Things to do & places to visit in Alton, Illinois, United States

Alton city in Illinois, United States. Timezone: America/Chicago, current date and time: Sunday, April 28, 2024, 3:34.

Top things to do (22)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Great Rivers Scenic Route (236 reviews)
- Beautiful year-round, but especially during the eagle migration in January & February
Sunday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Scenic Drives

The drive is lovely. Take along a passenger so the driver can keep her/his eyes on the mostly-straight road. If you are driving this road during the eagle migration, look ahead to see if other drivers have pulled over to the side of the road. That's your cue to also pull over, because those drivers have probably spotted one or more eagles. Do some research ahead of time, so you can stop for things that interest you, such as Lewis-and-Clark sites or Abraham Lincoln sites. See more..
5.0 Beall Mansion Tour (36 reviews)
- Great tour and hosts
Spent < 1 hour History Museums

No visit to Alton, IL is complete without a tour of the turn-of-the-century mansion built as a wedding gift. Museum tours are by appointment. Call now to schedule. See more..
5.0 Mississippi Mud Pottery (20 reviews)
- Local artists and good prices
Sunday: 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Speciality & Gift Shops

We specialize in handmade functional stoneware pottery that is dishwasher, microwave, oven and food safe. Stop in and watch us create and browse our showroom filled with our finished ware. See more..
5.0 Alton Room Escape (9 reviews)
- Clever puzzles; friendly customer service
Sunday: 1:00 PM - 8:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Escape Games

Fun team-building for friends, family, and colleagues to try and "escape" the room in 60 minutes! Our rooms are challenging and fun for all ages, and are not scary or creepy. Choose from two different escape games, uniquely designed and highly-rated by our customers, that will push you to think outside the box! Make your booking online in advance on our website. Games available Monday through Saturday, and limited hours on Sunday. During the school year we are open Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, or by request during the week - just give us a call. See more..
5.0 Jacoby Arts Center (5 reviews)
- Just walking by building
Spent 1-2 hours Art Galleries

This is an old furniture store that has been repurposed as a gallery and store of hand made arts. I just was walking by the building and HAD to go inside. I was immediately greeted. They offer classes, I found. My different wares by artists See more..
5.0 Alton Stained Glass Works (4 reviews)
- Also a bed and breakfast!
Art Galleries • Lessons & Workshops

We came into town for a wedding and shopped in the wonderful stained glass shop. We were able to learn a great deal while watching artists create windows, beads, you name it. The owner, Lynn, is exceptionally accommodating and informative. Fantastic and beautiful surroundings! She also has the upstairs as a B&B which is filled with stained glass and antiques. Certainly top on the list of things to do and places to stay! See more..
5.0 Funky Planet Toys & Gifts (4 reviews)
- Cute toy shop with a ton of stuff to play with
Sunday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Speciality & Gift Shops

Independent Toy Store carrying fun affordable playthings for the young & young at heart. Located in Downtown Alton, IL off the Mississippi River. See more..
5.0 Alton Little Theater (2 reviews)
- Great for Group Outings!
Theaters

ALT is a great place to plan a group outing! Linda and Cindy were wonderful to work with throughout the planning process! Discounts are available for groups of 20+. The entire group enjoyed Exit Laughing! It's amazing to see what a small community theater can produce! Kudos to all involved! See more..
5.0 Alton Riverfront Park & Amphitheater (2 reviews)
- Nice place
Spent 1-2 hours Parks
We took a walk down by the river and the view was great. You could see the arch of St Louis off in the distance. See more..
5.0 Alton Splash Pad (1 review)
- Fun Free Activity on a Hot Day
Sunday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Water Parks
This place is great. It's always tough to find something fun to do with the kids when it's so hot out. I'm happy the Alton Splash Pad is here. See more..
4.5 World's Tallest Man Statue (157 reviews)
- The Gentle Giant of Alton
Sunday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Speciality Museums

What a great tribute to a local celebrity. Robert Wadlow was 8' 11" tall. A sculptor treated Wadlow with respect and personality. During his short life (22 years), Wadlow toured with the Ringling Brothers Circus in the center ring, never in the side show. See more..
4.5 National Great Rivers Museum (109 reviews)
- Neat museum and fun tour of working Mississippi River Lock & Dam
Sunday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Speciality Museums

