Alton sits where the Mississippi, Missouri and Illinois rivers come together, about 25 minutes north of St. Louis. It’s a river town with a deep history, an antique-filled downtown, a reputation for ghosts, and one of the best winter bald eagle shows in the country. Here are 25 of the best things to do in Alton, IL, grouped so you can plan a day or a whole weekend.
History and haunts
1. Take an Alton ghost tour. Alton is known as one of the most haunted small towns in America. Walking tours run most heavily in September and October. See our ghost tour guide.
2. See the Robert Wadlow statue. It’s a life-size statue of Alton native Robert Wadlow, the tallest man in recorded history at 8 feet 11 inches. It’s on College Avenue, just down the road from the hotel.
3. Visit the Lovejoy Monument and Alton City Cemetery. This tall monument honors abolitionist editor Elijah P. Lovejoy, killed in Alton in 1837 defending his press.
4. Stand where Lincoln debated Douglas. Alton hosted the seventh and final Lincoln-Douglas debate in 1858. Life-size statues mark the spot at Lincoln-Douglas Square.
5. Explore the Old Alton Penitentiary ruins. A remaining wall marks Illinois’ first state prison, which later held Confederate prisoners during the Civil War.
6. Walk through the Alton Museum of History and Art. Local history, river heritage, and rotating art exhibits.
7. Catch Vintage Voices (October). Costumed actors bring notable Altonians to life on guided walks through Alton City Cemetery.
The rivers and the outdoors
8. Drive the Great River Road. The Meeting of the Great Rivers National Scenic Byway runs along towering limestone bluffs from Alton to Grafton. It’s one of the most scenic drives in the Midwest.
9. See the Piasa Bird. A giant painting of the legendary Piasa creature is on the bluffs just north of downtown, based on a Native American legend.
10. Watch for bald eagles (December–February). Hundreds of bald eagles winter along the rivers here. Read our eagle watching guide.
11. Visit the National Great Rivers Museum. Learn about river life and tour the Melvin Price Locks and Dam to watch barges lock through.
12. Walk the Audubon Center at Riverlands. A migratory bird sanctuary just across the Clark Bridge. Look for eagles, trumpeter swans, and pelicans in season.
13. Bike the Sam Vadalabene Trail. A paved trail that runs between the river and the bluffs toward Grafton.
14. Hike Pere Marquette State Park. Illinois’ largest state park has bluff-top overlooks and a historic 1930s lodge.
15. Visit the Lewis & Clark State Historic Site. It’s in nearby Hartford, where the Corps of Discovery wintered before setting out in 1804.
16. Ride a river ferry. Take the Grafton or Brussels ferry across the Illinois River for a short, scenic crossing.
17. Spend an evening at the riverfront. Alton’s riverfront park and amphitheater host concerts and events in warmer months.
Downtown, food and drink
18. Go antique shopping. Downtown Alton’s Broadway and nearby streets are lined with antique shops and vintage stores.
19. Visit the Alton Farmers’ & Artisans’ Market. A seasonal Saturday market downtown with local produce and crafts.
20. Grab a pint at Old Bakery Beer Company. An organic craft brewery in a restored downtown bakery building.
21. Have a night out at Fast Eddie’s Bon Air. An Alton institution known for cheap eats, live music, and big crowds.
22. Try your luck at Argosy Casino Alton. A riverboat casino right on the downtown riverfront.
Easy day trips
23. Taste your way through Grafton. About 30 minutes up the Great River Road, Grafton has wineries, river-view patios, and the Grafton SkyTour chairlift.
24. Catch a Cardinals game. Busch Stadium and downtown St. Louis are about 25 minutes away.
25. See the Gateway Arch. Pair it with the game for an easy St. Louis day, then head back to Alton for a quieter night.
Where to stay in Alton
The Great Rivers, an Ascend Collection Hotel puts you in the middle of all of it. Downtown Alton is minutes away, the Great River Road is close by, and St. Louis is about 25 minutes south. It has a heated indoor pool, free breakfast, free parking, and on-site dining.