THINGS TO DO
Explore Attractions in Illinois and St. Louis
THINGS TO DO IN ILLINOIS – Metro East
Family Attractions
Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site:
The Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site preserving North America’s largest pre-Columbian settlement. Climb 154 steps up Monks Mound for panoramic views and explore 70 ancient earthen mounds on 2,200 acres of history. Just 10 miles from WWTR
Brooks Catsup Bottle Water Tower:
The World’s Largest Catsup Bottle is a 170-foot-tall roadside icon standing proudly on Route 159 in Collinsville. Built in 1949 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it’s the perfect photo opportunity. 15 miles from WWTR
Collinsville Aqua Park:
Cool off at Collinsville Aqua Park featuring seven water slides including Monsoon Mountain, a lazy river, lap pool, and aqua climbing walls. Free parking, tubes, and life jackets make it a great family value. 15 miles from WWTR
Willoughby Heritage Farm:
Step back to 1940s farm life at Willoughby Heritage Farm, a 40-acre park featuring barnyard animals, prairie hiking trails, a 1930s Craftsman farmhouse, and hands-on programs including archery and beekeeping. 15 miles from WWTR
Edison’s Entertainment Complex:
Edison’s Entertainment Complex in Edwardsville offers boutique bowling with blacklight nights, a 4,000-square-foot laser tag arena, and 70+ arcade games including VR experiences. Perfect for families, groups, and rainy days. 15 miles from WWTR
Outdoor Adventures
Horseshoe Lake State Park:
Horseshoe Lake State Park is a peaceful 2,900-acre park on an oxbow lake just minutes from the raceway, offering fishing, boating, picnicking, walking trails, and excellent bird/wildlife watching—especially pelicans and bald eagles in season. 5 miles from WWTR
Grafton SkyTour:
Rise to new heights on the Grafton SkyTour, an aerial gondola or open chairlift soaring 300 feet above the Mississippi River. Enjoy breathtaking views of the river confluence and bluffs on this scenic 14-minute journey to Aerie’s Resort & Winery. 40 miles from WWTR
Pere Marquette State Park:
Illinois’ largest state park, Pere Marquette State Park offers nearly 8,000 acres with 12 miles of hiking trails, 20+ miles of equestrian trails, and a stunning historic lodge overlooking the Illinois River. 45 miles from WWTR
Grafton Zipline Adventures:
Experience four ziplines through forest canopy at speeds up to 45 mph at Aerie’s Resort. Connected by suspension bridges and ATV shuttles, this guided hour-long adventure delivers thrills and spectacular river views. 40 miles from WWTR
Great River Road Scenic Drive:
Drive 33 miles along Highway 100 between Alton and Grafton with limestone bluffs towering on one side and the Mississippi River stretching endlessly on the other. Stop for the Piasa Bird mural, riverside wineries, and stunning overlooks.
