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Lewis & Clark
State Historic
Site
Route 3 at Poag Road
618-251-2680
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Located at the confluence of the Mississippi and
Missouri Rivers, just several miles south of the current mouth of the Wood
River is Camp River Dubois. This site is designated as Site #1 on the Lewis
and Clark National Historic Trail and features the Lewis and Clark
Interpretive Center and a replica of the 1803-04 winter encampment. The
Interpretive Center is one of six major historical Lewis & Clark sites in
southwestern Illinois and tells the story of how the Corps of Discovery
assembled equipment, supplies and men at Camp River Dubois. The centerpiece
is the “Cutaway Keelboat,” a 55 foot long replica of the keelboat that has
been cut in half revealing how it was filled with “Tools of every
Description &c &c.” An outdoor reconstruction of Camp River Dubois is
staffed by at least one member of the volunteer Dubois Detachment when the
site is open. |
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Bethalto
Historical Museum
124 W. Main Street
Bethalto
618-377-9944 |
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Housed in the former Village Hall the Museum
contains exhibits on Bethalto’s past including the role of its citizens in
World Wars I and II, the founding of the town, the annual Homecoming
Celebration, and a recreated classroom from the past. A mid-1800's log cabin
was revealed after a fire at a local home in 1998. Bethalto's school
children raised $10,000 to restore this symbol of Bethalto’s pioneer past.
The Museum hosts a series of changing exhibits of historical interest. |
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Camp DuBois
NE corner of intersection
of Routes 3 and 143
Wood River
618-254-1993 |
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In
commemoration of the Bicentennial of the departure of the Corps of Discovery,
the Wood River Heritage Council has constructed a replica of the camp near where
the original Camp DuBois was located.. This site hosts the annual Wood
River Rendezvous in May. |
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Melvin Price Locks & Dam
2751 Berns Highway
East Alton
877-462-6979 |
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Every year, millions of tons of commodities pass
through the Melvin Price Locks and Dam. Located just south of the Clark
Bridge near Alton, the Melvin Price Locks and Dam is the only facility that
in the Middle Mississippi River Valley that accessible to the public.
Visitors can watch river craft use the locks and free tours are conducted
daily. Picnic tables and bird watching platforms are located along the
entrance drive. The National Great Rivers Museum is located on the property
and
the Riverlands Environmental Demonstration Area is just across the river. |
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National Great
Rivers
Museum
Hwy 143 at Locks & Dam Way
East Alton
877-462-6979 |
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The National Great Rivers Museum is located next
to
the Melvin Price Locks and Dam and features state of the art
interactive displays and exhibits that help visitors understand the many
aspects of the Mississippi River and how it affects our lives. A large model
of the bluffs provides information local flora and fauna. An aquarium
displays the various species of Mississippi River fish. Exhibits display how
humans have used the Mississippi as a highway and chronicle the types of
vessels used from canoes to modern day barges. The Pilot House allows
visitors to see what it's like to guide a 1,000-foot tow of barges. A park
is along the entrance road has picnic facilities and bird watching platforms
and the Riverlands Environmental Demonstration Area is just across the river. |
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Wood River
Museum
& Visitors Center
40 W. Ferguson Avenue
Wood River
618-254-1993 |
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Operated by the Wood River Heritage Council, the
Wood River Museum & Visitor’s Center allows visitors to explore the town’s
varied past. Exhibits in the museum highlight the early days of the town
including the impact of Standard Oil on the community, the wild days of
Benbow City, and life during the various eras of the town. |
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Wood River Refinery
History Museum
Route 111 & Madison Street
Roxana
618-255-3718 |
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Located near the refineries in Roxana and
operated by a small group of Shell retirees, the Wood River Refinery History Museum offers
a visual history of the Shell Wood River refinery from its beginning in 1917
to the present. The museum has a collection of over 1,000 refinery and oil
product related artifacts including the modified 1924 Chevrolet that was the
Marathon Record Holder from 1952-1966. |
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A-1 Limousines,
Trolleys & Tours
Wood River |
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101 Whitelaw Avenue
618-254-7874 |
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The Aquatic Center
Wood River |
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670 Whitelaw Avenue
618-251-3110 |
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Legacy Tours
East Alton |
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1048 Rhondell Place
618-258-0252 |
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| Nearby
Attractions |
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Alton Area |
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Northwest of
the Wood River area is the city of Alton, the largest city
in the Scenic Byway area. Alton is the home
of several Civil War related sites, as well as the Alton Museum of History
and Art, Robert Wadlow (the world's tallest man) and several historic
districts. In Godfrey, visitors can find 300 acres of tall-grass prairie
and woodlands at the Olin Nature Preserve. Crossing the Mississippi via the Clark
Bridge leads to the Riverlands Environmental Demonstration Area. Just
northwest of the Alton Visitors Center is the start of the Sam Vadalabene
Bike Trail. |
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Southern
Madison County |
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To the south of
the Wood River area travelers will find the remains of a prehistoric
Native American civilization at Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site.
Horseshoe Lake State Park is known for fishing, hunting and its excellent
bird watching opportunities. Route 66 passed through Edwardsville and
Granite City, and Collinsville is the site of the world’s largest catsup
bottle. There are several local history museums and numerous sites and
districts on the National Register of Historic Places. |
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For Travelers Heading Across The River |
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Meeting
the Missouri
The two longest rivers of the United States, the Missouri and the
Mississippi, meet at St. Charles County, Missouri. The
Historic St. Charles downtown area offers visitors a variety of
attractions including the Lewis and Clark Boat House and Nature
Center, The Foundry Art Centre, and Missouri’s First State
Capitol. Nearby is Confluence State Park and the Daniel Boone
Home. |
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St. Louis Area
To the east of
the Southern Madison County area lies metropolitan St. Louis. Easily
accessible by 1-70, I-44, I-64, and I-55 the region offers an abundance of
activities that cover the interests of almost any visitor. |
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