Driving Tour

Meeting of the Great Rivers
National Scenic Byway
Driving Tour
1-800-258-6645 | 1
33
Magnificent
Miles
2 | GreatRiversByway.com
Let the open road lead you on
a 33-mile journey following the
Mississippi River as it uniquely
bends to kiss the ivory bluffs,
embracing the road and all of
the rare finds tucked away in
our river towns. The drive is
breathtaking, and the scenery is
nothing less than picturesque.
With the roadway as a backdrop,
get ready for an unforgettable
experience exploring our river
communities, and immersing
yourself in the history, culture
and natural surroundings that lie
ahead on the Meeting of the Great
Rivers National Scenic Byway.
1-800-258-6645 | 3
Welcome!
Time and again visitors are drawn to America’s great rivers looking for
adventure, a sense of the past and the days of leisurely vacations and
relaxing drives. Return to a time of simplicity as you experience the
beauty of the Meeting of the Great Rivers National Scenic Byway in
Illinois, where the mighty Mississippi, Missouri & Illinois rivers meet.
Planning Your Trip
With no stops, driving the entire byway takes about one hour. In order
to fully experience everything the region has to offer, set aside two to
three days for your trip. If you need help planning your trip, call the
Alton Regional Convention & Visitors Bureau at 1-800-258-6645 or
go to GreatRiversByway.com for a complete listing of area lodging,
dining, shopping, attractions and upcoming events.
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Beginning
Your Journey
The Meeting of the Great Rivers National Scenic Byway begins in
Hartford at the intersection of Illinois Route 3 and New Poag Road.
The byway winds west and north via Illinois Routes 3, 143 and 100.
Illinois Route 100 leads you out of Alton and bends along the forested
river bluffs for another 25 miles to its ending point north of Grafton at
Pere Marquette State Park. Follow the byway signs as they lead you
on an 18 stop byway driving tour.
Resources for the Road
Alton Visitor Center
200 Piasa St., Alton
1-800-258-6645 | VisitAlton.com
The Alton Visitor Center is open Monday
thru Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday
and Sunday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The center is
closed Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas
Eve and Christmas Day.
Boating on the Byway
Visiting us by boat? Pick up our Boating on the Byway
guide at the Alton Visitor Center for information on
navigating through the locks & dam, where to go for
paddling and ports found along the river.
Free Mobile Apps
If you are visiting during winter months,
download our free Alton Eagle Watch
app to guide you to the “Eagle Watching
Hot Spots” along the byway. In the fall,
check out the Autumn Road Trips app
for all of the orchards, roadside stands
and attractions found along the most
scenic fall driving route in the Midwest.
Autumn
Road Trip
Alton Eagle
Watch
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From the beginning of the Lewis
& Clark journey in Hartford to
the serene natural surroundings
of Pere Marquette State Park,
your byway driving tour consists
of 18 designated stops to experience the stories of history, nature
and culture that converge on the
banks of the mighty rivers.
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Driving Tour
1Lewis & Clark State Historic Site
2Lewis & Clark Confluence Tower
3 Wood River
4aNational Great Rivers Research
& Education Center
4bNational Great Rivers Museum
Melvin Price Locks & Dam
5 Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary
Audubon Center at Riverlands
6Alton Riverfront
7Alton Visitor Center
8 Riverview Park
9 Piasa Park
10 Great Rivers Park
11Clifton Terrace
12Elsah & Principia
13Chautauqua
14Grafton
15 Pere Marquette Cross
16 Brussels Ferry
17Two Rivers National Wildlife Refuge
18 Pere Marquette State Park
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Hartford
Stop
The byway journey begins at the start of the Lewis & Clark journey in
Hartford. The Village of Hartford was founded nearly 100 years after
Lewis & Clark arrived in the area. In 1910, there were only six houses
in Hartford with two railroads used for conveying materials to and
from the Mississippi River. In its beginnings, Hartford was known as
a rail, river and commercial community, and it remains an industrial
center today.
1
Lewis & Clark State Historic Site
Reliving History
On December 12, 1803, with a clear view of the confluence of the
Mississippi and Missouri rivers, Captains William Clark and Meriwether Lewis established the Camp River Dubois. For five months,
they wintered at the camp and trained the men for the journey.
On May 14, 1804, under Clark’s
command, the journey westward
LOCATION:
began, and the “mouth of the River
Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center
Dubois was to be considered the
#1 Lewis & Clark Trail, Hartford
point of departure.” The expedition
(618) 251-5811
www.CampDubois.com
set out on the Missouri River, met
N 38° 48.138’, W 90° 6.126’
Captain Lewis in St. Charles, and the
rest is history.
The Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center has been designated as
National Trail Site #1 on the Lewis & Clark Trail. This 14,000 square
foot facility is dedicated to telling the story of Lewis and Clark in
Illinois at Camp River Dubois. The museum consists of six exhibit
galleries, a theater, a full-scale 55-foot “cutaway keelboat” and a
fortified encampment.
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Stop
2
Lewis & Clark Confluence Tower
Gateway to the Byway
The Lewis & Clark Confluence Tower stands in honor of the Lewis &
Clark expedition and the men who courageously set out to discover
our nation’s uncharted lands. Travel up in the tower and enjoy the
view from platforms at 50, 100 and 150 feet.
With the naked eye, you can easily
see the muddy waters of the Missouri
LOCATION:
River as it collides with the Mississippi.
Lewis & Clark Confluence Tower
435 Confluence Dr., Hartford
Further north, the Illinois River meets
(618) 251-9101
the Mississippi in Grafton, Illinois.
www.ConfluenceTower.com
It is the convergence of these three
N 38° 48.660’, W 90° 06.060’
important waterways that led to the
development and prosperity of industries, river towns and their people. Each community along the byway
offers a unique story that has been shaped and defined by the rivers.
Browse the exhibits in the Tower Visitor Center, highlighting the
many byway communities and attractions you will encounter on
your drive. Let the Tower be your point of departure as you journey
along the Meeting of the Great Rivers National Scenic Byway.
Nearby Attractions:
Confluence Bike Trail: This 21-mile asphalt trail runs between Granite City and Russell
Commons Park in Alton. The trail can easily be accessed from both the Lewis & Clark
Interpretive Center and Confluence Tower in Hartford.
