2018travelguide

2 018 TR AVEL GUIDE

AUTHENTIC

Adventures ALL AROUND ALTON, IL

FEATURES LOCAL LEGENDS p.5 PET FRIENDLY ADVENTURES p.13 HAVE A SLICE OF THE PIE p.17

it’s time . . . Š2017 Alton Regional Convention and Visitors Bureau Every attempt has been made to verify the information contained in this publication. The Bureau is not responsible for incorrect, omitted or outdated information.

PHOTO CREDITS: Alton Main Street Pete Basola Andrew Dobson Christine Favilla Emma Franklin Marty McKay Andy Pfleger

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Michael Stout Arielle Tewell Miriah Haring Wendy Tassin of SeaArk Boats

60M 12/17

Alton Regional Convention & Visitors Bureau

It’s time to shake off the stress and tension of daily life. It’s time to find a new spot, a new retreat, a new way to relax. It is time to create your own authentic adventure in the Meeting of the Great Rivers.

Let the mighty rivers of the region sweep

It’s time to let the flow of the rivers, the

you into a fresh state of mind. Take a cruise on an

Mississippi, Illinois and Missouri, take you away to

authentic paddlewheel boat and

an inspired moment. Travel the 33 mile stretch of

watch the sunlight dance across the waters

the Meeting of the Great Rivers National Scenic

of the Mighty Mississippi. Walk the banks of the

Byway, by car, by bicycle or on foot, and see first-

Mississippi and Illinois rivers in the whimsical river

hand why the road is considered one of the most

towns of Alton and Grafton, just 25 miles north

scenic routes in the country.

of St. Louis. Find unparalleled views of woods and waterfalls, rivers and wildlife on the bluffs shadowing the great rivers.

It’s time to step back into a simpler time.

It’s time to find your authentic self … in the Meeting of the Great Rivers.

TABLE OF CONTENTS 3

ROLLIN’ ON THE RIVERS

21

TRAILS OF DISCOVERY

4

A HISTORY OF “FIRSTS” AT ARGOSY CASINO, ALTON

23

A DAY TO REMEMBER

24

THAT’S ENTERTAINMENT

5

KEY WEST OF THE MIDWEST

25

LIVE MUSIC/NIGHTLIFE

7

A BREATH OF FRESH AIR

27

MONUMENTAL FACTS

9

CRAFTY PASSIONS

29

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ROBERT

11

AMP IT UP IN ALTON

31

DIGGING INTO THE PAST

13

PET FRIENDLY ADVENTURES

33

TAKE A WALK ON THE WILD SIDE

15

TOP 5’S

35

DIRECTORIES

17

HAVE A SLICE OF THE PIE

51

GET STAMPED

19

FAMILY FRIENDLY FUN

53

POINTS OF INTEREST

20

GET HAUNTED IN ALTON

VisitAlton.com

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ROLLIN’ ON THE RIVERS “The river delights to lift us free, if only we dare to let go. Our true work is this voyage, this adventure.”

- Richard Bach

Dip an oar into the waters of the Mississippi River at sunset.

Ride an authentic paddlewheel riverboat past the towering bluffs lining the Mississippi and Illinois rivers. Break away from the ordinary and ride a bike along the river banks and levees surrounding river towns.

An abundance of adventures await on the Mississippi, Missouri and Illinois rivers throughout the Meeting of the Great Rivers.

Climb into a replica fur trader’s canoe and take a leisurely paddle down the Mississippi River between Grafton and Alton with Big Muddy Adventures.

The St. Louis based professional outfitter/guiding company provides canoes that seat up to 14 people. Day trips include lunch on island beaches on the river. Half day trips are great opportunities to enjoy the river, scenic riverfronts and local wildlife. 2muddy.com Book a trip now aboard the Spirit of Peoria, an authentic paddlewheel riverboat, and imagine yourself cruising the Mississippi and Illinois rivers alongside Mark Twain. Take a full day cruise from Grafton to St. Louis along the Mississippi River in June. The relaxing cruise includes all-you-can-eat meals, professional storytelling, historic information, wildlife sightings, live

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Alton Regional Convention & Visitors Bureau

entertainment, unlimited non-alcoholic beverages and return transportation. A cash bar is available.

Shorter sightseeing, lunch and dinner cruises are also available on limited dates in August, September and October. VisitAlton.com/cruises Sunset cruises, full moon adventures, fall color cruises and haunted cruises are just a few options available on Grafton River Adventures’ 49-passenger excursion boat, the Hakuna Matata.

Sip a specialty drink and take in the 360 degree views from the open air upper deck or the fully enclosed lower deck. A cash bar is available and light snacks are served. Hakuna Matata cruises are available from April through early November.

GraftonHarbor.net Let the river be the guide on a 20 mile bicycle jaunt along the Sam Vadalabene Bike Trail which parallels the Mississippi River between Alton and Grafton. Park the car in Alton’s Piasa Park and enjoy the paved bluffside trail west to Pere Marquette State Park along the Meeting of the Great Rivers National Scenic Byway. With its towering bluffs and the rolling waters of the river, this is one of the most scenic biking trails in Illinois.

VisitAlton.com/Outdoors-Nature

EVEN MORE BIKE TRAILS LINE THE RIVER INCLUDING: n

ALTON BIKE TRAIL: a .78 mile connector between Riverfront Park and the Sam Vadalabene Bike Trail

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CONFLUENCE BIKE TRAIL: a 21 mile asphalt trail that begins at Russell Commons Park in Alton and runs south to Granite City with stops at the National Great Rivers Museum, Lewis & Clark Confluence Tower and the Lewis and Clark State Historic Site.

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GREAT RIVERS BIRD AND BIKE TRAIL: Endorsed by the Missouri Audubon Society, this trail follows the Meeting of the Great Rivers National Scenic Byway starting in Hartford and extending to Pere Marquette State Park.

A HISTORY OF “FIRSTS” AT ARGOSY CASINO ALTON Walk the newly renovated floors of the historic Argosy Casino in Alton and chances are General Manager Joelle Shearin will be there too, meeting and greeting guests and chatting with employees.

It’s all part of the ‘hometown hospitality’ philosophy Joelle brought to Argosy when she took over the reins as general manager two years ago.

“I enjoy the casino business, but more importantly, I love the people,” Joelle says. “I like being among the customers and employees.”

And while people may be her passion, Joelle has also made history at Argosy by becoming the first female general manager for parent company Penn National Gaming. That’s a fact that isn’t lost on the 12-year veteran of the gaming industry.

“Being general manager is a big job with a lot of responsibility,” she notes. “I am proud that I’m the first female GM and I’m excited about what the future holds for other women who follow the same path.”

Argosy Casino Alton came to life as a cruising riverboat casino 26 years ago on Alton’s riverfront. It was the first-ever gaming casino in Illinois. Recently, Joelle and staff started breathing new life into the now permanently docked boat. A recent remodel included adding 40 new slot machines, new carpeting throughout the casino, refurbished chairs, and moving video games away from table games.

Those changes came from recommendations from customer feedback, another important aspect of Joelle’s management style.

VisitAlton.com

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KEY WEST OF THE MIDWEST… Fifty years ago Grafton city officials dreamed of developing a riverfront marina knowing it would be the key to creating a vacation destination. It took years of planning and the unsuccessful attempts of a series of developers before Joe and Jan DeSherlia took the lead on the project and made it a reality.

“Way back in the 1960’s when my grandfather was Grafton mayor, they wanted a marina.

My father was a city alderman and he wanted a marina. They knew it would be beneficial to the region,” Joe DeSherlia said. In early 2000, then Grafton Mayor Richard Mosby tapped the DeSherlia’s on the shoulder and asked if they were interested in trying to develop a marina.

At the time Joe DeSherlia was working as an engineer for Boeing and also developing property in Jersey County.

The couple passionately believed that if they were able to create the marina, it would infuse Grafton and the Meeting of the Great Rivers region with new life.

With the support of the city, they applied for grants and permits.

“We knew Grafton Harbor could help tie the region together,” Joe DeSherlia said.

Five years after that initial conversation, the DeSherlia’s broke ground on what is now Grafton Harbor and built what they call the “Key West of the Midwest”.

A PLACE BOATS CALL HOME …

Fishing boats, sail boats, pontoons, cabin cruisers … you name it … they all call the legendary Alton Lake region on the Mississippi River home.

And it’s no surprise that this area has become a boater’s paradise.

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Alton Regional Convention & Visitors Bureau

Floating on the waters at the confluence of the Illinois and Mississippi rivers, Grafton Harbor opened for business in March 2006.

Almost immediately after the opening of Grafton Harbor, the DeSherlia’s noted an uptick in development in the riverfront community of Grafton.

“The future is bright for Grafton Harbor and the entire region,” according to Joe DeSherlia.

“Times have changed and now everyone in the area relies on tourism. Tourism is important to the region as a whole.”

Recreational boating on the river between Alton and Grafton is a major pastime. And rumor has it the area is home to more registered boaters than the Lake of the Ozarks in Missouri.

Both the Alton Marina and Grafton Harbor have received the coveted “5 Anchor Marina” rating from Quimby’s Cruising Guide, a staple navigation and rating guide for all boaters. Both marinas also welcome Loopers, boaters who travel the inland and coastal waterways of the United States.

Visionaries l Entrepreneurs l Artists Building a legendary destination relies on transforming bold dreams into a passionate reality.

The Meeting of the Great Rivers flows with the spirit of our local legends.

Meet some legends here. Better yet, come see them in person.

The Meeting of the Great Rivers flows with the spirit of our local legends. Each one of the region’s legendary figures have bold dreams which they forged into reality.

To see more about the region’s Local Legends go to: VisitAlton.com/LocalLegends Located at Mile Marker 202 on the Mississippi River, Alton Marina offers covered slips, annual and transient rates as well as holiday and special event rates for boaters. A variety of additional amenities can be found at: Altonmarina.com Grafton Harbor, located at Mile Marker 0 of the Illinois River and Mile Marker 219.1 of the Mississippi River, has covered and uncovered slips, transient and long term slip rates. More information: Graftonharbor.net

Meet Ben and Trudi Allen who had a vision of turning a broken down building on Grafton’s riverfront into The Loading Dock, 401 Front St., Grafton, a premier restaurant and bar on the banks of the Mississippi River.

Meet Chad Nelson and Felicia Breen, the husband and wife team of artists who have found their creative and business niche in downtown Alton with their award winning, hand thrown pottery at Mississippi Mud Pottery, 310 E. Broadway, Alton.

WHAT IS A “LOOPER”

Meet Ann Badasch, the force behind My Just Desserts, 31 E. Broadway, Alton, who is famous for her pies and half pound chicken sandwiches and passion for the region.

In boating terms, a “Looper” refers to boaters who travel the Great Loop: a series of inland and coastal waterways including the Great Lakes, Mississippi River, Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway, Rideau Canal and the Atlantic and Gulf Intracoastal waterways.

These waterways create a loop from the southern U.S., along the Atlantic Coast and inland across the Great Lakes to the Mississippi River and south. The entire loop is about 6,000 miles long and can be completed in as little as two months but more often up to one year. Both Grafton Harbor and Alton Marina welcome loopers throughout the boating season.

VisitAlton.com

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A BREATH OF

fresh air

Take a deep breath. Let it out. Take another. Doesn’t that feel better? Now, you are ready to enjoy some great outdoor recreation available throughout the Meeting of the Great Rivers.

With thousands of acres of natural wonder in parks and recreational areas it’s easy to find authentic outdoor adventures.

Pere Marquette State Park Grafton, IL

Audubon Center at Riverlands West Alton, MO

It’s called a nature lover’s paradise for a reason.

Pere Marquette State Park has over 8,000 acres of wilderness available for outdoor adventurers.

From camping, hiking, fishing, and horseback riding to rock climbing, there are year round recreational activities available. The park has become Illinois’ newest rock climbing destination with over 40 routes on highly featured limestone formations along the Illinois River bluffs. The park is the first Midwestern crag to be solely equipped with titanium fixed anchors.

Spectacular views of the Illinois River and its backwaters can be seen from several points on the bluffs. There are even reports of ancient Native American mounds in the park.

Connect with nature and the Mississippi River at the Audubon Center at Riverlands. This 3,700 acre wildlife sanctuary in West Alton, has been designated an Important Bird Area because nearly 1,000 Trumpeter Swans make the center their winter home every year. The center is full of hiking trails, and a “green” rotunda center with full glass windows overlooking the Mississippi River. Visitors can see American Bald Eagles, herons, egrets and an ever-changing variety of 325 species of birds that live in or migrate through the habitat.

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Alton Regional Convention & Visitors Bureau

The Nature Institute Godfrey, IL Tallgrass prairie, oak savannas, wetlands and limestone bluffs offering dazzling views of the Mississippi River, are part of what makes The Nature Institute’s 450 acre site a hiker’s delight.

