Location: Alton
Top Things to do in Alton
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6 Things to do Good for a Rainy Day in Alton That You Shouldn't Miss
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. Beall Mansion Tour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 32 reviews
No visit to Alton, IL is complete without a tour of the turn-of-the-century mansion built as a wedding gift. Museum tours are by appointment. Call now to schedule.
2. Alton Room Escape
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 9 reviews
Fun team-building for friends, family, and colleagues to try and "escape" the room in 60 minutes! Our rooms are challenging and fun for all ages, and are not scary or creepy. Choose from two different escape games, uniquely designed and highly-rated by our customers, that will push you to think outside the box! Make your booking online in advance on our website. Games available Monday through Saturday, and limited hours on Sunday. During the school year we are open Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, or by request during the week - just give us a call.
Reviewed By RRaccoon72 - Saint Louis, United States
First time I’ve tried an escape room. Five adults ranging from 29 to 60+ years old in our group. All of us had a great experience! The youngest person was the only one who had any previous experience with escape rooms. She said this is the best of the three she has tried. The owner/operator and his wife designed and built the well decorated rooms. Since it was a first time experience for most of us, we tried the moderate level of the “Captain’s Quarters.” The puzzles were not too easy and not so difficult as to make it frustrating. Plus you can ask for a hint whenever you want assistance. The challenges were well designed — you don’t get a clue to locate a key that opens a box that has another clue for another key to another box, etc. Each of the puzzles are unique and many require teamwork. You play only with the people you have in your group and others are not added to your group. Cost for admission was very reasonable. All of us are looking forward to doing another room! Oh yeah, we were successful in escaping!
3. Mississippi Mud Pottery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 18 reviews
We specialize in handmade functional stoneware pottery that is dishwasher, microwave, oven and food safe. Stop in and watch us create and browse our showroom filled with our finished ware.
Reviewed By BeenTo7Continents - Des Plaines, United States
Tons of colorful pottery at reasonable prices. Two dogs will say hello while you browse. If I lived here I would be buying my wedding gifts all the time here. As it was we stopped in thinking we'd buy one bowl and bought an olive tray for every day use, a St. Patrick's Day magnet and a Valentine tray. If you looked at the website ahead of time there are far more items and patterns in the physical store than in the online store.
4. National Great Rivers Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 106 reviews
Reviewed By 866TaylorB - Chicago, United States
The National Great Rivers Museum is one of 11 planned visitors centers operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers that tells the story of the Mississippi River. Located on the Great River Road (State Highway 143) south of the Clark Bridge, adjacent to the Melvin Price Locks and Dam, between Alton and Wood River, Illinois, the 12,000-square-foot facility features state-of-the-art interactive displays and exhibits that help visitors understand the many aspects of the Mississippi River and how it affects our lives. The natural ecosystem of the Mississippi River and how humans interact with it is one of the major themes of the museum, which was opened in 2003. A large model of the bluffs of the region is in the center of the museum and provides information on the various wildlife from prairie plants and trees to birds and other animals. An aquarium displays the various species of fish that inhabit the river. Also learn about the mechanics of the river, how soil is made, the effects of erosion, what causes floods. Another them is how the Mississippi River has been home to many people throughout the ages, including nearby Cahokia Mounds. The construction of the Melvin Price Locks and Dam is explained and visitors can make a free tour of the facility. In addition, two video presentations are offered daily--"Power of the River," which tours the river from its source, and "Lewis and Clark: A Confluence of Time and Courage," which tells the story of the Corps of Discovery.
5. Fast Eddie's Bon-Air
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 38 reviews
Reviewed By nbj1003 - Key Biscayne, United States
A glowing review of Fast Eddie's Bon-Air is probably overkill. How many more superlatives can be written about this fun bar across the Mississippi from St. Louis in Alton, IL? The question is not how recently I visited but how I grab every chance to go back. I've been there in the winter for birthday parties inside, in the summer for superb music on the patio. with friends of a certain age for bargain shrimp at lunch, danced madly on other nights. Day or night, definitely a must visit if you're in the neighborhood. It is such an institution that the city closed off a street to allow Fast Eddie to expand.
6. Argosy Casino Alton
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 153 reviews
Reviewed By jbsoccr03
Plenty of vintage slots with some newer ones mixed in. Easy to get in and out of. Friendly environment and simple layout
