Fall Winter 2024-25 Great Rivers & Routes Go Guide

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goguide

GREAT RIVERS & ROUTES OF SOUTHWEST ILLINOIS

WEST END SERVICE STATION, EDWARDSVILLE, IL

PHOTOGRAPHERS:

adventure LAND

Fall and winter adventures await on the bluffs, rivers and trails weaving through southwest Illinois. Find your next awe-inspiring adventure in the Great Rivers & Routes region – the only place in America where the Mother Road of Route 66 meets the Great River Road.

AERIE’S ADVENTURE TOURS

Get off the beaten path and create your own adventure with Aerie’s Adventure Tours These guided UTV tours bring explorers into the heart of the scenic Mississippi River bluffs with an in-depth expedition through the hills and hollows on the limestone bluffs. Crossing creeks, climbing rock formations and hiking through wooded paths are just part of the fun on these 30-minute adventures. Plus, you never know what native wildlife might be around including Red Tailed Hawks, American Bald Eagles and more. Aerie’s Adventure Tours are part of Aerie’s Resort in Grafton. The resort, perched on top of the river bluffs, overlooks the confluence of the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers. The resort is also home to the Grafton SkyTour Aerie’s Alpine Coaster and Grafton Zipline Adventures – ideal fun for adventure seekers. Relax at the resort with full-service dining at The Terrace and stay the night in convenient lodging facilities.

LOOKING FOR MORE ADVENTURES? SOUTHWEST ILLINOIS IS OVERFLOWING WITH OUTDOOR FUN TO FILL FALL AND WINTER GETAWAYS.

Hop on a bike and travel the more than 150 miles of trails that highlight the distinct terrains that make southwest Illinois a one-of-a-kind experience. The trails bordering Lake Lou Yaeger in Litchfield offer an off-road bicyclists’ paradise. Ride the challenging Route 66 Trail for some rough riding fun. The 138 miles of the Madison County Transit Trails are a more laid-back adventure highlighting the scenic beauty along the prairie, woodlands and rivers of the region. The well-marked trails are considered Class 1 bikeways and feature 48 bridges, 22 tunnels and a few at-grade crossings. Take a ride along the Mississippi River on the Sam Vadalabene Bike Trail which parallels the river for 26 miles from Alton to Pere Marquette State Park north of Grafton.

TRAVEL TIP

Didn’t bring your bike? You can rent one at Grotto Bike Rentals in Alton or Covered Bridge Bike Rentals in Glen Carbon.

R FUN

Head to the waters of southwest Illinois for a new spin on an outdoor adventure. Explore the Mississippi River by kayak along the Mississippi Water Trail. Paddle from Grafton to the Audubon Center at Riverlands near Alton for a day of river fun. Or let someone else do the work and take a leisurely sightseeing ride on the Hakuna Matata, a 49-passenger excursion boat sailing out of Grafton Harbor Tritoon boats are also available to rent at the harbor.

Cast a line in the rivers and lakes of the region for a fishing adventure. Anglers have been known to reel in catfish from the Mississippi River weighing in at over 60 pounds. Bass, crappie, channel cat, blue cat, common carp and gar are among the top prizes for local fishermen. Top fishing spots include Beaver Dam State Park in Carlinville, Horseshoe Lake State Park in Collinsville and Lake Lou Yaeger in Litchfield along with the Mississippi River and Illinois River.

ADVENTURES AHEAD

For the more adventurous spirit, Fall and winter are great times to do some rock climbing. Pere Marquette State Park offers highly featured limestone formations and over 60 climbing routes including sport routes and top-anchors for traditional leads.

Enjoy a 45-minute horseback ride through Pere Marquette State Park with Pere Marquette Riding Stables. The guided tours take riders through creek beds and the heavily wooded edges of the park where abundant wildlife roam. Horseback riding is also available at Lake Lou Yaeger with established equestrian trails for those who trailer in their own horses.

PERE MARQUETTE RIDING STABLES, GRAFTON, IL

TAKE A JOURNEY ALONG THE LAST 100 MILES OF IN ILLINOIS AND DISCOVER THE MOTHER ROAD FROM STOP BY THE ICONIC ARISTON CAFÉ IN LITCHFIELD FOR DELICIOUS DINING AT A GENUINE ROUTE 66 LANDMARK. THE CAFÉ IS CELEBRATING ITS 100TH ANNIVERSARY!

AB Brooks Catsup had a home in Collinsville, and its iconic water tower has become a Route 66 landmark. Meet the World’s Tallest Catsup Bottle Water Tower on your Route 66 journey.

C On the hunt for a classic? Country Classic Cars in Staunton has them all. Classic. Collectors. Antique. Find anything on four wheels from pre-war through the early 1980s. Plus, drive through the new Route 66 Shield for a ‘classic’ experience!

DStep back in time and enjoy a hand-pulled soda from an authentic soda fountain at Doc’s Just Off 66 in Girard. Pair your soda with lunch or dinner at Doc’s.

EIt’s not difficult to find great entertainment along the Mother Road. Take in a night show at the Route 66 Skyview Drive-In for outdoor viewing fun.