History & Culture
Alton Hauntings Tours:
Join the award-winning Alton Hauntings Tours and discover why Alton is known as one of America’s most haunted small towns. Walking and bus tours explore the old penitentiary, historic churches, and documented paranormal hotspots based on author Troy Taylor’s research. 25 miles from WWTR
Old Chain of Rocks Bridge:
This historic 1-mile-long pedestrian/bike bridge over the Mississippi River is famous for its 22-degree bend and classic Route 66 signage—great for photos and a short walk with cool river views. 10 miles from WWTR
Historic Elsah Village:
Step into the 1850s in this perfectly preserved stone village where every building is on the National Register of Historic Places. Stroll the charming streets and enjoy the peaceful riverside setting in one of Illinois’ most picturesque towns. 35 miles from WWTR
Wildey Theatre:
Built in 1909, the beautifully restored Wildey Theatre in Edwardsville hosts live performances, concerts, and classic film screenings in an elegant historic venue along Route 66. 15 miles from WWTR
Dining & Nightlife
Porter’s Steakhouse:
Porter’s Steakhouse in Collinsville is known as one of the finest steakhouses in the region, with a menu and experience that has evolved over decades of tradition. 15 miles from WWTR
Ravanelli’s:
Famous for signature pressure fried chicken and classic Italian-American fare, Ravanelli’s has been a Collinsville favorite for generations. 15 miles from WWTR
Old Bakery Beer Company:
Old Bakery Beer in Alton offers craft beers brewed on-site and wood-fired pizzas in a historic riverside setting. Time your visit during winter months to watch bald eagles fish from the windows. 25 miles from WWTR
The Loading Dock:
Known as the region’s best outdoor bar and grill, The Loading Dock in Grafton offers incredible river views, fresh fish, and a laid-back atmosphere at the end of the scenic Great River Road drive. 40 miles from WWTR
Grafton Winery & Brewhaus:
Sample award-winning wines while overlooking the confluence of the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers at Grafton Winery. The outdoor patio and tasting room offer spectacular sunset views. 40 miles from WWTR
Entertainment & Gaming
Fairmount Park Casino & Racing:
Since 1925, Fairmount Park has offered thoroughbred horse racing and casino gaming in Collinsville—the only track outside of Chicago in Illinois. 15 miles from WWTR
DraftKings at Casino Queen:
The 6,000 square foot state-of-the-art sportsbook at Casino Queen features a 60-foot video wall, dozens of HD televisions, VIP areas, and more than 30 betting kiosks. 8 miles from WWTR
THINGS TO DO IN ST. LOUIS
Gateway Fan Favorites
PBR: PBR features a large dance floor, a soft-seating lounge area, private outdoor balconies, multiple bars, and the world’s meanest mechanical bull as a showpiece element to the club.
The Over/Under Bar & Grill: This Restaurant/Bar is located in the heart of the vibrant Loft District on Washington Avenue in St. Louis.
Broadway Oyster Bar: The Broadway Oyster Bar is a locally owned and operated establishment and has been for over 35 years. The Oyster Bar is widely regarded as the premier New Orleans’ style restaurant, bar and music venue in the Midwest.
Wheelhouse Downtown: Wheelhouse is a Lofty, industrial hangout with 2 bars & creative pub grub, plus weekend brunch & TVs showing sports..
Sugarfire Smoke House: The best traditions of the best barbecue cities in the U.S.A. to create a St. Louis style barbecue that’s all its own.
Attractions
The Gateway Arch: As one of the top sites in St. Louis, the Gateway Arch is a must-see on your trip to the city.
Saint Louis Zoo: The famous Saint Louis Zoo has so many animal exhibits and attractions that visiting feels like a full day at a theme park.
Ball Park Village: Located in the heart of St. Louis’ central business district adjacent to Busch Stadium, Ballpark Village is the first-ever, sports-anchored, multi-phased/mixed-use development.
St. Louis Wheel at Union Station: Visitors get a bird’s-eye view of the train shed and the iconic St. Louis skyline when they board the neighboring 200-foot St. Louis Wheel.
St. Louis Aquarium at Union Station: Located in what was once one of the busiest passenger rail terminals in the world, the St. Louis Aquarium at Union Station will take you on an aquatic journey like no other.
Christmas Lights: With our event being so close to the holiday season, there is nothing better than checking out the multiple Christmas Light Displays St. Louis offers.
Top Golf: Top Golf is a premier entertainment destination in Chesterfield, MO. Enjoy our climate-controlled hitting bays for year-round comfort with HDTVs in every bay and throughout our sports bar and restaurant.
National Landmarks
Saint Louis Cardinals Hall of Fame and Museum: The St. Louis Cardinals Hall of Fame Museum is a team hall of fame located in downtown St. Louis, Missouri, representing the history, players and personnel of the professional baseball franchise St. Louis Cardinals of Major League Baseball.
