What to do and see in Glen Carbon, United States: The Best Places and Tips

July 21, 2017 Vivienne Hutton

Glen Carbon is a village in Madison County, Illinois, United States, 19 miles (31 km) northeast of St. Louis. The population was 12,934 at the 2010 census.
Restaurants in Glen Carbon

1. Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site

30 Ramey Dr, Collinsville, IL 62234-7617 +1 618-346-5160
Excellent
67%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 649 reviews

Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site

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!

2. Lewis & Clark State Historic Site & Interpretive Center

#1 Lewis & Clark Trail, Hartford, IL 62048 +1 618-251-5811
Excellent
70%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 69 reviews

Lewis & Clark State Historic Site & Interpretive Center

Reviewed By herestoadventures - Fishers, Indiana

I struggled with rating this.

Given an absence of funding, this interpretive center is being kept alive by volunteers. They're obviously doing a great job,and they're friendly and informed. I salute them.

The interpretive center includes a cut-away reconstruction of a keelboat, and it's fascinating to see it up close. I can't imagine how they pulled anything that heavy through the lower Missouri.

The film and the rest of the indoor exhibits are also well done. Gift shop has really good selection of books. For these reasons, I've given it a 4.

Now the truly sad part: the State of Illinois has not seen fit to maintain the reconstruction of the fort at Camp DuBois. It is in such a sad state of disrepair that visitors can no longer go inside if it. The exterior is festooned with "caution" tape, and 8-foot weeds can be seen growing inside.

Even the interpretive center itself needs a coat of paint.

What a missed opportunity. Given the importance of this site, one can only hope that Illinois funds its maintenance.

3. Mastermind Vodka

4262 State Route 162, Pontoon Beach, IL 62040-6408 +1 314-691-9000
Excellent
71%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 26 reviews

Mastermind Vodka

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. Wildey Theater

252 N Main St, Edwardsville, IL 62025-1604 +1 618-307-1750
Excellent
74%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 54 reviews

Wildey Theater

Reviewed By Bob D - Saint Louis, Missouri

Beautifully restored and intimate venue of just 326 seats offers great sight lines, beautiful sound, and everything from $2 Movie Nights to great artists like Dave Mason, Gypsy and Pavlov's Dog.
Artists are generally pretty laid back in this atmosphere, and frequently come out after the show for meet 'n ' greets and to sign and sell merch.
GM Al Canal (yes, it IS the "I know Al Canal, do you?" guy!) makes great host for the festivities!

5. Boogies

2082 Vadalabene Dr, Maryville, IL 62062-5841 +1 618-288-2898
Excellent
37%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
23%
Poor
5%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 17 reviews

Boogies

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)

6. Beast Escape Room

4517 S State Route 159, Unit #4, Glen Carbon, IL 62034-1584 +1 618-530-7341
Excellent
92%
Good
8%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 12 reviews

Beast Escape Room

Beast Escape Room is St. Louis Metro East's only Escape Room. We've created puzzles to challenge your communication & problem solving skills. Will you be able to finish the game before the 1 hour time limit expires? Book your experience today!

Reviewed By Whitney D

My three friends and I visited, not knowing what to expect. We did the room called "Trapped with Friends." The puzzles were challenging and fun. We had a great time trying to work together to get out. The owner was very friendly and helpful, giving us clues when we needed them. We did complete the challenge. At the end, he takes a group picture. I would definitely recommend this place -it was a great time! Will try to book the new room he mentioned.

7. Kruta Bakery

300 Saint Louis Rd, Collinsville, IL 62234-2433 +1 618-344-1115
Excellent
88%
Good
10%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 60 reviews

Kruta Bakery

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.

8. The Gardens at SIUE

6 Arboretum Lane, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, Edwardsville, IL 62025 +1 618-650-3070
Excellent
65%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 48 reviews

The Gardens at SIUE

Reviewed By Charlee T

If you live around Edwardsville and are looking for a beautiful and FREE place to take some photos (whether it be for an engagement, graduation, prom, anniversary, etc.), The Gardens at SIUE is a wonderful place! There are many features in the gardens (rustic wooden bridges, beautiful water fountains, colorful flowers, a stone amphitheater, a vast prairie, etc.) that allow different shots and backgrounds. I've come here for homecoming photos, senior photos, and just for fun photos with my boyfriend. On each occasion, I was more than pleased with the creativity and uniqueness the gardens allowed.

9. Villa Marie Winery

6633 E Main St, Maryville, IL 62062-5463 +1 618-345-3100
Excellent
35%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
23%
Poor
9%
Terrible
14%
Overall Ratings

3.5 based on 21 reviews

Villa Marie Winery

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.

10. Spin City Skate Center

284 Riggin Rd, Troy, IL 62294-3401 +1 618-667-3328
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 1 reviews

Spin City Skate Center

Reviewed By jkitten71 - Saint Louis, Missouri

Brought my daughter & a friend here for MLK Day, they had a blast. For 1 convenient price, they were offering all day skating, all you can eat pizza & soda. They were well staffed and everyone was friendly & courteous. We were there for 4 hours and the refreshments never ran out. They have a DJ and had lots of games going on for the skaters. One thing that I would suggest is upgraded roller skates. I think this is typical in this industry it seems in most places we go.
Overall we will be visiting again!

ThingsTodoPost © 2018 - 2024 All rights reserved.