F Have you seen a flying saucer lately? If not, pull in to the Pink Elephant Antique Mall and get a look at the alien fiberglass ship that is a one-of-a-kind experience.

GGranite City welcomed Route 66 travelers over the years with ice cream at the Mr. Twist Ice Cream & Sherbert which is still part of the Mother Road experience. The city is near the iconic Chain of Rocks Bridge – once a toll bridge connecting Illinois to Missouri over the Mississippi River.

HTHERE ARE A LOT OF RASCALLY RABBITS AT HENRY’S RA66IT RANCH IN STAUNTON. THIS QUIRKY ROUTE 66 ATTRACTION FEATURES BUNNY RABBITS AND VW RABBITS. PLUS GET A PHOTO SITTING ON TOP OF THE GIANT FIBERGLASS RABBIT.

I I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream. And there are loads of places to choose from along the Mother Road. Check out Whirl A Whip in Girard or Route 66 Creamery in Hamel for starters.

J For sweet treats and more stop in at Jubelt’s Bakery & Café in Litchfield.

KEast St. Louis is home to the Katherine Dunham Center for Arts & Humanities and to jazz great Miles Davis Find out more about both artists during a visit.

LOUTDOOR RECREATION HAS A HOME ALONG ROUTE 66 AT LAKE LOU YAEGER IN LITCHFIELD. HIT THE NEARBY TRAILS ON FOOT OR BY BIKE AND ENJOY THE GREAT OUTDOORS. VISIT IN DECEMBER THROUGH FEBRUARY, WHEN AMERICAN BALD EAGLES CAN BE SEEN AT THE LAKE SEARCHING FOR FOOD.

MMacoupin County has a rich Route 66 history including serving as home to the Million Dollar Courthouse and the Macoupin County Cannonball Jail, both Mother Road attractions. Tour both and discover how the jail incorporated Civil War cannonballs into its walls and why the courthouse became famous for its construction price tag.

N

Let the neon signs guide you to the new “It’s Electric Neon Sign Park” in Granite City. This park highlights neon signs that lit up Route 66 in the city during the Mother Road’s heyday.

OCalled “The Best Fix on 66”, O’Brien Tire & Auto Care in Granite City took care of traveler’s needs. It’s still operating today.

PIT’S GIANT. AND IT’S PINK. AND IT’S AN ELEPHANT. TAKE A GANDER AT THIS FIBERGLASS WONDER THAT WELCOMES VISITORS TO THE PINK ELEPHANT ANTIQUE MALL IN LIVINGSTON.

QThere’s plenty of quirky and quaint attractions along the Mother Road including Weezy’s Restaurant – once a boarding house and now famous for its Pony Shoe sandwiches. Lots of Route 66 memorabilia line the walls of this road stop restaurant.

RTake a drive on the Roundabout that encircles the Carlinville Square on Route 66. There aren’t many left along the Mother Road!

SGet lost in a good book along Route 66 at the Sly Fox Bookstore in Virden. This independent bookstore features a wide selection of Illinois books, features local authors and is a leading retailer of children’s books.

TSit down at the Twistee Treat Diner – a ‘50’s style restaurant popping with color and featuring a giant ice cream cone exterior –and enjoy a meal or a sweet ice cream treat next to a juke box where full-sized figures of the Blues Brothers dance nearby.

U

Recharge from a Route 66 road trip with a stay at the Urban Collective Boutique Hotel in downtown Edwardsville, just off Route 66. Eight distinct suites, each with its own ambiance, colors and themes, highlight the out-of-theordinary experience.

VOnce upon a time, the Wildey Theatre in Edwardsville hosted Vaudeville greats on its stage. Now this Route 66 theater is home to sell-out weekend concerts and local events.

WTRAVELERS ALONG THE MOTHER ROAD WOULD STOP AT THE ICONIC WEST END SERVICE STATION IN EDWARDSVILLE FOR A COLD DRINK OR OIL CHANGE. IT CLOSED DOWN IN 1964 BUT WAS PURCHASED BY THE CITY IN 2022 AND REOPENED WITH ITS ORIGINAL DESIGN AS A LOCAL ROUTE 66 MUSEUM AND WELCOME CENTER. STOP BY NOW FOR A BLAST FROM THE PAST.

ENTER TO WIN A TWO NIGHT, THREE DAY MOTHER ROAD ADVENTURE IN

Take a trip down the Last 100 Miles of Route 66 in Illinois and enjoy the quirky and quaint fun of the Mother Road before it heads west to St. Louis.

X

Make it an excellent Route 66 experience with a stop at the Edwardsville Children’s Museum. Let the kids take their own drive along Route 66 with the new interactive exhibit that’s perfect for the littles in the group.

Y Long before Route 66, a small log cabin was built in what is now Glen Carbon – an offshoot of another iconic roadway – the Goshen Trail. Now the restored Yanda Log Cabin sits just off the Mother Road and is open periodically to visitors.