Saint Louis Art Museum: The Saint Louis Art Museum is one of the principal U.S. art museums, with paintings, sculptures, cultural objects, and ancient masterpieces from all corners of the world.
Old Chain of Rocks Bridge & Route 66 A historic 1-mile-long pedestrian/bike bridge over the Mississippi River, famous for its 22-degree bend and classic Route 66 signage – great for photos and a short walk with cool river views. Website
Horseshoe Lake State Park A peaceful 2,900-acre park on an oxbow lake just minutes from the raceway, offering fishing, boating, picnicking, walking trails, and excellent bird/wildlife watching (especially pelicans and bald eagles in season). Website
National Blues Museum: The National Blues Museum is a 501 non-profit museum in St. Louis, Missouri, United States, dedicated to exploring the musical history and impact of the blues.
Ulysses S Grant National Historic Site: The Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site is a 9.65-acre United States National Historic Site located 10 miles southwest of downtown St. Louis, Missouri, within the municipality of Grantwood Village.
Casinos
Horseshoe St. Louis: Formerly known as the Lumiere Place Casino, the Horseshoe is located in downtown St. Louis, Missouri, in the shadow of the Gateway Arch, and is considered one of the premier gaming properties in the city.
River City Casino and Hotel: Set on the banks of the Mississippi River, River City Casino offers a luxury hotel and casino with the best gaming and dining in St. Louis, Missouri.
DraftKings at Casino Queens: The 6,000 square foot state-of-the-art expansion at the Casino Queen features a 60-foot video wall, dozens of high-definition televisions, a VIP area and more than 30 betting kiosks.
Hollywood Casino and Hotel: Hollywood Casino St. Louis offers 2100 of slots and video poker machines and 70-plus table games!
World Wide Technology Raceway is located in Madison, Illinois and is in the heart of the St. Louis Metropolitan area. St. Louis is the home of three professional sports teams and multiple world class restaurants. Both sides of the Mississippi River have historical markers which helped pave the way to modern history.
The following links are provided to help you maximize your trip to the Greater St. Louis area:
While you are in town take advantage of the many restaurants, convenient hotel amenities and all the great attractions the Gateway City has to offer. The Gateway City has plenty to offer its visitors with fun, family-friendly activities, great entertainment venues and an exciting nightlife. Relax in a cozy neighborhood cafe, tour a local brewery or take the kids on an adventure.
Rev up your engine at the Kemp Auto Museum marveling at the beauty and craftsmanship of the finest European automobiles, from the classic early models to contemporary designs. Tour a collection of rare and vintage motorcycles at the Moto Museum, or explore the history, mechanics and design of the cart and buggy, planes, trains or anything else with wheels at the St. Louis Museum of Transportation.
Get a bird’s eye view from the Gateway Arch stainless steel monument. During the spring and summer seasons, you can cheer on our 11-time World champions the St. Louis Cardinals at the new Busch Stadium. Visit this exciting Midwest theme park that’s fun for the whole family! Visitors can loop the loop on Batman the Ride, soar at speeds of up to 62 mph on the Screaming Eagle wooden coaster and get soaked on the whitewater rapids adventure of Thunder River. Guests of Six Flags St. Louis.
Looking for a fun night out? Head downtown to Washington Avenue or Laclede’s Landing and take your pick of some of the hottest bars and dance clubs in St. Louis (most are smoke free and open till 3 a.m.) Get up close and personal with the furry, the flying and the fishy creatures of the Saint Louis Zoo.
Visit the region’s first interactive children’s museum, built in a sprawling Victorian mansion in suburban St. Louis. Kids will enjoy all sorts of fun and educational activities at the Magic House. Another great kids activity is the RYZE Adventure Park St. Louis, which was highly suggested by HBP. Take a tour of the historic Anheuser-Busch Brewery where you can visit the Budweiser Clydesdales and sample a variety of premium brands. And to top it all off, satisfy your sweet tooth at Ted Drewes with some signature frozen custard.