GREAT RIVERS GREAT ROADS GREAT - 2019 l ALTON l COLLINSVILLE l EDWARDSVILLE l GODFREY l GRAFTON - Visit Alton
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2019 l ALTON l COLLINSVILLE l EDWARDSVILLE l GODFREY l GRAFTON
GREAT RIVERS GREAT ROADS
GREAT
SERVING THE
ILLINOIS COUNTIES OF
MADISON l MACOUPIN
JERSEY l CALHOUN
YOU CAN
CALL THEM
IF YOU LIKE
Every winter from late December to early March, hundreds of American
Bald Eagles head south from the northern edges of Minnesota and
Canada for warmer weather and open waters. Journeying along the
avian equivalent of a superhighway, the eagles follow the Mississippi
River to its confluence with the Illinois and Missouri rivers.
HERE THEY REMAIN: THE SIGHTS ARE
the vibrant bright white feathers of BREATHTAKING & INSPIRING.
their heads prominently displayed in
Take your own journey to this
trees along the banks of the river or
confluence of great rivers and
settled on ice floes traveling down
great roads in Southwestern Illinois
river in search of their next meal.
just minutes from St. Louis. Watch
Eagles aren’t the only birds to America’s iconic symbol in its natural
discover the winter haven of habitat. Take part in eagle watching
Southwestern Illinois. Thousands of programs, enjoy guided tours, and
Photo Credits: When diving While Bald Eagles Trumpeter Swans leave the north get up-close and personal during
Cover by for food, Bald are considered woods of Wisconsin to spend their eagle meet and greet events. Or
Jack Rainey. Eagles can reach carnivores winter floating along the bays and simply follow your own path and
Inside photos by speeds of up to because they eat inlets of the Mississippi River and enjoy the natural views and birds of
Instagrammers 75 miles meat, Trumpeter savoring the abundance of food. winter at your own pace.
@joyvpd_ru; @ per hour. Swans are
chrismoody39,
vegetarians Create your own great moments this
Steve McCann, winter in the only place where great
feeding on aquatic
Marty McKay and
plants, berries and rivers and great roads host America’s
Cathy Smith Mason
grain crops. great birds.
1 Great Rivers & Routes RiversandRoutes.com 2
BE AN OFFICIAL
2019
WATCHER
Eagle Season officially kicks off Saturday, Jan. 5 in the Great Rivers & Routes
region at the Alton Visitor Center when the Alton-Audubon Eagle Ice Festival
gets underway. Pick up your official Eagle Watcher’s Card at the Visitor Center (or
any of the official eagle hot spots located throughout Madison, Jersey, Calhoun
Eagles, Ice & Games
and Macoupin counties), visit at least five of the eagle hot spots listed on the card
during eagle season, have the card punched and return it to the Alton Visitor Center
to receive a free T-Shirt. (While supplies last!)
All 12 eagle hot spots are listed on the back of the card and below. He’s a rock star of the feathered variety and Liberty, the American Bald
Start your eagle watching adventure Janunary 5!
Eagle, will take the stage at the Alton Visitor Center, 10 a.m., Saturday,
Jan. 5 to help kick off the annual Alton Audubon Eagle Ice Festival.
OFFICIAL HOT SPOTS:
Liberty and his handler, Jen Jones, The Alton Audubon Eagle Ice
n Alton Visitor Center n National Great Rivers Museum/ from World Bird Sanctuary, will Festival celebrates the launch of
200 Piasa St. • Alton, 62002 Melvin Price Locks & Dam be the featured eagle celebrities eagle season in the Great Rivers and
Open Daily #2 Lock & Dam Way • Alton, 62002 during the free Eagle Meet and Routes region. It is held jointly at
n Audubon Center at Riverlands Open Daily Greet event at the Alton Visitor the Alton Visitor Center, 200 Piasa
301 Riverlands Way • West Alton, MO 63386 n Pere Marquette State Park Center from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. A St., Alton and Audubon Center at
Open Daily 13112 Visitor Center Ln. • Grafton, 62037 favorite with the public, Liberty is Riverlands, 301 Riverlands Way,
Columbia Bottom Open Monday – Saturday
n frequently used for up-close and West Alton, Mo., the first Saturday of
Conservation Area n The Post Commons personal events and is “unruffled” January each year.
