EXPERIENCE GREAT RIVERS & ROUTES
There is only one place in America where two of our nation’s great roadways come together alongside the confluence of America’s three great rivers. And that is right here in the Great Rivers and Routes region of Southwest Illinois.
ExperienceAlton
Home to the world’s tallest man, a legendary man-eating bird and the site of Abraham Lincoln’s one and only duel, Alton has been telling its story in hundreds of ways over its nearly 200 year...
ExperienceGodfrey
Visitors to Godfrey can enjoy dozens of shops, tea-rooms and restaurants. Nature enthusiasts fall in love with the scenic views and rolling hills of Godfrey which are filled with nature trails and...
ExperienceGrafton
At the confluence of America’s two great rivers, the Mississippi and Illinois, the riverfront community of Grafton is known for its sweeping views and vibrant downtown district. Legends abound about...
ExperienceElsah
Nestled in the bluffs of the Mississippi River, Elsah was the first village in its entirety to be placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1973.
ExperienceBethalto
Low green hills and picturesque farms frame the Village of Bethalto, but don’t let the peaceful setting and relaxed lifestyle fool you – there’s plenty to see and do in the community.
ExperienceEast Alton
Often called “the village of progress,” East Alton has progressively defined itself as a destination of its own. Roll into town for the Annual Soap Box Festival, learn all about the village’s history...
ExperienceWood River
Reminders of Wood River’s past as an oil refinery town are everywhere – even the town’s high school mascot is the Oilers – and its heritage is celebrated at the Wood River Museum & Visitors Center.
ExperienceRoxana
Home to Phillips 66, one of the region’s best community partners and one of the world’s largest oil refineries, Roxana also boasts strong recreational opportunities.
ExperienceSouth Roxana
South Roxana is a small town that’s big on fun. The South Roxana Dad’s Club hosts an annual Homecoming celebration at Dad’s Club Park, and the village has bars and restaurants that are always serving...
ExperienceHartford
Located at the confluence of the Mississippi and Missouri rivers, Hartford is where things come together.
ExperienceJerseyville
Shopping, dining and a good old fashioned county fair are just a small part of Jerseyville’s community identity.
ExperienceGillespie
Gillespie wears its history as a coal mining community and early Route 66 stop well. The Illinois Coal Museum and a downtown mural are some highlights of this historic community.
ExperienceBenld
Benld, nestled in the heart of Macoupin County, is rumored to have a past tied to the famous gangster Al Capone. Stop in and see if you can find traces of the bootlegger and racketeer!
ExperienceMount Olive
History buffs and Route 66 enthusiasts put Mt. Olive on their Mother Road itinerary. The Soulsby Service Station, one of the oldest and most original service stations located on Route 66, has been...
ExperienceLitchfield
A vital part of the Route 66 experience, Litchfield boasts the oldest restaurant on the Mother Road, Ariston Café, and the Route 66 Welcome Center.
ExperienceCarrollton
The county seat of Greene County, Carrollton is home to a municipal pool, spacious parks and several locally owned restaurants.
ExperienceGreenfield
Camping, fishing and more are abundant in Greenfield, a rural Greene County community. Rives Lake offers camping, fishing and more fun in the sun for adventure-seekers. For the event-oriented the city...
ExperienceRoodHouse
Though just over one square mile in total area, Roodhouse is home to the Hotel Roodhouse, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. More current is the Roodhouse Downtown Smokin’...
ExperienceWhite Hall
A rural community, White Hall is just off the Great River Road in Greene County. The small town has plenty of things to keep visitors busy, including the White Hall Reservoir for outdoor enthusiasts...
ExperienceVirden
Virden’s role in the historic 1898 coal miners’ strike is memorialized in the Battle of Virden Monument in the center of town, one of a few monuments and murals honoring the city’s past. Once a...
ExperienceGirard
Start your trip down Route 66 with a stop at Doc’s Soda Fountain, an old-fashioned hangout where the hand-jerked sodas and walls of memorabilia are entirely authentic. After quenching your thirst,...
ExperienceCarlinville
The county seat of Macoupin County, Carlinville has nearly as many historic sites as it does unique and interesting shops, restaurants and attractions.
ExperienceStaunton
Henry’s Rabbit Ranch in Staunton is among the most eclectic places anywhere along historic Route 66, a tribute to rabbits (the furry kind) and also Rabbits (the Volkswagen kind).
ExperienceLivingston
Few stops along Route 66 contain as much charm as Livingston’s Pink Elephant Antique Mall. This quiet community along Interstate 55 is a must-stop for Mother Road travelers and curiosity seekers...
ExperienceHamel
The Village of Hamel is a small but growing community that proudly touts its Route 66 heritage.
ExperienceWorden
You’ve heard of Mardi Gras, but in the town of Worden they celebrate Wordi Gras, the village’s version of New Orleans’ event of excess.
