Family Places

Memorial Sculpture (Ruma)
A statue in front of the convent of the Adorers of the Blood of Christ honors the five sisters martyred in Liberia, West Africa in 1992. The martyrs are buried in the convent cemetery.
2 Pioneer Lane | Ruma, IL
618-282-6229 View more

Belle-Clair Speedway (Belleville)
200 S. Belt East | Belleville, IL 62220
618-233-0052 View more

Black Diamond Vineyards (Nashville)
Enjoy a quiet, relaxing setting on the Hicks family rural homestead. Banquet facilities for 100. Large patio overlooks serene view.
3501 Black Diamond Rd. | Nashville, IL
618-336-5700 View more

Bond County Courthouse (Greenville)
The 19th-century courthouse has a great view of the town's hundreds of crab apple, red bud, and cherry trees in season.
200 W College Avenue | Greenville, IL
618-664-3262 View more

Bosshard Monument (Highland)
The monument is a tribute to Swiss poet Heinrich Bosshard, who wrote Semparcherlied here in the 1850's.
Lindendale Park | Highland, IL
618-654-3721View more

Cahokia Courthouse State Historic Site (Cahokia)
This authentic remnant of pioneer French architecture was constructed in 1730. The building served as the center for political activity for over 100 years.
First & Elm Street | Cahokia, IL
618-332-1782 View more

Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site and Interpretive Center (Collinsville)
This is the largest prehistoric Indian city north of Mexico. Climb Monk's Mound, see the film and lifesize village. Don't miss annual events that focus on Native American culture.
Visit Our Website
30 Ramey Drive | Collinsville, IL 62234
618-346-5160 View more

Casino Queen (East Saint Louis)
The bright lights of Vegas have nothing on the Casino Queen, home of the loosest slots. The Casino Queen has had the loosest slots in the entire country for 3 years running! Plus the hottest table games in town are at the Queen. Hungry? The Queen has you covered from fine dining to casual. The best view in town is from the Casino Queen Hotel. Available meeting space.
Visit Our Website
Mississippi Riverfront, 200 Front Street | East Saint Louis, IL
618-874-5000 View more

Centerfield Park (O'Fallon)
Spend the day at the Slik Trak, go karts, miniature golf, batting cages, bumper boats and video arcade - all in one spot.
5620 Old Collinsville Road | O'Fallon, IL 62269
618-624-7074 View more

Centralia Carillon (Centralia)
The 65 bell instrument rings out three times a week and for sepcial events. The park also features a museum and tours of the 165 ft. tower.
114 North Elm Street | Centralia, IL
618-533-4381 View more

Charter Oak "8-Sided" School
This building is a study in physics as well as history as it was designed to withstand strong winds and capture light throughout the day.
Cty Hwy 4 between Walsh and Shuline, Randolph County | IL
618-826-2667 View more

Cholera Cross (Breese)
The original wooden cross was erected in 1850 by a farmer in thanksgiving for his family being spared during a cholera epidemic. Subsequent owners of the property have repaired and replaced it.
1 mi. south of Old Hwy 50 on Germantown Road | Breese, View more

Church of the Holy Family (Cahokia)
The oldest church west of the Alleghenies was built in the French vertical-log style.
116 Church Street | Cahokia, IL
618-337-4548View more

Civil War Fort (Germantown)
Visit an exact replica of a Civil War Fort complete with a jail, one room home, livery and log cabins.
Germantown, IL
618-523-4749 View more

Civil War Monument at the Veterans' Memorial (Greenville)
This honors generations of soldiers who sacrificed their lives for their country.
Greenville Chamber of Commerce | Greenville, IL
618-664-9272 View more

Coal Miners Monument (Beckemeyer)
Joseph Koch, who along with eight other local miners died in a mine explosion in 1947, is depicted here.
Louis St. by American Legion | Beckemeyer, IL
618-227-8331 View more

Cohen House (Chester)
This beautifully restored mid-1800's home has cobalt blue windows that were described in a book by author Mark Twain. Tours by appointment and open for special events.
Buena Vista | Chester, IL
618-826-3913 View more

Coyote ATV Trail Riders & Junkyard International Raceway (Coulterville)
Fifty to sixty trucks carrying ATVs pull in every weekend to ride through the ten miles of trails, or race go-karts on the track.
Coulterville, IL
618-758-2851 View more

Dog Park at Rock Springs (O'Fallon)
109-acre natural terrain for leashed pets; 1.5-acre "off leash" area for pets to run free and interact with other pets; paved walking trails. Hours: dawn to dusk.
O'Fallon, IL View more

