Location: Collinsville
Top Things to do in Collinsville
Top 10 Things to do in Collinsville, United States
Collinsville is a city located mainly in Madison County, and partially in St. Clair County, both in Illinois. As of the 2010 census, the city had a population of 25,579, an increase from 24,707 in 2000. Collinsville is approximately 12 miles from St. Louis, Missouri and is considered part of that city's Metro-East area. It is the home of the Brooks Catsup Bottle Water Tower, the world's largest ketchup bottle, and is the world's horseradish capital. Monks Mound, the largest man-made earthwork in North America, and now part of the Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site, is located here.
Restaurants in Collinsville
1. The Gateway Arch
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 9 reviews
The Museum of Westward Expansion closed, pending installation of all new museum exhibits. As of March 2, 2015, entry-only ticket or tram ticket required to enter Arch. The nation's tallest monument at 630 feet, the Gateway Arch has beckoned visitors since June 1967. The Gateway Arch commemorates Thomas Jefferson and the role St. Louis played in the westward expansion of the United States. A visit to St. Louis isn't complete without standing at the Arch's base and playing professional photographer, but the view from the outside is only half of the experience. Attractions within the Arch include the Journey to the Top (the last tram leaves one hour before closing); educational programs (will be housed at the Old Courthouse); award-winning documentary movie, Monument to the Dream; and a gift shop. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Year's Day. Note: the address shown is for the Old Courthouse which is acting as the Gateway Arch Ticketing and Visitor Center throughout construction. Pedestrian entrance to the Arch Grounds is at Walnut Street at Memorial Drive or via the Grand Staircase from the riverfront.
Reviewed By DMartin216 - Chicago, Illinois
Taking a road trip from Chicago to KC for a weekend BBQ Tour, we decided that it was time we finally visited the gateway Arch. Neither of us had ever been to the Arch, and as a Cubs and Blackhawks fan I had never even gotten out of my car while in enemy territory. We found the Arch to be an engineering marvel and enjoyed the tiny elevator cars that make you feel like you’re riding in a dryer drum. The view from the top extends for miles, but unfortunately, the Mississippi River has to be one of the least photogenic bodies of water in the world—despite St. Louis’ efforts to build a nice park along the river’s edge. Beyond the river, one is treated to a view of East St. Louis, a panorama easily forgotten, but the view to the west includes the entire city of St. Louis and points beyond. As the Gateway to the West, this is clearly the view Eero Saarinen had in mind. The Arch itself is also very photogenic, and we between us we took more than 50 artsy shots of it. All in all, we found the Arch itself to be more attractive than the views it affords.
2. Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 649 reviews
A sophisticated Native American society of about 20,000 people that operated via a sun calendar and disappeared by 1400.
Reviewed By SportsMoose - Indianapolis, Indiana
If you are in the St Louis area, or plan to be, this is an amazing spot to stop! It's a State Historic site, National Historic site, and World Heritage Site! At its peak Cahokia Mounds was a community stretching 6 square miles and included 120+ mounds, which were used to elevate residences, official buildings, and even some graves. In 1250AD it housed 10-20,000 people, which made it a larger city then London was at the time! Monks Mound, the largest mound, is the largest prehistoric earthen construction in the Americas. We went on a day when the museum was closed, so I cannot speak to that. However, we drove around the paved areas to check out the various mounds, and then parked by monks mound and hiked up. I love historic places that are outside and open like this, so young kids can enjoy it instead of worrying about breaking something! The kids were able to explore the stockade re-creation, and run around on the grass. We did stay on the path and stairs when climbing the mound to avoid erosion, but when we got to the top there was lots of room to roam around, and you can even see St. Louis in the distance. Add this to your list of things to see!
3. Mastermind Vodka
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 26 reviews
Reviewed By beachykeen17 - Missouri
Behind the doors of this unassuming little building lies distillery magic. The folks at Mastermind not only brew what is arguably the best American vodka, but they're fun and friendly, too.
