explore

EXPLORE
GREAT RIVERS
ALL AROUND ALTON, IL
2016 FALL GUIDE
into Autumn
Autumn is here. You can feel it in the crisp air that carries with it the
scent of freshly picked apples. You can see it in the leaves that begin
their annual shift to the glowing colors that mark the season. Autumn
beckons us to take to open roads and stop at roadside stands to
sample freshly picked fruits and vegetables. Like a freshly painted
canvas, the brush strokes of autumn speak to us of festivals and
orchards, hiking and river cruises, crackling fires and flushed cheeks.
Autumn burns brightly along the Meeting of the Great Rivers
and offers the most relaxing and carefree time to getaway. While
cruising for colors, stop and shop at the antique and boutique stores
that pepper the highways and byways. Relax at the many home-style
or fine dining restaurants and sample a taste of the region with its
one-of-a-kind entrees, craft beers and local wines.
Each curve of the road, each bend of the river brings to light a new
view of the breathtaking scenic beauty known as the Meeting of
the Great Rivers National Scenic Byway. Start planning
your autumn getaway now at VisitAlton.com.
1
All Around Alton
VisitAlton.com/Seasons/Fall
TOP FALL
ACTIVITIES
Top Fall Activities
FALL COLOR DRIVES
ALONG THE
GREAT RIVER ROAD
For the best routes
to take to see fall colors:
VisitAlton.com/FallDrives.
WINERIES
& ORCHARDS
For a list of award-winning
wines & pick your own orchards
go to VisitAlton.com/FallTravel.
FALL FESTIVALS
(GRAFTON RENDEZVOUS,
VINTAGE VOICES,
CORN FESTIVAL)
For a list of autumn events,
go to VisitAlton.com/Events.
Plan Your Drive
Check out the three suggested driving routes found
on pp. 3 & 4 for a scenic fall color drive.
Make it a Getaway!
Spend a night or two with more than 20 bed &
breakfast inns, guest houses and a host of hotels
ready to pamper you. Go to VisitAlton.com for a
full list of affordable autumn getaway packages.
Call Ahead
Call 1-800-258-6645 for a free Travel Planning
Guide or chat live with us at VisitAlton.com. If
you’re already on the road, stop at the Visitor Center
at 200 Piasa Street, across from Argosy Casino Alton
to pick up your guide. We are open weekends 9 a.m.
to 3 p.m.; weekdays 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
VisitAlton.com
2
Three of the Best
Scenic Drives in the Midwest
Whether you're biking, hiking or driving along the Meeting of the Great
Rivers National Scenic Byway, the fall colors are simply breathtaking.
Autumn color cruising along the byway, over river ferries and among the
rolling hills of the countryside has become a favorite pastime for repeat
visitors to the region.
Calhoun
County
Vistas
& Ferries Loop
Route Marked in
Green
on Page 6
Rolling hills, winding
roads, orchards and
riverboat ferries create the
perfect recipe for a scenic and peaceful
drive through Calhoun County. There are several locations
to enter the loop, including crossing the Golden Eagle Ferry
(toll) connection from Interstate 70 in St. Charles, MO. The ideal
starting point is at the Brussels Ferry (free).
Calhoun County & Ferries Loop Sites to See
• Orchards & roadside stands (Calhoun County)
• Barn quilts (Calhoun County)
• Center for American Archeology (Kampsville)
3
All Around Alton
U.S. 67
Country Loop
Route Marked in
Yellow on Page 6
We consider this the best country day drive
in Illinois. Enter anywhere along this loop, but
remember for the best views, drive counter
clockwise and see the Scenic Byway by driving
downriver – the view of the bluffs
is the absolute best – from
Grafton to Alton. Take U.S.
Route 67 north through Alton
to Godfrey. Go northbound
on 67 to Jerseyville turn west
onto Route 16, to Feildon. Follow to
Route 100 then turn south to Grafton.