Our family was driving through Alton trying to get a look at the recent flooding at the river and we decided to pull into the Melvin Price Lock & Dam for a closer look. We pulled in to find that there was a museum as well as free guided tours of the Lock & Dam. The museum was neat with interactive and interesting displays about the local area, how locks/dams work, and some other similar topics. The hilight for us was getting to take the guided tour. We actually took an elevator to the top of the dam and were able to walk across and look down at the different lock chambers and dam gates. The tour guide was excellent and shared interesting information about construction and functionality of Melvin Price and the Mississippi River dam and lock system. We got to observe some of the locking operations for a barge as well since the lock and dam continues to operate during the tour. Everything was free and we thoroughly enjoyed our visit. See more..
4.5 Elijah P. Lovejoy Monument (40 reviews)
- Testament to Free Speech
Sunday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Points of Interest & Landmarks • Monuments & Statues

By visiting the monument you will be inspired at the heroism displayed by Elijah P. Lovejoy in the pursuit of free speech. When reading the story of Elijah and his untimely end, it will give you a sense of the turmoil embracing that period of time. The adjacent cemetery is a great place to walk through also. There are graves there dating back to the Spanish War and a couple from the sinking of the "Lusitania". See more..
4.5 First Unitarian Church (8 reviews)
- A must see if in Alton due to the history and its beauty.
Churches & Cathedrals

Beautiful historic and haunted church. Be sure to read the history behind it. Located across City Hall. plenty of parking and an amazing view of the river and downtown. See more..
4.5 Haskell Playhouse (7 reviews)
- A vibrant life source in Alton's Historic Middletown
Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks

I'm a Middletown local and Lucy Haskell's playhouse and the activities surrounding it have grown tremendously in the past decade. If you're lucky enough to be in town on a Sunday in the summer you'll catch the Alton Muny Band playing their weekly concert to a crowd of about 100+ people (of all ages). If you're lucky enough to be in town on July 29, you'll catch Lucy Haskell's birthday party where you and your kids can participate in games, enjoy cake and take a peak inside the beautiful little playhouse. There's a free library outside of the house as well that neighbors happily stock with books for kids visiting the park. If you're here in the winter, be sure to visit the park on a snowy day with a sled! Haskell Park's hills are fantastic for sledding too. See more..
4.5 Lincoln - Douglas Square (6 reviews)
- Learn about a critical time in U.S. history
Sunday: 6:00 AM - 8:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • Historic Walking Areas

A series of debates occurred in 1858 for a senate race between incumbent Stephen Douglas and challenger Abraham Lincoln. The final debate took place here in view of the Mississippi River in Alton, Illinois. The event has been honored with a sculpture of the 2 gentlemen. The facial expressions and body stances tell the story. See more..
4.5 Gordon F. Moore Community Park (6 reviews)
- Wonderful recreation area
Sunday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Parks

This place has it all from enclosed pavilion renting for weddings, etc, to tennis courts, golf and even hiking. See more..
4.5 Alton Museum of History and Art (5 reviews)
- Limited hours BUT well worth going through
Sunday: 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Art Museums • History Museums

A lot about the local history (UP to [LOL] and including Robert Wadlow) the world's tallest person. They have on display his graduation cap & gown with some interesting facts about it along with some of his shoes, masonic ring and other artifacts. Actually the little museum is packed with local information and well displayed! I recommend this museum if you can find it open and have the time. There are 2 or 3 reserved parking spaces directly behind the museum reserved for visitors. Enjoy! We sure did! See more..
4.5 Mike's Ten-Pin Lounge (4 reviews)
- Biker friendly bar
Bars & Clubs

never know whats gonna happen lots of fun great people good bartenders good jukebox food until they close live music free pool every day. Open 7 days a week 2pm till 3am. What very clean and awesome watering hole. I recommend. BIKER FRIENDLY See more..
4.5 Riverview Park (2 reviews)
- Conducting the Band!
Spent < 1 hour Parks