ExperienceEdwardsville
As Illinois’ third oldest city and home to five state governors, Edwardsville has cemented its place in local history. Named for the first territorial governor of Illinois, Ninian Edwards, the city...
ExperienceGlen Carbon
Just 15 minutes from Downtown St. Louis, Glen Carbon is a village rich in heritage. Today, Glen Carbon continues its merchant-based past with over 300 businesses calling the village home.
ExperienceCollinsville
From a gigantic catsup bottle to one of the largest pre-Columbian Native American settlements in North America, Collinsville offers a vast array of things to do. Topping the list of “must see”...
ExperienceNokomis
Like a lot of the small towns in the region, Nokomis is defined by its locally owned businesses and restaurants. Perhaps its biggest draw, though, are its three parks, Nokomis Community Memorial Park,...
ExperienceRaymond
The small town of Raymond, located in the heart of Montgomery County, is home to the 9-hole Shoal Creek Golf Course. After a day on the fairways and greens, enjoy a memorable dinner at the Huntergreen...
ExperienceHillsboro
Hillsboro is the Montgomery County seat and it shows. From a picturesque courthouse, the Historical Harkey House and a bronze statue of Abraham Lincoln commemorating his many visits to the city,...
ExperienceKampsville
Kampsville is a village located on the west bank of the Illinois River. The village is the base of operations for the Center for American Archeology, an educational and research organization dedicated...
ExperienceHardin
Hardin is the county seat for Calhoun County. The only bridge into the county, the Joe Page Lift Bridge, is located in Hardin.
ExperienceBrussels
The Brussels Historic District was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1998. Visitors can stroll down Main and Community Streets and see restored businesses, homes and the historic...
ExperienceGolden Eagle
Home to orchards and farms, Golden Eagle is also the base for the Golden Eagle Ferry which brings visitors from St. Charles, MO to the Illinois side of the Mississippi River.
Eagle Watching in Southwest Illinois
The crisp cool air and open waters of the Mississippi Flyway are a refuge for eagles, trumpeter...
2 minute read
They're Back! Trumpeter Swans Return to Their Winter Home
It's a peaceful image: Trumpeter Swans gliding along the waters in the early morning sunrises....
3 minute read
A Great (Safe) Escape to Grafton Helps Battle COVID Blues
“We can’t stand it. We have to get out.” The voice on the other end of the line...
4 minute read
A Return to Rocky Fork: Early People
Priscilla Baltimore, known as "The Moses of the West", helped organize the Underground...
4 minute read
Best Fall Hikes
Great Hikes to Take This Fall COVID taking a toll on your mental health? Take a walk. The Great...
2 minute read
Mysterious Mineral Springs Has a Recipe for Paranormal Adventures
Whip up your own recipe for an exciting paranormal adventure in Alton with Dave and Donna Nunnally...
6 minute read
Great River Road Fall Travel
Planning your next fall vacation? You’ll find plenty of things to do throughout the Great...
7 minute read
State Convention for Colored People Held in Alton
Born free, John Jones apprenticed with a tailor in Memphis, Tennessee. He came to Alton in 1840 to...
3 minute read
Take a Hike! Best Spots to Stretch Your Legs
(Hiking at Pere Marquette State Park. Photo by Mike Cruz.) We've all been cooped up for so long...
8 minute read
Explore Great Rivers & Routes from A to Z
Oh the fun you can have and the places you will go -- when you explore the Great Rivers & Routes...
5 minute read
Robert Wadlow - The World's Tallest Man
Alton’s history stands tall with monumental moments, but there are none taller than...
6 minute read
Why Alton is America's Most Haunted Small Town
It was a dark and stormy night ... well, maybe not so stormy but definitely dark ... as a group of...
8 minute read
Rocky Fork: The Beginning
Ordinary people living their lives. That is the collective history of the Rocky Fork area. From...
2 minute read
Best Places to View American White Pelicans
Turn your eyes skyward or take a few moments to scan the Mississippi River right now and you are...
4 minute read
Enjoy a Pet-Cation in Southwest Illinois
Does your dog ever look at you like they are tired of running around in the same yard day after day?...
5 minute read
Come Out and Play This Fall
(Biking at Lake Lou Yaeger in Litchfield. Photo by John Locus) Cool breezes, the sun sparkling high...
3 minute read
Undiscovered: Take a Walk Through These Historic Towns
Located at the confluence of three great American rivers - Mississippi, Illinois and Missouri - the...
4 minute read
Nature Connections: Masterpieces Along the Byway
Put down your phones. Park the car. Slow down and breathe. There’s no better place to connect...
2 minute read
Farm Fresh Fun: Take Your Pick at Orchards & Roadside Stands
There's no better way to get outside with the family and practice social distancing than by...
2 minute read
Let's Take a Trip: 5 Day Trips in Southwest Illinois
Are you feeling adventurous today? Want to catch a glimpse of something great? Well the GREAT Rivers...
6 minute read