U.S. 67 Loop Sites to See
• Ringhausen Apple House (Jerseyville)
• Pick Your Own Orchard
(Fieldon)
Meeting of the Great
Rivers Scenic Route
Route Marked in
Red on Page 6
It is the road most traveled, about 60 miles
roundtrip, heading west on the Great River
Road (Route 100) from Alton to Elsah,
Grafton and Pere Marquette State Park
and back. Some even say the 33-mile
stretch of the Great River Road where the
great rivers meet is a true scenic marvel!
Meeting of Great Rivers Sites to See
• Lincoln & Civil War Legacy Trail (Alton)
• Wineries & orchards (Grafton)
For fall color updates, go to:
VisitAlton.com
VisitAlton.com
4
Consider this your open invitation to indulge in some delightful weekend activities.
Let’s go apple pickin’ at one of the region’s many orchards and enjoy festivities at
their farms. There are also plenty of roadside stands to stop at and buy awardwinning sweet apple cider, jams, fruits and vegetables. And don’t forget the
pumpkins! Let’s take a wagon ride out into the patch filled with all shapes and sizes
of pumpkins and spend the afternoon searching for that perfect “great pumpkin”.
Local Orchards & Markets:
ECKERT’S ORCHARD
20995 Eckert Orchard Road, Grafton
(618) 786-3445
HAGEN FAMILY ORCHARD
2260 E. Illinois River Road, Brussels
(618) 883-2385
KAMP’S ORCHARD
R.R. #1, Box 114, Auer Landing Road,
Golden Eagle
(618) 883-2410
KRUEGER’S ORCHARD
2914 Airport Road, Godfrey
(618) 466-3576
8
TOM RINGHAUSEN ORCHARD
Route 16 & 100, East end of
Joe Page Bridge, Hardin
(618) 576-2311
TOPPMEYER’S ROADSIDE MARKET
HC82 Box 113, Brussels Ferry Road, Brussels
(618) 883-2265
UNCLE ANDY’S PRODUCE RANCH
Main Street, Grafton
(618)786-4856
WHOLE SCOOP PRODUCE
222 E. Main St., Grafton
(618) 786-2663
ODELEHR’S ROADSIDE MARKET
Box 112 Brussels Ferry Road, Brussels
(618) 883-2265
PEARSON’S PRODUCE
6304 Humbert Road, Godfrey
(618)401-7286
7a
7b
5
JOE & DENNIS RINGHAUSEN
ORCHARD AND APPLE HOUSE
a. Route 67 – 2.5 miles south of Jerseyville
(618) 498-6951
b. 24748 Reddish Road, Fieldon
(618) 376-6772
All Around Alton
Quick Tip:
Don’t forget to stop by Ringhausen
Apple House and pick up some
award winning apple cider. The
Ringhausen cider, produced using
apples from their orchard, has been
named “Best in the State” by the
Illinois State Horticultural Society.
Meeting of the Great Rivers
National Scenic Byway
You Pick ‘Em Orchard
Roadside Stand
US 67 Country Loop
Alton Visitor Center
200 Piasa Street
Calhoun County Vistas
& Ferries Loop
Natural Areas / Trails
APPLE RIPENING
Dates
Honeycrisp: September
Jonathan: mid to late September
Golden Delicious: mid to late September
Red Delicious: mid to late September
Fuji: mid to late October
VisitAlton.com
6
DEALS
Hikers Delight
Make new family memories as you explore miles of scenic trails and
gorgeous outlooks at Pere Marquette State Park. Add this package to
your room reservation at Pere Marquette Lodge for only $15 and
receive a hiking trail map, four bottles of water, four granola bars and
a Pere Marquette Lodge drawstring bag. Call for pricing and
reservations: (618) 786-2331.
Wine & Relaxation
Unwind with a glass of award winning wine at the Grafton Winery
& Brewhaus and then relax in the comfortable surrounds of the newly
remodeled Atrium Hotel & Conference Center in Alton. Your package
includes overnight accommodations for two, $20 voucher for Great
Rivers Tap & Grill restaurant, breakfast buffet and two complimentary
glasses of wine with souvenir glasses from the Grafton Winery.
