The Perfect Weekend Getaway From St. Louis – Alton, Elsah, and Grafton, Illinois
On the mighty Mississippi, you’ll find an alluring group of small towns that will entrance you with their historical charm, excellent dining options, and thrilling activities. These are the towns of Alton, Elsah, and Grafton. They are the perfect weekend getaway from St. Louis!
Alton, Illinois is a small town of roughly 28,000 people located on the Mississippi River approximately 15 miles north of St. Louis, Missouri. It is famous for the gorgeous limestone bluffs, its role in the American Civil War, and is the hometown of jazz musician Miles Davis and the tallest person in history, Robert Wadlow. It is also the city where Abraham Lincoln practiced law for a period of time and held the last of Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas’ Senate debates.
So let’s drive along the Great River Road and see what this weekend getaway in Illinois holds.
Where to Stay in Alton
Since you’ll be spending the majority of these romantic getaways in Illinois in the Alton area we recommend you stay at the Green Tree Inn in nearby Elsah, Illinois, a small historic village of approximately 675 people.
At the Green Tree Inn, owners Gary and Connie go above and beyond for all of their guests treating them as if they were family. We loved our stay in the pet-friendly room which had a comfortable bed, ample storage space, and our favorite part, the cozy screened-in porch, which our dog, Bentley enjoyed sunbathing during the day and we enjoyed listening to nature in the cool evening.
All basic toiletries are provided for each guest as well as a set of bicycles to use on one of the many nearby paths or the Great River Road. If you need any other last-minute items, the Elsah General Store is within walking distance or you can drive to Grafton, Illinois (5 minutes by car) or Alton, Illinois (20 minutes by car) which makes the Green Tree Inn of Elsah in an ideal location for your romantic getaways in Illinois this weekend!
Each morning, Connie prepares a delicious breakfast and afternoon sweet treat all of which are delicious! The hash brown quiche, pumpkin pancakes, fresh baked apples, and peanut butter gooey butter cake made for an indulging culinary experience.
Another benefit is the variety of beverage options for guests. Connie and Gary keep a fridge stocked with complimentary sodas and water and also have a Keurig and regular coffee maker that guests can enjoy any time of the day.
During our stay, Gary graciously gave us an outstanding tour of Elsah highlighting the history of the town and took us to the nearby college, Principia and TreeHouse Wildlife Center, an animal rehabilitation center. All of the added touches make the Green Tree Inn the perfect place for a romantic getaway, cozy family stay, or a trip for close friends.
Our Pet-Friendly Room at the Green Tree Inn
Lounge and Dining Area of the Green Tree Inn
Things to Do in Alton, Elsah, and Grafton on A Weekend Getaway from St. Louis
During our weekend getaway from St. Louis, we enjoyed a variety of activities that are great for all ages in the towns of Alton, Elsah, and Grafton! The meeting of the great rivers has tons of historical activities, outdoor activities, and even activities for adrenaline junkies (just wait until you read what we did!).
Elsah General Store
Take a step back in time and pick up some old-fashioned candy, vintage sodas, or unique local gifts at the restored Elsah General Store. Owners Blair and Dory Smith wanted their general store to be a place where their customers can pick-up grocery necessities without having to make the trip into town during their weekend getaway from St. Louis. The counters and shelves are original to the previously thriving dry goods store in 1877 called Keller & Son.
Location: 22 Lasalle St. Elsah, Illinois
Hours: Sunday 12pm-5pm, Wednesday-Saturday 10am-7pm, Closed Monday & Tuesday
Village of Elsah Museum
It was 1853 when John Semple, a lawyer, and prominent politician founded the town of Elsah, Illinois where he offered free lots of land to anyone who used stones from his quarry to build their homes. In 1973, this charming town was placed on the National Register of Historic Places.
In the Elsah Village Hall, you can escape to the early 1800s to see the quaint homes and buildings of Elsah along with many antique relics that each tell a story of their own. The Village of Elsah Museum gives visitors a peaceful place to enjoy history and tranquil surroundings in a village where time stood still.
Location: 26 Lasalle St. Elsah, Illinois
Hours: Saturday & Sunday 1pm-4pm (April to October)
Cost: FREE
Principia College
World-renowned architect Bernard Maybeck set forth to create this English village campus set upon limestone bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River. Tour this one-of-a-kind campus yourself and see the notable architecture and scenic views at Principia College.
Location: 1 Front Gate Rd Elsah, Illinois
Cost: FREE
TreeHouse Wildlife Center
TreeHouse Wildlife Center is a non-profit organization committed to the rehabilitation of sick, injured, and orphaned wildlife. Some of the animals at TreeHouse Wildlife are permanent residents as they are too injured or socialized to safely be put back to their natural habitat. Others are nursed when they are young or rehabilitated to resume a normal life out in the wild.