801 Strodtman Rd. • St. Louis, MO 63138 300 Alby St. • Alton, 62002
by all the attention, according to In addition to the live eagle meet
Open Wednesday – Sunday Open Daily
World Bird Sanctuary staff. and greet, the free festival includes
n Elsah General Store n TreeHouse Wildlife Center
22 LaSalle St. • Elsah, 62028 23956 Green Acres Rd. • Dow, 62022 “He’s just a real laid back eagle and a live meet and greet with regional
Open Wednesday – Sunday Open Daily enjoys being around people,” said raptors at the Audubon Center, Ice
n Grafton Visitor Center n Two Rivers National Pat Sexton, office manager at World Putt Putt Golf in downtown Alton,
950 E. Main St. • Grafton, 62037 Wildlife Refuge Bird Sanctuary. ice carving demonstrations, eagle
Open Friday - Sunday HCR 82 Box 107 • Brussels, 62013 viewing shuttle tours and new
n Lewis & Clark State Historic Site Open Monday - Friday this year, the Itchy Brothers will
3500 New Poag Rd. • Hartford, 62048 n Willoughby Heritage Farm demonstrate live chainsaw art.
Open Wednesday – Sunday 631 Willoughby Ln. • Collinsville, 62234
Open Daily
Go to VisitAlton.com/Eagles Sponsored in part by Alton Memorial
S & ROUTES” Hospital, Liberty Bank, Phillips 66,
“GREAT RIVER TCHER
EAGLE WA
for more information. and St. Louis Regional Airport.
l
cia
Offi
ts
tching Hot Spo
Visit 5 Eagle Wa eagle t-shirt!
e
to receive a fre
le counts,
For the latest eag utes.com/Eagle
go to RiversandRo
3 Great Rivers & Routes RiversandRoutes.com 4
EAGLE EVENTS For updates and more go to:
Please see map on
pages 7 and 8 for
location reference RiversandRoutes.com/Events
Eagle Season Kick Off B Pere Marquette State Park L National Great Rivers
Alton Audubon Eagle Ice Festival 13112 Visitor Center Ln. • Grafton, 62037 Museum/Melvin Price
Saturday, Jan. 5 • 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. • Free (618) 786-3323 • DNR.Illinois.Gov H TreeHouse Wildlife Center Locks & Dam
Downtown Alton & Audubon Center Pere Marquette Bald Eagle Days 23956 Green Acres Rd. • Dow, 62022 2 Lock and Dam Way • Alton, 62002
at Riverlands. Dec. 28, Jan. 3, 5, 28, 29, 31, Feb. 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 8, (618) 466-2990 • TreeHouseWildlifeCenter.com (618) 462-6979 • MTRF.org
14, 15, 22, 25 March 4 & 8 • Free Eagle Days Scout Eagle Day
Alton Visitor Center Reservations are required: (618) 786-3323 Jan. 6, 12, 13, 19, 20, 26, 27, Feb. 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, 17, & 23 Jan. 19 • Noon to 4 p.m. • $5 registration fee.
200 Piasa St. • Alton, 62002 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. • Free (Donations appreciated)
(800) 258-6645 • VisitAlton.com/Eagle Learn to distinguish between juvenile and Live eagle meet and greet, eagle-themed
adult bald eagles, find out what eagles eat See live bald eagles and other raptors of activities and eagle watching from on top
Live American Bald Eagle Meet & Greet and why they spend their winter months the region at TreeHouse Wildlife Center, of the dam. Programs available for Girl
Jan. 5, 19 & 26 • Bald Eagle courtesy of along the banks of the Mississippi River and a haven and rehab center for injured, sick Scouts and Boy Scouts.
World Bird Sanctuary more during the popular programs led by and orphaned wildlife. During Eagle Days
Masters of the Sky
Jan. 12 • Bald Eagle courtesy of a park site interpreter. All programs begin enjoy family fun including a special eagle
Feb. 16 & 17 • 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m.