Available through 12-31-16. (618) 462-1220
Cozy Couples Getaway
Relax at the Ruebel Hotel in downtown Grafton in a private Jacuzzi
room or sit on your private river view balcony while warming up in a
monogrammed signature robe. This package includes a $50 food
and beverage voucher for the Ruebel’s restaurant and bar. Packages
start at $179 for Sunday through Thursday stays and $204 for
Friday and Saturday. (618) 786-2315
Fall Foliage Getaway
Come see nature at its best while relaxing in the turn of the century
elegance of the Beall Mansion. This package includes an elegant
Beall Mansion guest room, a Beall Mansion Collector Coffee Mug
and a fall color guide. Call the Beall Mansion for rates and
availability at (618) 474-9100.
7
All Around Alton
& Entertainment
Whether it’s live theater, dueling pianos, or vibrant music sets headlined by local bands, the
Meeting of the Great Rivers has an eclectic blend of end-of-the-day recreation sure to top off a
fun-filled day of adventure. A few options are listed below, but be sure to check out
www.VisitAlton.com/livemusic for a complete list of activities.
Alton Little Theater
Award-winning live theater is the hallmark of Alton Little Theater.
Entertaining audiences since 1934, Alton Little Theater is the longest running community theater in the state of Illinois. For information on shows, go to AltonLittleTheater.com
2450 N. Henry St., Alton | (618) 462-3205
STEEL MAGNOLIAS
Sept. 16-18, Sept. 20-25
THE ADDAMS FAMILY MUSICAL
Oct. 28-30, Nov. 1-6
Greater Alton Concert Association
For tickets and more information visit AltonConcerts.org. All
concerts are held in the Ann Whitney Theater at Lewis & Clark
Community College
KUBECCA
DIVAPALOOZA
Kubecca, a blend of classically Combine the energy of Aretha
trained instrumentalist Kuba
Franklin, Bette Midler and a bit
Kawnik and the Broadway
of Janis Joplin for a powerhouse
vocals of Rebecca Lowe
concert.
Sept. 18 at 3 p.m.
Nov. 6 at 3 p.m.
For tickets and more information visit: AltonConcerts.org
All concerts are held in the Ann Whitney Theater at Lewis & Clark
Community College
5800 Godfrey Rd., Godfrey
Rockin’ on the Rivers
Check out the changing autumn views at the Lewis & Clark Confluence
Tower and then enjoy some free tunes from some of the best local
bands in the Meeting of the Great Rivers.
Concerts are held each Sunday from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Tower’s
outdoor amphitheater - weather permitting from Sept. 4 – Oct. 16.
Bring a lawn chair or blanket.
435 Confluence Tower Dr., Hartford | (618) 251-9101
Sept.
Sept.
Sept.
Sept.
4: DD Revival
Oct. 2: Matt Taul & Friends
11: Mars Needs Guitars Oct. 9: Typsy Gypsy
18: Bob & Me
Oct. 16: Rockabilly Revival
25: The Owlz
Travis Tritt at Liberty Bank
Alton Amphitheater
Put on your cowboy boots and get ready to boot steppin’ boogie
with Country Music Star Travis Tritt who will appear in concert at
the Liberty Bank Alton Amphitheater, 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 9.
For tickets visit: AltonAmphitheater.com
or call 1-800-258-6645.
VisitAlton.com
8
FESTIVALS
Savor the flavors of autumn each weekend in the Meeting of the Great Rivers. Bite into a
crisp, crunchy apple, sip a glass of freshly pressed apple cider or stroll through a realistic
traders encampment set up on the banks of the Mississippi River during one of the many
festivals and fall events held throughout the region.