Many of the resident animals are various species of birds, but there are also opossum, foxes, coyotes, groundhogs, and many reptiles and amphibians. Be sure to check out this spot during your weekend getaway from St. Louis.
Location: 23956 Green Acres Rd Dow, Illinois
Hours: Education Center: 10am-4pm daily, Outdoor Center: Dawn-Dusk
Cost: FREE
Hakuna Matata River Cruise
Cruise the Illinois and Mississippi rivers on this thrilling 49 passenger tour boat ride known as the Hakuna Matata River Cruise. There are two areas you can sit in, the first is the open-air deck on the 2nd level for a 360-degree view of the river and bluffs. The second area is located on the 1st level and it’s enclosed and temperature-controlled.
Regardless of where you sit you’ll be sure to enjoy a one-hour tour of the rivers that also highlight the geographical and historical points of interest in the area. Onboard, you’ll also find restrooms and the Tiki Bar that offers drinks and light snacks. The Hakuna Matata is also available for private cruises.
Location: 215 Water St. Grafton, Illinois
Hours: Saturdays 4pm, Sundays 2pm
Cost: River Rambler Cruise (one-hour) – $18/adults, $16/seniors, $9/children (4-17), $4.50 (3 and under)
Click here for other prices and cruise times
Grafton Zipline Adventures
Looking for a wild adventure? Encounter “The Best View in the Midwest” for yourself while gliding in the sky; an experience that will simply take your breath away. This all-new course at Grafton Zipline Adventures was designed by the infamous Treehouse Masters which makes this course unique to other zipline courses.
Each of the seven zips offers a different view of the nearby limestone bluffs and the lush forest below. Fear of heights? Haven’t zipped before? Have no fear! The highly trained and professional staff will make you feel safe and comfortable for your first ride.
Location: 14 W Main St. Grafton, Illinois
Hours: Sunday-Saturday 8:30am-6:30pm
Cost: $69 (Monday-Thursday), $79 (Friday-Sunday)
Eckert’s Country Store and Farms
There is nothing that shows the turning of the seasons like an orchard. Eckert Farms has been a family-owned and operated business for over 100 years that offers year-round seasonal crops such as blackberries, peaches, apples, and pumpkins. Enjoy fun for all ages while picking your own fresh apples and pumpkins right off the vine.
Location: 20995 Eckert Orchard Rd. Grafton, Illinois
Hours: 9am-5pm, daily
Cost: $1/person for field access
Pere Marquette State Park
Pere Marquette State Park is the largest state park in Illinois known for hiking, fishing, biking, camping, horseback riding, and scenic views on the drive through the park. Pere Marquette offers eight different hiking trails of various lengths and difficulties that you’re bound to see wildlife including many species of birds.
Gorgeous in all seasons, autumn in Pere Marquette offers the beauty of fall foliage and cool, crisp air. During the winter months, visitors come from far and wide to attend eagle tours.
Location: 13112 Visitor Center Ln. Grafton, Illinois
Hours: Monday-Friday 5:30am-8pm, Saturday & Sunday 8am-9pm
Cost: Free to visit
Robert Wadlow Statue
Have you heard about the tallest man in the world? Robert Wadlow was born in Alton on February 22, 1918, weighing only eight pounds, six ounces. However, due to a pituitary gland disorder, at six months old he weighed almost 30 pounds. He continued to grow at an incredible rate graduating high school at 8 feet 4 inches.
After graduation, Wadlow started college at Shurtleff with the intent of studying law but later had to leave after health issues started taking a toll. For a short time in 1936, Robert Wadlow worked with the Ringling Brothers Circus.
Robert Wadlow’s Childhood home is located next to his statue.
Sadly, Robert Wadlow passed away on July 15, 1940, at the age of 22, after developing an infection he contracted from a blister. At the time of his death, he was 8 feet 11.1 inches and weighed 439 pounds.
Location: 2810 College Ave. Alton, Illinois
Hours: 24/7
Cost: FREE
Lincoln Douglas Square
In July 1858, Abraham Lincoln challenged Stephen Douglas to a series of debates while campaigning for one of Illinois’ Senate seats. Between the months of August and October, seven three-hour debates were held all over the state. The last being in Alton, Illinois.
Approximately 5,000 people came to watch history in the making. Although Lincoln lost to Douglas for the Senate seat in 1858, ironically enough, Lincoln would go on to defeat Douglas in the race for President 1860. At the Lincoln Douglas Square, you can see where this debate took place and the statues of both men.
