Visitors Guide to Attractions
Southern Madison County, Illinois
In the Southern Madison County area travelers will find the remains of a prehistoric Native American civilization at Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site. Horseshoe Lake Recreation Area is known for fishing, hunting and its excellent bird watching opportunities. Route 66 passed through Edwardsville and Granite City, and Collinsville is the site of the world’s largest catsup bottle. There are several local history museums and numerous sites and districts on the National Register of Historic Places.
Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site
Collinsville, Illinois
Giant earthen mounds, the remains of a prehistoric Native American civilization, are being preserved at this site. An interpretative center, tours and events help visitors explore the fascinating culture that disappeared around 1400 B.C.E.
The Doughboy Statue
Glen Carbon, Illinois
The Doughboy Statue was erected and dedicated in 1920 to stand guard over the graves of two young Glen Carbon men who were killed in France in 1919 during World War I. The statue was restored and rededicated in 2017.
Glen Carbon Historical Museum
Glen Carbon, Illinois
The Glen Carbon Heritage Museum is housed in a building that was built in 1914 as a school house. In its past, the building has served as a school, WWII scrap metal collection center, Blood Bank, Civil Defense Building, Village Administration offices, Police Station, Doctor’s offices, Teen Town, and a Library before serving its current purpose to educate visitors on Glen Carbon’s rich history. The Museum offer a offers a wide array of artifacts that reflect the early history of the area.
Happy Trails Farm
Granite City, Illinois
Happy Trails Farm is a family owned small farm on 20 acres of land in Granite City Illinois established in 2007. They sell eggs, board horses, offer riding lessons, and rent ponies for children’s birthday parties. They also rescue animals, mainly horses through their not for profit 501C3 certified large hoof animal rescue foundation. In spring, summer, and fall, they are open on most weekends with free admission. Entry is free and there is just a small fee for pony rides are for children.
Horseshoe Lake Recreational Area
Granite City, Illinois
This 2,960 acre park is centered around an oxbow lake and offers bird watching fishing, hunting and other recreational activities.
Highland History Museum
Highland, Illinois
The Highland History Museum is located in what was original a stagecoach stop, this 1840s brick structure houses a museum operated by the Highland Historical Society and features historical items from Highland’s business community.
Louis Latzer Homestead
Highland, Illinois
This turn of the 20th century home was built by Louis Latzer, often called “The Father of Pet Milk.” The home had many modern features of the day, including running, a gas light system, speaking tubes between many of the rooms, and one of the first telephones in the community. The site is also home to the Pet Milk Museum.
Watershed Nature Center
Edwardsville, Illinois
This 46-acre nature center is made up of wetlands, tall grass prairie, and upland forests and features a 3,000-foot wheelchair-accessible pathway, wood-chipped trails, 2 observation towers, a wildlife viewing blind, an outdoor amphitheatre, and a Welcome Center.
Willoughby Heritage Farm and Conservation Reserve
Collinsville, Illinois
Willoughby Heritage Farm and Conservation Reserve is a recreation facility that educates visitors about the Midwestern family farm of the 1920-1950s, the region’s plant and animal life, and geological history. The farm features over three miles of trails, a 1940s-style garden, the original farm house, two restored barns and period farm equipment. Goats, chickens and rabbits, as well as local wildlife, call Willoughby home. Admission is free.
Woodhenge
Collinsville, Illinois
Woodhenge is the site of five different circles that were constructed by the Native Americans that occupied the site from 900-1100 C.E. to make astronomical sightings. Woodhenge is located west of Monk's Mound at Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site where giant earthen mounds, the remains of a prehistoric Native American civilization, are preserved. Woodhenge is the site of four interpretive events each year during the solstices and equinoxes.
World's Largest Catsup Bottle
Collinsville, Illinois
This structure, trademarked "The World's Largest Catsup Bottle", is a water tower south of downtown Collinsville, Illinois on IL-159. There are claims that it is the largest catsup bottle in the world.