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Stop
Wood River
3
Wood River
River, Industry and Change
The Wood River that once ran by Lewis & Clark’s famed Camp River
Dubois has long since dried up, but the town that takes its name from
that river still survives. The popularity of the automobile changed
the face of Wood River with the opening of the Standard Oil Refinery
in 1907. As workers flooded into the area, Wood River went from a
town with a few scattered farmhouses to one of the fastest growing
communities in the country. By the 1920s, housing was desperately
needed, and Standard Oil purchased Sears & Roebuck catalog homes,
many of which still remain today as a reminder of this era of
prosperity and progress.
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Historic Points of Interest
Wood River Massacre
In 1814, the relationship between the early settlers and the Native
Americans was that of a state of war. In order to protect settlers from
attacks, the people of Madison County organized a company of
soldiers called the “Rangers.” Even
under the watch of the Rangers,
LOCATION:
the attacks did not stop. One such
Wood River Museum
attack, the Wood River Massacre, left
& Visitor Center
an indelible impression on settlers
40 W. Ferguson Ave., Wood River
(618) 254-1993
and is still remembered today.
N 38° 51.656’, W 90° 05.933’
On July 10, 1814, Mrs. Reason
and her two children, along with
her sister Abel Moore’s two children and two of William Moore’s
children were on their way to the Reagan farm to pick green beans.
Halfway between the Moore farm and the Reagan farm, the Native
Americans attacked the small group and left them to die. The Rangers
were called out and all
but one of the Native
Americans was found.
The bodies of the
victims were taken to
Vaughn Cemetery and a
monument to the victims
still stands today at the site
of the massacre on Fosterburg Road near Alton.
Nearby Attractions:
Wood River Refinery History
Museum: Trace the history of
Shell Wood River Refinery as you
look at early photographs and
vintage artifacts. 900 S. Central
Ave., Roxana | (618) 255-3718
WRRHM.org
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Stop
National Great Rivers
Sites & Riverlands
4a
National Great Rivers Research
& Education Center
As the largest river system in the United States, the watershed of
the Mississippi River extends through 31 states and two Canadian
provinces with a basin covering thousands of miles. The fate of the
river affects the ecosystem, economy and our lives today. The Confluence Field Station at the National
Great Rivers Research and Education
LOCATION:
Center provides visitors with an
Confluence Field Station
understanding of how scientists,
One Confluence Way, Alton
educators and citizens are joining
(618) 468-2900 | NGRREC.org
N 38° 52.021’, W 90° 08.433’
forces to further study and protect
the river as a resource.
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Stop
4b
National Great Rivers Museum
Melvin Price Locks & Dam
Throughout history, people have relied on the Mississippi River. The
National Great Rivers Museum tells the river’s story and how it has
played an important role historically,
culturally and ecologically for both
LOCATION:
nature and humans.
National Great Rivers Museum
Melvin Price Locks & Dam
#2 Lock & Dam Way, Alton
(618) 462-6979 | MTRF.org
N 38° 52.264’, W 90° 09.063’
See how ongoing cycling forces
shape life on the river at interactive computer displays, discover the
habitats along the river and find out
more about the ancient beginning of
the river as told by the majestic bluffs. See how water and the environment play an integral role in our daily lives, and learn ways to
conserve our natural resources.
In addition to telling the story of the Mississippi River, special exhibits
examine the history and development of the locks and dam system.
Visitors are invited to try to move water through the lock and dam
system, learn about the importance of commerce on the river and
navigate a towboat through the locks on a computer simulator.
Guided tours of the Melvin Price Locks and Dam take visitors eight
stories up to experience the river as a center of commerce and transportation. On top of the structure, you can view barges pushing through
the locking chamber at one of the largest locks & dams on the Mississippi River.
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Stop
National Great Rivers
Sites & Riverlands
5
Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary
Audubon Center at Riverlands
At the Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary, you can connect with
Mother Nature and the hundreds of species of fish, birds and wildlife
that populate this vital, threatened
ecosystem. Located on the MissisLOCATION:
sippi Flyway, the sanctuary has been
Riverlands Migratory
designated as an Important Bird Area
Bird Sanctuary
301 Riverlands Way, West Alton
by the National Audubon Society.
(888) 899-2602
The sanctuary hosts an abundant
N 38° 52.136’, W 90° 11.068’
array of waterfowl, shorebirds,
raptors, warblers and wading birds.
Bald eagles and trumpeter swans make their winter home here, while
white pelicans and countless other species migrate through in the
spring and fall.
The Audubon Center at Riverlands features world-class birding and
outdoor recreational opportunities year-round. The Center’s informative displays are a starting point from which visitors can head
outdoors to experience great bird watching, nature trails, and the
unique flora and fauna that exist in the surrounding 3,700 acres of
prairie marsh and wetland forest.
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Riverlands to Alton
Points of Interest
Clark Bridge
When scanning the landscape of the Alton riverfront, the eye is immediately drawn to the Clark Bridge, a cable-stay bridge spanning 4,620
feet over the Mississippi River, linking Illinois to Missouri. The bridge
is named for William Clark, who with Meriwether Lewis began their
journey to reach the Pacific Ocean just a few miles south of the bridge.
The Clark Bridge is unique in its structure in the United States. Technology for the design originated in Germany after World War II.
Construction of the bridge started in June 1990, and it was officially
opened on January 5, 1994. Structurally, the bridge required 8,100
tons of structural steel, 44,100 cubic yards of concrete and more than
160 miles of cable wrapped with four acres of yellow plastic piping.
The bridge is supported by 44 steel cables looped over saddles and
perched on top of a pair of ten foot wide concrete pylons, 250 feet
above the Mississippi River.
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Stop
Alton
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Alton Riverfront
Culture & Entertainment at the Riverside
History of Alton
Following the Louisiana Purchase in 1803, the land making up
present-day Alton opened to settlers from the eastern states. It was
not until 1815 that Colonel Rufus Easton, a federal judge and later
postmaster of St. Louis, bought the land near the Mississippi River,
believing it would be good for trade and commerce. He started a town
and named it for one of his sons — Alton. By 1818, Easton had built
four log cabins and started his own ferry service to carry supplies
across the river to settlers in the West. A number of streets in town are
named for members of his family — Henry, Easton, George, Alby and
Langdon Streets.
The early industry of the Steamboat Era, such as quarrying limestone,
pottery making and brick making, accounted for the quick growth of
Alton. The first steam flour mill was started in 1831 by Alton Manufacturing. It was in the same location in Downtown Alton as the present
ConAgra flour mill, which bears the message “Welcome to Alton.”