Z

Zip through the Last 100 Miles of Route 66 in southwest Illinois with the help of the Discover the Mother Road Route 66 Passport . These free books are available at attractions along the Mother Road and are a great way to chronicle the adventure.

The Mother Road, which stretches from Chicago to Los Angeles, turns 100 in 2026. Join the celebration along Route 66 communities hosting special events. Stay tuned for more information.

Dine out at the historic Ariston Café after visiting the Litchfield Museum and Route 66 Welcome Center. Explore the famous Cannonball Jail and Million Dollar Courthouse. Enjoy a pit stop at the Route 66 Creamery Visit the historic DeCamp Station in Staunton and the Wildey Theatre and West End Service Station in Edwardsville. Enter to win a two night, three day Mother Road adventure in southwest Illinois which includes two nights at the Urban Collective Boutique Hotel in Edwardsville, dining along Route 66, admission to the Edwardsville Children’s Museum and more.

ENTER TO WIN THIS AMAZING ROUTE 66 ADVENTURE

Entries will be accepted through Jan. 15, 2025.

FINDING

fall

Look around and the sights and sounds of Fall are everywhere in the Great Rivers & Routes region of southwest Illinois. From awe-inspiring sights of the light sparkling off brilliantly colored leaves; exploring the historical, haunted and scenic side of the area to the scent of ripe apples overflowing on trees at local orchards, discover a Fall adventure along the rivers and routes of the region.

TAKE A TOUR

Uncover the mysterious and often hidden side of the Great Rivers & Routes region with a guided tour this Fall.

Walk with the ghosts of Alton through the downtown streets of this river city, often referred to as “One of the Most Haunted Small Towns in America”. Guided ghost tours are available through Alton Hauntings created by historian and ghost adventurer Troy Taylor. Pair your ghost adventure with a serving of locally brewed craft beer on a Haunted Craft Beer Walk offered by Alton Odyssey Tours Alton Odyssey also has trolley tours for those looking for an other-worldly adventure: choose from a Bare Bones Tour or Witching Hour Tour. Explore one of the most haunted buildings in Alton at the famous McPike Mansion Tours and dark room sessions are available each week in October.

TRAVEL TIP

Want more eerie adventures: Explore the Haunted Corn Maze at DeMange

Pumpkin Farm in St. Jacob. Or head to Godfrey where the Great Godfrey Maze is open from the end of September through October for day and night a-mazing fun! In October head to Granite City for scary evening fun at The Cutting Room Haunted House and the daytime Magic & Mayhem markets. Fridays and Saturdays in October walk the Haunted Trail at Raging Rivers Water Park in Grafton. Fall family fun for all ages at Boonie's Farm in Worden.

Seasonal Freedom to Equality guided tours bring Alton’s past to life through stories, songs and historical re-enactments. The tours explore Black History throughout the Alton region including the Underground Railroad stops in Alton, the Elijah P. Lovejoy Monument and the historic Rocky Fork Church. Tours take place monthly in September, October and November. Tickets are $35 per person and must be purchased online: riversandroutes.com/things-to-do

TRAVEL TIP

Looking for more history?

Guided walking tours of Alton’s historic National Cemetery are held the first two weekends of October. Vintage Voices provide a glimpse at local historic figures through gravesite re-enactments. The tours consist of eight to 10 stops. Tickets are $10 for students and $15 for adults.

Hungry

History and the incomparable scenic beauty of the Meeting of the Great Rivers National Scenic Byway are among the highlights of the Fall Foliage and History Tours that take place every Thursday and Friday from Oct. 10 through Nov. 15. The four-hour guided shuttle tours begin in Grafton and include stops at Pere Marquette State Park , the Village of Elsah and Principia College The breath-taking scenery along the Great River Road enchants visitors of all ages. Tickets are $27.50 per person and must be purchased online at: riversandroutes.com/things-to-do

THERE’S A WHOLE LOT OF JAVA BREWING DURING THE GREAT RIVERS & ROUTES JAVAPALOOZA. Throughout September and October, coffee connoisseurs can enjoy exquisite roasts, lovable lattes and great coffee drinks at participating shops and restaurants.

Become a Coffee Connoisseur by visiting one local participating coffee shop per day. Baristas can enter to win a collectible mug from Mississippi Mud Pottery in the Latte Art Competition.

COMFORT food

Looking for something to warm your soul and your stomach on a blustery Fall or cold winter day? The Great Rivers & Routes region of southwest Illinois is known for its hearty helpings of comfort food. Take a seat at one of the many restaurants and diners in the region and discover why it has become a premier dining destination.

SANDWICHES AND SOUPS

Nothing eases the chill of the season more than a hearty bowl of soup paired with a sandwich. And we’re not talking about the classic tomato soup and grilled cheese either! Alton’s Brown Bag Bistro takes soup and sandwiches to an entirely new level. Try the French Onion, Loaded Baked Potato, Broccoli Cheddar or Lobster Bisque with The Wadlow sandwich piled high with house-made roast beef, turkey, ham, fried bologna and much, much, more! Stop by My Just Desserts also in downtown Alton, and chow down on its iconic Chicken Salad Sandwich and a cup of soup of the day. Collinsville is home to classic sandwich shops including The Sandwich Shop Diner in Uptown and McDill’s Irish Pub, located on the historic National Road.

