As mentioned, there’s no lack of history, sights, and culture in Alton. Right away you’ll see the Lovejoy Monument or visit Lincoln Douglas Square to realize just how much has transpired in this town.

Both of those sites come from the 19th century, when Alton was at the core of national events with the assassination of Elijah Lovejoy, a free speech advocate and abolitionist. The town was also the host of the final Lincoln-Douglas debate, and saw the establishment of the Underground Railroad.

You can visit the Alton Museum of History and Art, dedicated to preserving and interpreting Alton's past. The Wadlow Room praises  Alton’s Gentle Giant—the tallest man on record—Robert Pershing Wadlow. You can travel back in time through the Pioneer Room with the help of the Lewis and Clark Expedition to the end of the Civil War. Through the museum’s collection of artifacts and arts, the visitor will feel the impact of this pivotal time in American history.

Then you have the McPike Mansion, built in 1869 by architect Lucas Pfeiffenberger for Henry Guest McPike, a horticulturist known for perfecting the McPike Grape. They used the house as their country home until 1936, and today it is owned by Sharyn and George Luedke who have been rebuilding this excellent house to its original state after being abandoned.

Stationed next to the Melvin Price Locks and Dam, the National Great Rivers Museum features state of the art interactive displays and exhibits, which helps visitors experience the many characters of the Mississippi River and how it affects lives. A massive model of the bluffs provides information local fauna and flora. There's also an aquarium showcases the various species of Mississippi River fish.

Displays show how humans have used the Mississippi as a highway and chronicle the types of vessels used from canoes to modern day barges. Along the entrance road, there's a park that has picnic facilities and there's also a bird watching platforms for bird lovers. You'll see the Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary is across the river.