Alton (Illinois)



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.

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.

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, 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.



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.

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.



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.



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.