Yanda Log Cabin
Glen Carbon, Illinois
The Yanda Log Cabin is a renovated 1850s log cabin built by blacksmith William Yanda. The cabin now serves as both a satellite addition of the Glen Carbon Heritage Museum to our museum and as a reminder of the Land of Goshen era.
Children's Museum
Edwardsville, Illinois
Housed in a building that was once an elementary school The Children's Museum caters to children's interests by providing hands-on interactive educational enrichment to stimulate curiosity and motivate learning. The Museum's regularly changing exhibits, programs, and fun, creative environment fosters imaginative exploration in children of all ages but mostly from infant to 12 year olds.
Gateway Center
Collinsville, Illinois
The Gateway Center hosts a variety of events that offer something for all ages and every interest. We have events that feature jewelry, woodworking, trains, fishing, eSports, science fiction, Anime, scrapbooking, gymnastics, dance, cheer, Native American artifacts, wedding shows, educational conferences, bicycles, health and baby fairs, and that is not all!
Fairmount Park Racetrack
Collinsville, Illinois
This horse race track hosts Thoroughbred flat racing and harness racing. It is one of three horse racing venues currently active in Illinois, and the only one outside the Chicago, Illinois metro area. Fairmount Park offers simulcast wagering from tracks throughout the country.
Splash City Water Park
Collinsville, Illinois
When you're ready for some fun in the sun, but want more than the neighborhood pool, head over to Splash City Water Park in Collinsville, Illinois. Features include water slides, a lap pool, the lazy river, a sandy play area and "Monsoon Mountain" make for a family adventure. The FlowRider creates a perfect wave for surfing and body boarding. Splash City opens each year over Memorial Day weekend and closes on Labor Day.
Nearby Attractions
Alton Area
Northwest of the Wood River area is the city of Alton, the largest city in the Scenic Byway area. Alton is the home of several Civil War related sites, as well as the Alton Museum of History and Art, Robert Wadlow (the world's tallest man) and several historic districts. In Godfrey, visitors can find 300 acres of tall-grass prairie and woodlands at the Olin Nature Preserve. Crossing the Mississippi via the Clark Bridge leads to the Riverlands Environmental Demonstration Area. Just northwest of the Alton Visitors Center is the start of the Sam Vadalabene Bike Trail.
Wood River Area
Southeast of Alton, along the Great River Road, is Lewis & Clark country. These great explorers made camp in the Wood River/Hartford area in the winter of 1803-1804. There are numerous projects scheduled for completion before the expedition's Bicentennial. Before you get to Wood River and Hartford is the town of East Alton, home of the Melvin Price Locks and Dam and the National Great Rivers Museum. Visitors will also find several local history museums telling the tales of their communities.
For Travelers Down River
French Colonial Country
Down river of St. Louis and the Meeting of the Great Rivers Scenic Byway area is Ste. Genevieve, Missouri and Randolph County, Illinois. This area was heavily influenced by the French fur traders who inhabited the region from 1700 to 1840.
For Travelers Heading Across the River
Meeting the Missouri River
The two longest rivers of the United States, the Missouri and the Mississippi, meet at St. Charles County, Missouri. The Historic St. Charles downtown area offers visitors a variety of attractions including the Lewis and Clark Boat House and Nature Center, The Foundry Art Centre, and Missouri’s First State Capitol. Nearby is Confluence State Park and the Daniel Boone Home.
The Metropolitan Saint Louis Area
Metropolitan Saint Louis has a lot to offer its visitors. The area's most prominent attraction is the Gateway Arch. Saint Louis has a number of outstanding public institutions that are free to visit including the Zoo, Art Museum, History Museum, and the Science Center. The Saint Louis region has a number of green spaces for nature and outdoor enthusiasts. Forest Park is one of the largest urban parks in the United States. Faust County Park, in Saint Louis County, is home to many historical and cultural attractions including the Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House, a historical village, and the Saint Louis Carousel. The county is also home to Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park, Columbia Bottom Conservation Area, the Powder Valley Conservation Area.
