Things to Do in Edwardsville

Edwardsville combines the natural beauty of the Midwest with the exciting hustle and bustle of city life like few can.

Take a day and relax at one of the city’s picturesque parks, have lunch at a sidewalk café on Main Street or pick up a few things – or more than a few things – at the various retail stores spread throughout town. In town for a night, a weekend or planning to stay a while, Edwardsville has enough to keep you entertained for the duration of your stay.

Downtown

Downtown Edwardsville looks like something out of a movie – because it is! The downtown setting is so scenic that it has been the backdrop for multiple Hollywood film scenes. One needs look no further than the blocks of storefronts that house coffee shops, artisan bakeries, craft breweries and boutique clothing stores to see why it is the ideal setting for any outing. On Saturday mornings from May to October, downtown is also the home of the Land of Goshen Community Market, where all sorts of locally grown produce, handmade items and specialty crafts can be found. Park the car, get out and walk and explore all the joys of downtown Edwardsville!

Be sure to visit the historic Wildey Theatre while downtown. The Wildey Theatre is a premier gathering spot for cultural events along Route 66. It first opened in 1909, the theatre served as an opera house that hosted concerts, dance performances and movies. In 1984, the Wildey closed as a full-time movie theater and was named a "local landmark" a few years later. Since then, the city has renovated the theater back to its original glory and it is now a premium venue for guests to experience the best live performances and some of the most popular classic films.

SIUE

Nestled inside this bustling community is a thriving university that sits on 2,660 acres of woodlands. More than 13,000 students attend Southern Illinois University Edwardsville to get an education and an experience of a lifetime. Within the university’s grounds is The Gardens at SIUE, a 36-acre property that’s a popular photo and fall colors spot, and SIUE Cougar Lanes, the bowling alley and a favorite hangout for students, faculty and staff alike.

Destination Edwardsville

Edwardsville is just waiting to be explored! Discover some of the great destinations available in Illinois' 3rd oldest city.

Edwardsville Arts Center
The Edwardsville Arts Center (EAC) is a vibrant nonprofit* arts organization which advocates for the positive impact of art and creative making within a community through opportunities which preserve traditional techniques and…
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Edwardsville Children’s Museum
Edwardsville Children’s Museum is committed to stimulating curiosity and cultivating learning at the age of wonder! ECM believes that kids of all ages learn through discovery and hands-on play. All exhibits and…
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Edwardsville Parks
With 20 parks to choose from, there is something for everyone to enjoy – even canines! Check out all the parks, sports activities, and special events in Edwardsville's parks!Brent Leh Dog ParkCity…
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The Gardens at SIUE
Vibrant, colorful hues line the half-mile walking path at The Gardens at SIUE, whether spring flowers or fall foliage. Don't just take it from us, though - The Gardens has been named…
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Main Street Community Center
The Main Street Community Center of Edwardsville is dedicated to providing a better quality of living for the community of Edwardsville with an emphasis on senior services and assistance programs. The Center…
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Watershed Nature Center
The Watershed Nature Center is home to more than 40 acres of prairie, forest, and wetland habitats. The center features paved walking trails, a raised marsh walk and welcome center. Explore the…
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Wildey Theatre
The Wildey Theatre is a premier gathering spot for cultural events along Route 66. First opened in 1909, the theatre served as an opera house that hosted concerts, dance performances and movies…
Learn More