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. A "reconstruction" of the winter camp, Camp River 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.

For more information:

National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows

The beautifully landscaped acreage boasts gardens, an outdoor amphitheater, the Shrine Church, the Lourdes Grotto, Stations of the Cross, the Millennium Spire, the Shrine Restaurant, and the Shrine Hotel. Children will enjoy the Children's Memorial Park.

For more information:

Cahokia Mounds

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.

For more information:

Argosy Casino

This riverboat casino docked on the Mississippi River in downtown Alton features Argosy's Music Hall, showcasing music and comedy acts. For a panoramic view of the Upper Mississippi and Clark Bridge, dine at Argosy's Outfitters Grill.

For more information:

Pere Marquette State Park

Pere Marquette is the largest state park in Illinois, offering visitors 8,000 acres of beautiful forested bluffs and some of the most expansive views of the region. Countless species of rare trees and unique plants can be found along the eight hiking trails in the park. A drive up the windy roads of the park affords visitors with spectacular views of the scenic byway and Illinois River Valley. Visitors love the recreational opportunities at the park, including: biking, hiking, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, boating and horseback riding. You'll find fun for the whole family in Mother Nature's backyard!

For more information:

Eagle Watching in Alton

Join one of the many eagle-watching tours and events offered in Alton, or visit the Melvin Price Locks & Dam to get a bird's-eye view of the eagles soaring over the Mississippi River.

For more information:

Wine Trails

Taste your way along this trail made up of 12 unique wineries located in small towns throughout Southwest Illinois. Must-stops include Black Diamond Vineyards in Nashville and Piasa Winery in Grafton, featuring live music on its riverside deck.

For more information:

National Great Rivers Museum

Each year millions of people travel to the Mississippi River to learn about its history and its impact on our nation. The National Great Rivers Museum at the Melvin Price Locks and Dam is dedicated to telling the story of the Mississippi River from its grand history and cultural significance to its ecological importance and role as a transportation corridor. The museum features an exhibit gallery packed with more than 20 interactive and computer-animated exhibits focusing on the cycles of the river, nature, barge traffic, water consumption and more.

For more information:

Casino Queen

The bright lights of Vegas have nothing on the Casino Queen, home of the loosest slots! The Queen has had the loosest slots in the entire country for four years running, plus the hottest table games in town. Hungry? The Queen has you covered from fine dining to casual. The best view in town is from the Casino Queen Hotel.

For more information:

Raging Rivers Water Park

Grab the kids and make a splash in your getaway itinerary with an afternoon staying cool at Raging Rivers Water Park. 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, Raging Rivers is your destination for family fun!

For more information: