Madison, Macoupin, Montgomery, Greene, Jersey & Calhoun Counties

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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.

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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.

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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...

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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.

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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.

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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...

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ExperienceHartford

Located at the confluence of the Mississippi and Missouri rivers, Hartford is where things come together.

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ExperienceJerseyville

Shopping, dining and a good old fashioned county fair are just a small part of Jerseyville’s community identity.

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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.

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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!

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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...

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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.

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ExperienceCarrollton

The county seat of Greene County, Carrollton is home to a municipal pool, spacious parks and several locally owned restaurants.

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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...

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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’...

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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...

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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...

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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,...

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ExperienceCarlinville

The county seat of Macoupin County, Carlinville has nearly as many historic sites as it does unique and interesting shops, restaurants and attractions.

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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).

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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...

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ExperienceHamel

The Village of Hamel is a small but growing community that proudly touts its Route 66 heritage.

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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.

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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...

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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.

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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”...

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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,...

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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...

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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,...

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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...

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ExperienceHardin

Hardin is the county seat for Calhoun County. The only bridge into the county, the Joe Page Lift Bridge, is located in Hardin.

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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...

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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.

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Blog

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Top Spots for Spring Fishing in Southwest Illinois

Picture yourself sitting along the banks of the Mighty Mississippi, fishing pole in hand, your line...

3 minute read

Gateway National Golf Course

Top Golf Courses in Southwest Illinois

Dreaming of blades of luscious green grass blanketing the fairways? Pinch yourself because the grass...

4 minute read

Miles Davis in Downtown Alton

Why Alton is the Birthplace of Cool

On the River Banks The flowing waters of the Mighty Mississippi River have washed over artists...

5 minute read

Group of White Pelicans

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

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

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

Rocky Fork Church

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

Dave and Donna Nunnally

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

1854 African Baptist Church

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

Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site

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

Wadlow%20Statue

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 Church

Rocky Fork: The Beginning

Ordinary people living their lives. That is the collective history of the Rocky Fork area. From...

2 minute read

Dogs on Motorcycle

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

Marcus Piper - Alton, Fall, Sailboat, River

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

Lincoln Douglas, Welcome to Alton

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

Up Next:

fishing%20banner

Top Spots for Spring Fishing in Southwest Illinois

Gateway National Golf Course

Top Golf Courses in Southwest Illinois

Miles Davis in Downtown Alton

Why Alton is the Birthplace of Cool

Group of White Pelicans

Best Places to View American White Pelicans

Eagle Watching in Southwest Illinois

A Great (Safe) Escape to Grafton Helps Battle COVID Blues

Rocky Fork Church

A Return to Rocky Fork: Early People

Best Fall Hikes

Dave and Donna Nunnally

Mysterious Mineral Springs Has a Recipe for Paranormal Adventures

Great River Road Fall Travel

1854 African Baptist Church

State Convention for Colored People Held in Alton

Take a Hike! Best Spots to Stretch Your Legs

Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site

Explore Great Rivers & Routes from A to Z

Wadlow%20Statue

Robert Wadlow - The World's Tallest Man

Why Alton is America's Most Haunted Small Town

Rocky Fork Church

Rocky Fork: The Beginning

Dogs on Motorcycle

Enjoy a Pet-Cation in Southwest Illinois

Marcus Piper - Alton, Fall, Sailboat, River

Come Out and Play This Fall

Lincoln Douglas, Welcome to Alton

Undiscovered: Take a Walk Through These Historic Towns

Nature Connections: Masterpieces Along the Byway