Alton was finally incorporated as a city in 1837 when its population
had reached 4,000 people. By 1839, more than a thousand steamboats
docked at Alton, typically carrying corn, oats, wheat, butter, hides,
pork, beef, lard, lead, bacon and flour.
The Steamboat Era gave way to the railroads, and the first railroad in
Madison County was the Chicago and Alton, also known as the Alton
and Sangamon. By 1852, the lines running between Alton and Springfield were completed. At its peak, more than sixty passenger trains
arrived and left daily out of the Alton Union Depot.
During the Mexican American War of 1846, the area of Upper Alton
where Illinois regiments would rendezvous earned the name “Pie
Town.” The men established encampments near Rock Spring Park
and on the bluffs near the city cemetery. The ladies of Upper Alton
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would bake pies to give to the soldiers. It is believed that the tradition
continued during the Civil War. Today, “Pie Town” still honors veterans
with the annual Memorial Day parade. Alton’s first Memorial Day
parade took place in 1868, and it is believed to be one of the oldest
celebrations in the United States.
The Alton Riverfront today is a center for culture and entertainment at
the riverside. There are distinct characteristics and attractions that draw
visitors to the riverfront to connect with the Mississippi River in Alton.
Points of Interest
Riverfront Park & Marina
When Rufus Easton first settled Alton, he decreed that the “riverside
be dedicated to ‘commons‘ for the people’s use without hindrance.”
Take a stroll through Riverfront Park to the marina and contemplate the
beauty and majesty of the Mississippi River. The Riverfront Amphitheater hosts summer concerts and festivals year-round, with the river as
a backdrop. A pedestrian overpass connects the park with the historic
downtown shopping district. The Confluence Bike Trail and Alton Trail
connect here in the park, offering cyclists a leisurely ride and place to
rest. Located on the riverfront, the Alton Marina is a first-class docking
facility offering long-term docking, transient slips and amenities.
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Alton
Flood of 1993
From the banks of the river, it’s hard to imagine the magnitude and
devastation realized as people across the Midwest prepared for the
Flood of 1993. Prior to 1993, the greatest floods on record occurred on
June 18, 1884 when the river reached
36.9 feet, and on April 28, 1973 when
LOCATION:
waters rose to 36.89 feet. As the MissisRiverfront Park
sippi and Illinois rivers swelled within
#1 Henry St., Alton
RiverfrontAmphitheater.com
their banks during the summer of ’93,
N 38° 53.240’, W 90° 10.898’
the people of Alton and Grafton braced
Alton Marina
themselves for the flood of the century.
#1 Henry St., Alton
(618) 462-986
AltonMarina.com
N 38° 53.116’, W 90° 10.601’
Beginning on April 15, the residents of
Grafton were the first to see the river
waters creep to their doorstep, surging
onto Main Street. By June, just outside
Alton, the river consumed the Great River Road, forcing it to be closed
from Alton to Grafton. In the historic Village of Elsah, homes that
had stood for more than 150 years were filled with river water. Boaters
motored down the river where there were once roads, and only the
tops of signs could be seen.
Sandbaggers worked day and night reinforcing levees and building
walls. On August 1, Downtown Alton lost its battle against the river
as record crests reached 42.7 feet in Alton (21.7 feet above flood stage)
and 38.2 feet in Grafton (20.2 feet above flood stage).
Despite all of the tragedy and despair felt by these communities, the
people have persevered. Lines painted on the ConAgra grain silos in
Downtown Alton and the sides of buildings in Grafton mark where
the flood waters reached record heights.
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Arts & Culture
The flowing waters of the Mississippi River wash over local artists
as a boundless inspiration for their work. Alton has long been a
community that celebrates the arts. Since 1891, the Alton Muny Band
has been entertaining the community with weekly summer concerts
in Riverview and Haskell Parks. As the oldest community theater in
Illinois, the Alton Little Theater brings drama and laughter to the stage
with a full season of shows sure to entertain. Across the pedestrian
overpass, the Jacoby Arts Center features a stunning gallery for
local artists to showcase and sell their work. Check the calendar
at VisitAlton.com to experience the arts during your visit.
Miles Davis Birthplace
Miles Davis is considered to be one of the most influential
American jazz musicians of the 20th century. Davis played
on early bebop records and recorded one of the first cool
jazz records.
Alton, Illinois is proud to be the birthplace of this jazz giant.
On May 26, 1926, Miles Dewey Davis III was born in Alton.
Just shy of his second birthday, the family moved to East
St. Louis where he spent most of his childhood years.
The home where Davis resided is still standing on
Milnor Street in Upper Alton. Since
it is a private residence, it is not
open for viewing.
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Stop
Alton
7
Alton Visitor Center
Quintessential River Town
For centuries, the river has churned along its banks, twisting and
turning moments in time that have defined Alton’s heritage. History
is still alive in every hill, every valley
and every turn the river takes. Among
LOCATION:
the historic attractions, you will find the
Alton Visitor Center
200 Piasa St., Alton
Lovejoy Monument, Lincoln-Douglas
(800) 258-6645
Debates, Alton Prison, the World’s Tallest
N 38° 53.428’, W 90° 11.205’
Man and the silent tracks of the Underground Railroad. With the Alton Visitor
Center as a starting point, discover the many sites around the city
steeped in history & heritage.
Historic Points of Interest
Lovejoy Monument
Elijah Parrish Lovejoy was born on November 8, 1802 in Albion,
Maine. As a Presbyterian minister, he moved to St. Louis in 1832 and
started his own religious newspaper
known as the St. Louis Observer.
LOCATION:
It
was then that he began his antiAlton Cemetery
slavery writings.
Monument Ave. & Fifth St., Alton
N 38° 53.403’, W 90° 09.951’
Because of his controversial views, an
angry mob destroyed Lovejoy’s press
and equipment. In 1836, Lovejoy moved his newspaper to Alton in the
free state of Illinois. The newspaper was renamed the Alton Observer,
and Lovejoy quickly bought new equipment and continued to print
his anti-slavery viewpoints. While in Alton, Lovejoy also served as a
pastor at the College Avenue Presbyterian Church.
On three occasions, mobs destroyed Lovejoy’s presses. On the night of
November 6, 1837, a new press arrived from St. Louis by boat. On the
morning of November 7, twenty men stayed with Lovejoy to protect the
press. As night fell, an angry mob set the building housing the press on
fire and murdered Lovejoy. The mob would not leave until the press was
finally handed over and thrown into the river. Lovejoy died defending
his printing press, giving his life for the freedom of speech and press.