Eckert's Country Store & Farms (Belleville)
951 S. Greenmount Road | Belleville, IL 62220
618-233-0513 View more

Eckert's Fun Farm (Millstadt)
This family entertainment center features pig races, a petting corral, Mine Shaft Slide and more. Open in the fall & for special events.
Visit Our Website
2719 Eckert Orchard Lane | Millstadt, IL
618-476-3260 View more

Espenschied Chapel (Mascoutah)
Built in 1928, the chapel has recently been renovated. It is now open for services and special events.
Mascoutah, IL
618-566-2780 View more

Fairmount Park (Collinsville)
This one-mile oval track designed like Churchill Downs was originally built in the early nineteen hundreds. Thoroughbred racing season runs April through September.
Collinsville Road | Collinsville, IL
618-345-4300 View more

Fort de Chartres (Prairie du Rocher)
The 1790s fort is being rebuilt atop the original stone foundations. The chapel, priest's room, commander's office, and ammunition storage room have been restored. Every year, the Winter and Summer Rendezvous draw thousands of visitors.
1260 State Route 155 | Prairie du Rocher, IL
618-284-7230 View more

Fort Kaskaskia State Historic Site (Ellis Grove)
A scenic overlook offers views of the Mississippi and Kaskaskia Rivers, and of Old Kaskaskia.
Rural Route 1 | Ellis Grove, IL
618-859-3741 View more

Fun Spot (Belleville)
1400 West Blvd. | Belleville, IL 62221
618-234-4502 View more

Garrison Hill Cemetery (Ellis Grove)
This cemetery was created when graves were moved from Kaskaskia Island to Fort Kaskaskia State Historic Site in the 1890s after a flood. According to one account 3,000 boxes were moved, some containing entire families.
4372 Park Road | Ellis Grove, IL
618-859-3741 View more

Gateway Fun Park (Collinsville)
Bring the kids for a day playing on the 18-hole miniature golf course, huge arcade, bumper boats, go-kart track and kiddie track.
Visit Our Website
#8 Gateway Drive | Collinsville, IL 62234
618-345-7116 View more

Gateway Geyser
The nation's tallest fountain is across from the Gateway Arch on the Mississippi riverfront. The Geyser goes off at noon and 1pm daily for 15 min. It's visible from the Casino Queen, MetroLink and the bridges.
IL View more

Gateway International Raceway (Madison)
Racing fans fill the stands for Indy Racing Series, NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series & NASCAR Busch Series Grand National Division. Racing season March through October.
700 Raceway | Madison, IL
618-480-2407 View more

General Dean Suspension Bridge (Carlyle)
Built in 1859, the bridge is named in honor of William F. Dean, a Korean War hero. .
visit website
1st Street, east side | Carlyle, IL.
618-594-2468 View more

Governor Shadrach Bond State Memorial (Chester)
Notably, this is the burial site of the first Governor of Illinois and of U.S. Senator Elias Kent Kane, Illinois' first Secretary of State and architect of the state constitution.
Evergreen Cemetery, IL-3 north of downtown Chester | Chester, IL
618-826-2721 View more

Grizzlies' Academy (Sauget)
A state-of-the-art indoor facility that houses the Pro-Batter PX2 Professional Baseball System. It combines major-league quality pitching with life- size images of actual pitchers throwing realistic pitches with pin-point accuracy that is adjustable for all age ranges and skills. Lessons and rental packages available. Call for more information.
U.S. Cellular Kid's Zone, GCS Ballpark | Sauget, IL
618-781-8170 View more

Heartland Rivers Wine Trail - Black Diamond Vineyards (Nashville)
Enjoy a quiet, relaxing setting on the Hicks family rural homestead. Banquet facilities for 100. Large patio overlooks serene view.
3501 Black Diamond Rd. | Nashville, IL
618-336-5700 View more

Heartland Rivers Wine Trail - Crooked Creek Winery (Centralia)
Handcrafted Illinois wines are made in a peaceful, country setting. Open for tastings Fri, Sat & Sun afternoons.
24585 W. 10th Street Rd. | Centralia, IL
618-495-2161 View more

Heartland Rivers Wine Trail - Forsee Winery (Coffeen)
Surrounded by stately oaks, the Winery offers estate handcrafted wine in a serene country atmosphers. From the balcony, watch the grapes grow and wine being bottled.
18165 N. 4th Ave. | Coffeen, IL
217-534-6347 View more

Heartland Rivers Wine Trail - GenKota Winery (Mount Vernon)
The Amish-built winery sits on a gentle hill overlooking two acres of growing vineyard. The wraparound covered deck encourages sitting and sipping. Genkota's wines have won several awards in state and international competitions.
301 North 44th St. | Mount Vernon, IL
618-246-9463 View more

