Location: Alton
Top Things to do in Alton
Countries
Things to do in Alton, Illinois (IL): The Best Museums
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. Jacoby Arts Center
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 5 reviews
3. Alton Stained Glass Works
4. World's Tallest Man Statue
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 153 reviews
Reviewed By EwanderingMan - Hendersonville, United States
Yup, check the "Guinness Book of World Records." Robert Pershing Wadlow, born and reared in Alton, is the tallest person to ever have walked on earth for whom there is irrefutable documentation. His statue is on the site of the former Shurtleff College campus (now Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine) that he had attended. There is visitor parking on campus about 60 yards (by paved walkway... behind the statue); i.e. the parking spaces are not visible from College Avenue. To access the small "Robert Wadlow Statue Visitor Only" parking lot, turn north from College Avenue onto Seminary Street. (The Upper Alton Baptist Church is at that corner.) About 100 yards from that intersection, there is a right turn into the campus. The small lane goes directly to the Visitor parking spaces.
5. 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.
6. Alton Museum of History and Art
7. Curiosity Museum
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 38 reviews
Exhibits and information have been researched and are historically accurate. The curator of our museum has visited Torture Museums in Europe where most of these devices originated. A collection of books on the sublect is available to browse while at the Museum. We are always on alert for information and adding new exhibits to our collection. Over 50 exhibits of torture devices from all over the world, some very simple, some diabolically clever, some still in use today. We have new Torture exhibits, and are expanding the museum to include curiosities, oddities, illusions and hands-on exhibits. Formerly the Historic Museum of Torture Devices this expanded attraction is now the Curiosity Museum.
Reviewed By anderson213 - Hannibal, United States
This place is small. Some might even call it a hole in the wall. But, we liked it. My boys especially enjoyed all the gross details about historical torture. This pplace is not for the squeemish. If you like gross, then this place is for you. If your stomach flops because of the movie SAW, avoid this place.