Trails are typically closed from December through March for restoration. Researchers have identified more than 300 native plant species and 150 species of nesting and migratory birds. It is the winter home of American Bald Eagles and a den site for the Eastern Timber Rattlesnake. Hiking trails are open to the public from April through November and feature small streams, a waterfall, upland forest and hill prairies.

Grafton Zipline Adventures, Grafton, IL

Raging Rivers Water Park, Grafton, IL

Soar across the bluffs showcasing the confluence of the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers at Grafton Zipline. Nine lines cross 2 miles of wooded bluff top in Grafton near Aerie’s Winery and Resort.

The recently redesigned course allows zipliners to rappel to different decks as well as zip through the canopy of trees.

It has an “Itty Bitty Surf City”, a “Breaker Beach Wave Pool”, body flumes, an endless river and a “Swirlpool”. Raging Rivers in Grafton is the place to go for water adventures or just a relaxing day in the summer sun. Open from Memorial Day to Labor Day, the water park is nestled in the bluffs along the Mississippi River and offers stunning views of the river.

For more information: VisitAlton.com//outdoors-nature

NOW OPEN!

OSF PromptCare – Godfrey Just walk-in. Whether it is a rash, ear pain, pink eye or the flu, we are here to meet you and your family’s health care needs with on-site primary care providers, laboratory services and X-ray diagnostics.

Located on the corner of Airport Road and Godfrey Road, OSF PromptCare gives you face-to-face interaction with a health care provider for minor injuries and illnesses on a walk-in basis – no appointment is necessary.

OSF PromptCare | 6702 Godfrey Road | Godfrey Monday – Saturday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Sunday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Not for life-threatening illnesses or injuries. Always call 911 in case of an emergency.

VisitAlton.com

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CRAFTY PASSIONS There’s nothing better than sitting by the river

Old Bakery Beer Company, Alton

and sipping a glass of locally crafted wine, beer

Enjoy a flight of locally crafted, certified organic beer at Old Bakery Beer Company. The only craft brewery in the region, Old Bakery Beer offers a variety of seasonal beers along with local favorites.

A restaurant and tasting room are featured alongside the craft brewery where visitors can watch brewers continue to deliver product.

OldBakeryBeer.com

or vodka infused drink. For an authentic taste of the local craft beer and wine scene and a view of a new vodka distillery take a look at the locals who have put the region on the map.

Grafton Winery & Brewhaus/Grafton Winery The Vineyards, Grafton Known for its award-winning wines ranging from light dessert wines to dry reds and whites and seasonal fruit wines, Grafton Winery exploded onto the scene with a local full production winery in 2008. The winery has expanded regularly and most recently moved its winemaking operation four miles north of Grafton next to its 4 acres of vineyards. Taste the wines at the downtown Grafton location along with lunch or dinner or enjoy a picnic snack at The Vineyards along with a bottle of wine.

TheGraftonWinery.com

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Alton Regional Convention & Visitors Bureau

Bluestem Vodka Distillery, Bethalto New to the local craft spirit scene, Bluestem Vodka Distillery has rocketed into the craft distilling industry with its corn-based vodka. Brewed in a storage building and featuring a tasting room and tours, the owners have created a “grain to glass” experience.

Bluestem Vodka uses local corn grain and American made products. Tours available by reservation on Saturdays. BluestemVodka.com

MORE PLACES TO

enjoy wine

Aerie’s Riverview Winery 600 Timber Ridge Rd., Grafton • (618) 786-7477 Floating Winery at Grafton Harbor 215 Water St., Grafton • (618) 786-7678 Grafton Ice House Winery 214 W. Main St., Grafton • (618) 786-2737 Mary Michelle Winery 13653 Lodge, Blvd., Grafton • (618) 786-2331 Solera Wine Bar 212 W. 3rd St., Alton • (618) 433-9655 State Street Market 208 State St., Alton • (618) 462-8800

INVESTING IN YOU -The things you love, the security you need, the places you live, and the products you deserve.

A RIVER RUNS THROUGH IT. AND WE LOVE IT. 200 Homer Adams Pkwy | Alton, IL 618.465.5656

www.cnbil.com

RI

VE

R BEND VisitAlton.com

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For more information on amphitheater events and activities: LibertyBankAmphitheater.com

AMP IT UP IN ALTON On a warm summer evening, the sounds of music swirl across the waters of the Mississippi River. It could be cool jazz from nationally known acts or rip-roaring rock n roll from a regional band. And it all starts at Liberty Bank Alton Amphitheater perched on Alton’s historic riverfront.

From a jazz and wine festival celebrating the music of Miles Davis, to food truck festivals with live music, and a Fireworks Over the Mississippi family fun event on July 3, the amphitheater hosts a wide range of events throughout the spring, summer and fall.

Kenny Rogers, Travis Tritt, Charlie Daniels, Sugar Ray, Sister Hazel, Uncle Kracker and Smashmouth have all brought their musical might to the 4,000 seat amphitheater. Every year several national acts are booked into the facility. An assortment of festivals top off activities at the amphitheater annually.

COME TO THE PARTY!

Check out Bikes & BBQ, a June festival featuring the best barbeque in the region along with vintage and custom motorcycles. Sample food from some of the best food trucks in the region during the annual Alton Food Truck Festival held in August.

Sip a glass of wine and enjoy some of the best regional and national jazz performers around at the Alton Jazz and Wine Fest. Return to childhood days at the annual Alton Expo held on the banks of the Mississippi River in September.

Celebrate Alton Marina’s anniversary with a party in grand style!

The Alton Marina, tucked into a cove along the Mississippi River just east of the amphitheater, is within easy walking distance. This year, the marina will mark its 22nd anniversary with a celebration and everyone is invited! Live music, mouth watering food, refreshments and more will be available. AltonMarina.com

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Greater Alton Concert Association 2018 CONCERT SCHEDULE

TONY PACE SUNDAY

MARCH 18

SIDE STREET STRUTTERS

FABULOUS MOTOWN REVUE

APRIL 14

SEPT. 22

SATURDAY

SATURDAY

GUY PENROD SUNDAY

NOV. 11

ALL PERFORMANCES AT

Hatheway Cultural Center Lewis & Clark Community CollegE, GODFREY, IL WWW.ALTONCONCERTS.ORG

618-468-4222 VisitAlton.com

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ELIJAH P’s BURGERS & BREWS

PET FRIENDLY ADVENTURES

Let’s be honest, pets are family.

So bringing them along to the Meeting of the Great Rivers for a weekend or week long stay shouldn’t be stressful.

Fortunately, owners of local restaurants, attractions, hotels, guest houses and bed and breakfast inns agree.

“We firmly believe that pets are family,” said Jacinda Dunlap, Director of Sales and Marketing for the Best Western Premier Hotel. “We are a family-friendly hotel and that means families with pets.” Reinforcing that philosophy are the special pet treat bags that greet people traveling with their four-legged friends.

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PET FRIENDLY RESTAURANT PATIOS (Please note pets are allowed ONLY in outside dining areas)

ALTON n n n n n n n n n

GENTELIN’S ON BROADWAY

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Bossanova Restaurant and Lounge Chez Marilyn Duke Bakery Elijah P’s Burgers & Brews Gentelin’s on Broadway Germania Brewhaus Old Bakery Beer Co. Ragin’ Cajun Piano Bar State Street Market Tony’s Restaurant and Third Street Café

GRAFTON n n n n n n n n

SUNKEN GARDEN “Every pet that stays with us gets a treat bag,” Jacinda said. “Dogs receive an edible treat, a toy, and doggie bags to help owners with clean up.

Cats receive an edible treat and a toy. We also have a lot of greenery around our hotel and that gives dogs lots of places to relieve themselves.”

Area restaurants are also open to having pets join their owners for lunch or dinner. There are more than 10 pet friendly patio restaurants in Alton and at least eight in Grafton.

“Pet friendly locations really top the list of what people want,” said Sara McGibany, the Executive Director of Alton Main Street.

3rd Chute Bar & Grill Drifters’ Eats & Drinks Grafton Pub Grafton Winery The Vineyards Hawg Pit BBQ Barn The Loading Dock Peace of Quiche Pere Marquette Lodge and Conference Center

PET FRIENDLY LODGING ALTON: Jackson House (Barn and Cave buildings); Best Western Premier; Best Western Plus Parkway; Comfort Inn; Super 8.

GRAFTON: Anchors Inn Guest House (small dogs only); Cassens Guest Rooms; Grafton Homestead Retreat; Jeni J’s Gifts & Guest Houses (innkeeper must OK); Loading Dock Guest House – The Fish Market (small dogs); The Loft at The Whole Scoop; River House (obedient pets only) ELSAH: Green Tree Inn (one pet friendly room) KAMPSVILLE: Watkins House at McCully Heritage Project (obedient dogs only) NEBO: Heavenly View Cabin (no pets indoors.

Outdoor rentable kennels) JERSEYVILLE: Jerseyville Harvest Inn; Super 8

VisitAlton.com

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TOP 5’S

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SIGNATURE COFFEE SPOTS Maeva’s Coffee, Alton Germania Brew Haus, Alton Espresso Yourself, Jerseyville

TOP PLACES TO TAKE PHOTOS

BEST OUTDOOR EXPERIENCES

1. Mississippi Sanctuary at The Nature Institute, Godfrey 2. Eagle’s Nest Overlook at Pere Marquette State Park 3. Meeting of the Great Rivers National Scenic Byway (between Alton & Grafton) 4. Village of Elsah 5. Aeries Winery, Grafton

1. Hiking/biking the Sam Vadalabene Trail between Alton and Grafton

TOP LOCAL MAKERS 1. Mississippi Mud Pottery, Alton – handcrafted pottery 2. Old Bakery Beer Company, Alton – locally crafted, organically certified craft beer 3.

Buena Vista Jewelry, Grafton – handcrafted jewelry and original steampunk lamps and designs

4. Grafton Winery & Brewhaus, Grafton – award winning locally crafted wine and beer

The Underground, Alton

2. Ziplining at Grafton Zipline, Grafton

Sweet Treats

3. River cruise on board the Hakuna Matata excursion boat

2. 1904 General Store, Alton

4. Eagle watching tour at Pere Marquette State Park 5. Paddle the Mississippi in a canoe

1. Sherry’s Snacks, Alton 3. PopUtopia Gourmet Popcorn and Sweets, Alton 4. Grafton Fudge and Ice Cream Shop, Grafton 5. Jan’s Hallmark Shop, Alton

BEST PLACES TO SEE LIVE MUSIC 1. Fast Eddie’s Bon Air, Alton 2. The Loading Dock, Grafton 3. Grafton Winery & Brewhaus, Grafton 4. Elijah P’s, Alton 5. Chez Marilyn, Alton

5. Bluestem Distillery, Bethalto – locally crafted vodka For more information: VisitAlton.com VisitAlton.com

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HAVE A SLICE OF THE PIE

Want a Thanksgiving Dinner pizza complete with turkey and all the trimmings? How about a Chili Cheese Dog pie?

Creative, tasty pizzas are hot menu choices at many locally owned and operated restaurants, including Johnson’s Corner, 2000 State St., Alton.

“We like to mess around with a lot of different ideas for our pizzas,” said Andy Prehn, chief pizza chef at Johnson’s Corner, 2000 State St., Alton. “We do a special pizza of the month and sometimes they go over real well. And other times it’s just fun to experiment.”

Johnson’s Corner added personal pizzas to its extensive dining menu six years ago as a way to expand options for families, said Jimmy Johnson, owner of the popular neighborhood pub and restaurant. “Nothing goes better with pizza than beer and we got the beer down. We decided, let’s try the pizza thing.”

Now, the restaurant sells more than 400 pizzas a month and that number tends to go up during the winter months. From a popular mushroom pizza with white garlic crème sauce, truffle oil topping and fontina cheese to the meat lovers and supreme pies, Johnson’s focuses on using completely fresh ingredients. All crusts are made by hand and the cheese is shredded in house.

For more information: VisitAlton.com/pizza

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“Fresh ingredients help us stand out,” Jimmy Johnson noted. “The pizza trend has taken off and that’s exciting for us.”

Greek, mushroom and a special DIY 12-inch hand tossed pizzas are part of the menu at Great Rivers Tap and Grill, 3559-B College Ave., Alton. The restaurant is part of the Best Western Premier St. Louis Alton hotel. Guests can enjoy pizza, beverages and newly renovated rooms in one spot. (618) 462-1220

OTHER NOTABLE PIZZA RESTAURANTS INCLUDE: Locals flock to Roma’s Pizza, 121 E. Bethalto Dr., Bethalto. The restaurant has a long-standing tradition of serving some of the most highly rated pizza in the region. (618) 377-5800 Tony’s Restaurant Third Street Café, 104 W. 3rd St., Alton, features weekly pizza specials and is famous for its sweet marinara sauce, the base for each pie.

(618) 462-8384 Looking for a wood-fired speciality pizza? At Roper’s Regal Beagle, 3043 Godfrey Rd., (618) 466-2112, diners can watch their pizza cook in the brick oven located just inside the restaurant.