Heartland Rivers Wine Trail - Log Cabin Winery (Ellis Grove)
The winery specializes in fruit and herb based wines including peach, raspberry, red & white grape, licorice, dill, and mint. Next door is the Log Cabin Museum.
7294 Shawneetown Trail | Ellis Grove, IL
618-859-5022 View more

Heartland Rivers Wine Trail - Mary Michelle Winery (Grafton)
The tasting room at Pere Marquette State Park's stone lodge is open year round.Enjoy views of the picturesque Illinois River Valley as you sample a complete line of Mary Michelle and Illinois Cellars wines.
Pere Marquette State Park Lodge | Grafton, IL
618-786-2331 View more

Heartland Rivers Wine Trail - Orchard View Winery (Alma)
Nestled among 25 acres of orchards and vineyards on a 100+ year old working family farm, Orchard View specializes in fruite and grape wines.
307 2nd St. | Alma, IL
618-547-9911 View more

Heartland Rivers Wine Trail - Piasa Winery (Grafton)
Taste the award-winning signature wines or choose from a large selection of international wines and imported/micro-brewed beers. Sit on the deck or in the heated tent that is perfect for eagle watching in winter.
211 West Main St. | Grafton, IL
618-786-9463 View more

Heartland Rivers Wine Trail - Schorr Lake Vineyards (Waterloo)
Relax on the deck that overlooks the vineyard and lake and enjoy the estate-grown and produced table and fruit wines..
1032 South Library Street | Waterloo, IL
618-939-3174 View more

Heartland Rivers Wine Trail - Springers Creek Winery (Edwardsville)
If you can get past the cushy chairs, fireplaces, antiques, two wine gardens and welcoming hospitality, you will certainly enjoy the wine!
817 N. Rt. 157 | Edwardsville, IL 62025
618-307-5110 View more

Heartland Rivers Wine Trail - Vahling Vineyards (Stewardson)
Join us for a free tasting from a selection of over 20 wines. Relax with family and friends in the large tasting room or on the brick path.
Rural Route 1 | Stewardson, IL
217-682-5409 View more

Heartland Rivers Wine Trail - Villa Marie Winery & Banquet Center (Maryville)
Set in the rolling countryside near Maryville, the vineyard is growing Corot Noir, Noiret, Vignoles, Norton and Traminette.
6631 East Main St. | Maryville, IL
618-345-3100 View more

Highland Gun Club (Highland)
13312 Bellm Rd. | Highland, IL 62249 618-654-5971 View more

J~H Bison Ranch (Trenton)
Tours of this family-run bison ranch include: baby bison feeding, herd tours, photos with baby bison, llamas and horses.
visit website
10802 Sunnyside School Rd. | Trenton, IL 62293
618-934-3029 View more

J~H Bison Ranch (Trenton)
10802 Sunnyside School Rd. | Trenton, IL 62293
618-934-3029 View more

Jarrot Mansion (Cahokia)
The subject of intensive historical interest, this is the oldest brick house in the state of Illinois. It was built in 1810, by Nicholas Jarrot, a native Frenchman and landowner. 124 East First Street | Cahokia, IL 618-332-1782 View more

Kaskaskia Bell Shrine and the Liberty Bell of the West
The bell was rung as the island was captured from the British during the Revolutionary War by Col. George Rogers Clark and his "Long Knives."
Kaskaskia Island | IL
618-859-3741 View more

Krause Elk Farm (Evansville)
Tours are available of this unusual farm.
8311 St. Leo's Rd. | Evansville, IL 62242
618-282-3789 View more

Lazer Force Lazer Tag Zone (Caseyville)
50 Tucker Drive | Caseyville, IL 62232
618-397-0677 View more

Lazer Force Lazer Tag Zone (Caseyville)
A full two story, 7,800 sq. ft. laser tag arena and a 2,500 sq. ft. game arcade make this a favorite spot. Enjoy the 18 hole "Black Light" mini golf course! Located near hotels and restaurants at Hwy 157 and I-64 in Caseyville.
50 Tucker Drive | Caseyville, IL 62232 618-397-0677 View more

Lincoln Historic Plaque (Greenville)
Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas both spoke here during their historic U.S. Senate race in 1858. The site, once a grove of trees, is marked with a stone plaque.
415 S. 5th St. | Greenville, IL View more

Lincoln Marker (Vandalia)
On a large natural stone in the Park, you can see the trail reported to have been used by Abraham Lincoln and others as they traveled between Vandalia and Springfield, IL in the early 1800's. The Lincoln Trail is on the National Registry of Historic Places.
Rogier Park | Vandalia, IL
618-283-2728 View more

