Guests visiting the Illinois Waterway Visitor Center are required to wear masks while indoors as long as LaSalle County, Illinois remains in the high COVID-19 Community Levels category. Outside viewing areas remain open with no mask requirement. A relaxing place to watch towboats and barges lock through. From the visitor center outdoor observation area, guests can watch bald eagles and mergansers in the winter and pelicans, great blue heron, cormorants and many other birds in the spring, summer, and fall. This site is the only visitor center devoted to telling the stories of the Illinois Waterway and its importance to transportation. Group on-site programs, outreach programs and boat safety classes available. Free boat inspections also available.See more..
We rolled into Galena planning to stay the night but had no reservations. While looking at pamphlets I decided to ask about lodging not expecting much more than a map as to locations. Boy was I wrong. The two ladies went into action and actually called some places we thought looked good. Before we knew it we had a place to stay at a great price! This would have been much harder in Summer but being November it worked out. They were so nice and we really appreciated their help!See more..
4.0Villa Kathrine(80 reviews) - It is a museum but also the the Visitor Center for Quincy Saturday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Visitor Centers
You should start the visit of this town here. This villa is very cute museum and it is located on the beautiful spot overseeing the Mississippi River. There is a visitor center for Quincy and a gift shop. $3 for a self tour of the villa. See more..
Saw the cross at a distance and decided to check it out. Very happy that we did. Beautiful view and reading the history of the cross. Stopped by the gift shop - very sweet ladies working there. Met with some friends later in the day and found out that when he was in college he played at the Easter sunrise service - sounded beautiful. See more..
Stoped here after visiting the Rock Island Arsenal. The park ranger guide was excellent. We had the opportunity to watch a large coal barge go through the lock up close and personal with the ranger explaning what was happening. There is an interesting display there and a good short video that was worth watching. Make certain to see the exhibit that explains why the locks and dams can't prevent the Mississippi from flooding! Also, a small but good gift shop with items about the River, the workings of the lock and the American Eagle. This was a very worthwhile and fund stop to better appreciate the Mississippi River.See more..
4.5Grafton Visitors Center(27 reviews) - Very helpful staff Saturday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Visitor Centers
Amazing view of the river and helpful staff to guide you to the places you want to see. We even saw two eagles in the trees in the parking lot.See more..
Springfield Visitors Center is located on the first floor of the Lincoln-Herndon Law Office across from the Old State Capitol. Stop by to find all the information you need to help create your legendary experience in Springfield.One of our travel experts is available to help you with any of your questions. Parking passes are available for metered parking spaces – just ask! While you are there, be sure to see the installation of the Lincoln-Herndon Law Office as well as the U.S. Post Office, which was located in the building from 1841-1849. We are excited to share our new space with you and highlight all Springfield has to offer travelers to the Capital of Illinois.See more..
I have just passed by this visitor centre when arriving from the interstate into Galesburg. It's not in the Town-centre but a couple of minutes' drive and Close to Taco Bell on East Main Street. Anyway there is a big chair outside the building so you can't miss it. I have been in touch with the visitor's centre through their web site and by e-mail while asking questions about Galesburg area. I had quick and friendly answers. Since we were going to the USA and Galesburg again last summer I asked for info through their website and like last time I had a package with lots of good stuff, brochures etc for planning the trip . So nice of them to send all that. A big thank you to the visitors' Bureau!See more..
4.5Chester Welcome Center(10 reviews) - Popeye and view of the Mississippi Saturday: Spent < 1 hour Visitor Centers
Right off the main highway coming into Chester from Missouri. Welcome center has a 15-minute (guessing) movie on the history of the area. Great view of the Mississippi. Clean restrooms. The big attraction is the Popeye statue and a history of Popeye (the creator was from Chester). Great for a 20-minute stop to learn the area, Popeye, stretch, and get some fresh air.See more..
Located in Central Illinois, the City of Effingham has something for everyone. The Funfest Amphitheater, MY Garage Museum, The Effingham Performance Center, Cross at the Crossroads are just a few of our attractions. Effingham hosts several annual events including the Corvette Funfest and Funfest for Air-Cooled VW hosted by Mid America Motorworks in the fall, and EffingHAM Music Fests.See more..
4.5Kankakee County Convention & Visitor Bureau(4 reviews) - trip to get information Saturday: Visitor Centers The Kankakee River Valley is easy to find, but hard to leave. Kankakee County is an affordable getaway for professionals, history buffs, families, anglers and sports enthusiasts.Kankakee County is located just 50 miles south of Chicago, off of Interstate 57. Routes 45/52, 50 and 17 also run through the River Valley. O'Hare International Airport is 75 miles north of Kankakee County, and Midway Airport is 50 miles north. The Greater Kankakee airport is also available for personal aircraft landing space.See more..
4.0Ottawa Visitors Center(4 reviews) - Be sure to stop in the visitors center Visitor Centers So glad we stopped in the visitor center when we first arrived in town. She was very helpful and friendly. She gave many suggestions on restaurants and activities to do, as well as some history tidbits.See more..
The Stephenson County Visitor Center is situated along Highway 20 just east of Freeport and is the perfect stop for travelers. Providing clean restrooms, free wi-fi and a place to stretch your legs, the venue houses local merchandise, highlights attractions in Stephenson County and is staffed with a knowledgeable host to help you navigate your journey. The space also features monthly local exhibits showcasing attractions, art exhibits and historic moments. Stop often and we are sure you will see something new with every visit.See more..
4.0Alton Visitor Center(2 reviews) - Bald Eagle watching tour on the Great River Road Saturday: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Visitor Centers
We went on an eagle watching tour on a small bus. We visited a number of places including the Audubon Center operated by the Illinois department of Natural Resources. At only five dollars for an hour long tour, we were given a wealth of information, saw several bald eagles, learned some local history, and thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience. The staff were great, friendly, informative, and fun.See more..
5.0Pike County Chamber of Commerce(1 review) - GREAT Visitor Centers Official Pike County, Illinois Visitor Center and website. Start here for all area attractions, lodging, restaurants, and local businesses.See more..
4.0Quincy Area Convention & Visitors Bureau(1 review) - Nice set up Spent < 1 hour Visitor Centers Drive The Five: Located in the Villa Kathrine castle, the Quincy Area CVB welcomes travelers with 5 self-guided driving tours, including the "Abundant Architecture" tour of 15 city areas, the intriguing "{Quincy: Off the Record}" of 13 famous & infamous Quincy residents, and the "Local Fix Culinary Guide", showcasing 70 locally owned eateries and highlighting a Great River Rd Culinary Itinerary.See more..
Very helpful staff telling and giving helpful informations. You can get maps here and brochures about local tourist attractions and nearby towns attractions.See more..
I was looking for information of things to see and do in the area and they had tons of brochures and visitors guides at their office in downtown Decatur. They were very friendly and recommended several really good restaurants and attractions while I'm in town for a few days.See more..
