Explore Historic Alton Illinois | Discover Alton History

Why Visit Alton

5 Things to do in Alton

Places to Stay

Places to Eat

In its early days, Alton was a bustling river town, much larger than Chicago. Alton was built on industry - flour mills, quarries, brick making, pottery making - and relied on the Mississippi River. The "Steamboat Era" played a significant role in Alton's growth, and riverboat traffic can still be seen from the riverfront, up and down the Mighty Mississippi River.

The location dates back to 1673, when Father Jacques Marquette made his famous journey with Louis Jolliet down the Mississippi River. That year, Marquette recorded in his diary his discovery of the Piasa Bird on the bluffs above his canoe. The city was later founded in 1818 by Rufus Easton.

Evening photo of the Clark Bridge in Alton, IL

The Clark Bridge was one of the first stay-cable bridges built in the Unites States. It was featured in a PBS documentary titled Super Bridge.

WHY VISIT ALTON

You can easily spend several days in Alton taking in all of the historic sites and enjoying the endless recreational options. Alton is a timeless river city that you will be drawn to time and again for quick getaways or extended stays.

TOP 5 THINGS TO DO IN ALTON

Take a selfie with Robert Wadlow

Wadlow was the tallest man to have ever lived. He was born in Alton in 1918, and at the time of his death in 1940, Wadlow measured 8 feet, 11.1 inches tall. He is named in the Guinness World Records book.

Toddler standing next to Robert Wadlow statue in Alton, IL

Robert Wadlow was the tallest man ever measuring at 8-foot, 11.1-inches!

Watch a barge lock through the largest Lock & Dam on the Mississippi River!

See the best view of Alton and the Mississippi River from eight stories in the air atop the Melvin Price Locks & Dam No. 26. This is also a great spot to bird watch during the spring and fall migration seasons and to watch for eagles and trumpeter swans during winter.

Haunted tour or visit to the Oddities Museum

Alton is known as “One of the Most Haunted Small Towns in America,” according to the Travel Channel and Fate magazine. Troy Taylor’s American Oddities Museum features devices on display used to torture people in the Middle Ages. The museum is one of the few in the United States, located inside Mineral Springs Mall at 301 E. Broadway St. in Downtown Alton.

Whether visitors are interested in haunted history or want to see a ghost firsthand, three experienced tour companies are ready to serve as guides, just as they have for the past 20 years. Tours are offered year-round.

Grab a drink at legendary Fast Eddie's

Head up Broadway for the legendary Fast Eddie’s Bon Air, known for their cheap food - half-pound hamburger, along with many other favorites like the peel-n-eat shrimp, pork kabobs, hot chicken on a stick, and the Big Elwood. The free popcorn and coldest beer around have kept people coming back for more. You haven't seen Alton unless you've stopped by Fast Eddie's.

Evening exterior of Fast Eddie's Bon Air

Walk with Lincoln on the Civil War Legacy Trail

Walk with U.S. President Abraham Lincoln and experience the lasting legacies that shaped the history of America as you visit 10 Lincoln and Civil War sites in Alton, IL. Sites include: Confederate Cemetery, where more than 1,400 Confederate soldiers are buried, Elijah Lovejoy Monument, the tallest man-made monument in Illinois, Confederate Prison, the first state penitentiary that opened in 1833, and more.

Get our "Walk With Lincoln" pass and learn more about his legacy in this historic city.

TOP PLACES TO SPEND THE NIGHT IN ALTON

When you visit Alton, you have the option of staying in one of our historic B&Bs, modern riverfront lodging or even top-ranked hotels.

Alton Cracker Factory

Enjoy breathtaking views of the mighty Mississippi River, Riverfront Park, and the Marina from the deck of each unit, or walk to dining, entertainment, Argosy casino, and the amphitheater.

Beautiful view of downtown Alton from Alton Cracker Factory balcony.

Best Western Premier - Alton - St. Louis

Features indoor pool, on-site restaurant and other amenities.

Best Western Plus

The hotel offers numerous perks, including a complimentary full breakfast, an exercise facility, a laundromat, and an outdoor pool.

MORE HOTELS & GUEST HOUSES

TOP PLACES TO EAT IN ALTON

Castelli's Restaurant at 255 (Moonlight)

One of the most popular items at this restaurant, which has been in the same family for over 75 years, is the fried chicken. The TALK-N-CHIC is a house secret, trademarked recipe that has been passed down through the generations.

My Just Desserts

This unique diner showcases sweet treats hand-crafted by owner Ann Badasch, including up to 13 flavors of homemade pie every day. The pie list consists of 150 different flavors that rotate monthly.

Tony's Steakhouse & Bar

Known as the original Pasta House in the region, Tony's has been satisfying customers in the metro area for over 60 years with their specialty pastas and famous Pepperloin Steaks.

Old Bakery Beer Company

Known for great locally brewed beer and farm-to-table entrees, Old Bakery Beer in Alton has quickly become a popular local fave since opening in January 2015. Some of its best sellers include Citrus Wheat, Mild Brown Ale, and other seasonal favorites.