Pizza as comfort food? Absolutely! And Mac’s Downtown, 315 Belle St., Alton, offers personal pizzas made to order. Be sure to check out their Monday and Tuesday pizza specials. (618) 465-1006 New to the restaurant scene and bringing their own brand of personal pizzas is Nicky G’s Italian Eats, 1801 State St., Alton. Bacon and Potato, Thai Chicken and Meatball pizzas are just a few of the choices at this intimate eatery. (618) 468-1077 Bite into a thick crusted, secret recipe deep dish pizza at Joe’s Pizza and Pasta, 5775 Godfrey Rd., Godfrey, and delight the tastebuds. An extensive pizza menu highlights the choices available. (618) 433-8000

ADDITIONAL LOCALLY OWNED PIZZA OPTIONS: High Flyers Grille, 16 Terminal Dr., East Alton; Town Club of Alton, 2400 E. Broadway, Alton; Mike’s Pizza & Pasta, 101 S. State St., Jerseyville.

Your Scenic Destination on the River!

Open Year Round!

Bar & Grill Entertainment Overnight Accomodations Private Event Space

400 Front Steet Grafton, IL 62037 (618) 786 - 3494 www.GraftonLoadingDock.com

2018 RIVERSIDE FLEA MARKET April June Aug Oct

28 23 25 27

& & & &

29 24 26 28

| | | |

May 26 & 27 July 28 & 29 Sept 22 & 23 9am-5pm

INDOOR ICE SKATING Friday, Saturday & Sunday November 18, 2017 - March 4, 2018

For Vendor Information Call Trudi (618) 593-2103

VisitAlton.com

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family friendly FUN Take a break from the ordinary and have some family friendly fun with zipline adventures, a day at a riverside water park, hiking journeys, and so much more throughout the Meeting of the Great Rivers.

Explore the state’s largest state park, Pere Marquette, with the kids along the miles of hiking and biking trails. Or check out the trails by horseback at the Pere Marquette Riding Stables.

Raging Rivers Water Park is all the rage for family vacations! A variety of overnight packages are offered by hotels and guest houses for families who want to spend a day or two relaxing at the only water park located on the Mississippi River.

VisitAlton.com/Deals

Eagles, vultures, foxes and more are just a few of the resident animals kids can see at TreeHouse Wildlife Center in Dow. The center, which serves as a rehabilitation center for injured and sick animals, is family-friendly and open daily to the public.

TreeHouseWildlifeCenter.com And to make the family adventure complete, check out Kid’Cation offered at the end of July.

Pirate cruises, cookie eating contests, Train Day, nature and art events, historical tours and so much more are packed into 10 days of special deals and kid-centric activities. Here’s a chance for everyone to let their inner child shine through.

VisitAlton.com/Kid’Cation

28 acres of fun in the sun!

Wave Pool • Tree House Harbor Endless River • Body Flumes SwirlPools • Itty Bitty Surf City

1-618-786-2345 • www.ragingrivers.com Located on the Great River Road in Grafton, Illinois.

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A dark shadow appears in the corner of your eye. There are unexplained sounds emanating from a dark building. The smell of jasmine floats in the air where no living person stands.

Don’t worry. It’s just an ordinary day in “one of the most haunted small towns in America”!

Explore the authentically haunted sites (and sights) that have put Alton and the Meeting of the Great Rivers on the map when it comes to ghost stories.

Eat with the entities, dine with nationally known haunted experts, or walk the streets of Alton for an evening full of history and hauntings. From the historic McPike Mansion with its household of (mostly) benign spirits to the Milton School House where spirits are eager to greet visitors, haunted tours and activities are available year round.

I N A LT ON HAUNTED TOUR PROVIDERS Alton Haunted Odyssey Trolley tours are available through the most haunted areas of Alton along with a new Haunted Craft Beer Walk.

AltonHauntedTours.com • (618) 462-3861 Alton Hauntings Entertaining and spine tingling journeys into nationally known paranormal sites throughout Alton AltonHauntings.com • (217) 791-7859 McPike Mansion Overnight campouts, cellar tours and dark room sessions are among the featured events.

McPikeMansion.com • (618) 830-2179 Mysterious Mineral Springs 301 E. Broadway, Alton • , (618) 717-0546 MysteriousMineralSprings.weebly.com Taboo Paranormal Join a psychic medium on a haunted history tour of Milton School House.

TabooParanormal.com • (314) 517-5661

ike M McouP d d s n e Gr & Cellar Tou an nt Mansion r

sio

n

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get haunted

2018 Alby Alton, IL

618.830.2179 618.462.3348

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TRAILS OF

discovery

Journey with Lewis & Clark as they prepare to explore the western United States. Hide with runaway slaves as they search for safety in the free state of Illinois. Unearth the past at an ancient archaeological site. Or explore the just plain weird!

There is no shortage of historic and informative museums in the Meeting of the Great Rivers available for adventures into the distant and not-so-distant past.

“I Set out at 4 oClock P.M. in the presence of many of the Neighbouring inhabitants, and proceeded on under a jentle brease up the Missourie …” – those dramatic words signaled the beginning of Lewis & Clark’s westward journey to map the United States and discover a water route to the Pacific Ocean. But the real journey began 4 ½ months earlier in a small wooden fort perched on the confluence of the Mississippi and Missouri rivers near present day Hartford, IL. Learn more about the group’s preparations for the journey in William Clark’s own words (misspellings and all) at the Lewis & Clark State Historic Site, #1 Lewis & Clark Trail, Hartford. Open Sun. – Sat., 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed Mondays & Tuesdays in the winter. Donations accepted.

With the Mississippi River as a backdrop, the National Great Rivers Museum at Melvin Price Locks and Dam, #2 Lock and Dam Way, Alton, highlights the impact of rivers on land, businesses and communities. From an aquarium with Jurrasic-era fish to a “Steer the Barge” exhibit, the museum offers an indepth look at rivers as a natural resource. Open Sun. – Sat., 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free admission. Donations accepted.

Since 1971, the Alton Museum of History and Art, 2809 College Ave., Alton, has preserved the river community’s history with a series of exhibits including Alton’s role in the American Civil War, the Legend of the Piasa Bird and artifacts from Robert Wadlow, the World’s Tallest Man. The museum is open Wed. – Sat. from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sundays from 1 to 4 p.m.

21 Alton Regional Convention & Visitors Bureau

Admission is $5 for adults, children 12 and under $1.

Wednesdays seniors receive discounted admission.

Explore the extensive Wood River Refinery History Museum, 900 S. Central Ave., Roxana, and learn about the impact of oil refineries in the region since the early 1900’s. The museum encompasses four buildings and features vehicles, mechanical artifacts, paper, books, labware and more. Open Wed. – Thurs. from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The streets of East Alton are captured for posterity in the newly opened East Alton History Museum, 119 N. Main St. Residents pitched in personal artifacts and historic memorabilia documenting the history of the community since its incorporation in 1893. Open Thurs. – Fri. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sat. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Look for family roots and local history in the Hayner Genealogy and Local History Museum, 401 State St., Alton. The center, which is part of the Hayner Library system, features ancestry databases, local birth, marriage and death records (some dating back to 1813), and census returns from the 1800’s. Open Mon., Tues., Thurs., Fri. from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Wednesdays from Noon to 7 p.m.; Sat. from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Slaves hid in the false cellar of the historic Cheney Mansion, 601 N. State St., Jerseyville, which served as a “station” in the Underground Railroad which helped escaped slaves find freedom. See that and much more at the historic home which is now part of the Jersey County Historical Society’s museum complex which also features the Lone Star School, Union Forest church and the McAdams and Plummer log cabins. Historical tours available by appointment. (618) 535-1584

OTHER MUSEUMS OF NOTE:

Curiosity Museum • 301 E. Broadway, Alton • (618) 465-3200 Village of Elsah Museum • 26 LaSalle St., Elsah • (618) 374-2626 Calhoun County Historical Museum • 204 N. County Rd., Hardin • (618) 576-2660 Center for American Archeology • 100 Broadway St., Kampsville • (618) 653-4316 Wood River Museum • 40 W. Ferguson Ave., Wood River • (618) 254-1993

It was one of the greatest adventures in American History...

...the exploration of the uncharted and unknown upper Midwest and western United States in search of a water route to the Pacific Ocean.

And it began right here where the Missouri River meets the Mississippi.

This was the beginning of the adventure which took over two years to complete and catapulted the expedition into the history books. Learn more about the journey, the preparations and read actual excerpts from William Clark’s diary by visiting the Lewis & Clark State Historic Site in Hartford.This is where the true journey into the unknown began!

Open Year Round - Days of week vary seasonally 1 Lewis & Clark Trail, Hartford 618.251.5811 CampDubois.com

SEE WEIRD STUFF

CURIOSITY MUSEUM

ALTON, ILLINOIS WWW.CURIOSITYMUSEUMALTON.COM VisitAlton.com

22

A DAY TO

remember

It took him forever to propose. Now that he has, the days are flying by. VisitAlton.com/ Weddings has a complete list of locations tailored to fit anyone’s dream wedding. Find the perfect venue for the bridal shower, rehearsal dinner, wedding ceremony, reception and more.

VENUES

For more information:

VisitAlton.com/Weddings

23 Alton Regional Convention & Visitors Bureau

n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n

Aerie’s Resort Argosy Casino Beall Mansion Benjamin Godfrey Memorial Chapel at LCCC Best Western Premier Farley’s Music Hall Glazebrook Park Gordon Moore Park/Nan Elliot Rose Garden Grafton Winery & Brewhaus Grafton Winery The Vineyards Green Tree Inn Hakuna Matata Excursion Boat Jacoby Arts Center Lewis & Clark Confluence Tower Liberty Bank Alton Amphitheater Pere Marquette Lodge and State Park Riverview Park The Loading Dock The Post The Village of Elsah Wood River Historic Chapel WOW Events

that’s

ENTERTAINMENT!

There’s nothing like a good belly laugh. Or becoming immersed in the images captured by the camera lens of a talented photographer.

And then there are the classics – theater, symphonies, visual art.

AND THERE’S MORE …

The arts come alive in the Meeting of the Great Rivers where historic galleries and theaters showcase distinctive and authentic talents.

Great Rivers Choral Society (618) 401-1450 • GRCS-sing.org

Award-winning productions in an intimate community theater setting are part of the charm of Alton Little Theater, 2450 N. Henry St., Alton. Celebrating its 84th season of entertaining audiences (longer than any other in community theater in Illinois), productions include Broadway favorites and classic comedies.

For more information:

VisitAlton.com/Arts-Theater

Alton Municipal Band (performances every summer at Riverview Park and Haskell Park) AltonMunyBand.org Alton Symphony Orchestra • 5800 Godfrey Rd., Godfrey (618) 792-4002 • AltonSymphonyOrchestra.org

Alton Stained Glass Works • 412 E. Broadway, Alton (618) 462-4145 • AltonArtGlass.com Mississippi Mud Pottery • 310 E. Broadway, Alton (618) 462-7573 • MississippiMudPottery.com The Rogue Theatre Co. • 1320 Milton Rd., Alton (636) 328-5120 • TheatreRogue.wixsite.com/rogue Von Dell Gallery & Studios • 102 E. Ferguson Ave., Wood River (618) 251-8550 • VonDellGalleryandStudio.com

Take in the views at Jacoby Arts Center, 627 E. Broadway, Alton, which hosts local artists’ work and photography exhibits. The Jacoby’s intimate stage is also home to the Bankside Repertory Theatre Company’s custom performances and special live music featuring regional musicians.

Greater Alton Concert Association brings full volume musical, magical and magnificent acts to the region at Lewis & Clark Community College, 5800 Godfrey Rd., Godfrey.

VisitAlton.com

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For more information:

VisitAlton.com/LiveMusic

live

MUSIC/NIGHTLIFE

Put the finishing touch to your day by immersing yourself in the music and nightlife pulsing through the Meeting of the Great Rivers. Follow the sounds of the talented guitarists, fantastic fiddlers and dueling pianos up and down the river towns. From folk to jazz, bluegrass to bossanova and everything in between, the music scene thrives after dark.

