Alhambra IllinoisATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Alhambra, Illinois.
1. Alhambra Fireman & Legion Park & Hall
LOCAL COMMUNITY GATHERING SPACE
Alhambra Fireman & Legion Park & Hall serves as a central community gathering place in this small Illinois town. The park offers recreational spaces for locals and visitors alike to enjoy outdoor activities. This well-maintained facility hosts various community events throughout the year.
2. Maedge's Bar & Grill
POPULAR LOCAL EATERY
Maedge's Bar & Grill is a clean and well-maintained establishment that enjoys a loyal following among locals. Visitors appreciate the quality of service, as evidenced by the regular repeat business from area residents. The venue offers both refreshments and dining options in a comfortable atmosphere.
3. Bur Oaks Camp Ground
YEAR-ROUND CAMPING DESTINATION
Bur Oaks Camp Ground is an all-year overnight camping facility located at 10303 Oaks Rd in Alhambra. The campground offers recreation, entertainment, and a pleasant camping experience for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy the serene natural setting while still being within minutes of other local attractions.
4. Marine Village Park
SCENIC COMMUNITY RECREATION AREA
Marine Village Park offers a peaceful retreat for visitors looking to enjoy outdoor activities near Alhambra. The park features green spaces, picnic areas, and recreational facilities for families and nature lovers. Visitors can experience the charm of small-town Illinois while enjoying this well-maintained community space.
5. Silver Lake Park
LAKESIDE RECREATION AREA
Silver Lake Park centers around a beautiful reservoir that serves as both a recreational destination and Highland's water supply. Visitors can enjoy fishing, boating, and picnicking along the scenic shoreline. The park's natural setting provides a perfect backdrop for outdoor activities just a short drive from Alhambra.
6. Glik Park
FAMILY-FRIENDLY RECREATION COMPLEX
Glik Park offers extensive recreational facilities for visitors of all ages near Alhambra. The park features playgrounds, sports fields, walking paths, and picnic areas in a well-designed space. Families particularly enjoy this destination for its variety of activities and well-maintained grounds.
7. Carlyle Lake
ILLINOIS' LARGEST MANMADE LAKE
Carlyle Lake is a massive 26,000-acre reservoir that serves as a premier outdoor recreation destination in southern Illinois. Visitors can enjoy boating, fishing, swimming, bird watching, and camping along its extensive shoreline. The lake is renowned for its excellent fishing opportunities, particularly for crappie, bass, and catfish.
8. Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site
ANCIENT NATIVE AMERICAN CITY
Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site preserves the remnants of the largest pre-Columbian Native American city north of Mexico. Visitors can explore the impressive earthen mounds, including Monks Mound, which is the largest prehistoric earthen construction in the Americas. The interpretive center offers fascinating insights into the sophisticated Mississippian culture that thrived here from approximately 700 to 1400 CE.
9. Gateway Arch National Park
ICONIC AMERICAN MONUMENT
Gateway Arch National Park, just across the Mississippi River from Illinois, features the iconic 630-foot stainless steel arch designed by Eero Saarinen. Visitors can take a tram ride to the top of the arch for spectacular views of St. Louis and the surrounding area including parts of Illinois. The park also includes the Museum at the Gateway Arch, which tells the story of westward expansion in the United States.
10. Pere Marquette State Park
SCENIC RIVER BLUFFS PARK
Pere Marquette State Park is Illinois' largest state park, encompassing over 8,000 acres of stunning river bluffs overlooking the Illinois River. Nature enthusiasts can explore miles of hiking trails through diverse habitats including forests, prairies, and wetlands. The park is especially famous for its bald eagle watching opportunities during winter months, attracting visitors from throughout the region.
11. Timber Lakes Golf Course
SCENIC PUBLIC GOLF COURSE
Timber Lakes Golf Course offers golfers a challenging yet enjoyable 18-hole experience in a beautiful natural setting near Alhambra. The course features well-maintained fairways, strategically placed water hazards, and scenic views throughout the property. Visitors appreciate the reasonable rates and friendly atmosphere at this accessible public course.
12. Chain of Rocks Bridge
HISTORIC MISSISSIPPI RIVER CROSSING
The Chain of Rocks Bridge is a historic mile-long pedestrian bridge spanning the Mississippi River with its distinctive 30-degree bend in the middle. Originally part of Route 66, the bridge now offers walkers and cyclists spectacular views of the river and its surroundings. Visitors can observe the unique chain of rocks formation in the river for which the bridge is named.
13. Lewis and Clark State Historic Site
EXPEDITION STARTING POINT MUSEUM
The Lewis and Clark State Historic Site commemorates Camp Dubois, where the Corps of Discovery wintered before officially embarking on their famous expedition in 1804. The interpretive center features exhibits that bring to life the preparations for one of America's most significant journeys of exploration. Visitors can view a full-scale replica of the expedition's keelboat and learn about the challenges faced by these early American explorers.
14. Beaver Dam State Park
TRANQUIL WOODED RECREATION AREA
Beaver Dam State Park encompasses 750 acres of rolling hills, dense forests, and serene lakes in Macoupin County not far from Alhambra. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy fishing, boating, hiking, and camping among the park's beautiful natural landscapes. The park derives its name from the numerous beaver dams found throughout the area when it was first established.
15. World's Largest Catsup Bottle
QUIRKY ROADSIDE ATTRACTION
The World's Largest Catsup Bottle stands proudly at 170 feet tall as a unique roadside attraction and water tower in Collinsville. This whimsical landmark was built in 1949 for the Brooks Catsup company and has been meticulously preserved as a piece of Americana. Visitors traveling near Alhambra often make a special stop to photograph this distinctive piece of food-themed architecture.