Resources

It’s raining zen

Our fun, quirky and unique shop located in Historical Mineral Springs Hotel is designed to enhance your spiritual side. When you have a positive approach to life and its challenges, the set backs seem smaller. Our journey isn't always an easy one, but, together, we will achieve peace and love. Namaste!

The mcpike mansion

Atop Mount Lookout Park, the highest point in Alton, stands the McPike House. It has not been occupied since the 1950's.

Alton Haunted Tours

Alton’s first ghost tour took place in 1992, when local psychic Antoinette and Marlene Lewis teamed up to provide thrills and chills for area ghost hunters. In 2021, Alton Haunted Odyssey celebrates 29 years of conducting
haunted tours in Alton, IL.

audubon center at riverlands

The mission of The Audubon Center at Riverlands is to connect people to the beauty and significance of the Mississippi River and the Great Rivers confluence, to inspire conservation of the river’s rich diversity in birds, wildlife and other natural resources, and to support healthy, vibrant communities.

alton main street

Since 1994, Alton Main Street has led volunteer efforts to transform Alton's Downtown district into a thriving commercial and residential center. Educating citizens about the benefits of historic preservation through public engagement is central to Alton Main Street's purpose. The organization fosters appreciation of our community’s history by coordinating social, economic and beautification activity.

Lewis and clark state historic site

The Lewis and Clark State Historic Site was designated as the location for one of the National Signature Events for the commemoration of the Lewis and Clark Bicentennial.

national great rivers museum

Each year millions of people travel to the Mississippi River to learn about its history and its impact on our nation. The National Great Rivers Museum at Melvin Price Locks and Dam, is dedicated to telling the story of the Mississippi River… from her grand history and cultural significance, to her ecological importance and role as a transportation corridor.

Great Rivers & Routes Tourism Bureau

VisitAlton.com

The Great Rivers and Routes Tourism Bureau of Southwestern Illinois is a destination marketing organization serving Madison, Jersey, Calhoun and Macoupin Counties. Founded in 1985, the bureau was established to educate visitors about the many attractions the region has to offer by providing information regarding the area’s history, unique landmarks, recreational opportunities, leisure attractions, special events and scenic marvels. The Great Rivers and Routes region is the only place in America where two of the nation’s great roadways (Route 66 and the Great River Road) come together alongside the confluence of America’s three great rivers. The Great Rivers and Routes Tourism Bureau of Southwestern Illinois is certified by the Illinois Office of Tourism.

Living_in_a_Landmark

Erica Swagler, owner of the Lyman Trumbull House

Instagram page highlighting Erica’ work on the house which is a National Historic Landmark.

madison county il gen

by multiple contributors

History and genealogy of the local region that has been research and includes Alton Telegraph clips. Subscribe to their Facebook page for daily updates and fascinating stories!

Free Black Communities and the Underground Railroad: The Geography of Resistance

by cheryl laroche

The book "focuses instead on free African American communities, the crucial help they provided to individuals fleeing slavery, and the terrain where those flights to freedom occurred." You can find this book at the Hayner Library and online.

pbs special on rocky fork church, 1988

By Macneil/Lehrer newshour

NewsHour Productions, American Archive of Public Broadcasting (WGBH and the Library of Congress), Boston, MA and Washington, DC.

abolitionism and the civil war in southwestern illinois

by john j dunphy

This book focuses on how Southwestern Illinois played a significant role before and after the Civil War, with individuals on both sides of the anti- and pro-slavery lines. Dunphy highlights key abolitionists and local legends. Second Reading Book Shop located on E Broadway in Downtown Alton.