LIVE MUSIC VENUES ALTON

GRAFTON

Argosy Casino Hops House • #1 Piasa St. • (800) 711-GAME

Aerie’s Winery • 600 Timber Ridge Dr. • (618) 786-7477

Bluff City Grill • 424 E. Broadway • (618) 433-8288 Bossanova • 112 W. 3rd St. • (618) 462-1175

Drifter’s Eats and Drinks • 1505 W. Main St. • (618) 786-3500

Bottle and Barrel • 554 E. Broadway • (618) 463-1095

Grafton Oyster Bar • 215 W. Water St. • (618) 786-3000

Bottoms Up Sports Bar and Grill • 2204 Fosterburg Rd. • (618) 468-1118 Chez Marilyn • 119 W. Third St. • (618) 465-8071 Elijah P’s Burgers and Brews • 401 Piasa St. • (618) 433-8445

Grafton Winery & Brewhaus • 300 W. Main St. • (618) 786-3001 Grafton Pub • 225 W. Main St. • (618) 786-9463 The Loading Dock • 401 Front St. • (618) 786-3494

Fast Eddie’s Bon Air • 1530 E. 4th St. • (618) 462-5532

JERSEYVILLE

Germania Brew Haus • 617 E. Broadway St. • (314) 667-4751

George’s Local Brew • 205 S. State St. • (618) 639-2739

Great Rivers Tap & Grill • 3559-B College Ave. • (618) 465-1220

Proof • 111 S. State St. • (618) 844-9222

Jacoby Arts Center • 627 E. Broadway • (618) 462-5222 Mac’s Downtown • 315 Belle St. • (618) 465-1006 Maeva’s Coffee • 1320 Milton Rd. • (618) 581-7510 Morrison’s Irish Pub • 200 State St. • (618) 433-8900 Old Bakery Beer Co. • 400 Landmarks Blvd. • (618) 463-1470 Ragin’ Cajun Piano Bar • 210 W. Third St. • (618) 433-9119 Roper’s Regal Beagle • 3043 Godfrey Rd. • (618) 466-2112

BARS ALTON: Bubby & Sissy’s, Catdaddy’s, Cellar Room, D & T Wedge, Danny’s Lounge, Don & Penny’s, Firehouse Tavern, Greg’s Place, Kopp’s Korner, Norb’s Tavern, Ten-Pin Lounge, Ruby’s

25 Alton Regional Convention & Visitors Bureau

A LOT MORE OF

TAKE YOUR CASINO EXPERIENCE FURTHER. If you like having fun, then you’re going to love playing here.

From the hottest slots and table games to a tantalizing variety of delicious dining options, we’ve got everything covered.

And then some.

argosyalton.com Must be 21. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537).

VisitAlton.com

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monumental The World’s Tallest Man. A mythical man-eating beast. Historic men caught in the heat of a debate.

Monuments to historical moments, an iconic jazz legend and more dot the landscape throughout the Meeting of the Great Rivers. Check out these monumental marvels!

FACTS n Seeing is believing! How do you measure up to the

Tallest Man in the World. Visit this lifesize statue of Robert Wadlow, 2810 College Ave., Alton n Look! It’s a bird … it’s a dragon. It’s Alton’s Piasa

Bird, the mythological man-eating bird petroglyph painted on the limestone bluffs along the Mississippi River. Piasa Park, Alton n Find Miles Davis lost in song as he plays his

For more information: VisitAlton.com/Attractions

The Riverbend Area’s Health Care Favorite.

trumpet in the middle of Miles Davis Plaza.

This bronze statue is the only monument to Miles Davis in the North American continent.

Third Street, Downtown Alton

• Duncan Wing Featuring ALL Private Patient Rooms • Excellence in Cancer Care, Heart and Vascular Center, Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, and Surgery • Most Sophisticated Imaging Technology in the Metro East • Area’s #1 Emergency Room and only Hospital Ambulance Service • Member BJC HealthCare • New 41,000-square-foot Medical Office Building to open in March • Baby Friendly • Only ASTRO certified Cancer Care Center in Illinois

STATE-OF-THE-ART CARE WITHOUT LEAVING THE STATE. VISIT ALTONMEMORIALHOSPITAL.ORG FOR MORE INFORMATION. © 2017. Alton Memorial Hospital. All Rights Reserved.

27 Alton Regional Convention & Visitors Bureau

n A giant of the abolitionist movement was

tragically murdered along the banks of the Mississippi in November 1837 in Downtown Alton.

The Lovejoy Monument, the tallest man-made monument in Illinois, honors the memory of Elijah P. Lovejoy. Monument & 5th Streets, Alton n Locked in heated debate, life-sized bronze

icons of Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas commemorate the historic 1858 Lincoln-Douglas Debate in Downtown Alton. Lincoln Douglas Square, Broadway Street, Alton

n Soaring into the skies over Alton is the city’s

memorial to the Confederate soldiers who died in Alton at the Confederate Prison. The Confederate Monument honors the soldiers who were buried in a mass grave in the area which is now a national cemetery. 635 Rozier, Alton n Look to the west! The bronze figure of Native

American explorer Sacajawea, who accompanied Lewis & Clark on their famed westward adventure, is set in the courtyard of Lewis & Clark Community College. 5800 Godfrey Rd., Godfrey

YOU CAN SEE YOUR FUTURE FROM HERE

www.godfreyil.org l (618) 466-3324 l VisitAlton.com

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R S!

10

A

0 YE

ROBERT “The tallest man in medical history for whom there is irrefutable evidence is Robert Pershing Wadlow.”

Guiness Book of World Records

Who Knew? One hundred years ago, Robert Wadlow made his way into the world at a healthy and relatively normal birth weight of 8 pounds, 7 ounces. Harold and Addie Wadlow of Alton celebrated the birth of their firstborn child but it wasn’t long before they realized Robert wasn’t an average baby.

At six months old, he weighed 30 pounds and he continued to grow at an exponential rate. By the time he was eight years old, he towered over his father at 6 feet, 2 inches.

At 19, he made history by topping 8 feet 4 inches tall.

It wasn’t easy being so tall. Special school desks had to be created for Robert as he made his way through school.

Eventually, he had to use special canes to walk. He had to have custom shoes created as his feet grew over the years.

Clothing required three times the normal amount of cloth.

Eventually, Robert’s father had to remove the front seat in a car so Robert could sit in the back seat and travel.

Alton will celebrate the 100th birth of the man who, to this day, is considered the tallest man in the world by the Guiness Book of World Records throughout 2018.

For more information on planned events, go to VisitAlton.com Come in to the Alton Visitor Center, 200 Piasa St., Alton, and sign a giant birthday card in honor of a giant of a man, Robert Wadlow!

29 Alton Regional Convention & Visitors Bureau

Robert, who became known as Alton’s Gentle Giant, continued to grow through his early adult years and died in July 1940 at the age of 22 due to a foot infection. At the time of his death, he was 8 feet, 11.1 inches tall and weighed 439 pounds. Doctors cited an overactive pituitary gland for his astonishing growth, a condition which was untreatable in the early part of the 1900’s.

A life sized bronze statue of Robert Wadlow erected at 2810 College Ave., Alton, and has become a favorite of visitors from around the world. Some artifacts from his life are also exhibited at the nearby Alton Museum of History and Art.

GREAT PLACES TO

EAT, PLAY & STAY! 2018 EVENTS IN GRAFTON RIVER RAT CATFISH CLASSIC “GET HOOKED ON GRAFTON” MUSIC IN THE PARK (JUNE - EARLY AUGUST)

FREE WEEKLY CONCERTS EVERY THURSDAY AT GROVE MEMORIAL PARK

INDEPENDENCE DAY ON THE MISSISSIPPI

INDEPENDENCE DAY FIREWORKS

ON THE MISSISSIPPI (JULY)

ART IN THE PARK (SEPTEMBER 8-9) FREE ART, ENTERTAINMENT AND FAMILY FUN WITH 35+ ARTISTS, GROVE MEMORIAL PARK WITCHES ON THE WATER (OCTOBER 20) GRAFTON TOWBOAT FESTIVAL TOUR WORKING TOWBOATS!

TASTE OF CHOCOLATE & HOLIDAY RIVER WALK (DECEMBER 1) AT GRAFTON WINERY AND BREWHAUS

RIDE THE GRAFTON FERRY (MAY THROUGH NOVEMBER)

GRAFTON“

COME FOR A WEEKEND...

STAY FOR A LIFETIME!”

WWW.ENJOYGRAFTON.COM OR FACEBOOK.COM/ENJOYGRAFTON VisitAlton.com

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DIGGING INTO THE PAST Follow the historic trails and tales that made their mark on the Meeting of the Great Rivers region. Historic adventures await those eager to learn more about the journey of Lewis & Clark, Abraham Lincoln’s life along the rivers, the impact of the American Civil War and the escape of slaves from southern states to relative safety in Illinois.

LINCOLN & THE CIVIL WAR LEGACY TRAIL VisitAlton.com/Lincoln

The journey begins at the Lovejoy Monument, Monument & 5th St., Alton, which memorializes Elijah P. Lovejoy, a noted abolitionist and newspaper editor, who was murdered as he defended his printing press which was thrown into the Mississippi River. Lovejoy’s death is often referred to as the first shot fired in the Civil War. Although Abraham Lincoln visited the river town of Alton frequently, his most inspired visit was the final senatorial debate in the famed Lincoln-Douglas Debate series which was held in Alton in October 1858.

Two bronze statues depicting Lincoln and Douglas posed frozen in time highlight Lincoln-Douglas Square, Broadway and Landmarks, Alton.

In 1862, the Alton Prison, Williams St., Alton (the first state prison in Illinois which closed due to its deplorable conditions) reopened as a military prison for Confederate soldiers and southern sympathizers. Malnourishment and disease quickly broke out killing 1,354 Confederate and about 240 Union soldiers. Confederate soldiers who died in Alton were laid to rest in a mass burial site, now known as the Confederate Cemetery, 635 Rozier St., Alton. The names of the dead are listed at the base of the monument in this national cemetery.

Former Illinois Senator Lyman Trumbull co-authored the 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution which abolished slavery. His Alton home, 1105 Henry St., is one of the city’s national landmarks.

LOCAL TOUR PROVIDERS: n

Bluff City Tours • (618) 550-9291

n

J.E. Robinson Underground Railroad Tours (618) 462-5590

n

Riverbend Tours • (618) 444-9026

n

Calhoun Touring Adventures • (618) 979-3686

For more information on these sites and more, go to VisitAlton.com

CHENEY MANSION 31 Alton Regional Convention & Visitors Bureau

UNDERGROUND RAILROAD

VisitAlton.com/Shuttles Alton’s riverfront location in the free state of Illinois played a vital role in helping slaves make connections to freedom in the northern U.S. Remnants of this period in history exist throughout the region.

From February through June and September through October, shuttle tours highlighting the Underground Railroad journey of slaves escaping across the Mississippi River are available. Among the sites visited are Rocky Fork Church, which originated before the Civil War when free African-Americans and former slaves began a new life in Illinois and Enos Apartments where underground hiding places are still visible. Take a trip north to Jerseyville and visit the historic Cheney Mansion, 601 N. State St., to see where runaway slaves hid underneath a dining room in a circular basement room.

One of the greatest adventures in American history got its start on the banks of the Mississippi River in Hartford.

That’s where Lewis & Clark prepared for their amazing westward journey. Visit the Lewis & Clark State Historic Site, 1 Lewis and Clark Trail, Hartford, (618) 251-5811, to start the journey with them. Get a birds’ eye view of the start of the Lewis & Clark journey from 150 feet above the confluence of the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers at the Lewis & Clark Confluence Tower, 435 Confluence Tower Dr., Hartford, (618) 251-9101.

ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES Ten thousand years of the archaeological history of the lower Illinois River Valley is presented at the Center for American Archeology, 100 Broadway St., Kampsville. The center is dedicated to discovering and disseminating the unwritten story of the people who lived in the region surrounding the confluence of the Mississippi and Illinois rivers 10,000 years ago. Open seasonally late April – end of October.

Apple Festival

NOVEMBER

OCTOBER

SEPTEMBER

JULY

Another site not to be missed is the Hamilton Primary School, 107 E. Main St., Otterville, which has secured its place in history as the first integrated school in America.

LEWIS & CLARK

Pictured: Wock Lake - Jerseyville Parks and Recreation Area

VisitAlton.com

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take a walk ON THE WILD SIDE

Take a walk (or hop on a bike) and roam throughout the Meeting of the Great Rivers on miles of stunning trails that criss-cross the region.

From riverside hiking and biking, to escapes on top of the bluffs that line the Illinois and Mississippi rivers, there is no shortage of natural adventures.

NATURE & HIKING TRAILS The Audubon Center at Riverlands Begin your wildlife viewing on the five different trails that run throughout the Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary.

Designated as a Globally Important Bird Area, nature-lovers will find an abundant array of waterfowl, shorebirds, raptors and wading birds. Trails range from 1 to 3 miles long.

301 Riverlands Way, West Alton (636) 899-0090 • Riverlands.Audubon.org Gordon Moore Park Cast your line in the 13-acres lake or walk among the trickling streams of the Oriental Garden Trail or the Nature Institute’s Prairie Trail. Stop and smell the roses in the Nan Elliott Memorial Rose Garden.

4550 College Ave., Alton • (618) 463-3580 • Alton-IL.com LaVista Park to Clifton Terrace Park On the edge of the LaVista Community Park, this 1 mile trail along the river bluffs winds through a beautiful wooded area and alongside a creek down to the Mississippi River and Clifton Terrace Park.

2421 W. Delmar, Godfrey • (618) 466-1483 • GodfreyIL.org The Nature Institute Hundreds of native plants and birds enjoy the 300 acres of preserved land. The landscape includes steep limestone bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River, small streams, upland forests and waterfalls.

