Top 20 Things To Do This Fall
Don't miss the fun in southwest Illinois this fall. Here are the Top 20 Things to Do throughout the Great Rivers & Routes region during Autumn.
#1
Scenic Fall Drive along the Meeting of the Great Rivers National Scenic Byway – this 33-mile stretch of road between Hartford and Pere Marquette State Park offers unparalleled views of the Mississippi River and is considered one of the most spectacular fall drives in the U.S.
Don't take our word for it. See for yourself on a Fall Color Drive!
#2
With 130 miles of hard surface trails, the MCT Trail System is the perfect place to take a fall walk or bike ride. You won’t see the same scenery twice.
#3
Fall Color Cruises on the Mississippi River provide a different look at the dynamic tree colors along the Mississippi River bluffs. Hop on board the Hakuna Matata in Grafton for a cruise to remember.
#4
Ride to the top of the Mississippi River bluffs on the Grafton SkyTour -- open air chair lifts or enclosed gondolas rise 300 feet in the air to Aerie’s Resort where the fun continues.
#5
Soar through the treetops with Grafton Zipline Adventures at Aerie’s Resort.
#6
Meet the ghosts and spirits of Alton during Troy Taylor’s Haunted Alton walking tour. Or take a Alton Odyssey Haunted Craft Beer Walk pairing beer with spirited adventures.
#7
Spend an evening at the deliciously haunted McPike Mansion in Alton where more than 20 documented spirits reside.
#8
Ever wanted to live your favorite horror film? Visit The Cutting Room – a horror film inspired haunted house in Granite City open Fridays and Saturdays in October.
#9
Be A-mazed in Godfrey and take a walk through the Great Godfrey Maze. The maze opens Sept. 20 and is open every night in October. There's a Haunted version too for those brave enough!
#10
Immerse yourself in history and the beautiful fall colors found along the Mississippi and Illinois rivers during a Fall Foliage and History Tour. These guided tours are available Thursdays and Fridays Oct. 10 – Nov. 15. Get your tickets here.
#11
Pick up a pumpkin (or two) and then get lost in a themed corn maze at the DeMange Pumpkin Patch and Corn Maze in St. Jacob.
#12
Explore the local wineries that dot the six county landscape and create your own wine trail.
#13
Sit alongside the Mighty Mississippi River at The Loading Dock in Grafton and let the river sweep your worries away while sipping a signature slushie and enjoying some Dock Salsa.
#14
Pick up a vintage treasure at the monthly Litchfield Pickers Market. Held the second Sunday of each month through October.
#15
Explore prehistoric civilizations at Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site, a UNESCO World Heritage Center in Collinsville.
#16
Channel your inner Italian during the Collinsville Italian Fest held Sept. 20 & 21 on the streets of Uptown.
#17
From bird watching to kayaking along the banks of the Mississippi River – check out the fall fun at the Audubon Center at Riverlands.
#18
Wander through forest, prairie and natural wetlands at Edwardsville’s Watershed Nature Center.
#19
Walk across the Mississippi River on the iconic Chain of Rocks Bridge – once a major Route 66 link between Illinois and Missouri.
#20
Ride the ferry across the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers on the Grafton Ferry, Golden Eagle Ferry and Brussels Ferry.