Pick up a hot, freshly fried fish sandwich with a side at O’Jan’s Fish Stand or Beasley’s Fish Stand both in Grafton. Nothing beats the delicious and hearty sandwiches, salads, soups and sides at The Pump House in Wood River.

DINNER COMFORT FOOD

Evenings were made for settling back and enjoying a great meal with family and friends. Luckily, southwest Illinois is brimming with restaurants serving up delicious dinner entrees. Look no further than Mio Osteria in Edwardsville – an Italian sandwich shop by day and a sophisticated Italian joint by night. The menu is full of authentic Italian dishes including Uoava in Purgatorio, Panzenella, Linguine Carciofi and so much more. Cleveland-Heath in downtown Edwardsville, serves up American-style gourmet comfort good. The dinner menu has Peruvian Chicken, Sausage Supper and Fresh Spaghetti. Gentelin’s on Broadway in Downtown Alton is another elegant comfort food restaurant. Visit Porter’s Steakhouse in Collinsville for steak and more. Tony’s Steakhouse and Bar in Alton serves up its house speciality – a Pepperloin Filet. If fried chicken is your idea of comfort food, head to Castelli’s Restaurant at 255 in Alton has a secret recipe chicken that brings diners back from all four corners of the world.

START YOUR DAY OFF RIGHT

It’s the first meal of the day and everyone says it should be the best. So start your day off right with a hearty, filling breakfast. Check out Café Birdie in Edwardsville for homemade French Toast served with your choice of eggs. Or how about Twisted Biscuit also in Edwardsville, home of house-made biscuits of all flavors. Get off the beaten path and visit Clifton Country Inn just off the Meeting of the Great Rivers National Scenic Byway in Godfrey. Joe K’s Family Restaurant in Alton feels like an

old school diner serving up hearty breakfast (and lunch) with specialties like Moo & Peep and the Hungry Man Breakfast. Be sure to stop by Beverly Farm’s Busy Bee Bakery & Coffee Shop. This planned community for adults with developmental disabilities has created an on-site bakery staffed by residents and employees featuring an array of beverages including coffee and delicious baked goods from the Beverly Farm bakery.

SCAN HERE FOR MORE DINING DELIGHTS

TRAVEL TIP

Head to downtown Wood River on Oct. 19 for the annual Chili Cook Off & Car Cruise Enjoy classic chili, classic cars and motorcycles, music, drinks and fun.

CHILI DAYS AHEAD

Thick and chunky. Hot and spicy. Beans. No beans. There are plenty of ways to create a tasty bowl of chili and restaurants throughout the area have refined their recipes. Take a bite of Chef Matt’s Award Winning Chili at Old Bakery Beer Company in Alton for a classic beef and bean treat. Stagger Inn Again in Edwardsville is home to famous bowls of hot, spicy chili. Cozy Café in Hillsboro features chili ‘when the owner is in the mood’ throughout the year. Taylor’s Mexican Chili in Carlinville is the go-to source for original chili. The chili recipe here has been a closely held secret since 1904.

DESSERT SPECIALS

Sweet delights await at local restaurants – the perfect way to top off a great meal. If your journey takes you along Route 66, make a stop at the Ariston Café in Litchfield for your pick of delectable desserts. The nearby Jubelt’s Bakery and Restaurant also has fresh sweet treats which are road trip worthy.

SPICE it up

Warm yourself from the inside out with some great spirit-ed drinks served up at a variety of restaurants and pubs throughout southwest Illinois. Here are just a few spots perfect to sample hot cocktails perfect for cooler weather.

FLOCK FOOD TRUCK PARK ALTON

Experience original seasonal cocktails and mocktails at FLOCK in downtown Alton. Sip your drink beside the outside firepits. Or warm yourself indoors and enjoy the holiday themed decorations from Halloween through Christmas and Valentine’s Day. Each winter FLOCK turns in to a holiday wonderland with festive decorations and, of course, some great hot and cold holiday drinks. Enjoy a cocktail or mocktail created with FLOCK’s own syrups at the Holiday Pop-Up Bar for revelers 21 and up.

1818 CHOPHOUSE EDWARDSVILLE

What’s your drink pleasure? Chances are this upscale restaurant has it. Let a sip or two of bourbon or whiskey warm your bones and take your pick from the more than 100 different varieties. Want to spice things up? Choose from a full menu of mixed drinks including Spice and Ice – a blend of red chili pepper, pineapple, infused Aperol; or Smoked in the City with Woodford Double Oaked Bourbon, Smoked Apple, Carpano Antica and Angostura.

OLD HERALD BREWERY & DISTILLERY COLLINSVILLE

When it comes to creative spirits, look no further than this fresh brewery and distillery in the heart of the city’s Uptown District. Sip on the award-winning spirits that are distilled on site including Ardent Spirits Horseradish Vodka, Ardent Spirits Rhubarb Gin and a 4 Year Bourbon among others. Or warm up with a signature cocktail including the Bloody Mary – Sunday Edition, the Headliner Mule or the Walnut Old Fashion created with housemade Walnut Bitters.