2213 S. Levis Lane, Godfrey (618) 466-9930 • The NatureInstitute.org Glazebrook Park Take a walk on over three miles of walking trails in Godfrey’s Glazebrook park. Home to the Great Godfrey Maze in the fall, the park covers 120 acres with two ponds.

1401 Stamper Lane, Godfrey • (618) 466-1483 • GodfreyIL.org

For more information: VisitAlton.com/Outdoors-Nature

33 Alton Regional Convention & Visitors Bureau

McCully Heritage Project With 940 acres of hills and hollows see wildlife frolic throughout the forests and grasslands that make up this scenic wonderland. There are 15 miles of trails. Access to horseback riding trails available with advance arrangements.

R.R. #1, Box 130 Kampsville (618) 653-4687 • McCullyHeritage.org Two Rivers National Wildlife Refuge This federal refuge is an important link for migrating birds along the Mississippi Flyway. Identify a variety of waterfowl, wading birds and song birds. The Gilbert Lake Trail is perfect for viewing wildlife in the floodplain forests. The Refuge Visitor Center offers viewing platforms and scopes.

HCR 82, Box #107, Brussels (618) 883-2524 • FWS.gov/refuge/Two_Rivers

BIKE TRAILS Alton Bike Trail This 0.78 bike trail is located in Riverfront Park and serves as a connector between the Confluence and Sam Vadalabene Bike Trails. (800) 258-6645 • MCTtrails.org Confluence Bike Trail (Alton to Hartford) This 21-mile asphalt trail begins at Russell Commons Park in Alton and extends south to Granite City with stops at the National Great Rivers Museum, Lewis & Clark Confluence Tower and the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center in Hartford.

(800) 258-6645 • MCTtrails.org Great Rivers Bird and Bike Trail (Hartford to Grafton) Endorsed by the Missouri Audubon, follow the bike trails along the Meeting of the Great Rivers National Scenic Byway to view migrating warblers, herons, egrets and hundreds of other bird species native to the region.

(800) 258-6645 • VisitAlton.com Sam Vadalabene Bike Trail (Alton to Grafton) Beginning at Piasa Park, this 20 mile paved trail runs parallel to the Meeting of the Great Rivers National Scenic Byway from Alton to Pere Marquette State Park in Grafton. Towering bluffs and sparking waters of the Mississippi River make this one of the most scenic trails in Illinois.

(800) 258-6645 • MCTtrails.org

The Audubon Center welcomes you...

Visit the Audubon Center at Riverlands and its 3,700 acres of restored prairie marsh and forest located in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary, in the heart of one of the most significant flyways in the world...

the Mississippi River.

Reconnect with nature and catch a glimpse of the everchanging variety of 325 species of songbirds and waterfowl that live in or migrate through this unique habitat, including bald eagles, herons, and egrets.

636.899.0090 Riverlands.Audubon.org 301 Riverlands Way West Alton, MO 63386

The National Great Rivers Museum at The Melvin Price Locks & Dam

YOU NEED TO SEE THIS! Should Be Seen By...You!

meetingoftherivers.org facebook.com/GreatRivers FREE ADMISSION Open 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

7 days a week Closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Years Eve & New Years Day

#2 Lock and Dam Way, E. Alton, IL 62024 Phone: 618-462-6979

MTRF.org

mvs.usace.army.mil

VisitAlton.com

34

GET OUTSIDE & Soar over the Mississippi River bluffs on a zipline, skip across the river waves on a jet ski or grab a bike and cruise the miles of trails that hug the banks of the Mighty Mississippi. Those are just a few of the outdoor delights that await all along the Meeting of the Great Rivers.

WATER RECREATION

play

!

For more information: VisitAlton.com/Outdoors-Nature

BAIT SHOPS Bluff City Tackle • 2813 E. Broadway St., Alton (618) 465-6175 • BluffCityTackle.com Cassens Bait Shop • 1446 W. Main St., Grafton • (618) 786-3614

OUTDOOR ADVENTURES HORSE BACK RIDING

BOAT TOURS

Pere Marquette Riding Stables Trek over to the Pere Marquette Stables and enjoy a horseback riding adventure through the countryside and along the Great River Road.

Captain Bob’s Boats • 215 Water St., Grafton • (573) 216-0755 Grafton River Adventures • 215 W. Water St., Grafton (618) 786-7678 • GraftonHarbor.net

15780 State Highway 100, Grafton • (618) 786-2156

River Road Watersports Jet Ski Rentals 215 Water St., Grafton • (314) 800-5695

ZIP LINE

Spirit of Peoria • Paddlewheel Boat • (800)258-6645 • VisitAlton.com

BOAT RENTAL Grafton Harbor • 215 W. Water St., Grafton (618) 786-7678 • GraftonHarbor.net

Grafton Zipline Adventures Looking for a jaw dropping, heart racing experience?

The newly renovated Grafton Zipline, stretching through the trees on the bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River, has two miles of lines 200-plus feet high.

14 W. Main St., Grafton • (618) 786-9477 • Aeriesresort.com

MARINAS Our first class marinas offer transient slips and long-term docking Alton Marina • 1 Henry St., Alton • (618) 462-9860 • AltonMarina.com Grafton Harbor • 215 W. Water St., Grafton (618) 786-7678 • GraftonHarbor.net

SHOOTING FACILITIES Winchester Shooting Facilities 600 Powder Mill Road, East Alton • (618) 258-2633

Piasa Harbor • 10815 Lockhaven Rd., Godfrey

5 Anchor Marina with Deluxe Amenities! with Deluxe Ameities Amazing Winery, Restaurant, GiftShop Shop Amazing Nautical & Wine &Gift Boat Rental Boat Rental Riverboat Cruises: Coroprate, Riverboat Cruises: Corporate,

Wine, Wine,Sunset, Sunset,Haunted, Haunted,Fall FallColors, Colors, WeddingCeremonies Ceremonies & Wedding &more! more!

Come check outt the oyster barr and our floating winery!

Come check out our floating winery!

618-786-7678 | graftonharbor.net | 210 West Water Street | Grafton, IL 62037 35 Alton Regional Convention & Visitors Bureau

TAKE YOUR

pick

Let’s go apple pickin’ at one of the region’s many orchards and enjoy some hay rack rides and foodie fests along the way. There are also plenty of roadside stands just waiting to ease your craving for award winning sweet apple ciders, jams, fruits and vegetables. And did somebody say ‘pumpkins’? Don’t forget those! Take a wagon ride out into the pumpkin patch and get your search on for that ever elusive “Great Pumpkin”!

For more information: VisitAlton.com/Orchards-Gardens

Eckert’s Orchard • 20995 Eckert Orchard Rd., Grafton • (618) 786-3445 Hagen Family Orchard 2260 E. Illinois River Rd., Brussels • (618) 883-2385 Kamp’s Orchard R.R. #1, Box 114 Auer Landing Rd., Golden Eagle • (618) 883-2410 Krueger’s Orchard • 2914 Airport Rd., Godfrey • (618) 466-3576 Odelehr’s Roadside Market Box 112 Brussels Ferry Rd., Brussels • (618) 883-2265 Pearson’s Produce • 6304 Humbert Rd., Godfrey • (618) 401-7286 Joe & Dennis Ringhausen Orchard & Apple House Route 67 - 2.5 miles south of Jerseyville • (618) 498-6951 OR 24748 Reddish Rd., Fieldon • (618) 376-6772 Tom Ringhausen Orchard Route 16 & 100, East end of Joe Page Bridge, Hardin • (618) 576-2311 Toppmeyer’s Roadside Market HC82 Box 113, Brussels Ferry Rd., Brussels • (618) 883-2383 Uncle Andy’s Country Market • Main St., Grafton • (618) 786-4856 Whole Scoop Produce • 222 E. Main St., Grafton • (618) 786-2663

VisitAlton.com

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PLAYING THROUGH! Put your golf swing to the test on eight dynamic golf courses sprinkled throughout the Meeting of the Great Rivers. From the classic Spencer T. Olin, an Arnold Palmer designed course, to the highly ranked Belk Park course to the newly reopened Lockhaven Course, it’s easy to play through to the 19th hole.

1904 Homer Adams Pkwy

(618) 433- 8999

CONVENIENTLY LOCATED NEXT TO THE NEW

MULTI-MODAL TRANSPORTATION CENTER!

Free Hot Breakfast Free High-Speed Internet Indoor Pool Fitness Room JUST MINUTES FROM NATIONAL GREAT RIVERS MUSEUM, ALTON ANTIQUE DISTRICT & LIBERTY BANK ALTON AMPHITHEATER.

37 Alton Regional Convention & Visitors Bureau

GOLF COURSES ALTON | 62002 Cloverleaf Golf Course • 5671 yards, 70 par course 3555 Fosterburg Rd. • (618) 462-3022 CloverleafGolfCourse.com Rock Spring Golf Course 3062 yards, 35 par, 9-hole course 1 Rock Spring Park • (618) 465-9898 RockSpringGolfCourse.com Spencer T. Olin Golf Course • 6941 yards, 72 par course 4701 College Ave. • (618) 465-3111 SpencerTOlinGolf.com The Woodlands Golf Course • 6423 yards, 72 par course 2839 Harris Lane • (618) 462-1456 TheWoodlandsGolfClub.com

Two levels Sleeps up to eight Two full baths Full modern kitchen w/amenities

Daily, weekly & monthly rates Raging Rivers Packages Ask about our Stay 2 Get 1 Night Free!

The River House

618-786-3542

Grafton, IL

TheRiverHouseGrafton.com

GODFREY | 62035 Lockhaven Golf Course • 6679 yards, 72 par course 10872 Lawrence Keller Dr. • (618) 466-2441 GolfatLockhaven.com Rolling Hills Golf Club • 5765 yards, 71 par course 5801 Pierce Lane • (618) 466-8363 RollingHillsGC.com

JERSEYVILLE | 62052 Wolves Crossing • 6028 yards, 71 par course 23745 N. Centennial Rd. • (618) 498-3178 WolvesCrossing.com

WOODRIVER | 62095 Belk Park Golf Course • 6861 yards, 72 par course 880 Belk Park Rd. • (618) 251-3115 BelkPark.com

Lucy Mae’s Guest House Victorian Charm near the banks of the Mississippi.

Adorable two unit guest house for up to six adults.

Reservations: (816) 249-3279

lucymaes.com VisitAlton.com

38

Est. 1853 Retreat to this beautiful historic village nestled in the bluffs along the Great River Road between Alton & Grafton, Illinois.

The perfect place for a weekend get-away, family reunion, wedding or simply to relax in beautiful peaceful surroundings.

www.escapetoelsah.com

Experience a simpler time at an old fashion general store in the heart of historic Elsah.

15 Mill St. Historic Elsah, IL 62028 618-374-2821 Trip Adviser Certificate of Excellence 2014 2015 2016 2017 “Best Hotel” People’s Choice Awards

St Louis Post Dsipatch

Groceries, old fashion candy, vintage bottled soda, ice cream, books, pottery, cards, unique gifts collectables and ‘the goodies table’

“YOUR HOME AWAY FROM HOME” People’s Choice Awards

“Best Overnight Stay” WINNER 2016 & 2017

Vacation Magazine

“Best Romantic Getaway” 2016 & 2017

Enjoy home-made snacks & home cooked breakfast!

GREENTREEINNELSAH.COM

Elsah General Store 22 LaSalle Street www.elsahgeneralstore.com Wed.-Sat. 10-7, Sunday 12-5 618-556-0709

39 Alton Regional Convention & Visitors Bureau

12 Selma St. Historic Elsah, IL

618- 374-1684

Trip Advisor

Certificate of Excellence

MAPLELEAFCOTTAGEINN.COM

11 Crossroads Court Alton, IL (618) 465-9999

1900 Homer Adams Pkwy Alton, IL (618) 433-9900

1800 Homer Adams Pkwy Alton, IL (618) 465-8885

VisitAlton.com

40

stay

THE NIGHT

B&BS, GUEST HOUSES, & CABINS GRAFTON | 62037

ALTON | 62002 Alton Cracker Factory - Great Rivers Lodging 205 E. Broadway • (618) 917-4466

Aeries Resort • 14 W. Main St. • (618) 786-8439

BEALL Mansion (B&B) • 407 E. 12th St. • (618) 474-9100

Cassens Guest Rooms • 1446 W. Main St. • (618) 786-3614

George Street Suites • 1106 - 1110 George St. • (618) 433-9403

Count Me Inn • 412 E. Main St. • (314) 795-2409

Jackson House (B&B) • 1821 Seminary St. • (618) 462-1426

End of the Trail Inn • 105 E. Main St. • (618) 550-8505

Tiffany Inn (B&B) • 410 E. Broadway St. • (618) 462-4145

Grafton Homestead Retreat Croxford Rd. to the Homestead sign • (618) 786-2420

ELSAH | 62028

Anchors Inn Guest House • 10 S. Vine St. • (618) 420-2017

Grafton Inn • 22 E. Main St. • (618) 786-2222

Green Tree Inn (B&B) • 15 Mill St. • (618) 374-2821

Jeni J’s Gifts & Guest Houses • 120 - 214 W. Main St. • (618) 786-2737

Maple Leaf Cottage Inn (B&B) • 12 Selma St. • (618) 374-1684

Lagniappe Place • 16260 Otterville Rd. • (618) 570-9387

GOLDEN EAGLE | 62036 The Golden Eagle Inn • 89A Cove Rd. • (314) 308-2565 Kinder’s No Wake Inn • RR 1 Box 50 • (618) 883-2586

Loading Dock Guest Houses: n The Fish Market • 311 E. Front St. • (618) 786-3494 n

The Riverside Cottage • 311 E. Water St. • (618) 786-3494

n

The Stone Cottage • 100 Springfield St. • (618) 786-3494

n

Tree Tops • 313 E. Front St. • (618) 786-3494

Lucy Mae’s Guest House • 312 E. Main St. • (816) 249-3279

For more information: VisitAlton.com/Lodging

Pere Marquette Lodge& Cabins 13653 Lodge Blvd. • (618) 786-2331 River Port Guest House • 706 W. Main St. • (618) 946-3444

A stay to remember in downtown Grafton.