TreeHouse Wildlife Center at the park’s Visitor Center at 8:30 a.m. and craft activity for the kids and meet Emrys,
$5 adult • $3 children • Ages 3 and under Free
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. • Free include a brief video presentation followed the center’s new outreach and education
by an observational drive to view wintering bald eagle. See birds of prey demonstrations with
See an American Bald Eagle up close and
bald eagles. Plan to dress warmly, bring eagles, falcons, owls and others at the live
personal. Learn more about the birds and
their life in the wild. binoculars and have a full tank of gas! K The Audubon Center bird shows presented by TreeHouse Wildlife
at Riverlands Center. Free activities for all ages.
Eagle Shuttle Tours Pere Marquette Lodge & 301 Riverlands Way • West Alton, MO 63386
Jan. 5 • 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m. & 1:30 p.m. Conference Center (636) 899-0090 • Riverlands.Audubon.org Q Eagle Days at
Jan. 12, 19 & 26 • 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 13653 Lodge Blvd. • Grafton, 62037 Audubon Center Raptor Saturdays
Chain of Rocks Bridge
12:30 p.m., & 1:30 p.m. • $5 per person (Please (618) 786-2331 • pmlodge.net Old Chain of Rocks Bridge • Granite City, 62040
Jan. 12, 19, 26 & Feb. 2 • 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
note shuttles on Jan. 5 begin and end at the GreatRiversGreenway.org
Bald Eagle Festival Live birds of prey presented by TreeHouse
Audubon Center at Riverlands. All other shuttles Jan. 19 & 20 • 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. • Free
Jan. 27 • 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. • Free Wildlife Center. Plus activities for all ages.
begin and end at the Alton Visitor Center.) Check out eagles in their natural winter
Enjoy family-friendly fun at Pere Marquette
Reservations at: VisitAlton.com/Shuttle Audubon Eagle Sundays habitat on the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge
Lodge’s 9th annual Bald Eagle Festival.
or by calling: (800) 258-6645 Jan. 13, 20, 27 & Feb. 3 • 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. during this popular annual eagle watching
Live music, special Masters of the Sky
activity. Spotting scopes staffed by trained
Take a 45-minute guided shuttle tour presentation by World Bird Sanctuary Live Bald Eagle meet and greet courtesy of
volunteers will be available and there will
along the Mississippi River to find some of (11 a.m., 1 p.m. & 3 p.m.), face painting, World Bird Sanctuary. Additional activities
be educational presentations by World Bird
the best eagle viewing spots in the region. children’s crafts, wine tasting for adults and for all ages.
Sanctuary repeated every 20 minutes.
Scheduled stops include: Maple Island, more. Tickets to Masters of the Sky are $3 per
Dress warmly. Hot food and drinks
Heron Pond, and Ellis Island at the Audubon person and available at the Lodge front desk.
available for purchase.
Center at Riverlands. Get tips on how to
eagle watch this season.
LOOK UP IN WHILE DRIVING
TREES ALONG ALONG THE MEETING
THE BLUFFS AND OF THE GREAT RIVERS
RIVER BANKS to THE BEST NATIONAL SCENIC BYWAY
CARRY A PAIR see their white heads TIMES TO SPOT
OF BINOCULARS poking out among Pull completely off the road
SCAN THE EAGLES ARE AT into a designated pull out
OR A SPOTTING ICE IN THE RIVER the branches. DAWN ( 7 a.m. - 9 a.m.)
SCOPE FOR AN Watch for traffic when
FOR THE DARK & DUSK (4 p.m. - 5 p.m.) crossing the road
IDEAL VIEWING SILHOUETTES OF when eagles are
EXPERIENCE. Be sure to signal properly
EAGLES. Their white most active.
heads are difficult to Close all vehicle doors
spot against ice.
5 Great Rivers & Routes RiversandRoutes.com 6
Download our EAST ALTON
Eagle Watcher’s Guide
app to help plan
your eagle watching
road trip along the
Meeting of the Great
Rivers National
Scenic Byway.
EAGLE WATCHING HOT SPOTS
A Hardin On Route 100, cross the Joe Page F Grafton Riverfront Head down to
Bridge in Hardin. There are great riverfront Front Street for a stretch of the legs. Walk the
restaurants, perfect for viewing eagles riverfront to view eagles perched in the trees
while you dine. and soaring over the river.
