Explore Madison County
Piasa Bird
The Piasa Bird (pronounced Pie-a-saw), is a local legend in the Alton area. Its foundings go back to 1673 when Father Jacques Marquette, in recording his famous journey down the Mississippi River with Louis Joliet, described the "Piasa"
Alton, IL ArchaeologyWorlds Largest Catsup Bottle
This 170-foot-tall bottle that resembles a Brook's Catsup Bottle served as a water tower for the catsup manufacturer after being constructed in 1949. This example of roadside architecture at its best was restored in 1995
Collinsville, IL One Of A KindsLewis and Clark State Historic Site
14,000 square foot interpretive center and monument commemorating Lewis and Clark's Point of Departure and beginning of the National Trail. 15 minute film entitled "At Journey's Edge." The Center includes a full-scale, 55
Hartford, IL Historic SitesLovejoy Memorial
The Lovejoy State Memorial of granite and bronze commemorates abolitionist newspaper editor, Elijah P. Lovejoy, who was killed by a mob while defending his printing press at Alton on November 7, 1837. Lovejoy'
Alton, IL MemorialsNational Great Rivers Museum
This 12,000 square foot facility located on the banks of the Mississippi River is dedicated to telling the story of the river. The museum features more than 20 exhibits and displays, many of which are highly interactive and computer-animated. Known as the "Father of Waters"
Alton, IL Discovery CentersRobert Pershing Wadlow Statue - Tallest Man
Robert Pershing Wadlow (February 22, 1918 - July 15, 1940), according to Guinness World Records, is the tallest man in medical history for whom there is irrefutable evidence. He is often known as the Alton Giant. Wadlow reached an unprecedented 8 ft 11.1 in (272 cm) in height and weighed 439 lb (199
Alton, IL One Of A KindsCahokia Mounds State Historic Site
This world heritage site, a National Historic Landmark, marks the location of an ancient natural American Indian city, perhaps the largest such community in what is now the United States. A 33,000 square foot interpretive center recreates scenes of the past Indian civilization. Monk'
Collinsville, IL ArchaeologyYanda Log Cabin
The ceiling rafters and attic floor are from the original log cabin, and the sidewalks are made from a school building dating back to 1912
Glen Carbon, IL Pioneer LifeThe Old Chain of Rocks Bridge
This bridge was built in 1927. The fifth bridge to cross the Mississippi River connecting Illinois and Missouri, it shortened the distance between North St Louis and Edwardsville, Illinois by 15
Edwardsville, IL Historic Bridges