Historic hotel nestled on the bank of the Mississippi River.

217 E. Main St. | Grafton, IL 62037 | (618) 786-2315 RuebelHotel.com 41 Alton Regional Convention & Visitors Bureau

HOTELS & MOTELS River View Guest House • 1116 Main St. • (618) 806-8673 River View Guest House • 1435 W. Main St. • (618) 806-8673 Rowling Ridge Guest House • 14102 N. Springfield St. • (618) 786-3943 Tara Point Inn & Cottages (B&B) • 1 Tara Point Dr. • (618) 786-3555

ALTON | 62002 Best Western Premier Alton – St. Louis Area Hotel 3559 College Ave. • (618) 462-1220

The Cottage at Dagget Hollow • 15 Dagget Hollow Rd. • (618) 570-9387

Best Western Plus Parkway Hotel 1900 Homer Adams Pkwy. • (618) 433-9900

The Knaughty Inn • 325 N. Market St. • (314) 795-2409

Comfort Inn • 11 Crossroads Court • (618) 465-9999

The LaMarsh House • 25 E. Main St. • (618) 946-9130 The Loft at The Whole Scoop • 222 E. Main St. • (618) 946-9130

Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton 1904 Homer Adams Pkwy. • (618) 433-8999

The River House • 11 Mulberry St. • (618) 786-3542

Super 8 • 1800 Homer Adams Pkwy. • (618) 465-8885

The Shanty Vacation Rental • 715 W. Main St. • (618) 406-1522 The White Pelican Inn • 127 E. Main St. • (314) 795-2409

KAMPSVILLE | 62053 Watkins House at McCully Heritage Project RR 1 Box 130 (Crawford Creek Rd.) • (618) 653-4687

MICHAEL | 62065 White Tales Lodge • Michael Hollow Rd. • (618) 576-8253

NEBO | 62355

GRAFTON | 62037 Aeries Resort 14 W. Main St. • (618) 786-8439 Pere Marquette Lodge & Conference Center 13653 Lodge Blvd. • (618) 786-2331 Ruebel Hotel & Restaurant • 217 E. Main St. • (618) 786-2315

JERSEYVILLE | 62052 Jerseyville Harvest Inn • 730 S. State St. • (618) 498-6886 Super 8 • 1303 State Hwy. 109 • (618) 498-7888

Harpole’s Heartland Lodge - Heavenly View Cabin RR 1 Box 39 • (800) 717-4868

VisitAlton.com

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eat

AND

drink

RESTAURANTS ALTON | 62002 Alton Sports Tap • 3812 College Ave. • (618) 465-2539 Applebee’s • 319 Homer Adams Pkwy. • (618) 462-6575 Bluff City Grill • 424 E. Broadway • (618) 433-8288 Bossanova Restaurant & Lounge • 112 W. Third St. • (618) 462-1175 Bottoms Up Sports Bar & Grill • 2204 Fosterburg Rd. • (618) 468-1118 Captain’s Table Buffet - Argosy Casino • #1 Piasa St. • (800) 711-GAME Castelli’s Restaurant at 255 • 3400 Fosterburg Rd. • (618) 462-4620 Chez Marilyn • 119 W. Third St. • (618) 465-8071 China King • 1837 Homer Adams Pkwy. • (618) 465-8818 Chinese Buffet • 2610 Homer Adams Pkwy. • (618) 463-4163 Cookie Factory Bakery & Café • 202 Alton Square Mall Dr. • (618)462-5731 Decaro’s • 602 E. Third St. • (618) 433-9999 Don & Penny’s • 306 State St. • (618) 465-9823 Elijah P.’s Burgers and Brews • 401 Piasa St. • (618) 433-8445 Fast Eddie’s Bon Air • 1530 E. 4th St. • (618) 462-5532 Fast Eddie’s Fried Chicken • 701 Central Ave. • (618) 465-3876 Gatsby’s Grille • 204 State St. • (618) 433-8898 Great Rivers Tap & Grill • 3559-B College Ave. • (618) 462-1220 G-B Grill • 1858 E. Broadway • (618) 465-9896 Gentelin’s on Broadway • 122 E. Broadway • (618) 465-6080 Golden Corral • 350 Homer Adams Pkwy. • (618) 465-1802

Hong Kong House • 1720 Washington Ave. • (618) 465-8638 Hops House-Argosy Casino Alton • 1 Piasa St. • (800) 711-GAME International House of Pancakes 181 Homer Adams Pkwy. • (618) 433-9940 Jimmy the Greek’s • 1856 E. Broadway • (618) 462-6600 Joe K’s Family Restaurant • 2530 State St. • (618) 466-9796 Johnson’s Corner Restaurant • 2000 State St. • (618) 465-5640 Journey - Argosy Casino Alton •#1 Piasa St. • (800) 711-GAME Little Mexico • 102 W. 9th St. • (217) 271-1665 Lovett’s Restaurant • 2512 College Ave. • (618) 581-0997 Mac’s Downtown • 315 Belle St. • (618) 465-1006 Mini Corral Hamburgers • 1500 Main St. • (618) 462-0400 Morrison’s Irish Pub • 200 State St. • (618) 433-8900 My Just Desserts • 31 E. Broadway • (618) 462-5881 New D.J.’s Bar & Grill • 2526 College Ave. • (618) 465-0362 Nicky G’s Italian Eats • 1801 State St. • (618) 468-1077 Old Bakery Beer Company • 400 Landmarks Blvd. • (618) 463-1470 Olga’s Kitchen • 206 Alton Square Mall Dr. • (618) 462-0642 Panera Bread Company • 1837 B Homer Adams Pkwy. • (618) 474-0100 Ragin Cajun Piano Bar • 210 W. Third St. • (618) 433-9119 Red Lobster • 170 Homer Adams Pkwy. • (618) 465-6554 Riverbend Billiards & Grill • 909 E. Broadway • (618) 462-4435 Riviera Maya • 2704 Corner Court • (618) 465-5000

Celebrating 80 years!

Famous Fried Chicken Steaks & Seafood Roman House Salad

Full Bar & Wine List Dine in, Take out, Delivery Large Groups & Private Parties

Castelli’s Restaurant at 255

Castellis255.com • 618.462.4620

43 Alton Regional Convention & Visitors Bureau

Sammi’s Sandwiches • 2505 State St. • (618) 570-0115 Sam’s Grill at Woodstock • 638 E. Broadway • (618) 581-3842 School House Grill at Senior Services Plus 2603 N. Rodgers • (618) 465-3298 Shogun • 2723 Corner Court • (618) 468-1111 Spectators Bar & Grill • 3003 Washington Ave. • (618) 465-2695 State Street Market • 208 State St. • (618) 462-8800 The Brown Bag Bistro • 318 E. Broadway The Perfect 10 Pub & Grill • 180 E. Center Dr. • (618) 465-7260 Tony’s Restaurant & Third Street Cafe • 312 Piasa St. • (618) 462-8384 Town Club of Alton, Inc. • 2400 E. Broadway • (618) 462-5431 Village Inn Pancake House • 2611 College Ave. • (618) 462-8750

BATCHTOWN | 62006 Cedar Hill Resort • Route 1 Box 89 • (618) 883-4455 Old Fill-Inn Station • 208 Main St. • (618) 396-0466

El Mezcal • 705 Texas Blvd. • (618) 377-8902 Geno’s 140 Club • 120 W. Bethalto Blvd. Hwy 140 • (618) 377-9394 Laux Brickhouse Grille • 212 S. Prairie St. • (618) 377-4800 New China Buffet • 133 E. Bethalto Dr. • (618) 377-3333 Roma’s Pizza • 121 E. Bethalto Dr. • (618) 377-5800 Weeping Willow Tea Room • 128 W Central St. • (618) 377-0500

BRUSSELS | 62013 AJ’s Bar & Grill • 124 W. Main St. • (618) 883-2233 Wittmond’s Restaurant • 108 Main St. • (618) 883-2345

COTTAGE HILLS | 62018 Doc Holliday’s Saloon & Eatery • 308 W. MacArthur • (618) 258-7575 Frank’s • 132 MacArthur Blvd. • (618) 258-8440 Polly’s Restaurant • 15 S. Stanley Rd. • (618) 251-8511 The Pork Barrel • 435 W. MacArthur • (618) 258-7650

DOW | 62022

BETHALTO | 62010 DQ Grill & Chill Restaurant • 444 W. Bethalto Dr. • (618) 377-2253 Eagle’s Nest Restaurant • 117 E. Bethalto Dr. • (618) 377-0697

Do Drop Inn • 15281 State Highway 109 • (618) 885-5931

Home of the famous pork tenderloin sandwich!

Authentic Irish-American Cuisine 60 Irish Whiskies - 1 Dozen Taps Live Music Thurs.-Sat. Night

2000 State St. Alton, IL 62002 (618) 465-5640

200 State Street Alton, IL 62002 618-433-8900 www.morrisonirishpub.com

VisitAlton.com

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EAST ALTON | 62024

GRAFTON | 62037

Airliner Bar & Grill • 573 E. Airline Dr. • (618) 259-9781 Casa Romero Mexican Restaurant & Cantina 521 E. Airline Dr. • (618) 258-8204 China Star • 624 Bershire Blvd. • (618) 259-9888 High Flyers Grille • 16 Terminal Dr. • (618) 251-8500 Magnum’s Bar & Grill • 407 E. Main St. • (618) 259-3794

GODFREY | 62035 Alton Wood River Sportsmens Club • 3109 Godfrey Rd. • (618) 466-3042 Carver’s Southern-Style BBQ • 2716 Grovelin St. • (618) 467-9999 China Wok • 2702 Godfrey Rd. • (618) 466-8050 Clifton Country Inn & Bake Shop • 3015 W. Delmar Ave. • (618) 466-1020 El Mezcal • 3034 Godfrey Rd. • (618) 466-1604 Godfrey Meat Market • 6017 Godfrey Rd. • (618) 466-6111 Joe’s Pizza & Pasta • 5775 Godfrey Rd • (618) 433-8000 Josephine’s Gift Shop & Tea Room • 6109 Godfrey Rd. • (618) 466-7792 Roper’s Regal Beagle • 3043 Godfrey Rd. • (618) 466-2112 Round Table • 5407B Godfrey Rd. • (618) 466-6618 Shanghai House Chinese Food • 5741 Godfrey Rd. • (618) 467-0121 Sunset Bar & Grill • 2807 W. Delmar Ave. • (618) 467-8232 Tony’s Ranch House Restaurant & Bar 3330 Godfrey Rd. • (618) 466-9734 Wise Guys Gyros & Italian Beef • 3200 Godfrey Rd. • (618) 374-6400

3rd Chute Bar and Grill • 220 W. Main St. • (618) 786-8888 3rd Chute Dockside BBQ • 211 W. Main St. Drifters’ Eats & Drinks • 1505 W. Main St. • (618) 786-3500 Fin Inn • 1500 W. Main St. • (618) 786-2030 Grafton Pub• 225 W. Main St. • (618) 786-2594 Grafton Oyster Bar • 215 Water St. • (618) 786-3000 Grafton Winery & Brewhaus • 300 W. Main St. • (618) 786-3001 Hawg Pit BBQ Barn • 821 W. Main St. • (618) 786-7675 O’Jan’s Fish Stand • 101 W. Main St. • (618) 786-2229 Peace of Quiche • 111 E. Main St. • (618) 786-2233 Pere Marquette Restaurant • 13653 Lodge Blvd. • (618) 786-2331 Ruebel Deli & Ice Cream Parlor • 217 E. Main St. • (618) 786-2315 The Loading Dock • 400 Front St. • (618) 786-3494 The Whole Scoop • 222 E. Main St. • (618) 786-2663 The Winery at Aerie’s Resort • 600 Timber Ridge Dr. • (618) 786-7477

HARDIN | 62047 Barefoot Restaurant • RR 2 Box 118 • (618) 576-9012 Hardin Drive-In • 207 N. Park St. • (618) 576-9311 Illinois Riverdock Restaurant • 501 S. Park St. • (618) 576-2362 Straight Home Bar & Grill • Route 100 North • (618) 576-2766

HARTFORD | 62048 RJ’s Place • 418 N. Delmar Ave. • (618) 254-4639

GOLDEN EAGLE | 62036 Kinder’s Restaurant • 50 Golden Eagle Ferry Rd. • (618) 883-2586 Point Pleasant • RR 1 Box 10A • (618) 883-2600

JERSEYVILLE | 62052 401 Tea Room & Gifts • 401 E. Fairgrounds • (618) 639-4010 Canton Restaurant • 925 S. State St. • (618) 498-6661 Chopped Steaks and Seafood • 208 S. State St. • (618) 639-4000 DJ’s Pub & Grill • 117 W. Prairie St. • (618) 498-8666

Fresh daily

Stop by and taste of one of our famous homemade pies, a 1/2 lb. chicken salad sandwich or both – you’ll be glad you did!

