Great place to visit with lots of information. Very kid friendly. Also cool that they offer tours…read moreof the dam three times a day.

A very good interpretation/museum for this amazing lock and dam. Wander through the aisles there,…read morethen sign up for a tour of the lock and dam. The structure will blow your mind. Huge and what a feat of engineering. We were lucky to be able to watch a barge go through the lock. What a sight! An awesome ranger provided so much information and explanation of the one of 29 "steps" for boats/ barges on this 600mile portion of the Mississippi River. Fascinating!

This is a fantastic spot to have a picnic and enjoy the views of the boats and barges coming by…read more This little lighthouse is a sight to see while enjoying a peaceful time here. I'm sure at night time it's even a better spot with all the Christmas lights and decorations that they have close by.

completed in 2007 the lighthouse greets the boating public arriving at the Port of Grafton. pretty…read moresure the thing lights up since there's a bulb up there, but I don't see an actual lens or reflector so I have no idea how functional it is maritimely; looks good as a nightlight thought and it could maybe help get boaters to the boat launch or something... regardless, it's such a nice backdrop for vacation pictures with the decorative metal work and fancies around it. the lighthouse sits across the lot from the Grafton Ferry and depending on how the river is running may appear to be high and dry or rising out of the waters or anywhere in between. if it looks moist use your best judgement when approaching.

This is regarding an event. We thought this candle light tour was going to be led by someone else…read more You have to drive your own car around East and west side of Belleville. One house was built in 2004- not sure how it's historic compared to the first house we saw that hits 100 years old next month. Each home was beautiful in their own. Was it worth $25... eh This would be neat if the homes were along the same pathway and maybe a small bus. Heck my home could be added to that, built in 1918 and remodeled in 1960's orig door and wood flooring. Cellar access, but would I open my house up to a lot of strangers... hard to say. The staff and people that opened up their homes were so kind and inviting. Overall, a little disappointed in this event. Belleville, do better. Please

I recommend calling ahead and getting a tour ahead of time. Once you do, there's a lot to check out…read moreinside this museum! Of course, you are taken back to old times by looking at old furniture and such in the rooms. You can also check out the Emma Kunz House that is not far from the SCCHS. The tour guide (can't remember his name offhand!) was very enthusiastic in sharing the history of St. Clair County. If you would like to know a lot about local history, I strongly encourage you to experience this. You'll find out Abraham Lincoln's connection to the area along other cool trivia. There are events related to the historical society, which I haven't yet checked out.

We had a great time! My daughter is active duty Air Force so we were able to get a good discount…read more You are able to learn a lot, they do a cute movie on the wall that shows the history of the arch being built. It would be great if the windows were larger so you could see a little bit more, but it's someplace everyone should visit once. If you are claustrophobic, the capsule ride to the top may not be the easiest trip, but it's worth a little three minutes of discomfort. We had a great guide. She was friendly and knowledgeable. It was over 100° when we were here and the inside was cool and comfortable despite the heat

My first time visiting the Gateway Arch, and I'm so glad I finally got to see it up close!…read more I've seen this thing from about 10,000 feet, but seeing it from the ground is a completely different experience. The architecture is seriously impressive, and I loved getting close enough to actually see the welding beads in the stainless steel. It made me stop and think about how in the world they actually put this massive thing together. There's something really cool about seeing the little details on something that looks so impossibly perfect from a distance. Parking on a Saturday afternoon was not exactly easy, so thankfully a friend dropped us off and we were able to walk around, get a closer look, and take some photos without turning the visit into a parking expedition. We didn't go up to the observation area this time. I'm not entirely convinced I'm ready to be packed into a tiny tram going up inside the Arch. But I think I'd like to give it a try someday. I also had no idea there was an underground museum! Apparently I need to do a little more research before my next visit because I definitely want to check that out too. Overall, this is one of those places that really lives up to its iconic status. It was fun finally getting to see it from ground level instead of through an airplane window. If you're visiting St. Louis for the first time, definitely make a stop here. Even if you just walk around the Arch, it's worth seeing up close.