Location: 100 Market St. Alton, Illinois
Hours: 24/7
Cost: FREE
Lewis & Clark Visitor Center
Many people are familiar with the Lewis and Clark Expedition that began in 1804 after President Thomas Jefferson suggested the first official government expedition to explore the unknown lands west of the Mississippi River.
President Jefferson chose Meriwether Lewis to lead the expedition and find “the most direct & practicable water communication across this continent for the purposes of commerce.”
Lewis enlisted in a friend, William Clark, to be co-commander of the expedition. We won’t spoil the rest of the story for you, find out more for yourself and step into the first chapter of this amazing journey west at the Lewis & Clark Visitor Center in Alton.
Location: 1 Lewis and Clark Trail Hartford, Illinois
Hours: Wednesday-Sunday 9am-5pm, Closed Monday & Tuesday
Cost: FREE
Miles Davis Statue
Born in Alton, Illinois to a dental surgeon and music teacher, Miles Davis is noted to be one of the most influential jazz musicians of the 20th century.
In 1935, Davis received his first trumpet as a gift from a family friend and took weekly lessons. In his childhood, he played for his school’s marching band and would later study at The Juilliard School in New York City before leaving to join Charlie Parker’s bebop quintet.
During the course of his 50-year career, he won nine Grammy awards, recorded over 100 albums, and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. In 1991, Davis died from complications of a stroke, pneumonia, and respiratory failure. However, his legacy lives on today through his music and influence in the jazz world.
Location: 117 W 3rd St. Alton, Illinois
Hours: 24/7
Cost: FREE
The Legend of the Piasa Bird
In 1673, fur-trader Louis Joliet and Father Jacques Marquette set out on an expedition to explore the Mississippi River. On their journey, they were confronted with the image of a large monster in the face of a cliff.
According to Marquette’s diary, he stated the monsters were “as large as a calf with horns like a deer, red eyes, a beard like a tiger’s, a face like a man, the body covered with green, red, and black scales and a tail so long it passed around the body, over the head, and through the legs.”
Natives of this region called the monster “The Piasa” meaning, the bird that devours men, and said that it terrorized their villages swooping down and carrying off hunters. The painting of this mythical creature is a local landmark in Alton, Illinois, and despite being destroyed three times, it has been recently restored in the 1990s.
Location: Sam Vadalabene Great River Rd Bike Trail Alton, Illinois
Alton Mural
The 60 X 70 ft mural designed by Mike Eckhard and painted by artist Rip Kastaris, features a paddlewheel steamboat that drifts down the mighty Mississippi as a reminder of days gone past. This work of art is a timeless reminder of the history of the town as well as a decorative piece to visually enjoy during a weekend getaway from St. Louis.
Location: Downtown Alton, Illinois
Historic Antique Row
You can’t leave Alton, Illinois without stopping at least one of the shops in the Historic Antique Row. The row features more than 30 antique and specialty shops that captivate shoppers with countless of strange or uncommon goods. Rummage through an assortment of antiquities such as small collectibles, furniture, or items from around the world.
Location: E. Broadway, Downtown Alton, Illinois
Argosy Casino Alton
Test your luck at the Argosy Casino, the first riverboat casino in the St. Louis/Alton area. The Argosy provides free self-parking and free valet parking and offers a variety of slots, table games, dining options, and a smoke-free environment with designated smoking rooms.
Location: 1 Piasa St. Alton, Illinois
Hours: Sunday-Saturday, 8am-6am
READ MORE: St. Louis Travel Guide
Where to Eat in Alton, Elsah, & Grafton
Chances are if you are seeking a weekend getaway from St. Louis, you’ll want to find fun and lively places to eat plus finer dining establishments too! These places to eat in Alton and Grafton are a great variety of food choices for lunch and dinner.
Grafton Winery & Brewhaus
Grafton Winery & Brewhaus is located in heart of historic Grafton and offers award-winning wine, an ample beer selection, and a diverse menu that changes by the season. The evening ambiance on the rooftop patio makes for the perfect romantic setting.
For only $5, sip on a wine flight in which you receive five different tokens to use towards any of their award-winning wines and keep the souvenir tasting glass.
Indulge in one of many delicious menu options such as Pan Seared Salmon with wild rice, Swiss chard, and seasonal vegetables or the Chicken Andouille Alfredo with sweet peppers, chicken, shrimp, and andouille sausage in a cajun cream sauce linguine.
Location: 300 W Main St. Grafton, Illinois
Hours: Sunday 12pm-7pm, Monday-Thursday 11am-7pm, Friday & Saturday 11am-9pm
The Loading Dock
Soak up some vitamin D and grab a leisurely lunch and mixed drinks at The Loading Dock, a popular riverfront restaurant. The menu is small but the prices are reasonable.
