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

A Taste of Fall

Fall adventures start here

Support local restaurants

Don't cook -- #carry-out

St. Louis

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...

Reset Map Visit Location

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...

Reset Map Visit Location

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...

Reset Map Visit Location

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.

Reset Map Visit Location

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.

Reset Map Visit Location

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...

Reset Map Visit Location

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.

Reset Map Visit Location

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.

Reset Map Visit Location

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...

Reset Map Visit Location

ExperienceHartford

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

Reset Map Visit Location

ExperienceJerseyville

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

Reset Map Visit Location

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.

Reset Map Visit Location

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!

Reset Map

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...

Reset Map

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.

Reset Map Visit Location

ExperienceCarrollton

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

Reset Map Visit Location

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...

Reset Map

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’...

Reset Map

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...

Reset Map Visit Location

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...

Reset Map

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,...

Reset Map

ExperienceCarlinville

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

Reset Map Visit Location

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).

Reset Map Visit Location

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...

Reset Map Visit Location

ExperienceHamel

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

Reset Map Visit Location

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.

Reset Map Visit Location

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...

Reset Map Visit Location

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.

Reset Map Visit Location

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”...

Reset Map Visit Location

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,...

Reset Map Visit Location

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...

Reset Map

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,...

Reset Map Visit Location

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...

Reset Map Visit Location

ExperienceHardin

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

Reset Map Visit Location

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...

Reset Map Visit Location

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.

Reset Map

The Four Regions of the Great Rivers & RouteS:

Learn More by requesting a Free Visitors Guide

Our Latest Stories & Events

Explore

Places to Eat

Great Rivers Circle

Things To Do

Great Rivers Circle

Places To Stay

Great Rivers Circle

Blog

wildey-pin-up-web-optimized_1

A Legendary Theatre: Meet the Wildey

Enjoy a video of the Wildey Theatre's legendary story! If the walls of the Wildey Theatre in...

5 minute read

Pere Marquette State Park at Sunset

Come Explore Pere Marquette State Park

Put on those hiking shoes and plan to spend a day enjoying the wildlife and scenic views that can...

6 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

The Outlet Safe Dining

Don't Worry -- Travel Safely in Great Rivers & Routes

Looking for a safe, healthy weekend getaway, staycation or simply in the market for some new...

3 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

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

Feathered Joy in Hillsboro

(Amidst a chaotic time due to the Covid 19 pandemic, two little owls made their way into this world....

4 minute read

Route 66 Dining

Get Your Dish on Route 66

Hit the top spots to eat along the country's most iconic roadway — Route 66. From...

4 minute read

Get Your Instagram Kicks on Route 66

Illinois’ The Great Rivers area is also home to great drives thanks to its location along the...

4 minute read

Grafton Ferry: Enjoy a Trip to Grafton This Weekend

Catch the Grafton Ferry for your weekend getaway along the Mississippi and Illinois rivers! Enjoy a...

1 minute read

Girlfriend Getaway

Great Girlfriend Getaways

Hey Ladies! Who runs the world? Girls! Make every day National Girlfriends Day and have the ladies...

7 minute read

Tara Point Chair

Great Places to Stay Along the Rivers & Routes of Southwest Illinois

Great. Lodging. Here. (Tara Point Inn & Cottages, Grafton, IL) A trip to the Great Rivers &...

5 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

Family Camping in Litchfield

How to End the Summer With a Bang in Southwest Illinois

It's almost that time again -- summer days are getting shorter and the kids are heading back to...

6 minute read

Kissing Pink Elephant

Illinois Road Trip Round Up: Best Instagram Spots

We’ve been “All In for Illinois” during the pandemic, but now that we're...

11 minute read

Ariston Cafe on Route 66

Legendary Ariston Cafe Is At Home on Route 66

When Will Law became co-owner of the Ariston Café in Litchfield 18 months ago, he thought he...

2 minute read

Hiking in Grafton

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

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

Golf Courses in Region

Open For Business

Going stir crazy during state and local Stay At Home orders? A new explanation of the Illinois...

2 minute read

Gillespie Mural

Road Trip Ready Attractions: A Guide To What's Open

The open roads in southwest Illinois are calling ... and the good news is many roadside attractions...

4 minute read

Up Next:

wildey-pin-up-web-optimized_1

A Legendary Theatre: Meet the Wildey

Pere Marquette State Park at Sunset

Come Explore Pere Marquette State Park

Marcus Piper - Alton, Fall, Sailboat, River

Come Out and Play This Fall

The Outlet Safe Dining

Don't Worry -- Travel Safely in Great Rivers & Routes

Dogs on Motorcycle

Enjoy a Pet-Cation in Southwest Illinois

Farm Fresh Fun: Take Your Pick at Orchards & Roadside Stands

Feathered Joy in Hillsboro

Route 66 Dining

Get Your Dish on Route 66

Get Your Instagram Kicks on Route 66

Grafton Ferry: Enjoy a Trip to Grafton This Weekend

Girlfriend Getaway

Great Girlfriend Getaways

Tara Point Chair

Great Places to Stay Along the Rivers & Routes of Southwest Illinois

Great River Road Fall Travel

Family Camping in Litchfield

How to End the Summer With a Bang in Southwest Illinois

Kissing Pink Elephant

Illinois Road Trip Round Up: Best Instagram Spots

Ariston Cafe on Route 66

Legendary Ariston Cafe Is At Home on Route 66

Hiking in Grafton

Let's Take a Trip: 5 Day Trips in Southwest Illinois

Nature Connections: Masterpieces Along the Byway

Golf Courses in Region

Open For Business

Gillespie Mural

Road Trip Ready Attractions: A Guide To What's Open