincoln took place in front of Alton's city hall at the corner of Broadway and Market Streets. The senatorial debate drew national attention along with more that 6,000 visitors. Life-like statues of the two statesmen keep the famous series of debates in 1858 frozen forever in time.

CITY: Alton

Haagen Haus

Comfort, convenience and beautiful surroundings await you in this 1870s guest house located in the historic Christian Hill District. Enjoy private one or two bedroom units with secluded brick courtyards and cozy gas fireplaces. Located on State Street, the Haagen Haus is within walking distance to downtown shops, restaurants, the scenic byway, biking and walking trails, and the Argosy Casino.

CITY: Alton

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

Piasa Bird Mural at Piasa Park

Located on the edge of Alton, Piasa Park is an attractive stop for motorists, picnickers and bicyclists. The park is set at the base of the giant Piasa Bird mural that is painted on the side of a huge bluff. A large granite arrowhead tells the story of the Piasa Bird, which, according to legend, Chief Ouatoga and his 20 warriors killed with poison darts.

CITY: Alton

Beall Mansion Historic Tours

Tour the mansion built as a wedding present by railroad baron and riverboat magnate Z.B. Job for his son and bride Mary Drummond, heiress to the Drummond tobacco fortune. Today this three-story mansion serves as a bed and breakfast.

CITY: Alton

The Ariston Cafe

Route 66 Hall of Fame: established in 1924 in Carlinville, relocated to Litchfield in 1929. Specializing in American & Tex-Mex cuisine.

CITY: Litchfield

Wood River Refinery History Museum

Step back in time more than 75 years at the Shell History Museum in Roxana, Illinois. Trace the history of Shell Wood River and neighboring communities as you look at early photographs and the many items of interest, including vintage gasoline pumps, glass motor oil bottles Shell product advertising and city maps.

CITY: Roxana

Confederate Cemetery and Memorial

This monument remembers those who died in the infamous Alton prison. A smallpox virus spread rapidly through the Alton Prison in 1863, killing more than 1,435 incarcerated soldiers. The soldiers are laid to rest here and each of their names is commemorated at the Memorial. The Alton Prison and Confederate Cemetery are some of the rare northernmost monuments to the Confederate Soldier.

CITY: Alton

Alton Little Theater

Entertaining audiences since 1934, the Alton Little Theater offers a season of great live theatrical performances from dramas to comedies to everyone's favorite musicals. The Alton Little Theater is one of the oldest community theaters in the state of Illinois.

CITY: Alton

Alton Museum of History and Art

Winged monsters, explorers, riverboats and a gentle giant. The Alton Museum of History & Art shows the crossroads of American history in Alton. The museum is located in the historic Loomis Hall across from the Wadlow statue. Loomis Hall is the oldest building in the state of Illinois continuously utilized for education. One of the most popular rooms, the Wadlow Room, pays tribute to Alton's "Gentle Giant" and the World's Tallest Man. The Pioneer Room explores the history of Alton from the Lewis & Clark Expedition to the Civil War with exhibits on Elijah Lovejoy, the Lincoln-Douglas Debates and the "Alton Route" on the Underground Railroad. Hours: Wednesday - Saturday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Sunday 1 - 4 p.m.

CITY: Alton

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Ralph Korte Stadium & Sports Complex

This 3,000-seat venue is home of the SIUE track & field and soccer programs. The complex, which has hosted the NCAA Division II Championships on three occasions, is completely lighted and has a seperate throwing area for field events.

CITY: Edwardsville

Lewis and Clark Memorial

This memorial commemorates Camp Dubois, the 1803-04 winter camp of Lewis and Clark where they launched their Corps of Discovery expedition to the Pacific.

CITY: Hartford

Mississippi Mud Pottery

Watch the potters at Mississippi Mud spin a creation right before your eyes. The potters work daily making dinnerware, lamps, vases, planters, casseroles, pottery and custom-designed ware. Their creations are made from natural clay materials mined in the Midwest region, with lead-free glazes that are microwave, oven proof and dishwasher safe. The pottery on display makes a great gift as a beautiful piece of art, as well as practical dishes for use in the home.

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

Beer Barrel Pub

Must be 21

CITY: Godfrey

George Street Suites

Perfect for pleasure and business. Stay by the night, week or month. One, two and three bedroom furnished apartments with full kitchen, coffee maker, stove, microwave and dishes. Enjoy all the modern conveniences including digital cable TV, DVD, and complementary Wi-Fi. Located in the Middletown Historic District next to the award winning Beall Mansion Bed and Breakfast. Close to shopping and businesses, marina, wineries, restaurants, hiking and biking trails, historic sites and the Argosy Casino Alton.

CITY: Alton

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Cougar Field and SimmonsCooper Baseball Complex

These newly constructed additions to the sports facilities at SIUE serve as the home of the softball and baseball teams, respectively.