CALHOUN COUNTY FAIR
Sept. 8 – 11
Calhoun County Fairgrounds,
Main St., Hardin
(618) 576-2215
APPLE FEST AT ECKERT’S
Sept. 10, 11, 17, 18, 24, 25
20995 Eckert Orchard Rd, Grafton
(618) 786-3445
LEWIS & CLARK MUSIC FESTIVAL
Sept. 10
Lewis & Clark State Historic Site
1 Lewis & Clark Trail, Hartford
(618) 251-5811
GRAFTON’S ART IN THE PARK
Sept. 10 – 11
Grove Memorial Park
Grafton
(618) 786-3344
LEWIS & CLARK FRONTIER
DOG WALK
Sept. 24
Lewis & Clark State Historic Site
Hartford
(618) 251-5811
GERMAN BEER GARDEN
AT PERE MARQUETTE
Sept. 25
Pere Marquette Lodge & Conference Center
Grafton
(618) 786-2331
JERSEY COUNTY HISTORIC
SOCIETY’S ANNUAL APPLE FEST
Oct. 1
Jersey County Historical Society,
601 N. State St., Jerseyville
(618) 498-3514
PERE MARQUETTE RENDEZVOUS
Sept. 10 – 11
Pere Marquette State Park
Grafton
(618) 786-3323
ST. AMBROSE APPLEFEST
Sept. 16-18
St. Ambrose Church
822 Homer Adams Pkwy, Godfrey
(618) 466-2921
ST. FRANCIS/HOLY GHOST
HARVEST FEST
Sept. 16 – 18
St. Francis/Holy Ghost Catholic School
309 N. Washington St., Jerseyville
(618) 498-4910
ANNUAL MISSISSIPPI
EARTHTONES FESTIVAL
Sept. 17
Downtown Alton
(618) 463-1016
22ND ANNUAL AIRPORT
OPEN HOUSE & FLY IN
Sept. 24 – 25
St. Louis Regional Airport
East Alton
(618) 259-2531
9
All Around Alton
ST. MARY’S OKTOBERFEST:
Oct. 7 – 9
Polkas, German food, live music, inflatables …
it’s a fall festival you won’t want to miss! For more
information go to: www.stmarysoktoberfest.com
St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 519 E. 4th St., Alton
(618) 465-4284
PUMPKIN JAMBOREE AT ECKERT’S
Oct. 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, 16, 22, 23, 29, 30
20995 Eckert Orchard Rd., Grafton
(618) 786-3345
OLD SETTLERS’ DAYS
Oct. 8 - 9
Kampsville Riverfront
(618) 653-4421
GRAFTON RENDEZVOUS
Oct. 15 – 16
Join us for the return of the Grafton
Renezvous on the banks of the
Illinois River. See pre-1840 history
come to life with period dress and
demonstrations of archery, tomahawk
and knife throwing and traders selling
items of the period. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
both days. Free admission
(618) 372-8672
DOWNTOWN ALTON
CHILI COOK-OFF
Oct. 15: Elijah P’s Burgers & Brews, 401 Piasa St., Alton
(618) 463-1016
VINTAGE VOICES
Oct 1, 8, 15, 22
Voices from Alton’s past come
to life under the direction of
Alton Little Theater’s actors/
historians. This annual event
showcases the city’s rich history
with vignettes featuring notable
figures from the past. Tickets are $12 for adults and
$6 for students. Alton City Cemetery (Please note
this is a ¾ mile easy walking tour which lasts
about one hour)
(618) 462-3205
ALTON CRAFT BEER WEEK
Nov. 4 – 13
AltonCraftBeerWeek.com
CRAFT BEER WEEK
ALTON, ILLINOIS
Nov. 4-13, 2016
VisitAlton.com
10
HAUNTED
Places
Peek into Alton’s darkest corners and find out for yourself if the city is “one of the
most haunted small towns in America”. Experienced tour guides are ready to lead
the way with tours available September through November. Walking tours, dinner
tours, cemetery tours, paranormal investigations and ghostly campouts are among the
haunted delights available. And be sure to check out Alton’s Historic Museum of Torture
Devices in the haunted Mineral Springs Mall to get a headstart on creepy!
Haunted Tour Providers
ALTON HAUNTINGS TOURS
Founded by Troy Taylor, Alton Hauntings provides entertaining and spine-tingling
walking and bus tours throughout the fall. New this year is the “Ghosts of the River
Road” tour which includes a ghost tour with Troy Taylor and dinner at Aeries Winery.
Reservations must be made in advance at: AltonHauntings.com
MCPIKE MANSION
Largely regarded as the most authentically haunted house in Alton, the McPike Mansion
is the scene of overnight campouts and evening tours. While the house itself is no
longer occupied, by any living being, it is home to reported ghostly inhabitants.