In 1897, the citizens of Alton dedicated the Lovejoy Monument in the
Alton City Cemetery. Comprised of a huge granite column topped
20 | GreatRiversByway.com
with a bronze statue of Victory, it is the tallest monument in
Illinois at 110 feet and 8,700 pounds.
One of Lovejoy’s presses was recovered from the Mississippi
River and is on display at the Alton Telegraph newspaper office
at 111 East Broadway.
Lincoln Douglas Debates
The spotlight of the nation was on the Illinois Senatorial race of 1858
because of the issue of slavery. Incumbent Stephen Douglas represented the “Douglas Democrats” and Abraham Lincoln represented
the newly formed Republican Party.
LOCATION:
Lincoln-Douglas Square
Broadway & Landmarks Blvd., Alton
N 38° 53.406’, W 90° 11.152’
Arrangements were made for
Lincoln and Douglas to debate each
other in seven towns, representing
the seven Congressional districts
that the two had yet to campaign.
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Alton
The final of the seven debates was to take place in Alton, Illinois on
October 15, 1858.
The debate occurred in the afternoon on a platform in front of Alton
City Hall with 6,000 people in attendance. Douglas spoke first,
accusing Lincoln of extending the Declaration of Independence to the
Negroes. Lincoln stood behind his belief that a house divided against
itself could not stand.
In the end, the debate probably swayed few votes. Douglas went on to
win the 1858 election. The people of Alton have paid tribute to Lincoln
and Douglas with a monument in Lincoln-Douglas Square. The site,
located at Broadway and Landmarks Boulevard, is approximately
where the platform would have stood the afternoon of the debate.
You can still see Lincoln and Douglas in heated debate, defending
their principles and making their appeal for election.
22 | GreatRiversByway.com
Alton Prison
The first Illinois State Penitentiary was opened in Alton in 1833. Built
with prisoner labor, the prison began as a modest structure with 24
cells and grew to be known as “Bluff Castle” with 296 cells and 332
inmates in 1855. The prison
was plagued with overLOCATIONS:
crowding and deplorable
Alton Prison Remains
conditions. In 1860, the
William St. at Broadway St., Alton
N 38° 53.478’, W 90° 11.372’
prison officially closed.
Confederate Cemetery
Rozier St. (2 blocks west of State St., Alton)
N 38° 55.095’, W 90° 11.700’
In February 1862, the prison
was reopened as a Federal
Military Prison. OverSmall Pox Monument
crowding quickly became a
Lincoln-Shields Recreation Area, West Alton
N 38° 52.937’, W 90° 11.321’
problem and the population
often exceeded the supposed
capacity of 1,200 prisoners.
The cramped quarters fostered the spread of disease and death by
pneumonia, dysentery and measles. In November 1862, the first
smallpox case was reported, and the disease spread quickly despite
efforts to immunize the prisoners.
In August 1863, a quarantine hospital was opened on Sunflower Island,
located near the Missouri shore. The island became known as Smallpox
Island. More than 260 prisoners died and were buried on the island.
Lincoln & Civil War Legacy Trail
Begin your journey along the Lincoln & Civil
War Legacy Trail at Lincoln-Douglas Square.
Walk in the footsteps of Abraham Lincoln
and Civil War soldiers from North and South
as you visit 10 Lincoln and Civil War sites in
Alton, experiencing the lasting legacies that
shaped the history of America.
Learn more at VisitAlton.com/Lincoln.
1-800-258-6645 | 23
Alton Prison continued
The prison was closed permanently in July 1865 when the final
remaining prisoners were sent to St. Louis. During the war, 1,354
Confederate soldiers, 215 civilians and approximately 240 Union
soldiers and guards died at the Alton Military Prison. Today a portion
of the cell block is the only remaining ruin of the prison, which took up
the entire block of William Street.
Located just off State Street on Rozier Street, the Confederate
Cemetery is the last resting ground for most of the Confederate
soldiers who died at Alton Military Prison. Their names are listed on
bronze tablets at the base of the 67 foot tall monument erected in 1907.
As the Mississippi River has changed its course over time, you can
no longer see Small Pox Island. A monument dedicated to these men
can be found just on the other side of the Clark Bridge in the LincolnShields recreation area. The name, ranks, date of death and unit of
each soldier can be found etched on this monument looking out onto
the Mississippi River.
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Alton’s “Gentle Giant”
Alton’s history stands tall with monumental moments, but there are
none taller than Alton’s very own “Gentle Giant” — Robert Wadlow.
On February 22, 1918, Robert Wadlow was born to Harold and Addie
Wadlow, weighing an average eight
pounds, six ounces. At six months old,
LOCATIONS:
he weighed nearly 30 pounds. Due to a
Robert Wadlow Statue
pituitary gland disorder, he continued
2810 College Ave., Alton
to grow at a fantastic rate. By the time
N 38° 54.247’, W 90° 08.614’
he was eight years old, he had reached
Alton Museum of History & Art
6 feet, 2.5 inches and 195 pounds,
2809 College Ave., Alton
(618) 462-2763
larger than many grown men.
N 38° 54.187’, W 90° 08.694’
During his short life, Robert received
top billing with Ringling Brothers and
Barnum and Bailey Circus for his incredible height. In 1938, he toured
the country as a representative for International Shoe Company,
making personal appearances at shoe stores and showcasing his size
37AA shoes.
Robert died as the tallest man in the world, reaching 8 feet, 11.1 inches
tall and weighing 439 pounds. He is still considered by the Guinness
Book of World Records to be the Tallest Man in the World. Artifacts
from his life can be found at the Alton Museum of History & Art.
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Alton
Underground Railroad
The waters of the mighty Mississippi River played a vital role in the
movement of runaway slaves both before and during the Civil War.
There are no tracks, just the silent steps of desperate slaves making the
journey along the “Alton Route,” a major stop on the Underground
Railroad. There were at least three Underground Railroad landings
between the confluences. River bluff caves, heavily-wooded valleys
and hollows provided good hiding places, as did the basements of
residences and churches in the Alton and Godfrey area.
A settlement in
Godfrey known as
Rocky Fork may
be the oldest and
largest Underground
Railroad site in
Illinois. By chance,
Don Spaulding, a
surveyor for Madison
County, came across
a piece of land in the
southwestern portion
of Godfrey known
as Rocky Fork which
was inhabited by freedom seekers of African American descent.