CITY: Edwardsville

Robert Wadlow Statue

In 1918, Alton became the famous birthplace of Robert Wadlow, "The Gentle Giant." Born a normal eight pounds in 1918, Wadlow suffered from a pituitary gland problem. He was almost nine feet tall and 500 pounds when he died of complications from a foot infection at age 22. He is noted in the Guinness Book of World Records as the tallest man alive. A life-sized statue on College Avenue lifts visitors' heads in amazement. The Alton Museum of History and Art have devoted an entire room to Wadlow, including his third-grade desk and oversized grade school ring.

CITY: Alton

Green Tree Inn Bed & Breakfast

Choose your room from five lovely spaces appointed to transport you to a place of serenity apart from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Each one provides a relaxing atmosphere that reflects the peacefulness of historic Elsah. Here you will find cozy comfort, gentle romance, serene elegance, sunny color and tranquil beauty.

CITY: Elsah

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

Alton Stained Glass Works

Visit this working studio to shop for hand-crafted works of art - lamps, window panes, ornaments, sun catchers, glass beads and more. From decorative items to window panes, make a purchase from the floor or have Lynne custom design a piece for you and your home. Classes are also available. Hours: Tuesday 5:30 - 8:30 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. or by appointment.

CITY: Alton

Beall Mansion - An Elegant Bed & Breakfast Inn

Welcome to the mansion built as a wedding gift. Designed by Lucas Pfeiffenberger and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this elegant mansion features 18 ionic columns, eleven and a half foot ceilings, crystal chandeliers and marble and bronze statuary throughout. Let us pamper you with sumptuous feather beds, whirlpools for two, 24 hour "all you can eat" chocolate buffet, and optional gourmet breakfast in bed. Free wi-fi. In room massage, spa, golf and corporate packages available.

CITY: Alton

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

Jackson House - Alton

Jackson House offers a Victorian elegance in the main house, or secluded luxury in a guest house. Sink into a king-sized bed in the spacious master bedroom or snuggle under a quilt in the atmospheric Fireplace room. After slumbering in the loft of The Barn, enjoy the woodland landscape while lounging on the enclosed porch. In The Cave, a cozy earth house, you might bask in the glow of the fireplace, or in the summer, relax on the romantic patio.

CITY: Alton

Cozy Creek Family Farm

Family vacation farm

CITY: Waggoner

Alton Square Mall

Anchored by JCPenney and Macy's, Alton Square Mall is the area's regional mall destination. A full-service food court, U.S. Post Office, satellite city library and Christian Science Reading Room are also featured at the mall. Hours: Sunday, noon - 6 p.m. Monday - Saturday, 10 a.m. - 9 p.m.

CITY: Alton

Jacoby Arts Center

Jacoby Arts Center is dedicated to creating opportunities for individual artists in their pursuit of artistic excellence and economic success. The stunning gallery presents works of regional and national artists and the retail shop, known as The Artist Shop, showcases items in a variety of media while providing artists a retail outlet to their audiences.

CITY: Alton

The Wildey Theatre

Opened in 1909 as an opera house and a meeting hall for the Independent Order of Oddfellows, the Wildey has undergone many transformations through the years. The most recent one is a $2 million renovation inside and out.

CITY: Edwardsville

Main Street Gallery

The Main Street Gallery was created to display the works of juried artist. The art is professionally shown and is available for sale. Blown glass, pottery, paintings, drawings, metalwork, and jewelry are just a few of the art pieces available.

CITY: Edwardsville

Bubby and Sissy’s

Located just a few blocks from the riverfront Argosy Casino Alton, this bar hosts drag shows every weekend, karaoke on Thursdays, amateur drag queen and king shows the last Wednesday of the month, and dancing to DJ-driven music.

CITY: Alton

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Vadalabene Center

The Vadalabene Center on the Division I campus at SIUE is a flexible venue with seating for 4,000. The main gym can be configured for several different court setups: three full-sized basketball, six volleyball or five badminton. The center is also home to the SIUE wrestling program.

CITY: Edwardsville

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

Benjamin Godfrey Memorial Chapel

Originally called Monticello, the village of Godfrey was named for a Massachusetts sea captain, Benjamin Godfrey who founded the Monticello Seminary in 1838. One of the more rapidly growing Illinois community colleges, Lewis & Clark Community College, now calls the Monticello campus home. Located on the campus, the Benjamin Godfrey Chapel, built in 1854, has become a landmark in the community. This church has been designated as one of only six churches outside of the northeastern United States that are authentic copies of New England church architecture and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

CITY: Godfrey

Dollar General -- Godfrey

Convenience items at discount prices.

CITY: Godfrey

Skate Zone, Indoor Skating Rink

Show off your best roller skating moves at this indoor skating rink.