Landmark in the middle of nowhere, that's pretty cool. There' s plenty of parking and a plaque…read morewith info that you can almost read, but may be better to bring a large piece of paper and pencil to transfer the message to easier readability. .|\---/| | o_o | .\_^_/..2021

Everywhere we go, people want to know, who we are...... We…read moreare the birds, the mighty, mighty birds....... That is part of an old high school cheer. I'm a graduate of Southwestern High School and the Piasa Bird was our mascot. So the Piasa Bird has a special place in my heart. Growing up in the area, I remember another location of the bird being painted on the bluffs. It was sit back further from the road, so this present day location is more tourist friendly. When visiting the Alton and Grafton area, it is worth a stop to view the painting and to read the legend of the mighty, mighty Piasa Bird.

If you LOVE Christmas lights....then you have to go see this. They do it every year and (if I'm…read morecorrect) have been doing so for decades. This year it starts on November 20 and goes through January 1. The hours are as follows: Monday - Thursday: 5 - 9 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday: 5 - 10 p.m. This was my second time doing it. I went a few years ago (and then somehow neglected to go last year). I will say that I would HIGHLY recommend going during off-peak hours (e.g., NOT the Friday evening after Thanksgiving). We went tonight and it was smooth sailing...no lines and you could set your own pace. If you end up going during a busy time, be prepared to wait 15+ minutes just to start your lights tour. I'm not sure what else to say except there are a TON OF LIGHTS, including a light tunnel, a waterfall, and a replica of what must be Bethlehem. It is well worth the 20-30 minute drive from STL to see it. Plus, all they ask for is a donation at the end (super cheap and well worth it). Only other side note....I would recommend taking the 64/40 and 255 route. Otherwise, you end up going through East St. Louis (which isn't the best place to be after dark).

When I was young, I participated in an annual music Nativity pageant, the opening lyrics of which…read moresummarize my question on approach to WoL. " "Over dusty roads so dreary ... they had wandered and were weary ... would they find a lodging cheery ... some friendly place of warmth and li-i-i-ight"? The answer is "Yes." WoL is a place of cheery holiday warmth and, obviously, light. I wouldn't describe it as the "best ever," and thought that the light seemed a little thin and too monochromatic in places. But I'd do it again just for the tunnel near the beginning. Thanks, WoL, for spreading needed Christmas cheer.

"History is the witness that testifies to the passing of time, it illumines reality, vitalizes…read morememory, provides guidance in daily life, and brings us tidings of antiquities." Marcus T Cicero Mounds the remains of the past . This site is not as studied as other sites in the United States. We all think "Serpent Mound." Of all the area of the United States, Cahokia Mounds, the past area of the Mississippi people's of the past is the largest. It's the most influential pre Columbian that we have yet to know of in the Americas. Now they believe that early settlers started here in 6th century AD. Early indigenous peoples were burying their dead and they have found personal effects with the ancient burials. The French in the 17th century arrived and found an early settlement of Illinois inhabitants. These are not the first! No written language exists. Just the mounds. It's been preserved for us all to see. It's an hour from Springfield to Colinsville, Illinois. This is one of the top 25 things to see and do in Illinois. You can walk on the actual mounds . Come and see lost history preserved for us all!

Visiting the historical Cahokia Mound. This was a advertise of learning…read more Upon entering a wonderful lady asked was it my first time visiting. Then she proceeded to give a history lesson on the Cahokia Mounds. I learned a lot. The staff were excellent. There was a huge canoe that was hollowed out from a huge tree. There were many artifacts. I went an one of the trails and discovered many things in the process. If you haven't been you must go. It's a great experience.

Elsah is a darling little historical river town on the great River Road…read more Yes, it is the small town that is home to Principa College, but there is so much more in this little town. The narrow streets are filled with uniquely designed homes and businesses. While you explore the streets, you can also dine at State Street Market on LaSalle, shop at Peace Works and stopping at the Village Museum is a must. So the next time you are headed up to Grafton or Pere Marquette State Park, I recommend you do a slight detour and check out the Village of Elsah.

Darling little historical town between Alton and Grafton. Perfect for a photography trip. General…read morestore & museum are fun stops to make on your walk through the quaint, time capsule of a town. Overall a fun & charming place to visit!