Alton, IL

Travel Guide
Alton showing theater scenes
Open-air events, artisan farmers markets and antique dealers plus civil war history and the mighty Mississippi River all await in this Illinois city.

On the banks of the Mississippi, just north of St. Louis, you’ll find the picturesque city of Alton. Despite being a small city, with a population of just 27,000 residents, Alton has been at the center of American politics, war and music over the past two centuries. Visit the city’s museums and cultural sites to learn about Alton’s importance during the civil war, to experience its allegedly haunted buildings and to see the famous Piasa Bird mural on the outskirts of town. In the summer Alton’s parks come alive with live music, community picnics and markets. In winter you have the chance to see bald eagles feeding on the Mississippi just north of the city.

Alton was the birthplace of one of America’s most revered jazz musicians, the late Miles Davis. The city was also the location of the final debate between Abraham Lincoln and his opponent, Stephen Douglas, in 1858. Discover the effects of Lincoln’s time in the town by following the Lincoln and Civil War Legacy Trail across the city. See Lincoln-Douglas Square, the National Cemetery and the prison that used to hold more than 11,000 confederate prisoners during the Civil War as you explore the trail.

Venture outside the city by following the Sam Vadalabene Bike Trail, which begins on the outskirts of Alton. When you reach the southern trailhead in Piasa Park, scan the towering limestone bluff to see the Piasa Bird, a historic mural created by Native Americans of the region. While the original is said to have dated back as far as the 13th century B.C., its current incarnation is a 20th-century reproduction. Continue following the Sam Vadalabene Bike Trail Trail to see more limestone bluffs lining the Mississippi.

Alton’s town center is studded with historic architecture. Embark on a ghost tour to learn about the apparently haunted sites within the city and enjoy a weekend visiting local antique dealers. Try local produce at a farmers market and dine at one of Alton’s many restaurants. The city is just 24 miles (38 kilometers) north of St. Louis, which has a regional airport. Buses and trains also service Alton.

Hyatt Regency St. Louis at The Arch
Hyatt Regency St. Louis at The Arch
4 out of 5
315 Chestnut St, St. Louis, MO
The price is $139 per night from May 27 to May 28
$139
$164 total
includes taxes & fees
May 27 - May 28
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in St. Louis. Enjoy free WiFi, 3 restaurants, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (3,005 reviews)
"We have stayed at this hotel several times. This particular stay, there happened to be a baseball game at the nearby stadium. The hotel parking was full, which caused an additional cost to park elsewhere. The desk attendant stated people often used their parking even though they are not hotel guess. ..."

Reviewed on May 8, 2024

Hyatt Regency St. Louis at The Arch
Drury Plaza Hotel St. Louis at the Arch
Drury Plaza Hotel St. Louis at the Arch
3 out of 5
2 South 4th Street, St. Louis, MO
The price is $144 per night from May 23 to May 24
$144
$168 total
includes taxes & fees
May 23 - May 24
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in St. Louis. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (2,170 reviews)
"Good experience overall. Nightly social hour providers enough food and drink for full dinner. Some parts are a bit old. The ice maker by the room making loud noise throughout the night."

Reviewed on May 7, 2024

Drury Plaza Hotel St. Louis at the Arch
Clayton Plaza Hotel & Extended Stay
Clayton Plaza Hotel & Extended Stay
3.5 out of 5
7750 Carondelet Avenue, St. Louis, MO
The price is $115 per night from May 19 to May 20
$115
$134 total
includes taxes & fees
May 19 - May 20
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in St. Louis. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,867 reviews)
"This hotel was beautiful and centrally located. The breakfast was amazing and a buffet"

Reviewed on May 8, 2024

Clayton Plaza Hotel & Extended Stay
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
 White House at Grand Central
White House at Grand Central
3 out of 5
3805 Lindell Blvd, St. Louis, MO
Stay at this apartment in St. Louis. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and laundry facilities. Our guests praise the convenient parking and the clean rooms ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (60 reviews)
"Second time I’ve stayed and it was even better than the first! Had some bottles of wine and glasses out set out when I arrived! It’s the little things that matter!"

Reviewed on Jan 2, 2024

White House at Grand Central
Kasa Forest Park St. Louis
Kasa Forest Park St. Louis
3.5 out of 5
5510 Pershing Ave, St. Louis, MO
Stay at this apartment in St. Louis. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (98 reviews)
"The apartment was amazing! The outdoor patio near the club house was messy and i was nervous to use the hot tub. I was disappointed because i really wanted a use the outdoors space. But otherwise it was great!"

Reviewed on Feb 6, 2024

Kasa Forest Park St. Louis
The St. Charles Guest House, lovely historic home, fun for families and groups
The St. Charles Guest House, lovely historic home, fun for families and groups
St Charles
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in St. Charles. Enjoy free WiFi, a water park, and cable/satellite TV service. Popular attractions Ameristar ...
10/10 Exceptional! (106 reviews)
Weekend Get Away
"Had a wonderful weekend get away in St. Charlies. The house was so close to main street, but far enough away not to hear the noise. The house had everything and more! The water and snacks were a nice touch. Everything was very clean. Would stay here again."

Reviewed on Feb 27, 2024

The St. Charles Guest House, lovely historic home, fun for families and groups
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Alton

4.1
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
27
" "5 - Excellent 29.032258064516128%
4 - Good
49
" "4 - Good 52.68817204301075%
3 - Okay
16
" "3 - Okay 17.204301075268816%
2 - Disappointing
1
" "2 - Disappointing 1.075268817204301%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Mar 10, 2020

St Charles was better

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Jan 7, 2020

it is home of my husband

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Oct 7, 2019

Alton is a historic beautiful little gem of a town that kept its charm from before the Civil War. You have historic places, haunted fun, lots of shopping and the river and casino and the bridge to Missouri all right there! The people are amazing!

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
Jul 28, 2019

Map app didn’t work well I think it was out of date because of the recent flooding. We visited Pere Marquette lodge. Visited Mississippi Mud Pottery.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler
Jul 25, 2019

I wouldn’t go there for vacation I was there for work and it was a place to sleep

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
Jul 21, 2019

Interesting area. But easy to get kinda lost.

Cities near Alton