CITY: Litchfield

Alton Antique Center

There is something for everyone at the Alton Antique Center. Merchandise from around the world, from inexpensive to investment quality pieces, abound in this shop located on the banks of the Mississippi River. Rare one-of-a-kind items, exotic pieces, oddities, and items from Asia, Great Britain, Europe and America are available. From beautiful to whimsical, there is always something to capture the eye and the imagination at the center.

CITY: Alton

Castelli's Restaurant at 255

It has been over 75 years since Alfonso Castelli opened Moonlight Restaurant. One of the most popular items is the fried chicken. The TALK-N-CHIC is a house secret, a trademarked recipe that has been passed down through the generations. Castelli's Restaurant at 255 also offers other homemade specialties such as the “Roman” house salad dressing, tortellini, and ravioli. All are absolutely delicious! If you're a steak, chop or seafood lover, you can't go wrong. The menu from top to bottom is wonderful and the prices are a great value.

CITY: Alton

Macoupin County Jail

The historic 1869 Macoupin County Jail was designed by E.E. Meyers. It was built using the "cannon ball" method which prevented jail breaks by making it nearly impossible to remove the blocks. This unique medieval-inspired fortress housed many lawbreakers during its 119 years of use, but only one prisoner escaped. He was soon apprehended a few blocks from the jail.

CITY: Carlinville

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

Architectural Ceramics

Architectural Ceramics has a great selection of ceramics for home decor, gifts, and more.

CITY: Edwardsville

Lovejoy Monument

This monument memorializes Elijah P. Lovejoy, whose work and death in Alton gave him a place in history for the abolition of slavery. During the slavery era, Elijah Lovejoy was a pastor who wrote anti-slavery editorials so controversial he became an object of hatred by slaveholders. Despite threats to his life, he continued his anti-slavery writings in the Alton Observer, even after three of his printing presses were thrown into the Mississippi River. It was this persistence that led an angry pro-slavery mob to attack and kill him in 1837.

CITY: Alton

Argosy Casino - Captain's Table Buffet

Even the heartiest of appetites is no match for the Captain’s Table Buffet. Enjoy seasonal favorites, hand-selected by our chefs. From comfort foods like special-recipe fried chicken and mashed potatoes to fresh fish and steamed vegetables we are sure to have exactly what you are looking for.

CITY: Alton

Imo's Pizza

Imo’s Pizza is known for their famous thin crust. Originally from St. Louis, Imo’s uses Provel cheese instead of mozzarella. Their fresh, never frozen ingredients are piled edge to edge over their homemade sauce. Side that with a salad.

CITY: Bethalto

Prairie Peddler Antiques

Two stories of quality 18th and 19th century antiques are featured at this shop located in historic downtown Alton. Pieces include: country, primitive, formal, folk art, early iron, ceramics, pottery, mirros, clocks, textiles, baskets and early lighting. Open Wednesday - Saturday, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. and Sunday, Noon - 4 p.m.

CITY: Alton

Karen's Crafts

Located in the antique district of historic downtown Alton, this mom and pop craft shop has all your project needs and then some. Unique and traditional crafting items are found throughout the store. Hours: Tuesday - Saturday, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

CITY: Alton

My Just Desserts

Follow the lead of the locals and order dessert first, as fresh-baked favorites like the Tollhouse brownies and Mrs. Ledbetter’s chocolate pie sell out early. For lunch, sample the hefty half-pound chicken salad sandwich or one of the homey casseroles.

CITY: Alton

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

Edwardsville Children's Museum

The museum focuses on expanding young minds through a variety of educational programs. It is available for birthday parties and field trips.

CITY: Edwardsville

Fulkerson Mansion and Farm Museum

Colonel William H. Fulkerson's mansion and farm museum contains many rare agricultural items and equipment with emphasis on large, rare farm steam traction engines, utilized for plowing the prairie, threshing the grain, and for powering early sawmills. The estate is 14-room Southern-style Victorian mansion that has remained virtually unchanged to this day. It was placed on the National Historic Register of Historic Places in 1998.

CITY: Jerseyville

Log Cabin Museum

In the park next to Hamel School, this building was built between 1820 and 1852 and moved to Hamel in 1980. Artifacts from the period are displayed inside.

CITY: Hamel

Hickory Grove Restaurant

From all-you-can-eat fried chicken, fried pollack and spaghetti to regular but generous portions of pot roast and noodles, crab cakes, and more, Hickory Grove Restaurant prides itself on quality meals at great prices. The family-style menu provides a large variety of entrees for food lovers of all types. Hours: Daily 7 a.m. - 10 p.m.