Spaulding acquired the land and moved his sawmill operation to
Rocky Fork. There he was able to build “one of the best mills in the
county” and supply the necessary front to have black laborers on his
property. Spaulding also started his own private surveying company
to establish land further north that was suitable for Underground
Railroad sites. Through the years, hundreds of runaway slaves sought
temporary refuge at Rocky Fork.
Regionally, there are many stories, oral traditions and evidence that
the Underground Railroad was active along the Mississippi River
and throughout the region. The “Alton Route” of the Underground
Railroad is best experienced with a tour guide.
Underground Railroad Tour Providers:
J.E. Robinson Tours
(618) 462-5590
Bluff City Tours
(618) 466-8693
26 | GreatRiversByway.com
Stop
8
Riverview Park
On the bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River, Riverview Park is
the centerpiece of the Christian Hill historic district. Featuring a
sunken garden abundant with flora and
Victorian bandstand that plays host to the
LOCATION
Alton Muny Band, visitors and locals alike
Riverview Park
450 Belleview St., Alton
make the trek to this picturesque bluff-top
(618) 463-3580
park to delight in the stunning views of
N 38° 53.716’, W 90° 11.650’
the Mississippi River.
Points of Interest
Alton’s Historic Districts
The City of Alton is divided into three
historic districts listed on the National
Register of Historic Places — Upper
Alton, Christian Hill and Middletown.
The Upper Alton Historic District, which
was once a separate town from Alton, is
anchored by a former military academy
and college campus. Developed from the
1830s to 1910, the Christian Hill Historic
District features mostly antebellum
Victorian Houses and the occasional
Federal-styled. Featuring many mansions,
the Middletown Historic District was the
center of wealth in the early days of Alton.
Historic Homes Driving Tour
Visitors interested in a driving tour of the
homes in these districts are encouraged
to request a Historic Alton Driving Tour
brochure at the Alton Visitor Center.
1-800-258-6645 | 27
Stop
Alton
9
Piasa Park
On June 10, 1673, Joliet and Marquette set out on an expedition down
the Mississippi to find a waterway leading to the Pacific Ocean. As the
explorers made their way down the river,
they encountered the image of a large
LOCATION
monster on the face of the bluffs — the
Piasa Park
Piasa Bird. This legendary bluff painting
Illinois Rte. 100, Alton
has been recreated today on the bluffs
N 38° 53.861’, W 90° 11.948’
at Piasa Park and still attracts visitors
drawn to its mystery and lore. While the
Piasa Bird serves as a reminder of the region’s early inhabitants, it is
also at this stop that today’s adventurers take a break to stretch their
legs or gain access to trailheads and facilities.
The Piasa Bird
The Illini Indians of the region called the monster “The Piasa”
(pronounced Pie-a-saw), meaning bird that devours men. According
to Marquette’s diary, “They are as large As a calf; They have Horns on
their heads Like those of a deer, a horrible look, red eyes, a beard like a
tiger’s, a face somewhat like a man’s, a body covered with scales, and
28 | GreatRiversByway.com
so Long A tail that it winds all around the body, passing above
the head and going back between the legs, ending in a fish’s tail.
Green, red and black are the three Colors composing the Pictures.”
There are many legends among the Upper Mississippi Native
American tribes regarding the Piasa, its origin, and its demise
at the hands of the Illini Indians. The image of the Piasa painted
on the bluff can be seen here at Piasa Park. Read the legend and
see if you believe.
Points of Interest
Sam Vadalabene Bike Trail
With its towering bluffs and rolling waters of the Mississippi River,
the Sam Vadalabene Bike Trail is one of the most scenic trails in
Illinois. Beginning at Piasa Park, this 20-mile paved trail runs parallel
to the byway from Alton to Pere Marquette State Park in Grafton.
Great Rivers Bird & Bike Trail
Endorsed by the Missouri Audubon, this trail highlights places to view
migrating waterfowl and hundreds of bird species native to the region.
The route begins in Hartford at the Confluence Bike Trail, connects to
the Alton Bike Trail and continues along the Sam Vadalabene Trail. For
details, go to www.VisitAlton.com/GreatRiversTrail.
1-800-258-6645 | 29
Godfrey
Godfrey’s bluffs and vast open spaces are part of the natural scenery
along the byway, however, the town-center is actually located just off
the byway on top of the river bluffs.
The village of Godfrey itself earned its namesake from one of its
most prominent citizens, Benjamin Godfrey. Settling in Illinois in
1832, Godfrey was a Yankee shipmaster and merchant trader who
was most often called the “Captain.” In 1833, he went into business
with Winthrop Gilman and started a shipping company in Alton —
Godfrey, Gilman & Company.
30 | GreatRiversByway.com
Just four years after his arrival in
the state, Benjamin Godfrey was
one of the most successful and
prominent men in Illinois. He had
a fourteen room, two-story, stone
mansion built for his family on
a plat of land in Monticello, just
outside of Alton. One of Godfrey’s
greater contributions to the
community of Monticello came in
1833 when he announced his plans
to build a seminary for women,
which opened to students in 1838.
Godfrey designed and laid out
the village of Monticello with the
seminary at its center. It was not
until Benjamin Godfrey died in
August of 1862, that the villagers
started to transition into calling the town Godfrey.
Today, Lewis & Clark Community College is located on the grounds of
what was once Monticello Seminary. The Benjamin Godfrey Memorial
Chapel, built in 1854, still stands on the campus.
Stop
The Village of Godfrey has grown considerably since the early 1800s.
By modern standards, Godfrey is still a small community with citizens
dedicated to preserving their local history and instilling community
pride in future generations.
10
Great Rivers Park, Hoffman Gardens
Hoffman Gardens was named in honor of Godfrey’s first mayor, Lars
Hoffman. A pull-off at the park provides visitors with a peaceful retreat
to view the river, migrating birds and the
geological formations of the bluffs. At
LOCATION
night, landscape lighting illuminates the
Great Rivers Park
bluffs, exposing rock formations dating
Illinois Rte. 100, Godfrey
back thousands of years.
(618) 466-1483
GodfreyIL.org
N 38° 54.908’, W 90° 13.593’
1-800-258-6645 | 31
Godfrey
Points of Interest
Olin Nature Preserve & The Nature Institute
The Nature Institute in Godfrey encompasses nearly 300 acres of land
surrounding the Olin Nature Preserve, one of the largest privately
owned nature preserves in the state.