We also serve a variety of delicious soups, salads and sandwiches. Our menu changes daily based upon what the kitchen is craving at that particular moment so you’ll never have the same thing two days in a row around our place.

We’re located downtown in historic Alton Illinois just a few blocks from the river.

31 E Broadway, Alton, IL 62002 618-462-5881 (phone) 618-462-4412 (fax)

www.MyJustDesserts.org Search for JustDesserts in your smartphone app store!

45 Alton Regional Convention & Visitors Bureau

My Just Desserts Soups, Salads, Sandwiches, Homemade Pies!

Open 7 days a week 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Fran & Marilyn’s • 113 S. State St. • (618) 498-4912 George’s Local Brew • 205 S. State St. • (618) 639-2739 Los Tres Amigos • 929 S. State St. • (618) 639-8226 Mike’s Pizza & Pasta • 101 S. State St. • (618) 498-3298 Nick’s Pancake House • 891 S. State St. • (618) 498-1122 Olive Branch Cafe • 1668 S. State St. • (618) 639-5555 Pig on a Wing • 216 N. State St. • (618) 639-3354 QQ Buffet • 1404 Windy Lane, Suite A • (618) 639-8838 Redbird Deli & Ice Cream Parlor • 109 S. State St. • (618) 639-0952 State Street Bar and Grill • 118 S. State St. • (618) 639-3663 The Diner Bar & Grill • 111 S. Dorothy St. • (618) 639-1106 White Spot • 403 N. State St. • (618) 498-9081

ROXANA | 62084

Mama Mia’s Italian Restaurant • 48 W. Edwardsville Rd. • (618) 251-6262 Pump House Bar & Grill • 1523 E. Edwardsville Rd. • (618) 216-2404 Sixth Street Diner • 29 6th St. • (618) 251-9715 Sukey’s Chinese Restaurant • 730 E. Edwardsville Rd • (618) 251-4052

BAKERIES ALTON | 62002 Cookie Express • 121 Alton Square Mall Dr. • (618) 462-5731 Cookie Factory Bakery • 202 Alton Square Mall Dr. • (618) 462-5731 Duke Bakery • 819 Henry St. • (618) 462-2922 My Just Desserts • 31 E. Broadway • (618) 462-5881

BETHALTO | 62010

Dee-Lux Diner • 700 S. Central Ave. • (618) 254-7115

WOOD RIVER | 62095

Donut Express • 113 E. Bethalto Dr. • (618) 377-5700

EAST ALTON | 62035

Applebee’s • 1921 Vaughn Rd. • (618) 258-1051 Best Buffet Inc. • 615 Wesley Dr. • (618) 258-1888 Big Boys Q • 300 N. Wood River Ave. • (618) 328-8647 Chico’s Bar & Grill • 575 S. 6th St. • (618) 254-1310 China King • 1134 Vaughn Rd. • (618) 259-8886 Fiona’s Family Restaurant • 595 E. Edwardsville Rd. • (618) 259-2410 Franchise Sports Bar & Grill • 601 E. Edwardsville Rd. • (618) 259-2413 Hing Wah Chop Suey • 860 N. Wood Riiver Ave. • (618)251-5012 International House of Pancakes 1201 E. Edwardsville Rd. • (618) 258-0236 Kumar’s Kafe • 53 E. Ferguson Ave. • (618) 251-4772 Los Alamos Bar & Grill • 57 W. Edwardsville Rd. • (618) 216-3444 Los Tres Amigos • 1822 Vaughn Rd. • (618) 259-9730 Madison’s Tea Room • 144 E. Ferguson Ave. • (618) 251-8474

First Stop Bake Shop • 611 E. Airline Dr. • (618) 251-8024

GODFREY | 62035 Clifton Country Inn & Bake Shop • 3015 W. Delmar Ave. • (618) 466-1020 Mister Donut • 2720 Grovelin St., #A • (618) 466-6327

JERSEYVILLE | 62052 Expresso Yourself Bakery • 410 W. Carpenter St. • (618) 639-2877 The Donut Shop • 933 S. State St. • (618) 498-8715

WOOD RIVER | 62095 Good Knight Cupcakes and Cookies 1490B E. Edwardsville Rd. • (618) 255-9078 Ruby’s • 891 E Edwardsville Rd. • (618) 251-8012 Wood River Donut Shop N More 102 W. Edwardsville Rd. • (618) 251-5331

Steaks | Seafood | Pasta | Pizza 5 private dining rooms | Reservations accepted Open 4 p.m. Tuesday - Sunday Home Of Tony’s Famous Signature Pepperloin “OFTEN IMITATED, NEVER DUPLICATED” ESTABLISHED 1954

VisitAlton.com

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COFFEE & ICE CREAM ALTON | 62002 Germania Brew Haus • 617 E. Broadway St. • (314) 667-4751 Ketchum’s Corner Kreem • 33 E. Elm St. • (618) 946-8309 Lucy’s Place • 2807 Homer Adams Pkwy. • (618) 433-9677 Maeva’s Coffee • 1320 Milton Rd. • (618) 581-7510 The Underground on Broadway • 630 E. Broadway • (618) 604-6300

BETHALTO | 62010 Frigid Frog Shaved Ice Co. • Airport Plaza Weather Vane Ice Cream • 103 W. Bethalto Dr. • (618) 377-8412

GODFREY | 62035 Shiver’s Frozen Custard • 3318 Godfrey Rd. • (618) 466-6915 Coffee Cabana • 6133 Humbert Rd. • (618) 466-1187

GRAFTON | 62037 Grafton Fudge & Ice Cream • 321 E. Main St. • (618) 786-3700 Ruebel Deli & Ice Cream Parlor • 217 E. Main St. • (618) 786-2315 The Whole Scoop • 222 E. Main St. • (618) 786-2663 Aerie’s Grounds & Gifts • 600 Timber Ridge • (618) 786-8438

JERSEYVILLE | 62052 McCarry’s Dairyland • 400 W. Carpenter St. #B • (618) 498-6113 Redbird Deli & Ice Cream Parlor • 109 S. State St. • (618) 639-0952

ROXANA | 62084 Cone Barn • 323 N. Central Ave.

WOOD RIVER | 62095 Lucy’s Place • 1808 Vaughn Rd. • (618) 258-7299

quick

BITES

ALTON: Burger King, Captain D’s Seafood, Fazoli’s Restaurant, Firehouse Subs, Jack In The Box, Jimmy John’s, Kentucky Fried Chicken, Little Caesars Pizza, McDonald’s, Papa John’s Pizza, Pizza Hut, Popeye’s Fried Chicken, Rally’s, Ruby’s, Steak’N Shake, Subway, Taco Bell, Wendy’s, White Castle

BETHALTO: Arby’s, Burger King, Domino’s Pizza, Kentucky

Fried Chicken, Imo’s McDonald’s, Pizza Hut, Rally’s, Subway, Taco Bell

EAST ALTON: Domino’s Pizza, McDonald’s, Subway, Taco Bell, The Salad Shop GODFREY: Arby’s, Domino’s Pizza, DQ Grill & Chill, Hardee’s, Imo’s, Little Caesars Pizza, McDonald’s, Pizza Hut, Subway HARDIN: Subway JERSEYVILLE: Arby’s, Burger King, Domino’s Pizza, DQ Grill & Chill, Hardee’s, McDonald’s, Pizza Hut, Subway, Taco Bell

WOOD RIVER: Charlie’s Drive-In, DQ Grill & Chill, Hardee’s,

Jack In The Box, Jimmy John’s, Little Caesars Pizza, Long John Silver’s,McDonald’s, Papa John’s Pizza, Pizza Hut, Steak’N Shake, Subway, Taco Bell, Wendy’s

sweet

TREATS

Sherry’s Snacks, 1904 General Store, PopUtopia Gourmet Popcorn & Sweets, Grafton Fudge & Ice Cream

All Inclusive Wedding Packages

47 Alton Regional Convention & Visitors Bureau

shop

TIL YOU

drop

For more information: VisitAlton.com/Shopping

ANTIQUES ALTON | 62002

GRAFTON | 62037

Alton Exchange Mall • 2990 E. Homer Adams Pkwy. • (618) 463-1273 Corky’s Emporium • 4754 Humbert Rd. • (618) 623-5650 Country Meadows • 401 E. Broadway St. • (618) 465-1965 George Street Antique Mall • 108 George St. • (618) 396-2231 J & P’s Edelweiss • 435 E. Broadway St. • (618) 741-8749 Prairie Peddler Antiques • 413 E. Broadway St. • (618) 465-6114 Steve’s Antiques & Reproductions • 323 E. Broadway St. • (618) 465-7407 The Brass Horse • 401 E. Broadway, Lower Level • (618) 433-8888 Tinner’s Anvil • 211 Langdon St. • (618) 433-1718 Wilson’s Antiques • 217 E. Broadway St. • (618) 465-3798

Golden Eagle Antiques • 300 E. Main St. • (618) 786-3333 Harrison’s Gifts • 224 E. Main St. • (618) 786-3370 Treasures Past & Present Resale Shop 1504 W. Main St. • (618) 786-3797

JERSEYVILLE | 62052 State Street Antiques & Jim’s Attic 115 N. State St. • (618) 498-1440

SPECIALTY SHOPS ALTON | 62002

BETHALTO | 62010 Craft & Antique Mall • 60 Airport Plaza • (618) 377-9307

GODFREY | 62035 Craft & Antique Mall #2 • 5707 Godfrey Rd. • (618) 466-9997 My Antique Store • 1007 W. Delmar Ave. • (618) 466-1616

TWO LOCATIONS TO SERVE YOU ALTON ~~ BELLEVILLE

Olive Oil Marketplace is more than just Olive Oils & Balsamics.

It is your One Stop

1904 General Store • 322 E. Broadway • (618) 433-8195 Alton Stained Glass • 412 E. Broadway St. • (618) 462-4145 Baxters Distributing Company, Inc. 912 E. Broadway • (618) 465-9347 Been There Home Décor • 13 E. Broadway • (618) 719-7310

By Design • 136 Front St. • (618) 433-1400 Caravan Resale Shop • 114 Broadway • (618) 462-6434 Christian Science Reading Room 237 Alton Square Mall Dr. • (618) 462-0964 Dora’s Spinning Wheel • 96 Northport Dr. • (618) 466-1900 Frew’s Bridal • 305 Piasa St. • (618) 466-8820 Grapevine • 2 W. Broadway • (618) 462-6502 Hazel2Blue, inc. • 2521 State St. • (618) 433-8300 Indigo Moon • 301 Broadway • (618) 717-0546 It’s Raining Zen • 301 Broadway • (618) 717-0546 Jan’s Hallmark • 112 Alton Square Mall Dr. • (618) 462-9454 Mississippi Mud Pottery • 310 E. Broadway St. • (618) 462-7573 New Frontiers Home Furnishings • 101 W. 3rd St. • (618) 465-8868 Olive Oil Marketplace • 108 W. 3rd St. • (618) 304-3769

Shop for all your Kitchen needs !!

