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 scenery?
The Great Rivers & Routes region of southwest Illinois has just what you need while meeting your needs for safety and wide open spaces.
Keeping guest health concerns a top priority has been key for many of the businesses in the six county region. Restaurants, attractions, retail shops and hotels have all taken extra steps to ensure safety protocols are in place.
Don't forget -- bring your masks and hand sanitizer. But most of all, bring your enthusiasm for all the region has to offer.
![](https://riversandroutes.imgix.net/images/IMG_5832_765d566b-6fb4-4691-a1b5-63d5e438a82b.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=2c56766ef51aac018eaea1b45141e7e8 320w, https://riversandroutes.imgix.net/images/IMG_5832_765d566b-6fb4-4691-a1b5-63d5e438a82b.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=5d6ab9b7ba45e4b82ac51523922c23f8 540w, https://riversandroutes.imgix.net/images/IMG_5832_765d566b-6fb4-4691-a1b5-63d5e438a82b.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=1789ed3a9a57ced4b43234954caf5fa5 768w, https://riversandroutes.imgix.net/images/IMG_5832_765d566b-6fb4-4691-a1b5-63d5e438a82b.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=d2f58e6abe547f061d73fa4757c8d7cc 1024w, https://riversandroutes.imgix.net/images/IMG_5832_765d566b-6fb4-4691-a1b5-63d5e438a82b.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1200&s=dfbbf8c3328f18c1c5acf24766950980 1200w, https://riversandroutes.imgix.net/images/IMG_5832_765d566b-6fb4-4691-a1b5-63d5e438a82b.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1440&s=49648de20830a77f7a783d152f44b4c6 1440w, https://riversandroutes.imgix.net/images/IMG_5832_765d566b-6fb4-4691-a1b5-63d5e438a82b.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1920&s=9b7dc9c228c5754dc550e10ebf8a758f 1920w, https://riversandroutes.imgix.net/images/IMG_5832_765d566b-6fb4-4691-a1b5-63d5e438a82b.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=2560&s=02543db3c0b52a5db780cf5ef30513fc 2560w, https://riversandroutes.imgix.net/images/IMG_5832_765d566b-6fb4-4691-a1b5-63d5e438a82b.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=3840&s=aa41d60d57f11d25b38d3b91e7a11316 3840w)
Area hotels, guest houses and more are taking extra steps to ensure the safety and comfort of all overnight visitors. Best Western Premier in Alton has implemented a five-step 24-hour "Stay Safe" program for all guest rooms. The popular breakfast buffet at the restaurant has been replaced with a "Grab N Go" breakfast. The hotel fitness center and indoor pool are currently closed, However, the onsite restaurant, Great Rivers Tap & Grill is open for dining including outdoor options, curbside and carryout.
Litchfield's Hampton Inn has developed safety protocols including installing plexiglass at the front desk, implementing pre-packaged grab and go breakfasts and stationing bottles of hand sanitizer throughout the hotel. Staff wear masks and a paperless check in system has been implemented.
Check out the safety protocols of these area hotels:
- Best Western Premier Alton St. Louis
- Hampton Inn Litchfield
- Aerie's Resort
- Drury Inn Collinsville
- Hampton Inn Collinsville
For more information on specific hotel safety procedures, please contact the individual hotel.
![](https://riversandroutes.imgix.net/images/Outlet_Food_Tray_Resize_1_daa0f279-9043-48e9-9e18-373accb776ab.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=79b1b03b1ec8a3984419316d2a1ca074 320w, https://riversandroutes.imgix.net/images/Outlet_Food_Tray_Resize_1_daa0f279-9043-48e9-9e18-373accb776ab.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=2be6981ff8a4d0ce7df4af807d0c509a 540w, https://riversandroutes.imgix.net/images/Outlet_Food_Tray_Resize_1_daa0f279-9043-48e9-9e18-373accb776ab.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=46d9e524e25c1339c528b13ab5f5dca1 768w, https://riversandroutes.imgix.net/images/Outlet_Food_Tray_Resize_1_daa0f279-9043-48e9-9e18-373accb776ab.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=d3db1e2b82dd249b0277f3096ec24bc3 1024w, https://riversandroutes.imgix.net/images/Outlet_Food_Tray_Resize_1_daa0f279-9043-48e9-9e18-373accb776ab.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1200&s=7da308d517fa6ec43589aa3cf0140239 1200w, https://riversandroutes.imgix.net/images/Outlet_Food_Tray_Resize_1_daa0f279-9043-48e9-9e18-373accb776ab.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1440&s=d7e0a877eb1ef76a305d0fd59e136680 1440w, https://riversandroutes.imgix.net/images/Outlet_Food_Tray_Resize_1_daa0f279-9043-48e9-9e18-373accb776ab.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1920&s=54c1d9f0f345696372d311bb1d8c587c 1732w)
Outdoor dining is available at most bars and restaurants in the six county Great Rivers & Routes region. All have implemented state guidelines for dining.
Parking lots, sidewalks and in some areas, streets have been closed, to enhance outdoor dining seating.
This is the perfect time of year to explore area wineries, take a river cruise or enjoy a day visiting local orchards and roadside stands to sample fresh fruits and more. And the best part, you can stay safe while enjoying some great fun!
- Live theater in all its glory is available at Alton Little Theater. Look over the theater's health and safety protocols here.
- Take a cruise aboard the Hakuna Matata excursion boat along the Mississippi and Illinois rivers. Find out more about safety protocols here.
- Enjoy a glass, okay we might need two, of wine at Grafton Winery & Brewhaus and Grafton Winery The Vineyards. Safety measures are in place.
- Take a stroll through Edwardsville's Liberty Apple Orchard where the fruit is just waiting to be picked. Fourteen different varieties of apples are available throughout September and October so you can go back as often as you like! Check out their health protocols here.
- Soar through the air with Grafton SkyTour and Grafton Zipline Adventures at Aerie's Resort. It's safe, fun and relaxing. Health protocols are available here.