B Pere Marquette State Park Pere G Elsah Take time to stroll through the village,
Marquette State Park is a popular home to watching for eagles soaring over the river. L National Great Rivers Museum/ Q Chain of Rocks Bridge Check out eagles
eagles, which can be seen along the Illinois Melvin Price Locks & Dam Watch in their natural winter habitat.
H TreeHouse Wildlife Center Just a eagles fishing for an easy catch at the Locks &
River banks or spotted from scenic lookout short drive off the Great River Road, this
points within the park. Dam. The National Great Rivers Museum offers Alton Visitor Center Join us to kick off the
wildlife rehab center offers up close views indoor spotting scopes for viewing. eagle watching season Saturday, Jan. 5, at the
C Two Rivers National Wildlife of bald eagles every day of the week. Alton-Audubon Eagle Ice Festival. Stop in every
Refuge at Gilbert Lake One half mile M National Great Rivers Research &
upriver from the Brussels Ferry is Gilbert Lake.
I Piasa Harbor Get a close up view of Education Center Watch for eagles from Saturday in January from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and
the eagles and the river at this harbor that’s the rooftop of the NGRREC building, which sits see a live bald eagle up close. Open seven days
The trees out in the field often have eagles perched situated between Grafton and Alton. a week with information on the most active hot
there. A three-mile hiking trail connects with right on the Mississippi River bank.
J Clifton Terrace This area is a great spot to spots and places to visit along the way.
Pere Marquette State Park. N Lewis & Clark State Historic Site
pull off the road and pull out your binoculars. A
D Two Rivers National Wildlife parking area right along the riverfront offers great
Eagles like to fly near this historic site because Trumpeter Swans winter at these locations
Refuge at Swan Lake Ride across the it’s close to the confluence of two of the longest along the Mississippi River. These are the places
views of eagles who like to perch in the nearby rivers in the country.
Brussels Ferry into Calhoun County and follow to be to view the nation’s largest waterfowl.
trees or on ice floes in the Mississippi River.
the signs to Swan Lake. The visitor’s center has
K Riverlands Migratory Bird O Edward “Ted” and Pat Jones Look closely for eagle nests that have been
scopes for viewing eagles. Confluence Point State Park Birding
Sanctuary & The Audubon Center built by our feathered friends.
E Brussels Ferry Eagles are active near the at Riverlands Designated as a National
opportunities are plentiful where the
Brussels Ferry, where they enjoy perching in Mississippi and Missouri rivers join.
Audubon Society Important Birding Area, eagles
the tall cottonwood trees lining the river banks. can be seen in the Ellis Bay refuge. Use the indoor P Columbia Bottom Conservation
spotting scopes and learn about the migration. Area Search for eagles in the wetlands at
Columbia Bottom.
7 Great Rivers & Routes RiversandRoutes.com 8
GREAT OUTDOOR MOMENTS
When winter sweeps through the region
it’s time to lace up the ice skates and dance
along the ice beside the Mississippi River in
Grafton. Or better yet, scale the limestone
AY KNOWS
OT ? ONLY MURR bluffs alongside the Illinois River which are
SPRING OR N sure to test a climber’s agility and endurance.
hog.
I’m a ground
is Murray. And Sip a cup of hot cocoa (or hot toddy) beside
Hi! My name
e I’m sort of a a crackling fire at Grafton’s Loading Dock
e la st co up le of years sinc g a pret ty Ice Rink housed in the historic Boatworks
met me over
th so far I’m doin
You may have he n sp rin g will arrive and rin g came in pret ty
late.
Building. The cement floors are transformed
. I predict w adow and Sp
local celebrity last year I sa w m y sh into an ice rink dotted with cozy fire pits
u remember, Just sayin…’
good job. If yo batting .500. er and comfortable conversation rings. The Ice
pl ay er , I’d be Wildlife Cent
If I was a base
ball
m y bu rro w at TreeHouse to st ick Rink is open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.
some zzz’s in h I’ve decide d
u re ad th is , I’m catching H ou se an d I like it so muc Fe br ua ry , Winter months are the best times to scale
As yo ued by Tree e up in early
he re I liv e no w. I was resc ov em be r an d star t to wak b. 2 an d I can the limestone bluffs at Pere Marquette
w in early N to get up on Fe
lly hit the hay I’m not ready
around. I usua H og Da y. (Sometimes State Park. The more than 40 routes on
r Grou nd
just in time fo e me?)