Lock and Dam 27 (Granite City)
Locks 26 and 27 are the largest locks in the inland waterway system. Lock 26 in Alton has a visitor's center with river displays. Lock 27 located in Granite City is the only lock on the 8.4 mile, man made canal and is the most southerly located.
Granite City, IL
618-876-6400 View more

Looking for Lincoln Storyboards (Vandalia)
Ten storyboards depicting Abraham Lincoln's early years as a legislator are installed around Vandalia. Find out about his early romance with Mary Owens, his first protest against slavery and many other little-known historical facts.
Vandalia, IL
618-283-2728 View more

Madonna of the Trail (Vandalia)
This is one of 12 statues in the U.S. which honors the pioneer women who traveled along the National Road.
Statehouse grounds, 315 W. Gallatin | Vandalia, IL
618-283-1161 View more

Maeystown (Maeystown)
The entire 158 year old German settlement is on the National Register of Historic Places. Restoration includes a church from 1867 and the one- lane stone arched bridge. The Corner George Inn, general store,coffee house, restaurant, sweet shoppe, museum and visitor's center are open on weekends.
Corner George Inn | Maeystown, IL
618-458-6660 View more

Mary's River Covered Bridge (Chester)
Built in 1854 as part of a planked toll road between Bremen and Chester, it has been restored recently.
IL Rte 150E east of Chester | Chester, IL
618-826-5000, ext 221 View more

Maryville Fun Tyme/Dugout Lounge (Maryville)
Have a pizza at Alfonzo's and let the kids play here in the arcade and batting cages.
1 Schiber Court | Maryville, IL 62062
618-288-1700 View more

Melvin Price Park (Swansea)
A 24-acre park which has ball diamonds, a soccer field, roller hockey rink, pavilions with barbeque grills, a Community Center, walking trail, and playgrounds. The park is the site of the village's Veteran's Memorial, the 9/11 Memorial, and a Korean War Veteran's Memorial.
Swansea, IL
618-233-3938 View more

Monkey Joe's (Fairview Heights)
15,000 square foot space has 20 foot tall inflatable houses for kids to jump in and bounce off of the walls, along with slides and mazes.
10855 Lincoln Trail | Fairview Heights, IL 62208
618-398-7800 View more

National Road Interpretive Center (Vandalia)
This center will share the history of travel and transportation in the early days of our country and how it helped to open the West. Center is open Wednesday through Saturday from 10:00am to 2:00pm.
106 S. Fifth St. | Vandalia, IL
618-283-2728 View more

National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows (Belleville)
There are 200 beautifully landscaped acres of gardens, devotional areas, an Outdoor Amphitheatre, the Shrine Church, the Lourdes Grotto, Stations of the Cross, the Millennium Spire, Visitors Center with a restaurant & gift shop and the Shrine Hotel.
442 South De Mazenod Drive | Belleville, IL
618-397-6700 View more

O'Fallon Veterans' Monument (O'Fallon)
Visit the beautiful 15 pillar star-shaped monument. Lovely during the day and especially moving when illuminated at night.
Wesley Dr. | O'Fallon, IL
618-632-3204 View more

Old Chain of Rocks Bridge (Madison)
This bridge is one of the world's longest pedestrian/bicycle bridges and offers commanding views of the Mississippi River and a great perch for American Eagle watching. Years ago this bridge became very popular as the Route 66 bridge with a 45 degree right curve in the middle.
Madison, IL
618-451-4838 View more

Old State Capitol (Vandalia)
The oldest Illinois State Capitol is built in the Federal-style. At the top of the staircase are the Senate and House of Representatives chambers where Abraham Lincoln began his political career.
315 W Gallatin St. | Vandalia, IL
618-283-1161 View more

Old State Cemetery (Vandalia)
South end of Third Street | Vandalia, IL 62471
618-283-2728 View more

Other Wineries: Bretz Wildlife Lodge & Winery (Carlyle)
4211 12th Street | Carlyle, IL 62231
618-594-8830View more

Other Wineries: Hidden Lake Winery (Aviston)
Walk the trails around the 5-acre lake or sit and enjoy the waterfall and views of the Silent Forest. Enjoy the beautiful banquet center with space for all size groups or book the gazebo for your group.
10580 Wellen Road | Aviston, IL 62216
618-228-9111 | 888-966-WINE View more