Over 70 Different Flavors Olive Oils & Balsamics In addition to the Oils and Balsamics, we also offer a variety of Handmade Flavored Pastas, Gourmet Flavored Coffee, Loose Teas, Sauces, Dips, Mustards, Jams, Stuffed Olives, Gluten Free, Kitchen & Grilling Gadgets, & Great gift ideas

mississippimudpottery.com

s Rub gs & onin gets d a Seas G s ling auce Gril ot S &H Q B B

Tue-Fri 11am-5pm / Sat 10am-4pm • 618-304-3769 sales@oliveoilmarketplace.com www.oliveoilmarketplace.com 108W. 3rd Street, Alton, IL ~ 18 E. Main Street, Belleville, IL

Store Hours Sun. & Mon. Noon–4pm • Tues.-Closed • Wed.-Sat. 10am-5pm 310 E Broadway Alton, IL 62002 • 618.462.7573

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Other Side Retail • 233 E. Delmar Rd. • (618) 468-1194 Piasa Photo • 215 Piasa St. • (618) 462-3337 Picture This & More • 520A W. Delmar Ave. • (618) 466-0940 PopUtopia Gourmet Popcorn & Sweets 231 E. Delmar Rd. • (618) 433-8588 Real Deals on Home Decor • 237 East Delmar • (618) 433-9960 Second Reading Book Shop • 16 E. Broadway St. • (618) 462-2830 Slacker’s CD’s & Games • 317 Homer Adams Pkwy. • (618) 462-2005 Something Different • 822 E. Broadway St. • (618) 463-4306 Tangled Tinsel Christmas Tree Farm & Gift Shoppe 5 Christmas Tree Lane • (618) 465-7036 Ted’s Motorcycle World • 4103 Humbert Rd. • (618) 462-3030 The Cyclery • 3100 Homer Adams Pkwy. • (618) 468-1128 The Gift Box • 300 E. Broadway Three Charming Chicks • 219 Williams St. White Birch • 701 W. Delmar Ave. • (618) 466-9100 Wish & Wear Dress Rentals • 11 E. Broadway • (618) 401-4423 WOW Furnishings • 513 E. Third St. • (618) 444-7969

BRUSSELS | 62013 Village Consignment • 144 E. Main St. • (618) 771-9827

EAST ALTON | 62024 Community Seed & Feed • 300 N. Shamrock St. • (618) 259-8270

ELSAH | 62028 Crocker & Springer Pottery, Ltd. • 25337 Beltrees Rd. • (618) 466-8624 Elsah General Store • 22 La Salle St. • (618) 556-0709

GODFREY | 62035 Cleta’s Nutrition • 3004 Godfrey Rd. • (618) 466-1659 Godfrey Meat Market • 6017 Godfrey Rd. • (618) 466-6111 Josephine’s Ltd. Gift Shop & Tea Room 6109 Godfrey Rd. • (618) 466-7792 Shops at Beverly Farm • 6133 Humbert Rd. • (618) 466-1187

GOLDEN EAGLE | 62036 J.L. Krafts & Flowers • RR 1 Box 234 • (618) 883-2490

BETHALTO | 62010 Bethalto Party World • 60 Airport Plaza • (618) 377-4743 Homestead Flea Market • 5205 State Rte. 140 • (618) 377-0452 Sweet Ashley’s Cottage • 130 W. Central • (618) 791-7048

ICE CREAM ICE CREAM, FUDGE, CANDY, & GOSHEN SPECIALTY COFFEES! SUMMER HOURS

WINTER HOURS

MON.-FRI. 10AM - 7PM SATURDAY 10AM - 8PM SUNDAY 11AM - 8PM

MON.-FRI. 11AM - 5PM SATURDAY 10AM - 6PM SUNDAY 11AM - 6PM

321 EAST MAIN ST. GRAFTON, IL (618) 786-3700

49 Alton Regional Convention & Visitors Bureau

GRAFTON | 62037 Aerie’s Grounds & Gifts • 600 Timber Ridge Dr. • (618) 786-8438 Amish Shoppe by Foiles Customs • 225 E. Main St. • (217) 685-9417 Buena Vista Jewelry • 307 E. Main St. • (618) 581-8586

Country Meadows Antiques 401 E. Broadway, Alton 618-465-1965 Hours: Monday – Saturday: Sunday: 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Noon to 4:30 p.m.

RETAIL STORES Grafton Fudge & Ice Cream • 321 E. Main St. • (618) 786-3700 Grafton Harbor • 215 W. Water St. • (618) 786-7678 Grafton Winery & Brewhaus • 300 W. Main St. • (618) 786-3001 Iron Decor & More • 1406 W. Main St. • (618) 786-2343 Jeni J’s Gifts & Guest Houses • 120 - 214 W. Main St. • (618) 786-2737 New to You • 315 E. Main St. • (618) 786-2907 Knotty By Nature • 15 E. Main St. • (618) 556-7020 Pajarito • 316 E. Main St. • (618) 786-3490 The Wood Artisan • 22 E. Main St. • (618) 786-3699 Walker’s This and That Shop • 128 E. Main St. • (618) 709-3804 Wild N Crazzy Biker Apparel • 301 E. Main St. • (618) 920-5054

PHARMACIES ALTON | 62002 CVS/Pharmacy • 2422 College Ave. • (618) 463-7711 CVS/Pharmacy • 2701 Godfrey Rd. • (618) 466-1211 Shields Family Pharmacy • 2526 State St. • (618) 462-7003 Walgreens • 1650 Washington Ave. • (618) 462-5386 Walgreens • 2610 State St. • (618) 466-8179

BETHALTO | 62010 Walgreens • 172 E. MacArthur Dr. • (618) 258-0822

HARDIN | 62047 Fox Family Pharmacy • 110 N. County Rd. • (618) 576-2619

JERSEYVILLE | 62052 CVS/Pharmacy • 303 S. State St • (618) 498-1144 Panther Land Variety • 117 N. State St. • (618) 498-9099 Walgreens • 705 S. State St. • (618) 498-4989

WOOD RIVER | 62095 CVS/Pharmacy • 1 W. Edwardsville Rd. • (618) 254-3610 Walgreens • 1122 Vaughn Rd. • (618) 259-2013

ALTON | 62002 Alton Square Mall • 200 Alton Square Mall Dr. • (618) 300-3164 Cato Fashions • 1837 Homer Adams Pkwy. • (618) 465-9280 J.C. Penney’s • 150 Homer Adams Pkway • (618) 463-9595 KOHL’S • 1770 Homer Adams Pkwy. • (618) 462-2649 Ross Dress for Less • 101 Alton Square • (618) 463-1413 Target • 300 Homer Adams Pkwy. • (618) 465-4950

GODFREY | 62035 Factory Connection • 5735 Godfrey Rd. • (618) 433-8245 Walmart Super Center • 6660 Godfrey Rd. • (618) 433-3008

JERSEYVILLE | 62052 2nd Time Around • 905 S. State • (618) 639-7253 Cato Fashions • 1404 Windy Lane • (618) 498-4280 Beyond the Backyard Gate • 301 N. State St. • (618) 494-5779 JCH Hope Chest Resale Shop • 109 N. State St. • (618) 639-4673 Lost Treasures • 1600 S. State St. • (618) 639-3849 Lula Bells • 519 S. State St. • (618) 639-1200 Nature Kist Nutrition Center • 110 E. Exchange St. • (618) 498-6060 Outrageous Outdoors • 902 South State St. • (618) 639-4867 Panther Land Variety • 117 N. State St. • (618) 498-9099 Rosa Linn’s Creations • 114 S. State St. • (618) 498-3302 Sweet Peas Florals & Designs • 221 S. State St. • (618) 639-1997 Walmart Super Center • 1316 S. State St. • (618) 498-7744

WOOD RIVER | 62095 Cleary’s Shoes & Boots • 48 E. Ferguson Ave. • (618) 254-0276 JMP Cycle • 1490 E. Edwardsville Rd. • (618) 255-6116 Patchwork Plus • 62 E. Ferguson Ave. • (618) 251-9788 Sandi’s Costumes, Fabric & Alterations 34 W. Ferguson Ave. • (618) 251-6338 The Dress Shop • 22 E. Ferguson Ave. • (618) 471-9200 Walmart Super Center • 610 Wesley Dr. • (618) 259-0290

MAGNIFICENT MARINA FEATURES INCLUDE: Floating Docks Luxury Bathrooms Full Service Fuel Satellite TV & Wi-Fi Swimming Pool & Hot Tub Laundry Convenience Store & Deli Much More!

(618) 462-9860

Great Transient Rates Available | Reservations Encouraged

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odfrey Alton - Gois Illin

GET STAMPED

Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail

Pick up a National Park Service passport and start collecting cancellation stamps throughout the Meeting of the Great Rivers.

The starting point of the historic Lewis & Clark westward expedition is also a passport cancellation site.

The Lewis & Clark State Historic Site, #1 Lewis and Clark Trail, Hartford, offers a stamp for passport holders.

Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area

Network to Freedom

Visitors looking for traces of Abraham Lincoln in Alton can get their National Parks passport stamped at the Alton Visitor Center, 200 Piasa St., or at the Hayner Genealogy & Local History Library, 401 State St. Both places represent local tie-in’s to the federal Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area.

Passport stamps for the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom program are now available at the Alton Visitors Center, 200 Piasa St., Alton. There are several Underground Railroad sites in Alton, Godfrey, Elsah and Jerseyville.

Underground Railroad tours are also available.

24TH ANNUAL OPEN HOUSE ST. LOUIS REGIONAL AIRPORT

WINGS+WHEELS SEPT. 29 � 30, 2018

AT ROUTES 111& 140, BETHALTO, IL

ANNUAL INDEPENDENCE DAY FIREWORKS

HOSTED BY CORNERSTONE CHURCH THE LAST WEEKEND IN JUNE

NUAL OPEN H AN

SE OU

24 TH

FAMILY FRIENDLY � FREE � FOOD VENDORS

U

51 Alton Regional Convention & Visitors Bureau

PO

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RT

S T. IS

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GIO N A L

R AI

AIRPORT

StLouisRegional.com

ALL ABOARD! IT’S FULL SPEED AHEAD IN ALTON. Train travel to the Meeting of the Great Rivers has become speedier and, with the opening of the new Alton Regional Multimodal Transportation Center, 1 Golf Rd., more comfortable.

The newly constructed, $14 million, 8,000-square-foot multimodal facility houses Amtrak passenger rail service including a ticketing area, baggage room, waiting room and electronic information signs. Adjacent to the station are passenger pick up and drop off lanes, bus bays for Madison County Transit, 227 fee-based vehicle parking spaces, 12 bike lockers and bike racks.

Alton • Godfrey • Bethalto

“Best Bank in the Riverbend.“ “As voted by area residents.”

“Proud to be part of the community.”

BankLiberty.com • (618) 462-7000

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quick

GETTING HERE St. Louis Regional Airport 8 Terminal Drive • East Alton • (618) 259-2531 Lambert International Airport 10701 Lambert International Blvd. • St. Louis, MO • (314) 426-8000

FACTS

NEARBY CITIES

Amtrak Rail Service • #1 Golf Rd. • Alton • (618) 462-1879 Amtrak.com

MARINAS & FERRIES Alton Marina • 1 Henry St. • Alton • (618) 462-9860 Grafton Harbor • 215 W. Water St. • Grafton • (618) 786-7678 Brussels Free Ferry • Route 100 • Grafton • (618) 786-3636 Golden Eagle Ferry • Ferry Road • Golden Eagle • (618) 535-5759 Grafton Ferry (Seasonal) • Route 100 • Grafton • (800) 258-6645 Kampsville Free Ferry • River Front Dr. • Kampsville • (618) 653-4518

Branson: 272 miles Chicago: 286 miles Indianapolis: 245 miles Kansas City: 258 miles Memphis: 307 miles Milwaukee: 386 miles Nashville: 325 miles

GETTING AROUND TOWN Alton’s Best Cabs • 1102 Milton Rd. • Alton • (618) 578-3344 Dave Mungenast Toyota & Dodge (Car Rentals) 850 Homer Adams Pkwy. • Alton • (618) 208-2643

High Speed passenger rail service will debut in Illinois in 2018. That means the travel time between Alton and Chicago will be cut by nearly one hour!

Champagne Limousines • 3406 Delmar Ave. • Godfrey • (618) 466-7001 Enterprise Rent-A-Car • 3000 Washington Ave. • Alton • (618) 462-0001 Enterprise Rent-A-Car • 1200 State Rd. • Jerseyville • (618) 498-8546 Excel Transportation • 351 E. Ferguson Ave. • Wood River • (618) 251-9410 Hertz Rental Cars • 263 S. 6th St. • Wood River • (618) 251-9587 Township Taxi • 120 B Smith Ave. • East Alton • (618) 419-1038

1 mile

5

10

3

Grafton

Elsah

100

3

Illinois River 67

255

Godfrey

100

Missis sippi

I-55

Riv er 67

94

140

Alton our Miss i River 3

67

143

Wood River

Hartford 370

67

St. Charles

3

367

70

I-255

270

170

St. Louis

Meeting of the Great Rivers Scenic Byways

Vadalabene Trail

53 Alton Regional Convention & Visitors Bureau

MCT Confluence Trail

ChristmasWonderlandAlton.com VisitAlton.com

54

TAKE THE

GOLDEN EAGLE FERRY

Come Aboard for a “Unique River Experience!”

calhounferrycompany,com

E-WAY ON

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CALL US TODAY! 618-535-5759 calhounferrycompany.com Calhoun Ferry Company