the bluffs are sure to test the skills of even
. Who can blam al and human
be a bi t cr an ky w ith my fellow anim the most experienced rock climber. Tucked
guy. I love play
in g ta g when I tag
l jumps a bit on the hiking trails beside the Meeting of
ne ra lly , I’m a fun kind of n m y be st friend Rachae y. Did you
Ge
always surpris
ed whe big and scar the Great Rivers National Scenic Byway, the
friends. But I’m h, I’v e be en told mine are g? I ha ve to keep
et in
m y te et h! Speaking of te in ci so rs ne ver stop grow hen
featured limestone bluffs offer both sport
her with r and lower sometimes w routes and top anchors for traditional leads.
th at a gr ou nd hog’s uppe an d nu ts . An d my claws … to di g my
know on tree bark t I use them
em in ch ec k by gnawing ey ar e lo ng and curved bu t ro om s and a
th ueal a bit. Th lots of differ en
em th ey sq e to ha ve et
people see th
job because
I lik nt and back fe
ve me that ’s a n only use my fro
Ghostly moments
. (A nd be lie k an d I ca ly pa rt of
burrow a lot of wor Yup. I’m real
an d ba ck do or. That takes y cl aw s to climb a tree?
m
front can also use t ground squi
rrel!
d you know I e me as a gian
to do this!) Di u ca n ju st se
the squirrel fa
mily so yo so myself)!
ing if I do say
ou gh I am pret ty fascinat Day
Winter’s cold winds don’t send the
Enough abou
t me (alth e Ground Hog ghosts and spirits in the Alton region
ak e su re to invite you to th 10 a. m . to 2 p.m.,
go , I am su pposed to m Pi as a St ., Alton from for
looking for warmer weather. In fact,
Before I r Center, 20 0 my prediction Troy and his wife Lisa Saturday, Jan. 12
br at io n at th e Alton Visito ar of th e sh ow as I make the local spirits continue to make their
at Mineral Springs Hotel. Enjoy a catered
Cele lly be the st and more. presence known year round. American
2. I will natura , refreshments
Saturday, Feb. e w ill be ch ainsaw ar tists Hauntings founder Troy Taylor brings dinner and then hear the chilling details
told ther of “Murdered in their Beds,” a look at
spring. But I’m the spirit world to life during a variety
Feb. 2. unsolved Midwest Ax Murders of the
inter! See you of winter events including the 21st
Have a nice w early 1900s, with a special look at the
Annual Dead of Winter Festival at the
history and hauntings of the Villisca,
Sincerely, mysterious and reportedly haunted
Iowa, murders of 1912.
Mineral Springs Hotel Saturday, Feb. 9
Murray, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Admission is free Additional ghostly adventures to enjoy:
T he Ground Hog with a canned good or non-perishable
food item.) Or spend an evening with
Ghosts of the River Road Dinner Tours:
Jan. 26, Feb. 23 & March 9
For American Hauntings info,
AmericanHauntingsInk.com
9 Great Rivers & Routes RiversandRoutes.com 10
Pick up the souvenir Restaurant Week glass
Alton Restaurant Week • January 18 - 27, 2019 • AltonRestaurantWeek.com
featuring a design of the Alton Riverfront
Oven-fired, hand-tossed pizzas, made-from-scratch pierogis, secret at the Alton Visitor Center, 200 Piasa St. Bring
in a receipt from any participating Restaurant
recipe fried chicken, gooey butter cake desserts. Tempt your tastebuds Week restaurant and receive a free glass.