THE BLOODY BUCKET GRAFTON

Warm up at the bar at The Bloody Bucket Saloon which sits on the banks of the Mississippi River in downtown Grafton. Once known for the bushwackers, horse thieves and other outlaws that graced its doorway, this selfdescribed ‘cowboy saloon’ is now known for its signature cocktails and holiday pop-up bars. Starting Dec. 7, visit the Holly Jolly Pop Up at the saloon and order a Candy Cane Lane cocktail featuring peppermint liqueur, hot chocolate, whipped cream and crushed candy canes on top. How about a ‘Reindeer Games’ drink with Fireball poured in to a hot apple cider? Monthly cocktail specials are on the menu.

Celebrate the Craft Spirits scene in southwest Illinois at the CRAFT BEVERAGE FESTIVAL on SATURDAY, NOV. 2 at Old Bakery Beer in downtown Alton.

Sample craft beverages from local breweries, distilleries and wineries including Old Herald Brewery & Distillery, Red Rooster Brew Werks & Distilling, Herbarium, Schlafly Brewery, Moon Drops, BlueStem Vodka, Old Bakery Beer, Grafton Winery & Brewhaus and more. Enjoy local craft food creations and live music.

Tickets are required for this event and includes samples and a commemorative glass. Tickets are $25 per person and $10 per person for the designated driver (includes a sampling of non-alcoholic drinks).

SCAN HERE FOR MORE INFO & TICKETS

CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT FLOCK FOOD TRUCK PARK, 1818 CHOPHOUSE, OLD HERALD BREWERY & DISTILLERY, THE BLOODY BUCKET

ONE DAY TRIPS:

SMALL TOWNS

you don’t want to miss

Need an escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life? Unplug and immerse yourself in the small towns that make the Great Rivers & Routes region of southwest Illinois extraordinary.

ELSAH

Soak in the relaxed vibes of the Village of Elsah, nestled between limestone Mississippi River bluffs along the Great River Road, and overflowing with history and charm. Take a walk, or ride a bike, through the narrow streets for a glimpse of homes built with native limestone over 100 years ago. The entire village is on the National Register of Historic Places and it shows.

Visit the Elsah General Store and take home a bag of classic candy, local jams, syrups, barbeque sauce and more. Thirsty? Take your pick of one of 50 flavors of vintage sodas that line the shelves. Tour the Elsah Museum housed in the Village Hall built in 1887. Stroll past the classic and picturesque Farley’s Music Hall, Civic Center (once the Elsah School), the historic Ice House Christian Science Reading Room and the Methodist Church. Schedule a tour of nearby Principia College – the only Christian Science-based college in the U.S. Do a bit of shopping at The Look Factory Peace Works and Three Rivers Farm Stand

MT. OLIVE

FARMERSVILLE

Looking for a bit of Americana? Look no further than Farmersville.

NOKOMIS

TRAVEL TIP

Spend the night at Green Tree Inn Bed & Breakfast and enjoy homemade afternoon treats and a gourmet home-cooked breakfast. Plus there are bicycles available for guest use.

History and highways merge in Mt. Olive, a small community perched on the Illinois prairie, home to Route 66, a new Route 66 Postcard Mural, the Union Miners Cemetery and the final resting place of famed union organizer Mother Jones.

A visit to this quiet, cozy community, located one mile west of Interstate 55, pulls the past into focus. Soulsby Service Station the longest operating automotive stop on Route 66, sits with its original pumps and signage along the remnants of the original Mother Road. Take a walk through the Soulsby building for a leap back in time. The city is also home to the Union Miners Cemetery the only union owned cemetery in the U.S. It is also the final resting place of Mary Harris, also known as Mother Jones, a famed U.S. labor leader. A 22-foot granite monument stands tall at the site in her honor. The cemetery is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

This rural community sits on a portion of the original leg of Route 66 that ran through Illinois in the 1930’s. It’s now home to a Route 66 Postcard Mural and is part of the 12 murals that highlight the Mother Road along the Last 100 Miles of Route 66 in Illinois.

Enjoy dining at Caddyshack Sports Bar & Grill and Champs Chicken in the city. Take some time to shop at The Rooted Home a home décor shop located in the city’s former Opera House on the town square. Be sure to shop the Small Town Dreamers Market held monthly from Spring to Fall on the town square. Ride along the Green Diamond Bike Trail for great scenic prairie views.

Nokomis is a great small town escape into quintessential Americana –overflowing with baseball nostalgia, apple pie and parks.

