Location: Alton
Top Things to do in Alton
The 9 Best Sights & Landmarks in Alton, Illinois (IL)
Alton is a city on the Mississippi River in Madison County, Illinois, United States, about 15 miles (24 km) north of St. Louis, Missouri. The population was 27,865 at the 2010 census. It is a part of the Metro-East region of the Greater St. Louis metropolitan area. It is famous for its limestone bluffs along the river north of the city, for its role preceding and during the American Civil War, and as the hometown of jazz musician Miles Davis and Robert Wadlow, the tallest known person in history. It was the site of the last Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas debate in October 1858. The former state penitentiary here was used during the war to hold up to 12,000 Confederate prisoners of war.
Restaurants in Alton
1. Great Rivers Scenic Route
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 231 reviews
Reviewed By apkh0828 - Granite City, United States
AMAZING RIVER VIEW, LEAVES TURNING, QUAINT LITTLE TOWN OF Elijah, Bike Trail, Bird Watching, with many great shops in the town of Grafton. Nice wine tasting places, book shops, antique shops, ice cream parlor, and of course my favorite rock shop just as you enter Grafton on the right hand side of street. Beasley Fish and Find Inn our favorite places to eat. And for the bikers HogPit is the place to go! Head North to Pete Marquette State Park for great hiking and horseback riding. Spend a day or a weekend here, you will love it!
2. First Unitarian Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 8 reviews
Reviewed By Big_bro_1_usa - Chicago, United States
Beautiful historic and haunted church. Be sure to read the history behind it. Located across City Hall. plenty of parking and an amazing view of the river and downtown.
3. Elijah P. Lovejoy Monument
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 37 reviews
Reviewed By Q1815QZbryanw - Roseville, United States
This is a powerful monument about an influential abolitionist who influenced the anti-slave sentiments of both John Brown and Abraham Lincoln. Walk about 200 yards behind the monument and witness Lovejoy's actual grave--and stand where a youthful Abraham Lincoln stood before his trip to Washington D.C.
4. Haskell Playhouse
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 7 reviews
Reviewed By nancym272
The story behind the Haskell playhouse is very interesting-the wealthy family built this for their little girl who died at a very young age
5. Lincoln - Douglas Square
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5 reviews
Reviewed By elixirpost - Cerritos, United States
Check this out if you happen to drive by especially if you are going to St.Louis from Pere Marquette park.
6. North Alton Confederate Cemetery
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 7 reviews
Reviewed By V2863NXdawnb
Very serene place. There are no markers for individual graves, but there is a stone monument with the names of all who are buried there.
7. Piasa Bird
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 5 reviews
Reviewed By Big_bro_1_usa - Chicago, United States
A very quick stop but a lot of bang for your buck. While it is a replica and located on a different limestone cliff, it is still beside the river and you can imagine what people back then thought as they floated by the river and saw this massive painting which is still a wonder to behold.
8. Alton Prison
9. Alton Square Mall
Overall Ratings
2.5 based on 14 reviews
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