Researchers and scientists have
LOCATION
identified more than 300 native
Olin Nature Preserve
plant species and 150 species of
& The Nature Institute
nesting and migratory birds, as
2213 S. Levis Lane, Godfrey
well as nesting and den sites for the
(618) 466-9930
TheNatureInstitute.org
American Bald Eagle and the endanN 38° 55.163’, W 90° 13.450’
gered Timber Rattlesnake.
Trails throughout the preserve
allow visitors to experience the vast landscape, which contains steep
limestone bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River, small streams,
upland forest and loess hill prairie.
Sitting adjacent to the preserve, the Kemp & Cora Hutchinson Bird
Sanctuary features a .75 mile interpretive grassland bird trail, looping
through the sanctuary. An observation platform offers visitors a bird’s
eye view of the 150 native plant species of the prairie.
32 | GreatRiversByway.com
Stop
11
Clifton Terrace
Historically, Clifton Terrace was a landing for boats. By the turn of the
century, a colony of summer cottages, vineyards, cellars and hotels
graced the town. Today, the remains of the Clifton Inn and wine cellar
are signs of a bygone day of winemaking and revelry. Situated along
LOCATION
the Sam Vadalabene Bike Trail
Clifton Terrace Park
with access to the LaVista Trail
Illinois Rte. 100 at Clifton Terrace Rd.,
for hiking, Clifton Terrace Park
Godfrey
(618) 466-1483
provides visitors with a pleasant
GodfreyIL.org
resting spot to take in the beauty
N 38° 55.691’, W 90° 15.201’
of the Mississippi River.
From Illinois Route 100, visitors
can take Clifton Terrace Rd. off the byway to Illinois Route 3 in order
to experience the natural beauty and historic points of interest in the
Village of Godfrey.
1-800-258-6645 | 33
Godfrey
Points of Interest
LaVista Trail & Park
Park the car and test your endurance on this one-mile trail beginning
at the edge of Clifton Terrace Park and leading up the bluffs to Illinois
Rte. 3. Crossing a beautiful wooded area,
the trail consists of an old oil and chip
road on the upper portion and a gravel
LOCATION
LaVista Park & Trail
road on the lower portion. The trail is
2421 W. Delmar Ave., Godfrey
easy to navigate with one steep section.
(618) 466-1483
At the end of the trail, Godfrey’s LaVista
GodfreyIL.org
N 38° 56.023’, W 90° 14.375’
Park is home to the Discovery Garden,
an all-natural community garden.
Glazebrook Park
As a site for year-round recreation, visitors can bike or stroll along the
Glazebrook Park Trail and rest beside the 1-acre lake. Each fall, the
park attracts thousands of visitors eager to “get lost” in Godfrey at the
Great Godfrey Maze. The Maze contains
2.4 miles of trails cut into 7-acres of corn,
LOCATION
each year featuring a different theme.
Glazebrook Park
Corn cannons, the corn crib, kiddie train,
1401 Stamper Lane, Godfrey
movie nights and haunted happenings
(618) 466-1483
at the maze round out the fall season at
GodfreyIL.org
N 38° 56.710’, W 90° 12.447’
the park.
34 | GreatRiversByway.com
Lewis & Clark Community College
Benjamin Godfrey Chapel
Located on the Lewis & Clark Community College Campus, the
Benjamin Godfrey Chapel has become a landmark in the community.
Built in 1854, this church has been
designated as one of only six
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churches outside the northeastern
Lewis & Clark Community College
5800 Godfrey Rd., Godfrey
United States that are authentic
(618) 466-7000
copies of New England church archiLC.edu
tecture. The chapel is listed on the
N 38° 57.005’, W 90° 11.500’
National Register of Historic Places.
Signature Gardens
Tucked away on the campus, the Signature Gardens are a showcase of
incredible landscapes and beautiful sculptures. You can walk or drive
through the campus to enjoy the beautiful flora, sculpture and architectural structures.
Lindbergh Relay Station
The Air Mail Act of 1925 permitted the
Post Master General to select companies
in the private sector to take over the
operation for airmail service. Based
in St. Louis, Robertson Aviation was
awarded a contract for the route delivering mail from St. Louis to Chicago. On
April 15, 1926 Charles Lindbergh made
his first flight as an airmail pilot for
Robertson on the flight from St. Louis to
Chicago. Along the route, Lindbergh had selected nine landing fields
to provide assistance to the pilots if needed.
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Lindbergh Relay Station
6810 Godfrey Rd., Godfrey
(618) 466-3324
GodfreyIL.org
N 38° 58.123’, W 90° 11.611’
Lindbergh leased 40-acres of land to be
used as a landing strip for mail planes
in Godfrey. There he erected a small
building to store supplies and use as a
layover when weather grounded flights.
The relay station has been restored and
moved to a site at Godfrey Village Hall.
1-800-258-6645 | 35
Stop
Elsah & Principia
12
Elsah & Principia
Village of Elsah
In 1853, James Semple founded the Village of Elsah, naming it for the
last bit of land he saw as he sailed from his native land of Scotland.
Elsah became quite a port on the Mississippi River with a flour mill,
distilleries, manufacturing companies and warehouses. The traces of
Elsah’s early commerce have disappeared, but many of the houses
representing the village’s early beginnings still remain, creating the
feeling of stepping back in time.
Listed on the National Register of Historic
Places, Elsah is graced with clusters of
LOCATION
Village of Elsah
stone cottages and tidy gardens. The
Illinois Rte. 100
village retains its historical flavor and is
Elsah.org
a favorite spot for photographers looking
N 38° 57.116’, W 90° 21.820’
for a picture perfect glimpse of early
Americana, as well as travelers interested
in a leisurely stroll. A few quaint shops, the village restaurant and a
couple bed and breakfast inns beckon the traveler to retreat into the
past and linger a bit longer in the “village where time stood still.”
36 | GreatRiversByway.com
Principia
Located high upon the bluffs, Principia College is the only Christian
Science College in the world. In 1898, Mary Kimball Morgan, a St. Louis
mother of two, began the first Christian
Scientist school, focusing on the moral
and spiritual dimensions of education.
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Principia College
Her school began to grow from two
One Maybeck Place, Elsah
students to fifteen with the addition of a
(618) 374-2131
second teacher. Eventually, a formal grade
Prin.edu
N 38° 56.928’, W 90° 20.980’
school and high school were founded in
St. Louis and remain today.
