Where History and Adventure Converge: Great Rivers and Routes of Southwest Illinois

Outdoor adventurers will enjoy spectacular views of the Illinois River in the 3,240-hectares of Pere Marquette State Park. See approximately 150 Native American burial mounds, hike well-marked trails and even try limestone rock climbing. Animal encounters are easy to find: Glimpse rare and stunning bald eagles from December to March, or; ride a horse from Pere Marquette Stables, which operates from May through October. For a unique view, rent a kayak at Kayak Kiosks and follow the Mississippi River Water Trail. Anglers can take advantage of ample amenities, including launch ramps and plentiful parking along the water, to catch bluegill, carp, catfish, crappie and largemouth bass.

Another spot for open-air escapades is Aerie’s Resort in the city of Grafton, where visitors will be wowed by the views of the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers. Ride the Grafton SkyTour up 458 meters to reach the resort, which sits at the top of limestone bluffs overlooking the city below. Once there, sip a glass of wine and enjoy the views from the Terrace or ride the exhilarating Aerie’s Alpine Coaster down the bluff face before returning to the top of the bluff – this one-of-a-kind gravity coaster features speeds of up to 48 kilometers per hour and seven hairpin turns. If you’re seeking another adrenaline rush, book a treetop zip line tour with Grafton Zipline Adventures and explore the arboreal river bluffs from the canopy along four different zip lines and two suspension bridges.

No visit to this region is complete without visiting Cahokia Mounds near the town of Collinsville, once a thriving city of nearly 20,000 Native Americans. These towering mountains of dirt were built by hand, likely between approximately 700 and 1400 CE. Eighty of the original 120 man-made earthen mounds remain standing at the site today, including the largest in North America, Monks Mound. Stop by the Interpretive Center for a self-guided tour of the exhibits, then use your device to download an audio tour and explore the rest of the site. The grounds are expansive; bring your lunch to enjoy at the picnic area and spend the whole day exploring this fascinating UNESCO World Heritage Site.

At Lewis & Clark State Historic Site just outside of the city of Alton, take a journey back to the time of the Lewis & Clark expedition, the trip that helped shape the course of U.S. history. Stop at the Interpretive Center to see a full-scale replica of the explorers’ keelboat; other captivating exhibits document the party’s expedition west of the Mississippi River. Nearby, climb the Lewis & Clark Confluence Tower, a 46-meter structure commemorating the 200th anniversary of the explorers’ journey. Three levels of observation decks offer visitors panoramic views of the junction of the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers.

After a breathtaking drive on the Meeting of the Great Rivers Scenic Byway along the Mississippi River, drive Illinois’s 160 kilometers of Route 66. Nostalgia abounds along the Mother Road at classic diners, town squares, old-time gas stations, antique shops and quirky roadside attractions. Travel along the Post Card Mural Trail to spot colorful outdoor paintings in 14 communities along the route. Other roadside attractions include the historic Macoupin County Cannonball Jail in Carlinville, and the West End Service Station in Edwardsville. Stop in Litchfield at the Ariston Café, the longest-running restaurant on Route 66. Litchfield also boasts the oldest original drive-in theater on the route, the Sky View Drive-In, where you can stop in for some summer movie fun. Catch a live performance in Edwardsville’s Wildey Theatre, an antique auditorium where history itself is on display.

Route 66 comes alive at memorabilia-rich places like Henry’s Rabbit Ranch in Staunton. Be on the lookout: The Pink Elephant Antique Mall in Livingston has roadside attractions and photo opportunities galore, with many giant statues and oddities dotting the property. Stop for a bite, beverage and more memorabilia at Weezy’s Route 66 Bar & Grill in Hamel before heading to Collinsville to snap a selfie with the World’s Largest Catsup Bottle. Finally, walk across the Chain of Rocks Bridge, where Route 66 crosses into Missouri. Take your time to experience all there is to see and do on this stretch of the majestic Mother Road.

Fly into St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL) and rent a car to start exploring the Great Rivers and Routes region of Southwest Illinois.