From shopping, to an eclectic coffee shop, the city offers a delightful way to pass the day. Visit the Bottomley-Ruffing-Schalk Baseball Museum which highlights the careers of Baseball Hall of Famers Jim Bottomley, Red Ruffing and Ray Schalk. Stop off for a cup, or two, of coffee at Ugly Mugs and pair it with a sweet cupcake or gourmet cheesecake from Cake It on Corner Cakery

Take a moment to shop in Nokomis with stops at Nokomis Fun Shop –which is full of toys, craft supplies and home décor all in one; the Nokomis Gifts and Garden Shop and New 2 You Consignment Boutique

Enjoy a fall picnic at one of the three city parks – Nokomis Community Memorial Park Shane P. Cole Park and the Fred B. Johnson Nokomis City Park

BOTTOMLEYRUFFING-SCHALK BASEBALL MUSEUM
THE ROOTED HOME
ELSAH GENERAL STORE

HAPPY

holidays

Take a moment to savor the holiday delights in the Great Rivers & Routes region from shopping local makers to savoring regional festivities including light shows, parades and opera. Let your holiday spirit light up in the only place in America where the Mother Road meets the Great River Road.

MAKE A LIST AND CHECK IT TWICE!

Shopping for your holiday gift list just got a whole lot easier in southwest Illinois.

Shop local makers and artisans in historic communities throughout the region for perfect one-of-a-kind presents.

Downtown Alton is home to the iconic Mississippi Mud Pottery – an Illinois Maker, where local artists create dishes, mugs, soup tureens, plates and more on site.

Browse through the shop for classic pottery and artistic pieces created by owners Chad Nelson and Felicia Breen. While in Alton, check out Funky Planet Toys & Gifts The Grapevine, Honeybee Vintage and StrangeLovely for more special gift ideas. One of the most popular stops for visitors to the region is The Chef Shoppe in Edwardsville. The store is full of kitchen gadgets, candy and homemade gourmet flavored popcorn including Caramel Pecan, Cornfetti, Dill Pickle and more!

TIP: BUY A BAG OR TIN AND HAVE IT SHIPPED.

Edwardsville is also home to Illinois Maker Water Sweet Soaps. This locally owned shop is a great place to pick up sugar scrubs, bath bombs and more scent-sational gifts. Just off Route 66 in Hillsboro, Alpha Candles is famous for its soy-based premium handcrafted candles sure to delight even the pickiest of candle aficionados. Make it a party by pouring your own during a Candle Party. Customized experiences and candle scents are available.

Shop downtown Wood River for great local gifts from Rustic Roots and Downtown Delights

light up the holidays

If there’s one thing locals in southwest Illinois know how to do – it’s lighting up the holidays.

Christmas Wonderland in Alton is the granddaddy of local light shows. More than 4 million lights have decorated Rock Spring Park for decades thanks to the work of the Grandpa Gang, a group of volunteers dedicated to showcasing the park with a drive through holiday light show. The spectacular show kicks off Nov. 29 and runs every night through Dec. 27. Jerseyville offers up its own holiday fun with the annual Downtown Country Christmas, held the weekend after Thanksgiving. The Bright Nights light show can be found in the city’s Dolan Park through the end of December and includes a Dancing Holiday Tree. Each weekend from Thanksgiving through midDecember Bethalto’s City Park is transformed in to Bethalto Christmas Village. This free event features visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, local artisans, food and more.

The Mississippi River community of Grafton celebrates the holidays throughout the month of December starting with the Santa’s Chocolate Express event featuring – what else –lots of chocolate and shopping. It is followed by SantaCon a gathering of as many Santas as possible in downtown Grafton. The city puts on the Winter Lights Parade just before Christmas and follows that with the New Years Eve Fireworks on the riverfront.

Enjoy holiday lights in Collinsville at Willoughby Heritage Farm And don’t miss the annual Light Up Holiday Parade on city streets. Edwardsville features a Winter Holiday Market in City Park.

Make plans to attend the Granite City Winter Wonderland Festival and the Candy Cane Parade

HOLIDAYS SHINE JUST A BIT BRIGHTER DURING A VISIT TO SOUTHWEST ILLINOIS.
MISSISSIPPI MUD POTTERY, ALTON, IL
LIGHT UP HOLIDAY PARADE, COLLINSVILLE, IL
WATER SWEETS SOAP COMPANY, EDWARDSVILLE, IL
CHRISTMAS WONDERLAND, ALTON, IL
DOWNTOWN DELIGHTS WOOD RIVER, IL

WHERE THE

eagles roam

THEY SOAR THROUGH THE SKIES – THEIR CLASSIC WHITE HEADS AND DARK BODIES EASY TO SPOT AS THEY WING THEIR WAY ALONG THE RIVERS OF SOUTHWEST ILLINOIS.

And it’s a limitedtime-only viewing opportunity with American Bald Eagles journeying from the frigid north to the warmer waters of the Mississippi, Illinois and Missouri Rivers between late December through February. Southwest Illinois is the only place in the U.S. to host the largest wintering population of American Bald Eagles. Which is why winter is now dubbed Eagle Season

Discover a place where eagles roam freely along the rivers, woodlands and prairies. Watch eagles float down the Mississippi River on ice floes in their hunt for a fresh meal. Or spy them around Lake Lou Yaeger in Litchfield, Beaver Dam State Park in Carlinville and Horseshoe Lake State Park in Collinsville. Take part in a free guided eagle tour at Pere Marquette State Park where dozens of American Bald Eagles can be spotted on any given day.