CITY: Jerseyville

Holiday Inn - Alton

If you're searching for full-service hotels in Alton, IL, look no further. In addition to state-of-the-art event facilities, we have a large atrium with comfortable seating to encourage conversation. We also have added all new 32" flat screen tvs in all guest rooms. Located at the intersection of Route 140 and Route 3, and within minutes of I-255 , I-270, and the Amtrak Station, this hotel boasts unparalleled amenities and the friendliest staff, as well as ideal proximity to downtown Alton.

CITY: Alton

Brooms Orchard

Apples, peaches, strawberries, jam and a country store. Pick your own pumpkins, apples, peaches and strawberries. Special events in September and August.

CITY: Carlinville

Bur Oaks Camp Ground

All year overnight camping facility

CITY: Alhambra

Argosy Casino - Outfitter's Grill

A breathtaking view of the Upper Mississippi and the Clark Bridge is the perfect complement to an Outfitters Grill menu that has prime cuts of USDA Choice beef, the freshest seafood, mouthwatering pasta and so much more.

CITY: Alton

Tony's Restaurant

Family owned for more than 50 years, Tony's is located in Alton on Third Street. Known for their mouth-watering pepperloin steaks, the family recipe has been a crowd pleaser for years. Homemade pastas and family recipes make for a memorable meal. Tony's offers the best of both worlds with a formal dining room, perfect for a romantic meal or to celebrate a special occasion. The Third Street Cafe entrance features a sports bar atmosphere perfect for kicking back to enjoy a slice of fresh secret recipe pizza, a juicy half-pound steakburger or a basket of wings. From casual family dining to a cozy meal together, Tony's is your place!

CITY: Alton

Malham Orchards

The roadside market sells homegrown apples (20 varieties), peaches, nectarines, pears and plums. Choose to "Bag Your Own Apples" and mix varieties, or pick up cider and apple butter.

CITY: Carlinville

Oak Leaf Country Club

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

CITY: Girard

Macoupin County Historical Society Museum

The Macoupin County Historical Society Museum is housed in the John Anderson mansion, originally built in 1883. The main house is a museum with exhibits that chronicle the development of Macoupin County and its citizens. In addition to the mansion, several other buildings on the grounds emphasize the county's history: a one-room schoolhouse, blacksmith shop, church, wash house, granary and herb garden.

CITY: Carlinville

Koster Farms Hunting Club

Hunting on 2,000 acres of farm, timberland, cropland, and creek bottoms provides a large terrain selection for prime hunting. New club house sleeps 10, full kitchen, 2 baths, dish TV and VCR. Nine hole golf course nearby.

CITY: Carrollton

The Doll Corner

The Doll Corner has a large selection of antique dolls and collectibles.

CITY: Edwardsville

Comfort Inn - Alton

From the moment you arrive at Comfort Inn, we want you to relax and feel at home. Our helpful staff is there to welcome you, and you'll find everything to suit your needs, including clean, comfortable, and well-appointed rooms with cozy beds. We also offer free high-speed Internet access. Feel at ease knowing that your satisfaction is important to us!

CITY: Alton

Carlinville Historic District

The Historic District includes the Macoupin County Jail, Million Dollar Courthouse, and the largest collection of Sears & Roebuck mail-order homes in the U.S.

CITY: Carlinville

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

Colonel Benjamin Stephenson House

This two-story brick home is a wonderful example of Federal-style architecture from 1820. Col. Stephenson, who was a contemporary of Lewis & Clark, moved there in 1809.

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

Fast Eddie's Bon-Air

The legend lives on at Fast Eddie's Bon-Air. It's an institution that people come from miles around to experience. Grilled burgers, shish-kabobs, brawtwurst and boiled shrimp all sold at the same low prices as when they were added 14 years ago! You must be 21 years of age to enter.

CITY: Alton

Historic Wabash Train Depot

This historic train depot features a preserved facade and a renovated interior that houses specialty shops.

CITY: Litchfield

Plainview Vineyard

Plainview Vineyard grows 16 varieties of grapes in their vineyard. During the summer, be sure to try our frozen wine drinks. All our wine grape varieties were grown, harvested, and bottled at Plainview Vineyard.

CITY: Plainview

RiverView Suites

These suites are private, secure and first class in a quiet, relaxing atmosphere. Fully furnished one and two bedroom units. Kitchen, VCR, digital cable, washer and dryer, free local calls.

CITY: Alton

Hot Metal Heaven Museum

This museum features a collection of letterpress printing memorabilia.

CITY: Beneld

Governor Coles Memorial

This memorial in Valley View Cemetery honors Edward Coles, the second governor of Illinois (1822-1826). A former slaveowner from Virginia, Coles became an abolitionist and won the 1822 gubernatorial election as the candidate of anti-slavery forces.

CITY: Edwardsville

Madison County Historical Society Museum & Archives

The 1836 Weir House is filled with an amazing display of artifacts representing local and county history, in addition to a historic research library.

CITY: Edwardsville