McPikeMansion.com
MINERAL SPRINGS HAUNTED TOURS
Get a whiff of jasmine and you have probably just come into
contact with the Jasmine Lady, one of the Mineral Springs Hotel
resident ghosts. Learn more about the hauntings in this
100-year-old building.
MineralSpringsHauntedTours.com
ALTON HAUNTED ODYSSEY
For 24 years Alton Haunted Odyssey has
been providing hands-on opportunities to
experience a ghost. Board a trolley for a
three-hour jaunt of Alton’s most haunted
locations, including a dark room session
in the wine cellar of the McPike Mansion.
Tours begin at My Just Desserts, housed in
the historic and reportedly haunted
Simeon Ryder building in downtown
Alton. For dates and pricing, visit
the website at AltonHauntedTours.com
11 All Around Alton
OVERNIGHT HAUNTED PACKAGE
Spend the night at Pere Marquette Lodge & Conference Center and take part in an
overnight paranormal investigation! Take a guided tour and learn the history and
paranormal claims associated with the Lodge and surrounding areas. This overnight
package includes participation in the investigation and a $20 restaurant voucher for
dinner or breakfast. Price: $65 plus cost of room. Guests must stay at the Lodge to
participate in this event.
(618) 786-2331
Friday, Nov. 4, 8 p.m. to 2 a.m.
HAUNTED THEATER
Calling all Zombies! Tired of being judged for
your undead lifestyle? Put on your best “Living
Dead” costumes and head to Pere Marquette
Lodge & Conference Center for “Zombie Love
Dinner Theater.” Tickets are $45 per person
and includes dinner, the show, taxes and gratuity.
(618) 786-2331
Friday, Oct. 28, 6:30 p.m.
100TH ANNIVERSARY OF ALTON
HALLOWEEN PARADE
Ghost and goblins beware, the “Most Haunted
Small Town in America” will be out in full force at
the 100th annual Halloween Parade. See Alton’s
scariest costumes and comical characters with over 80
participants including floats, bands and parade flair. For
more information, call (618) 462-7527.
PARADE ROUTE
The parade will begin at the corner of Washington Avenue and Broadway and
continue on Broadway to Piasa Street. The parade will then turn right onto Piasa to 9th Street.
Share Your Haunted Pics
Download our haunted app and get ready to feel a chill in your blood and a tingle up
your spine as you embark on a tour of one of the Most Haunted Small Towns in America.
Download our Haunted App for FREE in iTunes or Android stores by
searching for Haunted Alton or go to VisitAlton.com/HauntedApp.
HOW TO SHARE
STEP 1
Visit a haunted
Alton site
STEP 2
Click on camera
icon
and
add a filter if
you want
Your Haunted Photos
STEP 3
Add a caption
and share on
Facebook, Twitter
or Instagram
STEP 4
View all shared
photos
VisitAlton.com
12
CRUISES
& Shuttles
Spirit of Peoria
Come aboard one of the few authentic paddlewheel boats that still roam the waters
of the Mississippi River. The Spirit of Peoria offers short excursions and day
trips providing the perfect opportunity to see the changing fall colors
along the river bluffs.
FULL DAY CRUISE ($140)
Aug. 30 (9 a.m to 4:30 p.m.)
Sept. 20 (9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)
Oct. 4 (9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)
DINNER CRUISE ($55)
BRUNCH CRUISE ($45)
Aug. 31 - Murder Mystery
(6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.)
Sept. 21 - “Fame” the
Musical production
(7 to 9 p.m.)
LUNCH CRUISE
Entertainment brought to
you by Alton Little Theater.
Sept. 21 (10 a.m. to Noon)
Aug. 31 (12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.)
Oct. 5 (12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.)
Go to
SIGHTSEEING CRUISE ($14 - $25) VisitAlton.com/Cruise
Aug. 31 (9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.)
Sept. 21 (3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.)
Oct. 5 (9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.)
Oct. 5 (4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.)
or call
(800) 258-6645 for
more information or to
make reservations
Grafton River Adventures
Enjoy spectacular fall color cruises aboard the 49 passenger Hakuna Matata which sails
out of Grafton Harbor.
