Alton: History, Culture and Cycling

Alton offers several clearly distinct starting points for a trip: historic buildings and memorials, a local legend, and self-guided exploration and cycling. If you’re looking for a hotel in Alton, you can first choose the character of your stay based on these interests. The following places show whether you’d like to focus primarily on architectural history, local lore, venues or outdoor activities.

Architectural History and Remembrance

Lucy Haskell Playhouse is located in Haskell Park. It was built in 1885 for Lucy Jane Haskell and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Its construction date, connection to Lucy Jane Haskell and register listing link the site to Alton’s architectural history. The playhouse is therefore a clearly identifiable historic destination in the city.

Another historical focus is the Lovejoy State Memorial in Alton City Cemetery. It commemorates Elijah P. Lovejoy, an abolitionist newspaper editor. Unlike the playhouse, the focus here is not on a construction date, but on the person commemorated by the memorial. Visitors choosing historic sites by their subject can thus distinguish between architectural history and a memorial to an individual.

Local Legend and Riverfront

The Piasa Bird is a local legend with roots in Alton; the current depiction was repainted on the bluff in the 1990s. This motif brings together local lore and its later execution: the legend is rooted in Alton, while the current depiction dates from a repainting.

The Alton Riverfront Amphitheater is a multipurpose entertainment venue with 4,000 seats. It is located next to the Mississippi River in Riverfront Park in historic Alton, Illinois. Alton is also on the Meeting of the Great Rivers Scenic Byway. While the amphitheater identifies a specific venue and its riverside location, the scenic byway connects Alton to a road route.

Self-Guided Exploration and Cycling

The Historic Alton Driving Tour is a self-guided tour offering insights into Alton’s architectural past. It passes through three historically significant neighborhoods. The Sam Vadalabene Bike Trail has a different focus: it extends 20 miles from Alton and runs parallel to the Great River Road. The comparison highlights the different themes: the driving tour focuses on architecture and neighborhoods, while the bike trail is defined by its length and its relationship to the Great River Road.

The Sam Vadalabene Bike Trail is suitable for cyclists of all ages, including families looking for a free outing. If you’re considering a bike ride as part of your trip, this information about the trail’s length and route can help you decide. Alton’s location on the Meeting of the Great Rivers Scenic Byway provides a separate road-route connection; the bike trail and the scenic byway are distinct points of reference.

Visiting Two More Attractions

At the Robert Wadlow Statue, visitors can sit on a bronze replica of the chair made for Wadlow. This is a specific visitor detail that differs from the historical themes of the playhouse and the Lovejoy State Memorial.

Guidebooks for the Lincoln & Civil War Legacy Trail are available at the Alton Visitors Center, 200 Piasa Street, Alton. If you’d like to include a guidebook in your plans, briefly check its availability before your visit.

Discover more destinations: Collinsville, Wood River, Hamel, Granite City, Glen Carbon, Edwardsville

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