Monroe County: Prairies, Caves and History

In Monroe County, nature ranges from open prairies along the Mississippi to bluffs and underground passages. Fults Hill Prairie Nature Preserve includes the largest complex of high-quality, largely undisturbed loess hill prairies along the Mississippi in Illinois. In 1986, the U.S. Department of the Interior designated the preserve a National Natural Landmark.

Prairie, Bluffs and Caves

At Salt Lick Point Land and Water Reserve, the focus shifts to topography: the reserve lies on a section of the St. Louis Limestone bluff, which rises up to 400 feet above the Mississippi floodplain. A diverse group of herbaceous plants grows there. Loess hill prairie and limestone bluffs offer contrasting landscapes in the county.

Illinois Caverns in Monroe County has more than five miles of underground passages, including flowstone formations. While the prairie and bluffs shape the landscape above ground, the cave system leads into an underground environment. A permit is required to enter Illinois Caverns. Factor this requirement into your plans and check permit information before your visit.

Buildings, Collections and Local History

Peterstown House is the last remaining intact stagecoach stop along the Kaskaskia-Cahokia Trail. The building was first used as a store, later as a stagecoach stop with an inn, tavern and ballroom, and eventually converted into housing for several families. Today, Peterstown House is a museum with permanent and temporary exhibits.

At the Monroe County History Museum, the focus shifts from an individual building to a thematic collection. The Kueker Collection covers westward settlement, agriculture, local commerce and transportation, as well as several wars. The museum features both permanent and rotating exhibits. Its Allscheid-Metzger Gallery contains a scale model of the Allscheid rock shelter; exhibit details may change.

Maeystown was added in its entirety to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978. The town preserves 60 significant buildings built from the mid- to late 19th century. Guided bus and/or walking tours of the village are offered in Maeystown; confirm tour arrangements before your trip.

Walking Tours, Activities and Local Traditions

Waterloo’s historic downtown offers a self-guided tour of the history of its buildings. The focus is on the area’s architectural history. Waterloo’s historic downtown offers a self-guided tour of the history of its buildings. The focus is on the area’s architectural history. Konarcik Park has an 18-hole disc golf course.

Tours at Old Monroe Distilling Co. include a guided tasting of Old Monroe spirits, as well as a look at the stills, the rickhouse and the production floor. Tour offerings may change, so confirm what’s currently available in advance. The Monroe County Farmers Market in Waterloo is a vendor-organized community tradition that has been running since 1988.

Getting Around by Road

Bluff Road runs along the bluffs from Columbia through Old Valmeyer and the Chaflin Bridge to Fults. Beyond Fults, the route continues into Randolph County. Check the route and road conditions before setting out, as the route may change.

Discover more destinations: Columbia, Lawrence, Will County, Henry County, Hancock County, Clay County, Peoria, Morgan.

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