Our tour began in a room with comfy chairs and tables clustered about, relaxing music playing, and a server taking our orders for mixed drinks. Then we enjoyed vodka and moonshine tastings. (Note: if the moonshine is too much for you straight, toss it in your mixed drink and it'll go down nice and smooth).
Then it was down the hall to the back for a quick talk on vodka making. We capped off the tour with bottles of our own, hand-dipped and signed by company founder Carl, who led our happy tour. Very fun experience!
4. Boogies
Overall Ratings
4 based on 17 reviews
Reviewed By EStLouiesmokey - Collinsville, Illinois
As a coincidence, I've been there twice in two days. After golf on Monday and Tuesday night for dinner. Good food and good choices. Tuesday special is buy a pound of wings, get a pound free. Needless to say, the place in very busy on that night.
There is a dining room plus table service in the bar side. (lots of TV in the bar side)
5. Kruta Bakery
Overall Ratings
5 based on 60 reviews
Reviewed By T H - Russellville, Kentucky
Kruta has been a family and community favorite for many years. I brought a visitor home and wanted to show it off (since she had recently shown off her Nashville favorite to me). None of us was disappointed. Everything was fresh. The variety was great, even late in the day.
Prices are reasonable. The system is efficient. I wish they had more descriptions to help make decisions.
My friend thought my hometown bakery was as good as hers.
6. St. Clair Square
Overall Ratings
4 based on 39 reviews
St. Clair Square is the shopping, dining and entertainment destination in Fairview Heights, IL. The mall features more than 140 specialty stores, 4 department stores and a variety of dining options.
Reviewed By damckin_99 - San Antonio, Texas
I feel that this mall has the best prices and selection in the area. It's easy to navigate and very clean.
7. Villa Marie Winery
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 21 reviews
Reviewed By L K - Nashville, Tennessee
We were just riding around scoping out the area's scenery when we happened upon this winery. So glad we did! The wine was delicious (I bought the Dancing Spirits one), and their frozen drinks were outstanding. The staff was soo nice and knowledgeable. The facility was lovely. Would be a perfect place for a wedding or party. Definitely worth a visit. Very relaxing.
8. World's Largest Catsup Bottle
Overall Ratings
4 based on 222 reviews
Reviewed By BBQ_Judge - St. Louis
Worlds largest katsup bottle that is actually a water tower!!! How could anyone possibly leave this off their bucket list? This is a much better and enlightened artistic treatment than the standard ugly water tower that is lurking around most towns and shows real creativity as well as marketing genius by accurately depicting a now defunct brand of catchup. While the Eiffel Tower might be older, taller, better lighted, better maintained, and more famous; it can never achieve the ne-plus-ultra level of monuments since it is unfortunately not made in the shape of a condiment container.
9. Wehrenberg Theatres
Overall Ratings
4 based on 25 reviews
Reviewed By Tim o
Slightly older movies for less with cheaper concessions Yep this is where new movies go after initially shown for 5-8 weeks at the premium price at other locations. Awesome value for a family or anyone on a budget. Even better deals going on Tuesdays and Wednesday.
10. Monkey Joes
Overall Ratings
4 based on 17 reviews
Reviewed By TINA B - Collinsville, Illinois
We go here about once a month or so for my preschooler to burn off some energy. Here's my rundown of the place:
Pros: Clean, the bounce houses are sanitized regularly (many times while you watch), games are cheap, snack bar is relatively cheap, employees are very friendly, if you get there right at opening on Sundays you can sometimes be in there with only a handful of other kids (or completely by yourselves) for 30-45 minutes.
Cons: Parents who do not supervise their children and therefore allow them to act like unruly little monsters (my then three-year-old got kicked in the neck by an eight-year-old once), not enough supervision by the staff on some of the more popular inflatables (leading to pushing, cutting, etc...), and there needs to be a different set-up with regard to shoes and the bathroom. I always carry my daughter if she needs to use the bathroom since shoes aren't allowed on the inflatables yet the bathroom floor is always wet in spots (and I'm not sure that's always water).
As I said, we go about once per month. The cons won't keep us from going but it is why I deducted one star. Overall, it's a cool place to go and play for the little ones.
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