One of the most beautiful locations overlooking the river. The sunset is simply gorgeous, and with Alton Muny Band entertaining the evening is unforgettable. See more..
4.0 Fast Eddie's Bon-Air (39 reviews)
- Great Experience
Sunday: 11:00 AM - 2:00 AM Bars & Clubs

Really nice/unique place. Food is really good and cheap. I tried the burger and the big Elmo. The big Elmo was amazing and the real burger was great. Plenty of seats and parking. See more..
4.0 North Alton Confederate Cemetery (7 reviews)
- A must for Civil War history buffs.
Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks • Cemeteries • Monuments & Statues

Very serene place. There are no markers for individual graves, but there is a stone monument with the names of all who are buried there. See more..
4.0 Piasa Bird (5 reviews)
- Historic and massive version of a "Thunderbird".
Historic Sites • Ancient Ruins • Mysterious Sites

A very quick stop but a lot of bang for your buck. While it is a replica and located on a different limestone cliff, it is still beside the river and you can imagine what people back then thought as they floated by the river and saw this massive painting which is still a wonder to behold. See more..
4.0 Alton Visitor Center (2 reviews)
- Bald Eagle watching tour on the Great River Road
Sunday: 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..
3.5 Argosy Casino Alton (166 reviews)
- Unique Among Casinos
Sunday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 AM Casinos

Argosy Casino is different from the other 5 casinos in the greater St. Louis (MO) area. It is smaller, non-flashy, comfortable, and friendly. It is a smoke-free establishment, with designated outdoor smoking areas. There is ample parking, and shuttle or valet service, but no garage. Sections of the casino are closed on weekdays. There is a restaurant, a buffet, and a snack bar. A nice touch is the inclusion of self-serve hot chocolate along with coffee and soft drinks. There is a nice variety of slots, in the various denominations, and a few tables. Comps are more generous than at some of the other local casinos. The staff is friendly, courteous, and helpful. There are regular promotions and somewhat regular entertainment. This is a retired riverboat with seating available on the decks, providing excellent views of the Mississippi River. The Argosy offers a nice change-of-pace to the larger, flashier & smokier St. Louis casinos. See more..
3.5 Alton Prison (46 reviews)
- Some thing for the history lover
Historic Sites

This site is something for the history lover especially if you are interested in local history and/or Civil War history. This site is what remains of the Civil War prison and although it is a sad story it does give one a true idea of the conditions of the Civil War. If you are interested in the Civil War or local history this is a must see. See more..
3.5 Curiosity Museum (40 reviews)
- Cool little place
Sunday: 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM Speciality Museums

Exhibits and information have been researched and are historically accurate. The curator of our museum has visited Torture Museums in Europe where most of these devices originated. A collection of books on the sublect is available to browse while at the Museum. We are always on alert for information and adding new exhibits to our collection. Over 50 exhibits of torture devices from all over the world, some very simple, some diabolically clever, some still in use today. We have new Torture exhibits, and are expanding the museum to include curiosities, oddities, illusions and hands-on exhibits. Formerly the Historic Museum of Torture Devices this expanded attraction is now the Curiosity Museum. See more..
3.5 Rock Springs Park (6 reviews)
- It's Getting to Look a Lot Like Christmas... TOO EARLY!
Sunday: 6:00 AM - 9:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Parks

While in town for my high school reunion, I drove around with my wife to show her my old "haunts." I recall the peaceful park next to my old high school, and I wanted to show it to my wife. Uh... Christmas on September 28th? Oh, wait... the local folks are just beginning to get "set up" for Christmas. As we drove the winding, peaceful road through the park, we could see how there must be a LOT of work that goes into the Christmas display tradition for this park. So... although it was a bit "unsettling" to see Charlie Brown's crew - and other festive holiday scenes in the "putting together stage" - I gotta believe this park makes for a REALLY nice drive-though in December, especially with the little ones' noses pressed against the car windows. See more..
3.0 Alton Square Mall (15 reviews)
- A large space with not much in it
Sunday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks
Not a lot of stores left - just a handful. the public library is at least there. Surrounded by fast food places and some shops. See more..
Ruby's (0 review)
Casinos
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