Overview
Alton is a charming river town in Illinois just across the Mississippi River from St. Louis, Missouri. Once a blue collar town of heavy manufacturing, Alton has transformed itself into a tourist destination and wedding and reception resort of the Midwest.
5 sights · 2 things to do · 2 places to eat · 2 bars & cafés · 4 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Alton
Alton Museum of History and Art
Lewis & Clark Trail Site and Museum
Lincoln Douglas debate site
The Robert Wadlow Statue
A life-size statue of Alton native Robert Wadlow, the tallest man who ever lived. He measured 8'11" when he died in 1940 at age 22 from a foot infection.
National Great Rivers Museum
The story of the Mississippi River and its impact on America, from prehistoric times to today, is told here. Operated by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Three times a day, you can tour the giant Melvin Price Locks and Da…
The Beall Mansion Historic Home Tour
Tour this 3-story turn of the century mansion that was built as a wedding gift. Thirty to forty-five minute narrated tours of the history, architecture and furnishings. Located in the Middletown Historic District listed …
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Apr–Oct. Summer highs reach about 90°F; winter lows dip to about 24°F. Very hot (Jul) — plan outdoor time for mornings. Cold months (Jan) can bring snow and ice; check road conditions. Wettest: May and Apr. (climate data from nearby St. Louis)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- STL St. Louis Lambert International Airport, St Louis — 15 mi away (major hub). Directions
- BLV Scott AFB/Midamerica Airport, Belleville — 30 mi away. Directions
Alton is within fifteen minutes or less of I-270 and I-255. Illinois Route 3, Illinois Route 140, and Illinois Route 143 run through Alton.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Sample 2-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Lincoln Douglas debate site, The Beall Mansion Historic Home Tour, Alton Museum of History and Art
- Lunch Gentelin's on Broadway
- Afternoon The Robert Wadlow Statue, National Great Rivers Museum
- Dinner Bossanova Martini Lounge & Restaurant
- Evening Fast Eddie's Bon Air
Day 2
- Morning Lewis & Clark Trail Site and Museum
- Afternoon Haunted Alton Tours
- Evening My Just Desserts
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
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Understand
On the Meeting of the Great Rivers National Scenic Byway, named one of the Seven Wonders of Illinois, the Greater Alton area has five wineries, fifty antique shops, fifteen bed and breakfasts and guest houses, nine golf courses, Alton Marina, Alton Square Mall, boating, parasailing, hiking, biking, historic sites, fine dining, and more.
Get in
By car
Alton is within fifteen minutes or less of I-270 and I-255. Illinois Route 3, Illinois Route 140, and Illinois Route 143 run through Alton.
By plane
- Lambert St. Louis International Airport (STL), 10701 Lambert International Blvd, +1 314 426-8000. Alton is only 25 minutes from Lambert St. Louis International.
By train
Alton is served several times per day by Amtrak via its Lincoln Service between Chicago and St. Louis. Additionally, the long-distance Texas Eagle trains also calls here, it runs between Chicago and San Antonio, with thru cars to and from Los Angeles.
By boat
Get around
Go Champagne Limousines
Luxury limousine service to the entire St. Louis Metro-East area since 1984. Fleet includes Lincoln Town Car Limos 10, 12, & 14 passengers. Lincoln Navigator Stretches, Hummer H2 Stretch for 16 to 18 passengers, Classic Rolls Royce Silver Cloud, new model sedans and vans for airport service.
See
Alton is a bird watchers paradise. Each year from Christmas to the end of February Alton boasts the largest gathering of American bald eagles outside Alaska. Trolley, motor coach, limousine, and self-guided tours are available in season.
See Lincoln Douglas debate site
See The Robert Wadlow Statue
A life-size statue of Alton native Robert Wadlow, the tallest man who ever lived. He measured 8'11" when he died in 1940 at age 22 from a foot infection.
See National Great Rivers Museum
The story of the Mississippi River and its impact on America, from prehistoric times to today, is told here. Operated by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Three times a day, you can tour the giant Melvin Price Locks and Dam which span the Mississippi, and watch barges and boats rise or fall in the locks to continue their trip along the river.
Do
Do The Beall Mansion Historic Home Tour
Tour this 3-story turn of the century mansion that was built as a wedding gift. Thirty to forty-five minute narrated tours of the history, architecture and furnishings. Located in the Middletown Historic District listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Tours are by appointment.
Buy
Alton, Illinois is a shopper's paradise with over 50 antique shops and Alton Square Mall to choose from. Special Third Thursday Shop 'Til You Drop events are scheduled each fall and winter.
Eat
Eat Bossanova Martini Lounge & Restaurant
Martinis galore and fine food with each dish reflecting a different international flavor.
Eat Gentelin's on Broadway
Fine dining with a view of the Mississippi River. Excellent lobster stuffed raviolli appetizer, roast duck, and selection of steaks and seafood.
Drink
Drink Fast Eddie's Bon Air
“Beer, burgers and boogie.” Translated: cold beer, cheap food, and live entertainment have made Fast Eddie's one of the largest beer retailers in the country. An Alton phenomenon everyone has heard about and that you have got to experience.
Drink My Just Desserts
Famous for homemade pies, ½ pound chicken salad sandwiches and tollhouse brownies. They serve a variety of soups, salads and sandwiches. The menu changes daily.
Sleep
From charming to luxurious, chain motels to one of a kind bed and breakfasts and guest houses, Alton has lodging accommodations for every need and budget. With so many things to see and do in Alton, Illinois and the rest of the Greater St. Louis Area travel experts recommend making the most of your trip by staying multiple nights.
Stay Beall Mansion An Elegant Bed & Breakfast Inn
This upscale bed and breakfast inn with a guest list that includes politicians, Hollywood notables, TV celebrities, and Miss America. Guestroom features include triple sheeted feathered bed, HDTV, DVD, complimentary Wi-Fi, telephone with free local calling and voice mail, private bath with Italian marble floor, shower, and clawfoot tub or whirlpool for two. All stays include a complimentary 24 hour all you can eat chocolate buffet. Leisure, corporate, and extended stay rates are available. The Beall Mansion also hosts weddings and receptions for 2 to 100, small meetings, and corporate retreats. 12 blocks from the Mississippi River on Millionaire's Row in the Middletown Historic District.
Stay Comfort Inn
Free continental breakfast, indoor heated pool, fitness center, and business center. Rooms include a micro-fridge, iron & ironing board, hairdryer, in-room safe, and high speed internet access.
Stay Tiffany Inn
Charming bed and breakfast above the Alton Stained Works in the historic Downtown Alton in the heart of Alton's antique district within walking distance of quaint shops and restaurants. Packages that include bed and breakfast accommodations and stain glass making workshops are available.
Go next
- Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site - Cahokia Mounds, a UNESCO World Heritage site, was the largest Native American city north of Mexico before the time of Columbus. You can climb to the top of the largest prehistoric earthen work in the new world, visit a world-class museum, and learn about life in Illinois a thousand years ago.
- Godfrey, just to the north, has the last remaining Mister Donut shop in the States.
Nearby
Edwardsville
City / town · 8 listings · 13 mi away
Ferguson
City / town · 4 listings · 13 mi away
Granite City
City / town · 4 listings · 14 mi away
Hamel
City / town · 2 listings · 17 mi away
Fairmont City
City / town · 4 listings · 18 mi away
Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site
Park · 25 listings · 18 mi away
Collinsville
City / town · 13 listings · 19 mi away
St. Louis
City / town · 121 listings · 19 mi away
My experience
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