In 1930, the land for Principia College was purchased in Elsah, high
upon the bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River. San Francisco architect
Bernard Ralph Maybeck was commissioned to design the master plan
for the college campus. The design and construction of Principia was
the largest commission in Maybeck’s career and was, in his own words,
“his favorite child.” Maybeck convinced college administrators that his
English Village design would “express the spirit of home, or peace, and
of absolute harmony with [its] physical surroundings.”
The campus is considered a National Historic Landmark, and its
buildings and grounds are truly a masterpiece of breathtaking scenery
and architectural beauty. Self-guided driving tours of the campus are
available to visitors daily. Appointments can be made to view “Benny,”
a mammoth discovered on the campus in 1999 and excavated by the
students from 2002 to 2012. Benny is one of the most significant vertebrate paleontological finds in the central United States.
1-800-258-6645 | 37
Stop
Chautauqua
13
Chautauqua
In 1874, the very first Chautauqua was organized on the shores of
Chautauqua Lake in New York by Methodist minister John Heyl
Vincent and Lewis Miller with the purpose of training Sunday school
teachers in an outdoor summer school
format. By the turn of the century,
LOCATION
hundreds of Chautauquas had been
New Piasa Chautauqua
Illinois Rte. 100
formed across the country. The emphasis
N 38° 57.732’, W 90° 23.307’
of the communities shifted from religion
to academics, culture and entertainment.
The New Piasa Chautauqua was founded in 1885. Thousands of people
traveled from St. Louis, Springfield and other surrounding cities to set
up tents and attend the very first meeting. By 1886, the first cottage was
built on the land purchased as a permanent home for the New Piasa
Chautauqua. At its peak, the resort community, structured around
culture and scholarly activities, boasted of 135 cottages and a hotel.
Today, this private gated community is still occupied by many descendants of the original residents. Though Chautauqua is not open to the
public, the landmark lighthouse and bluff side cottages offer a glimpse
of this unique river community.
38 | GreatRiversByway.com
Stop
Grafton
14
Grafton: Shaped by the River
Though many explorers made their way through Grafton as far back as
the 1670s, it was not until 1819 that James Mason purchased the land
that is now Grafton and established a ferry. With one ferry crossing the
Mississippi River and another crossing the Illinois River, conducting
business with St. Louis could be completed in one day. Grafton quickly
grew to be a bustling river town, which was incorporated in 1836 and
named in honor of James Mason’s birthplace — Grafton, Massachusetts.
In the early 1800s, Grafton’s riverfront
was one of the largest fresh water fishing
ports on the Mississippi River. The
riverfront landscape was packed with
manufacturing companies, mills, wharves,
loading docks and riverboat traffic.
Grafton’s prime location on the river necessitated a boat construction industry. Everything from steamboats to dredge boats and
paddle wheelers were being built in Grafton. Surrounded by towering
limestone bluffs, quarried limestone was used for much of the local
construction and early buildings.
LOCATION
Illinois Rte. 100
EnjoyGrafton.com
N 38° 58.178’, W 90° 25.725’
As transportation and industry evolved in the early 1900s, the time
of bustling business on the riverfront in Grafton came to an end with
many businesses closing their doors, including the Grafton Manufacturing Company started so many years ago by founding father
James Mason. The boat manufacturing business was one of the only
industries that transitioned into the new century. In 1924, the current
Grafton Boat Works building was erected on the riverfront, closing its
doors for the last time in the 1970s.
While the riverfront of Grafton has drastically changed since its early
beginnings, many historic buildings still remain on Grafton’s Main
Street as a memory of times gone by. Since the first major flood in
1844, flooding has continued to be a part of Grafton’s history with
the most recent flood in 1993 being the worst in recorded history.
1-800-258-6645 | 39
Grafton continued
Again, the people of Grafton fought the swelling waters of the Mississippi, dried themselves off and rebuilt the city around them.
Despite the threat of floods and whatever obstacles the future may
hold, the people of Grafton always seem to find a reason to celebrate
both the challenges and the opportunities the river brings. Today, the
riverfront is lively with a different type of industry. Unique specialty
shops, antique stores, “hot fish” sandwich stands, wineries, guest
houses and a first-class marina line the Main Street of this quaint
tourist town. There is no better place to experience life on the river
than where the Illinois and Mississippi rivers meet in Grafton.
40 | GreatRiversByway.com
Points of Interest
Riverside Wineries
Napa Valley meets the river valley at the riverside wineries of Grafton.
There are more than 40 varieties of wine made right here from both
imported and locally grown grapes, apples and even some Calhoun
County Peaches. A combination of wine tasting rooms and on-site
winemaking operations line the Main Street and bluff tops, offering
some of the most scenic views of the confluence of the Illinois and
Mississippi rivers.
Grafton Harbor
The etched bluffs and forested islands along the byway are simply
breathtaking when enjoyed cruising along the river. The first-class
facilities found at the Grafton Harbor are a haven for boaters looking
for long-term docking, an overnight stay or place to rest for the day.
Grafton Lighthouse
The unpredictable nature of the river has always been a part of the
rhythm of life in Grafton. When faced with the devastating destruction
from the Flood of 1993, the city picked itself up, dried itself off and
rebuilt again. The lighthouse on the riverfront stands as a symbol of
the resilience and determination of this river town.
1-800-258-6645 | 41
Stop
Grafton
15
Pere Marquette Cross
Looking Back in Time
On June 10, 1673, French explorer Louis Joliet and Jesuit priest Father
Jacques Marquette led the first French expedition down the Mississippi River in search of the Pacific Ocean.
The expedition followed the Mississippi River to the mouth of the
LOCATION
Arkansas River, at which point the
Marquette Cross
Native Americans there informed them
Illinois Rte. 100, Grafton
N 38° 58.329’, W 90° 28.003’
that they were only about ten days
away from the Gulf of Mexico, not
the Pacific Ocean. Fearing they may
be captured by the Native Americans or Spanish, they chose to turn
around and begin their journey home.
Even though they never reached the Gulf, the expedition was still
considered to be a success. Marquette and Joliet established relations
with the Native American tribes they met along the way, and their
discoveries eventually led to the French possession of Louisiana.