We grabbed some fish tacos, pretzels, and nachos along with some of their signature cocktails. However, service isn’t quick so prepare to stay for a while and enjoy the scenic river views from one of the yellow umbrella outdoor tables where pets are welcomed gladly.
Location: 401 Front St. Grafton, Illinois
Hours: Sunday 11am-9pm, Monday-Thursday 11am-8pm, Friday & Saturday 11am-11pm (check website for seasonal times)
Old Bakery Beer
Old Bakery Beer is a certified organic craft brewery located in downtown Alton, Illinois. Not only do they offer organic beer, but also a sustainably sourced seasonal menu that supports local businesses and reduces the amount of waste made.
Their well-varied menu pairs well with any of their year-round or seasonal brews. Not only is their food sustainably sourced, but the site of the brewery and restaurant is also more or less, recycled.
Owners and husband-wife duo, Lauren Pattan and James Rogalsky chose the location for Old Bakery Beer after finding the aged Colonial Bakery building in downtown Alton.
The building had a rich history leading back to the early 1800s when it started as a bakery. It remained a bakery until the 1980’s when it closed its doors for, what could have been, the final time until the legacy of Old Bakery Beer was born.
Owners incorporated memorabilia from its days as the Colonial Bakery and kept the majority of the structure the same which adds to the rugged character and charm of this hopping brewery restaurant.
We enjoyed lunch at Old Bakery Beer and sampled a selection of four beers with their $7 flight. The Coop Special is perfect for those who enjoy a variety of meats and the Holiday Turkey tasted like Thanksgiving all wrapped up into one toasted sandwich.
As for side items, local Red Hot Riplets are a popular choice, but the Kale Pasta Salad was fantastic! Needless to say, Old Bakery Beer is a must-stop for those who are looking for fresh, quality ingredients in a one-of-a-kind setting.
Location: 400 Landmarks Boulevard Alton, Illinois
Hours: Sunday 11:30am-8pm, Monday-Thursday 11:30am-10pm, Friday & Saturday 11:30am-12am
Tony’s Restaurant
For over 60 years, Tony’s has been owned and operated by the Tony and Edie Ventimiglia family and is a part of Alton’s history. Tony’s is well-known for its happy hour with a considerable wine selection, fantastic service, and an alluring atmosphere.
But it’s best known for is the world-renowned pepperloin steak. Tony’s also offers a variety of pasta, chicken, and seafood options on their expansive menu.
For starters, we ordered the crab cakes which were buttery, light, and the perfect portion for the two of us. As for entrees, you can’t go without at least one member of your party ordering the signature pepperloin steak.
The pepperloin steak was marinated, rolled in half-cracked black pepper, grilled to your liking, and lightly covered in garlic butter. For another entree, the chicken parmigiana is an excellent choice, lightly breaded, baked, and covered in a sweet, rich marinara sauce and topped with parmesan cheese and paired perfectly with a glass of red wine.
With each entree, you can choose two from the variety of sides Tony’s has to offer. A pasta accompaniment is perfect for any dish, and the crispy “broasted” potatoes are a unique blend of fries and a baked potato. As if this wasn’t enough to leave you stuffed, save room for one of their seasonal Crème Brûlée choices.
Location: 312 Piasa St. Alton, Illinois
Hours: Sunday-Thursday 11am-10pm, Friday & Saturday 11am-10:30pm, Closed Mondays
Fast Eddie’s Bon Air
The legend of Fast Eddie’s Bon Air is most definitely intriguing. In 1921, Anheuser Busch sought to open a tavern close to the river town of Alton, Illinois. Ten years after Bon-Air’s opening, it was forced to close its doors as new laws came into play that did not allow breweries to own drinking establishments. Later, a father-son duo owned and operated Bon-Air for more than 50 years.
Then in 1981, Eddie Sholar (aka Fast Eddie) purchased the Bon-Air and within twenty years it quadrupled in size and became a popular weekend spot featuring live music and a small menu with items that haven’t changed prices since they were added nearly 20 years ago. Stop in for yourself to see what Fast Eddie’s is all about!
Location: 1530 E 4th St. Alton, Illinois
Hours: Monday-Thursday 1pm-1am, Friday-Sunday 11am-2am
Whether you’re looking for the perfect romantic getaways in Illinois or a weekend getaway from St. Louis or for a place to experience tranquility, adventure, or history, the meeting of the great rivers has something to offer for everyone.
We want to thank the Alton Convention & Visitors Bureau for inviting us as their guests. As always the thoughts and opinions expressed here are entirely our own.
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