Other Wineries: Lau-Nae Winery (Red Bud)
Sample world-class dry, semi-dry and fruit wines in a casual sophisticated atmosphere. This is a perfect place for a day trip, weekend getaway, special event or wedding celebration.
1522 State Rte 3 | Red Bud, IL 62278
618-282-9463 View more

Party Land (Belleville)
Black light bumper cars, Skyzone soft play, interactive video games. Food and fun.
1620 Lebanon Avenue | Belleville, IL
618-235-7777 View more

Pierre Menard Home State Historic Site (Ellis Grove)
Early 1800's home of Illinois' first Lt. Governor when Kaskaskia was the first State Capital.
R.R.#1 Box 58 | Ellis Grove, IL
618-859-3031 View more

Popeye Character Trail (Chester)
Popeye stands tall in the Elzie C. Segar Memorial Park in Chester. Throughout the town, see his friends on murals and statues around town: Wimpy (mini-park downtown), Olive Oyl, Swee'Pea and Jeep (across from the Courthouse) and Bluto. Other character statues are added each year.
IL Rt. 3 | Chester, IL
618-826-2721 View more

Rainbow Ranch Petting Zoo (Nashville)
This is a real working farm with donkeys, sheep, goats, cows, horses, fallow deer, pigs, chickens, ducks, geese, rabbits, llamas, and even a camel. Events are planned seasonally.
9906 State Rte 15 | Nashville, IL 62263
618-424-7979 View more

Rainbow Ranch Petting Zoo (Nashville)
9906 State Route 15 | Nashville, IL 62263
618-424-7979 View more

Richard Pollard's Yard Art (Salem)
Take a self-guided tour anytime through the unusual artwork made from "found" objects. Don't miss the giant ladybug, crashed airplane, bumper crop of bumpers and much more!
1870 Broadway | Salem, IL
618-548-1830 View more

Ripson Bridge (Sorento)
Located north of Greenville in Sorento, this covered bridge holds festivals every year that draw thousands of visitors.
Sorento, IL 618-664-9272 View more

Roadside Chapel (Nashville)
This small treasure located in Nashville standing on stilts. I-64 at IL 127, Nashville Chamber of Commerce | Nashville, IL 618-327-3700 View more

Splash City Family Waterpark (Collinsville)
Surfing in Illinois? Yes! The FlowRider creates a perfect wave for surfing and body boarding. Water slides, a lap pool, the lazy river, a sand play area and "Monsoon Mountain" make for a family adventure.
10 Gateway Drive | Collinsville, IL 62234
618-346-7529 View more

St. Peter's Cathedral (Belleville)
This Renaissance Gothic architectural masterpiece has a 222 ft. tall bell tower. Tours available.
200 West Harrison Street | Belleville, IL
800-677-9255 View more

The Children's Museum (Edwardsville) (Edwardsville)
Toddlers to 12's can explore our unique hands-on environment. We provide interactive exhibits, educational programs, birthday parties, seasonal events, field trips and outreach programs.
Visit Our Website
722 Holyoake Road | Edwardsville, IL 62025
618-692-2094 View more

The EDGE (Belleville)
701 South Belt West | Belleville, IL 62220
618-236-2101 View more

The EDGE (Belleville)
Recent additions make this the largest laser tag, mini-golf, and arcade in the region.
701 South Belt West | Belleville, IL 62220
618-236-2101 View more

The Gardens at SIU-E (SIU-E)
University Dr. and Cougar Lake Rd. | SIU-E, IL
618-650-3788 | 618-650-3070 View more

Tri- City Speedway (Pontoon Beach)
Regular events including UMP Late Models, UMP Modifieds, Sportsman, Street Stocks and Factory Stocks are held on the 1/4 mi oval. Special events like the World of Outlaw Sprint Cars are on the 1/2 Mile Track.
5100 Nameoki Road | Pontoon Beach, IL
618-931-7836 View more

Tribute to Farmers Monument (Vandalia)
This impressive, black granite piece located on the grounds of Vandalia's Tourist Information Center is a tribute to prairie farmers.
1408 North Fifth Street | Vandalia, IL
618-283-2728 View more

Upper Limits Rock Climbing Gym (St. Louis)
326 S. 21st Street | St. Louis, MO 63103
314-241-7625 View more

Willoughby Heritage Farm and Conservation Reserve (Collinsville)
Walk over two miles of trails through prairies and woods, see what's growing in the gardens, or walk through the historic barns. There's always something to see at Willoughby!
631 Willoughby Lane | Collinsville, IL 62234
618-346-7529 View more

World's Largest Catsup Bottle (Collinsville)
Looming over Collinsville, this is an internationally know roadside attraction.
Hwy 159 | Collinsville, IL
618-346-5200, ext 140 View more