EAGLE SEASON KICK OFF

It’s all about the eagles at the annual Alton Eagle Ice Festival. On Saturday, Jan. 4, head to FLOCK Food Truck Park in downtown Alton from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and meet an American Bald Eagle up close and personal. But that’s not all. Live ice carving will also take place featuring Ice Man Visions and there will be face painting for the kids. Enjoy live music, hot chocolate, s’mores kits and a winter market. Admission to the event is free. Eagle events will also be held at the Audubon Center at Riverlands in West Alton and the National Great Rivers Museum

EAGLE MEET & GREETS

Can’t make it to the Eagle Ice Fest? Don’t worry. There are other opportunities to learn and see an American Bald Eagle. The Great Rivers & Routes Tourism Bureau has partnered with World Bird Sanctuary for a month of eagle fun. Each Saturday in January, meet an American Bald Eagle with a free Meet & Greet Event where attendees can take photos and learn more about the eagles’ characteristics, habitats and hunting skills. Head to the Grafton Visitor Center Saturday, Jan. 11 and Jan. 25 for a live Meet & Greet event. The Alton Visitor Center will be home to the event on Saturday, Jan. 18. All Meet & Greets start at 10 a.m. and end at 2 p.m.

GUIDED EAGLE SHUTTLE TOURS

Reserve your seat on the highly popular guided Eagle Shuttle Tours offered by the Great Rivers & Routes Tourism Bureau. Each Saturday in January and February, enjoy a tour showcasing the best eagle watching hot spots in the region. Learn inside tips on eagle viewing, best places to see eagles in the wild and learn about the behaviors of American Bald Eagles. It’s also a chance to get a birds-eye view of resident nesting eagles.

Advance tickets are required and can be purchased at RiversandRoutes.com or by scanning the QR Code below.

SHUTTLE TOUR DATES

n Jan. 4, 11, 18, 25 n Feb. 1, 8, 15, 22

Two tours each day: 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Tickets are $15 per person. Shuttle is limited to 22 passengers.

Mark Your Calendars for more eagle and winter fun at the annual Ice Jam at the Dam at the National Great Rivers Museum in February. Be sure to check out Raptor Saturdays and Eagle Sundays at the Audubon Center at Riverlands in January and February.

WINTER delights

When the cold winds of winter blow through southwest Illinois,

there’s only one thing to do. Put on a heavy coat and head outdoors.

SOUTHWEST ILLINOIS

is full of winter outdoor fun from outdoor markets to hiking to paddling along the mighty rivers that crisscross the region. If spending time outdoors isn’t an attractive option, then head indoors and sample a glass of local wine at a full production winery or outdoor igloo. Or take a road trip along the scenic highways and byways of the region and soak in the spectacular winter views.

TAKE IT OUTDOORS

What’s your winter pleasure? Hiking? Kayaking? Bird watching?

Breathe in the crisp clean winter air with a jaunt along the more than 150 miles of trails that link communities in the region. The MCT Trail System features welldefined paved trails that travel through the woodlands, prairies and along the riverbanks of southwest Illinois.

IT’S IGLOO SEASON

Escape to the Grafton Winery & Brewhaus and enjoy an igloo experience. Sip a glass of the winery’s locally bottled vino inside a warm and inviting heated igloo on the building’s rooftop. The private igloos are available from December through February and reservations are required. Spend two hours inside the igloo which seats eight. Sample a variety of wines and nosh on appetizers, charcuterie boards, sandwiches and more. Online reservations start in November.

WILD WINTER

Winter months are a great time to spy local wildlife along the trails. Explore the trails at Bremer Sanctuary in Hillsboro and Watershed Nature Center in Edwardsville. The Audubon Center at Riverlands has hiking trails throughout the nature preserve that also bring bird watching in to focus.

CALENDAR OF FUN

Mark your calendars for these great activities this winter.

n THE LAND OF GOSHEN WINTER MARKETS, downtown Edwardsville once a month from 10 a.m. to Noon.

SCAN HERE FOR MORE WINTER ACTIVITIES

n WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA honoring American veterans at the Alton National Cemetery, Dec. 14.

n OPERA EDWARDSVILLE HOLIDAY CONCERT, Wildey Theatre, Dec. 19.

n WINTER SOLSTICE at Cahokia Mounds, Collinsville. Welcome winter with a sunrise event at Woodhenge.

n GRANITE CITY MARDI GRAS Parade and Pub Crawl, Downtown Granite City, March 1.

n WORDI-GRAS , a red neck salute to Mardi Gras. Takes place in downtown Worden.

n ST. PATRICK’S PUB CRAWL downtown Alton pubs and bars participate in this annual event.

n SPRING EQUINOX at Cahokia Mounds Welcome the official start of spring with a sunrise ceremony at Woodhenge at this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

IN GRAFTON

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DINE • STAY • PLAY

HIT THE ìce

Skate your winter cares away along

The ice rink is open weekends November through February and has special holiday skate hours. All day skate passes are available. Don’t have your own skates? You can rent them here. the banks of the Mississippi River.