42 | GreatRiversByway.com
Stop
16
Brussels Ferry
Over the River
Located just north of Grafton, the Brussels Ferry is one of the few
remaining free ferries operating in the United States today, transporting
motorists across the Illinois River into Calhoun County. Before railroads
and bridges, early American ferries provided passage of goods and
people across the rivers. Just a quick ferry
ride away, visitors can experience the
LOCATION
ageless beauty and peaceful surroundings
Illinois Rte. 100, Grafton
of the Two Rivers National Wildlife Refuge
(618) 786-3636
and the small historic villages found dotted
N 38° 58.068’, W 90° 29.704’
along the Calhoun County countryside.
Take the Ferry:
Give the ferries a try as you are traveling throughout the region along the scenic byway.
In some cases, the ferry can shorten your route and cut your travel time in half.
Kampsville Free Ferry
Crossing the Illinois River at IL Rte. 108 in Kampsville.
(618) 653-4518
Brussels Free Ferry
Crossing the Illinois River at IL Rte. 100 into Calhoun County.
(618) 786-3636
Golden Eagle Ferry
Crossing the Mississippi River at Hwy. 94 near St. Charles into Calhoun County.
(618) 535-5759
1-800-258-6645 | 43
Stop
Two Rivers National
Wildlife Refuge
17
Two Rivers National Wildlife Refuge
Encompassing 8,501-acres, the Two Rivers National Wildlife Refuge
is one of five refuges in the Mark Twain National Wildlife Refuge
Complex. The majority of the land protected is located near the confluence of the Illinois and Mississippi rivers. The refuge is managed for
migratory birds, endangered species and migratory fish. It provides an
important link in the chain of resting, feeding and wintering areas for
migratory species using the Mississippi Flyway, as well as an important
habitat for many resident wildlife species.
Spring and fall are the ideal seasons to witness migrating waterfowl,
shorebirds, wading birds, and songbirds as they move along the
Mississippi Flyway. In the winter months, the migrating American
Bald Eagles can often be found nesting in the Gilbert Lake Refuge or
roosting and feeding near Swan Lake.
Points of Interest
Swan Lake
Take the Brussels Ferry across the Illinois River into Calhoun County.
Located in Brussels, the Calhoun Division of the refuge features 4,835
acres of floodplain, including the
2,600-acre Swan Lake. Migratory
LOCATION
birds may be viewed in the spring
Swan Lake Visitor Center
HCR 82, Box 107, Brussels
and fall, and visitors enjoy
(618) 883-2524
hundreds of eagles that frequent
N 38° 56.170’, W 90° 32.420’
the area during the winter months.
Thousands of snow geese also come
to feed on the winter wheat and roost on Swan Lake. Plan a stop at
the Swan Lake Visitor Center to learn more about the refuge and
utilize the viewing platforms and spotting scopes available there.
44 | GreatRiversByway.com
Gilbert Lake
Recreational fishing is available on all five divisions of the refuge in
accordance with State of Illinois seasons and regulations. Catfish,
crappie, bluegill, and largemouth bass are the most sought-after
species, and the Gilbert Lake refuge
is one of the most popular fishing
LOCATION
holes. Visitors can also venture out
Illinois Rte. 100,
on the Gilbert Lake Trail, located on
North of Brussels Ferry
top of the levee with Illinois River
(618) 883-2524
and Gilbert Lake on either side.
N 38° 58.007’, W 90° 29.890’
Along the trail, visitors can spot deer,
squirrels, waterfowl and wading
birds as they advance through the floodplain forests. Gilbert Lake is
closed annually October 15 – December 31.
1-800-258-6645 | 45
Stop
Pere Marquette
State Park
18
Pere Marquette State Park
The journey along the Meeting of the Great Rivers National Scenic
Byway reaches its northernmost point at Pere Marquette State Park.
With more than 8,000 acres of land, Pere Marquette is the largest state
park in Illinois.
Winding roads weave their way through
the park to scenic overlooks featuring
LOCATION
Illinois Rte. 100, Grafton
some of the most grand and expansive
(618) 786-3323
views of the Illinois River valley. SeasonN 38° 58.378’, W 90° 32.585’
ally, the park is known for its exceptional
fall colors, beautiful blossoms in the
spring and the migration of hundreds
of American Bald Eagles in the winter months. More than 230 species
of birds can be found during the migratory seasons. A large variety of
rare trees and plant life
can also be seen along
the trails. Fall foliage
hikes, owl prowls and
eagle watching adventures are mere samples
of the educational
nature-based programs
available at the park
year-round.
For the adventuresome, the park offers
a number of outdoor recreational opportunities with miles of hiking
trails winding through the park, horseback riding, camping, fishing,
boating and biking. Pere Marquette is the perfect location to spend the
day relaxing or stay the night for an outdoor adventure like no other.
46 | GreatRiversByway.com
Points of Interest
Pere Marquette Visitor Center & Hiking Trails
Begin your exploration of the park at the Pere Marquette Visitor
Center. Displays in the center include a three-dimensional map of
the park, a 270-gallon aquarium, and numerous exhibits featuring
wildlife habitats, local history and the
geology of the Illinois River valley.
LOCATION
Pere Marquette Visitor Center
13112 Visitor Center Ln., Grafton
(618) 786-3323
N 38° 58.378’, W 90° 32.585’
Year-round visitors have access to
eight different hiking trails ranging
in length from a quarter-mile to
five miles long, featuring overlooks
of wetlands, underground springs,
forest and prairie. The most expansive views of the region can only be
found by hitting the trails and making the trek to the top of McAdams
Peak and Twin Mounds. Trail guides are available at the Visitor Center.
The Lodge
Pere Marquette Lodge and Conference Center was built in the 1930s
by the Civilian Conservation Corps under President Franklin Roosevelt’s New Deal as a WPA project. An
attraction itself, the native stone, rustic
LOCATION
timbers and 700 ton stone fireplace
Pere Marquette Lodge
in the Great Room create a secluded
13653 Lodge Blvd., Grafton
retreat atmosphere. The Lodge
(618) 786-2331
features 50 guest rooms, 22 cabins and
N 38° 58.321’, W 90° 32.458’
full-service dining room.
1-800-258-6645 | 47
Photo Credits
Walter Blackledge, Gene Kunz, Don Love, John Metcalfe, Tim Parker, Keith Wedoe,
Lewis & Clark Community College and Principia College
Alton Regional Convention and Visitors Bureau
200 Piasa St., Alton 62002 | 1-800-258-6645 | GreatRiversByway.com
20M 06/13