RIVER RAMBLER CRUISES
Sept. 3, 10, 17, 24, 4 p.m.
Sept. 4,11, 18, 25, 2 p.m.
SUNSET CRUISES
Sept. 24: 5 to 7 p.m.
Oct. 8: 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.
Oct. 22: 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.
FALL COLOR CRUISES
Oct. 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, 16, 22, 23, 29, 30
Call 618-786-7678 for more information or
to make reservations.
UNDERGROUND RAILROAD TOURS
Alton’s riverfront location along the Mississippi
River played a vital role in helping slaves make
connections to freedom in the northern U.S.
See some of the sites that were part of the famous
Underground Railroad system.
Sept. 10: 10 a.m. & 1 p.m.
Sept. 24: 10 a.m. & 1 p.m.
Oct. 8: 10 a.m. & 1 p.m.
Oct. 22: 10 a.m. & 1 p.m.
Go to VisitAlton.com/Shuttle or call
(800) 258-6645 for more information or to make
reservations
13 All Around Alton
CELEBRATIONS
Celebrate Good Times
Twenty five years ago the Casino cruised
onto the city’s riverfront creating a splash
in the gaming world by becoming the
first ever casino in the State of Illinois as
it docked on Alton’s historic riverfront.
Re-capture that moment in history when
you step on board the replica paddlewheel
boat, which is now the Argosy Casino
Alton, and celebrate the attraction’s 25th
anniversary. Argosy has grown up over
the years and no longer cruises the
Mississippi River but it remains an
entertainment staple for visitors to the
Meeting of the Great Rivers. From its intimate
gaming areas featuring slots and table games
and friendly staff, to its casual sports bar, Hops
House, the versatile Captain’s Table Buffet,
and unique dining experience at the new Journey
restaurant, Argosy offers a warm, inviting environment
for everyone.
25 Years and Going Strong!
Celebrate the 25th birthday of the Village of Godfrey
with an a-maze-ing adventure. Work your way through
this year’s Great Godfrey Corn Maze designed to
resemble a birthday cake surrounded by balloons,
birthday hats and topped with candles. The
maze opens on Friday, Sept. 2 and
runs through Sunday, Oct. 30.
Enjoy family fun at the maze on
Fridays from 6 p.m. - 10 p.m.,
Saturdays from 11 a.m. to
10 p.m., and Sundays
from 1 p.m. to dusk. The
maze will also be open on
Labor Day (Sept. 5) and
Columbus Day (Oct.
10). The newest addition to
the maze activities this year
is a jumbo jumping pillow.
Admission is $6 for ages
12 and up; $4 for ages
6-11; and free for children
5 years old and younger.
VisitAlton.com
14
Tickets are valid for both days of event. Tickets may also be
purchased by mail. Send check payable to CCF, P.O. Box
176, Hardin, IL 62047
Admission
Advance Tickets: $8
Tickets for groups of 20 or more: $7/person
Tickets at the door: $12
In addition to the quilt displays there are other vendors,
demonstrations and the sale of supplies and quilts. For more
information, call (618) 883-2578 or (618) 232-1268.
Beautiful quilts that belong to the residents of Calhoun County
are on display in the Churches along with quilt exhibits and
activities in Church Halls during the annual Calhoun County
Quilt and Church Tour. Calhoun County communities join
together to share the beauty and history of quilts that have
been in local families as far back as the 1800s. There are
over 100 quilts on display in the various locations.
Friday, Oct. 14 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 15 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Quilt and Church Tour
CALHOUN COUNTY
08/16 30M
Photo credit: Blackledge
Disclaimer: The CVB has made every effort to
verify the event information published in this guide.
Please note that some event information may
have changed since this brochure was published.
Check VisitAlton.com for complete event info.
at VisitAlton.com/Social-Lounge
Connect With Us
200 Piasa St. I Alton, IL 62002 I (800) 258-6645
VisitAlton.com I GreatRiversByway.com
Meeting of the Great Rivers National Scenic Byway
Alton Regional Convention & Visitors Bureau