The Loading Dock Ice Rink in Grafton becomes a true winter wonderland every November when the Boatworks building is transformed in to an indoor ice skating rink. With the banks of the mighty river just a few feet away, skaters can fly around the rink then relax at an indoor fire pit roasting s’mores, sipping hot drinks and making great winter memories!

MORE WINTER ICE

Want to spend more time on the ice? Several communities in southwest Illinois have their own ice rinks which showcase figure skating, ice hockey, broom hockey and open skate experiences.Take your pick from these ice arenas:

n GRANITE CITY ICE RINK

300 Fehling Rd. • Granite City

Open seven days a week and offers public skate sessions Fridays through Sundays. Watch high school hockey, youth hockey and more. Skate rentals are available.

n EAST ALTON ICE ARENA

631 Lewis & Clark Blvd. • East Alton

Put a little ice in your life at this indoor ice arena. Watch local figure skaters, hockey clubs or just have fun on your own during open skating. Skate rental available. There’s also a snack bar and pro shop.

n R.P. LUMBER CENTER

6289 Tiger Dr. • Edwardsville

A new state-of-the-art ice arena offers hockey, figure skating and public skate sessions. The area is home to an indoor running track, fitness center and more. Open seven days a week with concessions and a pro shop.

When the sun goes down the fun doesn't end in the Great Rivers & Routes region of southwest Illinois.

Get your second wind under the bright lights of local casinos and betting parlors. Argosy Casino Alton is the state’s longest running gaming facility and sits on the Mighty Mississippi River. Head to East St. Louis and roll the dice at Draftkings at Casino Queen. Visit Mac’s Off Track Betting Parlor in Alton and Fanduel Sportsbook in Collinsville for more gaming fun.

The sounds of live music weaves through the night air across southwest Illinois. Visit local bars and pubs for some of the finest local music available. The Conservatory and Fast Eddie’s Bon Air serve up atmosphere along with musical treats in Alton. The Wildey Theatre is known for it’s highprofile lineup of

national cover bands headlining its historic stage. The revived Miner’s Theatre in Collinsville has made a comeback with live music events monthly.

Get tickets for a show at Alton Little Theater, Illinois’ longest community-run theater company, which showcases hilarious comedies, dramas and musical theater events.

48 HOURS OF FUN AT

pere marquette state park

RELAX. UNWIND. DISCONNECT.

Spend 48 hours at Pere Marquette State Park , just north of Grafton in southwest Illinois, where stunning scenic views merge with old fashioned comforts and nature takes center stage. Make it a family experience. Or maybe it’s a weekend for two. Create a fall or winter weekend adventure in Illinois’ largest state park.

HIKE THE TRAILS

Take a walk. And not just any old walk. Lace up your boots, grab a jacket and spend a day exploring the more than 8,000 acres of woodlands at Pere Marquette.

Explore over 12 miles of marked trails in the park perfect for beginners and experienced hikers. Discover ancient Native American burial mounds. Immerse yourself in glorious fall colors or let the stark beauty of winter delight the senses. Gaze out over the Illinois River valley from scenic overlooks and be on the look out for the native wildlife that

TAKE A BREAK

call the park home. Keep your eyes open for American Bald Eagles from December through February when they congregate in the trees at the park.

View the park from horseback at Pere Marquette Riding Stables. The guided trail rides are available through October, weather permitting. Bring your own horse and explore the more than 20 miles of equestrian trails in the park.

Bikes are also welcome on the roads that cut through the park, but aren’t allowed on hiking trails. Bring your own, or rent a bike from the Pere Marquette Lodge and Conference Center

TRAVEL TIP

Some horse trails are closed during certain seasons.

Check with the park’s Visitor Center for closures. Hiking trail maps are also available at the park’s Visitor Center. Guided hikes are available upon request.

Sit back and relax in the historic lodge at Pere Marquette State Park. Built in the 1930’s by the Civilian Conservation Corps and opened to the public in 1940, this building sits on the site of what was once a Native American village. The Great Room at the lodge is dominated by a 700-ton stone fireplace. All of the metal work, including the chandeliers, door handles and window locks were also created by the CCC.

Enjoy sitting by the stone fireplace, or playing chess on the life-sized chess board in the room. Massive floor to ceiling windows provides scenic views of the Illinois River.

Spend the night in one of the lodge’s guest rooms and have access to the indoor pool, hot tub, sauna and more. Or book one of the nearby cabin rooms for a more rustic ambiance.

DINING DELIGHTS

For home cooking at its best, dine out at the Pere Marquette Restaurant located inside the Pere Marquette Lodge and Conference Center.

The restaurant is famous for its Fried Chicken Family Style Dinners featuring juicy fried chicken, mashed potatoes, gravy, vegetable of the day and warm rolls. Looking for other options? The lodge also has a full service themed breakfast, lunch and dinner menu.

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