Location: Chester
Top Things to do in Chester
Countries
7 Things to Do in Chester That You Shouldn't Miss
Chester is a city in and the county seat of Randolph County, Illinois, United States, on a bluff above the Mississippi River. The population was 8,586 at the 2010 census. It lies 61 miles (98 km) south of St. Louis, Missouri.
Restaurants in Chester
1. Popeye Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 43 reviews
Reviewed By aegeeg - Kankakee, Illinois
If you're passing through like we were it's an adorable store and museum. There are statues all over town with the different Popeye characters. The clerk at the museum gave us a map to all of them. The owners/clerks could not have been nicer.
2. Pierre Menard Home
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 16 reviews
Reviewed By Sarah L - Quebec City, Canada
We are from Quebec (like Pierre Menard was) and we were extremely delighted to find this jewel of history and architecture. Pierre Menard left Quebec (Montreal area in Quebec, actually) in the late 1700's. He was a coureur des bois and very good trader. He also became the first lieutenant governor of Illinois.
We were very warmly welcomed last May with coffee, cider and madeleines. We had a wonderful guided tour of the house that was furnished like in those days. Pierre Menard was a very rich man.
In the basement, there is a very interesting exhibition about old Kaskakia (Illinois first capital that almost completely vanished in the Mississippi) and its area with old coins, Pierre Menard's old Bible in French and other objects from the time.
It is free to visit but a donation is advised.
3. Kaskaskia Bell
Overall Ratings
4 based on 20 reviews
Reviewed By Suzy B - Manhattan, Illinois
As part of a day trip, we drove to Kaskaskia to see the famous bell that Louis XV gave to the good Catholic folks of the area in 1744. It's housed in a tiny brick building. When you ring a doorbell, the doors open (or are supposed to, anyway--it wasn't working when we were there) and a short narrative explains the history of the bell. That's all there is to it, except a weathered notebook to sign your name. What's maybe more interesting is the sign noting that Lewis and Clark passed through Kaskaskia on their way to the West. All in all, interesting, but maybe not worth the detour it requires. That's up to you.
4. Fort Kaskaskia State Historic Site
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 22 reviews
Reviewed By Sarah L - Quebec City, Canada
This is an old French fort (ruins) and the cemetery of old Kaskakia. Wonderful views of the Mississippi River. It is written in French on some of the tumbs. You can also camp there in a tent for an affordable fee but there is a train track nearby. Very beautiful trees and squirrels.
5. Piney Creek Ravine - State Natural Area
Overall Ratings
5 based on 6 reviews
Reviewed By caimi - Waterloo, Illinois
The Illinois DNR and other private groups have preserved a piece of time past near Chester Illinois. Pine Creek Ravine . A beautiful nature preserve which gives a hiker enough hill climbing, creek scrambling and nature viewing to make a wonderful day trip. It is especially gorgeous in late October. But the added bonus is the Native American Art which, without too much exploration, can be found on the rock bluffs of Piney Creek. This art dates to AD450-900 and is a trip back in time in the quiet, peaceful setting of Piney Creek Ravine. A must hike for the outdoors enthusiast and history seeker.
6. Little Mary's River Covered Bridge
Overall Ratings
4 based on 3 reviews
Reviewed By Steve H - New Jersey
Just outside of Chester sits this old covered bridge. There's a small parking lot and restroom facilities. A plaque describes the history of the bridge. It's been restored very well. Nice spot for photos with the trees and river. When I was there a couple were taking wedding photos. I visited in October and it was a somewhat warm day and a lot of bugs were buzzing around inside the bridge. Nice quick place to stop and admire if you're in the area.
7. Chester Eagles
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 3 reviews
Reviewed By malabarfly - Gravesend, United Kingdom
There is little choice in Chester for accommodation or eating, but we were told eagles had a bar and restaurant. Well, it certainly has a bar but it appeared more of a club than a restaurant/bar. It was packed and noisy (it was a Saturday night, so probably more so than normal), but although they obviously provide food at some time during the day we were told the kitchen had closed. It was 6.45 pm, so it’s not really a restaurant and we didn’t see the menu.
It had a buzzing atmosphere, where everybody seemed to know everybody else so it’s really a local meeting place for a few beers and a snack rather than somewhere for an evening meal. The couple of locals at the bar we spoke to were friendly, although the barmaid was not particularly welcoming - seemingly too busy to smile or answer questions about where to eat (or come back with any change!), so after one drink we left to find somewhere that could offer us food with our drinks.
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