with those entrees, desserts and more during Alton Restaurant Week’s 10 delectable Glasses are available only while supplies
days of dining Jan. 18 – Jan. 27. Over 20 locally owned and operated restaurants will last. For a complete list of participating
be featuring some of the best dishes at budget friendly prices. Lunch specials are restaurants and to take a peek at specials go to
$10 and dinner specials are $25 (and in some cases two can dine for $25). AltonRestaurantWeek.com
Decaro’s
Castelli’s at 255
Carver’s Southern -Style BBQ State Street Market
Roper’s Regal Beagle Olga’s Kitchen
Brown Bag Bistro Bluff City Grill My Just Desserts Morrison’s Irish Pub Fin Inn
n Alton Wood River Sportsmens Club n Decaro’s n High Flyers Grille n Olga’s Kitchen
Mon. - Sat. • 3109 Godfrey Rd. • Godfrey Tues. - Sat. • 602 E. 3rd St. • Alton Tues. - Sun. • 16 Terminal Dr. • East Alton Open Daily • 206 Alton Square • Alton
$10 Lunch & $25 Dinner $10 Lunch & $25 Dinner $10 Lunch & $25 Dinner $10 Lunch & $25 Dinner
n Bluff City Grill n Fin Inn n Johnson’s Corner n Roper’s Regal Beagle
Open Daily • 424 E. Broadway • Alton Open Daily • 1500 W. Main St. • Grafton Open Daily • 2000 State St. • Alton Open Daily • 3043 Godfrey Rd. • Godfrey
$10 Lunch & $25 Dinner $10 Lunch & $25 Dinner $10 Lunch & $25 Dinner $10 Lunch & $25 Dinner
n Brown Bag Bistro n Great Rivers Tap & Grill n Journey at Argosy Casino Alton n State Street Market
Tues. - Sat. • 318 E. Broadway • Alton Open Daily • 3559B College Ave. • Alton Thurs. - Sun. • #1 Piasa St. • Alton Tues. - Sat. • 208 State St. • Alton
$10 Lunch & $25 Dinner $10 Lunch & $25 Dinner $25 Dinner $10 Lunch & $25 Dinner
n Carver’s Southern-Style BBQ n Gentelin’s n Morrison’s Irish Pub n The Post Commons
Tues. - Sat. • 2716 Grovelin St. • Godfrey Tues. - Sun. • 122 E. Broadway • Alton Tues. - Sun. • 200 State St. • Alton Mon. - Sat. • 300 Alby St. • Alton
$10 Lunch & $25 Dinner $25 Dinner $10 Lunch & $25 Dinner $10 Lunch
n Castelli’s at 255 n Grafton Winery & Brewhaus n My Just Desserts n Tony’s Restaurant
Tues. - Sun. • 3400 Fosterburg Rd. • Alton Open Daily • 300 W. Main St. • Grafton Open Daily • 31 E. Broadway • Alton Tues. - Sun. • 312 Piasa St. • Alton
$10 Lunch & $25 Dinner $10 Lunch & $25 Dinner $10 Lunch $25 Dinner
n Chez Marilyn n Great Rivers Tap & Grill n Old Bakery Beer
Open Daily • 119 W. 3rd St. • Alton Open Daily 3559B College Ave. • Alton Open Daily • 400 Landmarks Blvd. • Alton
$10 Lunch & $25 Dinner $10 Lunch & $25 Dinner $10 Lunch & $25 Dinner
11 Great Rivers & Routes RiversandRoutes.com 12
GREAT MOMENTS…GREAT ENTERTAINMENT
Secret routes. Safe houses. Hidden rooms.
Slave hunters. Abolitionists. It almost sounds like the makings of Take a break from eagle watching The music never stops when
with some great entertainment Edwardsville’s Wildey Theatre
a great spy novel. But it’s really part of America’s pre-Civil War history. And some presents Jake’s Leg, Saturday, Jan. 19.
options available in the region. Sit
of it took place in the Mississippi riverfront communities of Alton and Godfrey. Enjoy America’s favorite psychedelic
back, relax and enjoy.
blues-rock jug band and get down to a
Illinois’ longest continuously running celebration of life. WildeyTheatre.com
Underground Railroad stations dotted include Rocky Fork Church, Enos community theater, Alton Little
the landscape throughout Madison Apartments and more. It’s not too early to think fishing, home
Theater, has a full winter playbill sure
and Jersey counties in the free state to delight young and old. Bring the kids renovations and even weddings!
Walk in the footsteps of fleeing slaves The Gateway Center in Collinsville
of Illinois nearly 200 years ago. Alton, with the help of noted Underground and step into the wizarding world of
Godfrey and Jerseyville all played a Harry Potter with Alton Little Theater’s will host the “Let’s Go Fishing Show”
Railroad expert Eric Robinson. Friday, Jan 4; the “Gateway Spring
vital role in helping slaves make their “A Magical Winter Feast with Harry
Tour schedules include: Feb. 22, Home Show” Saturday, Jan. 19; and the
way to freedom in the “free” state of Potter and Friends” Saturday, Jan. 12.
March 22, April 26, May 24 and June 28. “Gateway Wedding Show” on Jan. 24.
Illinois. Unfortunately, not all riverfront This interactive show includes a four
Tickets are $25 per person and may be course magical feast complete with a GatewayCenter.com
communities were sympathetic to purchased at the Alton Visitor Center,
escaping slaves and the journey magician, trivia contests and prizes. Actor and activist Mike Farrell, from the
200 Piasa St., Alton, or online at: The touching and award-winning play
was treacherous. TV series M*A*S*H, brings the science
VisitAlton.com/Shuttle. “On Golden Pond” comes to life of global warming to life during
Two hour guided shuttle tours Don’t forget to have your National Jan. 18 – 27. Actor-playright Michael SIUE’s Arts & Issues presentation of
highlighting some of the sites that Parks Passport stamped while at Madden’s newest play, “Maybe Dr. Keeling’s Curve Friday, March 1.
were part of the local Underground the Alton Visitor Center. Alton is now Next Time”, a 90-minute play about ArtsandIssues.com
Railroad system are available from four online dates debuts Feb. 1 - 3.
an official Underground Railroad Authentic country music from the
February through June. Tour stops Go to AltonLittleTheater.org for
passport stamp site! inimitable Malpass Brothers hits the
ticket information.
stage Sunday, March 3 courtesy of the
Take the same journey escaping slaves made when they fled to For additional entertainment options: Greater Alton Concert Association. For
freedom along the Underground Railroad in Alton and Godfrey. RiversandRoutes.com/Events tickets go to: AltonConcerts.org.
GREAT GETAWAY Bird Watcher’s Package at Best Bird Watcher’s Overnight Special at Wake Up DoubleTree Breakfast
Deals Western Premier Alton-St. Louis:
Birds of a feather flock together so grab
Alton Cracker Factory: Stay two nights
at the historic Alton Cracker Factory –
Package - Collinsville: Before the
adventure of eagle watching begins,
a friend, partner or family member and Great Rivers Lodging in downtown Alton start the morning with a Wake Up
It’s been a long day eagle watching head to Best Western Premier Alton-St. and receive 35 percent off your third DoubleTree breakfast with this great
and enjoying the nightlife available Louis for a one night bird watcher’s night’s stay Sunday through Thursday overnight deal. This package includes
package. Receive a $20 Great Rivers only. There are river view decks from hot entrees, an omelet station and
throughout the area. Add the
Tap & Grill voucher, two complimentary each room. Maps of the area , local travel other healthy breakfast options.
finishing touch to any great beverage coupons, two breakfast guides and personal recommendations 1000 Eastport Plaza Dr. • Collinsville
moment with these getaway deals. buffets and a welcome bag. on places to go are provided. (618) 345-2800
3559 College Ave. • Alton • (618) 462-1220 205 E. Broadway • Alton • (618) 917-4466
13 Great Rivers & Routes RiversandRoutes.com 14
Meeting of the Great Rivers National Scenic Byway
Great Rivers & Routes Tourism Bureau
200 Piasa St. • Alton, IL 62002 • (800)258-6645
RiversandRoutes.com I VisitAlton.com I GreatRiversByway.com
facebook.com/RiversandRoutes
@RiversandRoutes
Instagram.com/RiversandRoutes
DOWNLOAD THE Pinterest.com/RiversandRoutes
EAGLE WATCHER’S APP
Disclaimer: The CVB has made every effort to verify the
information related to seasonal attractions and events noted in
See an eagle? Pinpoint its this guide. Please note that some information may have changed
since this brochure was published. Check RiversandRoutes.com
location on the Eagle Watching for complete attraction and event information.
mobile app. Or find out where the 10/18 37.5 M
eagle watching hot spots are this
season. Look for great overnight
getaway deals, dining and more
on the app. Free from your
smartphone app store.
Find out more at:
VisitAlton.com/EagleApp
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