Alsey IllinoisATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Alsey, Illinois.
1. Big Eli Ferris Wheel #17
HISTORIC CARNIVAL ATTRACTION
The Big Eli Ferris Wheel #17 stands as a cherished landmark in Alsey, offering visitors a nostalgic carnival experience. This historic ferris wheel provides charming views of the small town and surrounding countryside. Visitors particularly enjoy the vintage appeal and photogenic quality of this well-maintained attraction.
2. AMVETS Post 100
VETERANS SOCIAL CLUB
AMVETS Post 100 serves as both a community gathering place and tribute to local veterans in Alsey. The venue offers a welcoming atmosphere with various social events and activities throughout the year. Visitors appreciate the friendly local interaction and sense of American heritage preserved at this establishment.
3. Bowl Inn
CLASSIC BOWLING ALLEY
Bowl Inn provides classic American bowling entertainment in the heart of Alsey. This family-friendly establishment offers lanes for all skill levels along with casual dining options. Locals and visitors alike enjoy the nostalgic atmosphere and affordable recreation option.
4. Burr Oak Cemetery
HISTORIC BURIAL GROUND
Burr Oak Cemetery represents an important historical landmark near Alsey with significant cultural heritage. The cemetery grounds offer peaceful walking paths amid monuments dating back generations. Visitors interested in local history and notable burial sites find this location particularly meaningful to explore.
5. Holy Sepulchre Cemetery
SACRED RELIGIOUS SITE
Holy Sepulchre Cemetery stands as a significant religious site featuring beautiful grounds and memorials. The cemetery combines spiritual significance with architectural interest through its monuments and chapel. Visitors often comment on the peaceful atmosphere and well-maintained landscaping throughout the grounds.
6. St. Terrence Catholic Church
HISTORIC RELIGIOUS ARCHITECTURE
St. Terrence Catholic Church welcomes visitors with its impressive architecture and spiritual significance. The church features beautiful stained glass windows and traditional religious artwork throughout its interior. Visitors appreciate both the religious services and the architectural details of this community landmark.
7. Garden of the Gods
DRAMATIC ROCK FORMATIONS
Garden of the Gods showcases stunning rock formations perched atop rolling hills with spectacular forest views. This natural wonder offers unmatched photo opportunities and hiking trails through its dramatic landscape. Visitors describe this Midwest treasure as an absolutely one-of-a-kind experience in southern Illinois.
8. Starved Rock State Park
CANYONS AND WATERFALLS
Starved Rock State Park offers hiking trails through towering trees, scenic overlooks, and beautiful rock formations just 1.5 hours from Chicago. Visitors can explore its spectacular canyons and seasonal waterfalls while enjoying diverse recreational activities. The park also provides opportunities for canoeing, paddle-boating, and winter cross-country skiing.
9. Pere Marquette State Park
MISSISSIPPI RIVER RECREATION
Pere Marquette State Park, the largest state park in Illinois, sits majestically along the Mississippi River offering diverse outdoor experiences. Visitors can hike miles of trails, cycle along river bluffs, go fishing, or horseback ride through the forest. The park serves as an ideal base for southern Illinois adventures with its scenic beauty and recreational variety.
10. The Morton Arboretum
TREE-FILLED NATURAL PARADISE
The Morton Arboretum encompasses 1,700 acres of beautiful tree-filled landscapes perfect for exploring in any season. This vibrant hub serves as both a nature education center and a world-renowned scientific research facility. Visitors can discover diverse plant collections, walking trails, and seasonal displays throughout the extensive grounds.
11. Illinois Scenic Byways
PICTURESQUE DRIVING ROUTES
Illinois' seven scenic byways offer picturesque views, outdoor adventures, and small-town charm throughout the state. Each route features unique attractions ranging from state parks and limestone bluffs to tranquil rivers and cultural sites. Travelers can enjoy self-guided road trips along these designated routes that showcase Illinois' natural beauty and heritage.
12. Shawnee National Forest
LUSH WILDERNESS AREA
Shawnee National Forest provides a lush wilderness experience in southern Illinois with diverse landscapes and outdoor recreation opportunities. The forest encompasses sandstone bluffs, dense woodlands, and clear streams across its expansive territory. Visitors can enjoy hiking, camping, horseback riding, and wildlife viewing throughout this natural treasure.
13. Cache River State Natural Area
ANCIENT CYPRESS SWAMPS
Cache River State Natural Area features ancient cypress-tupelo swamps that create an otherworldly landscape in southern Illinois. Visitors can kayak or canoe among thousand-year-old trees draped in Spanish moss. The area provides a unique ecosystem that feels like stepping into a prehistoric environment unlike anywhere else in the Midwest.
14. Anderson Japanese Gardens
TRANQUIL CULTURAL EXPERIENCE
Anderson Japanese Gardens offers a meticulously designed landscape recognized as one of North America's premier Japanese gardens. Visitors can wander through twelve acres of koi-filled ponds, winding pathways, and authentic Japanese architectural elements. The gardens provide a peaceful sanctuary with seasonal beauty and cultural programming throughout the year.
15. Lincoln Home National Historic Site
PRESIDENTIAL HISTORICAL LANDMARK
Lincoln Home National Historic Site preserves the only home Abraham Lincoln ever owned, located in downtown Springfield. Visitors can tour the meticulously restored 1860s home and surrounding historic neighborhood where Lincoln lived for 17 years before becoming president. The site offers fascinating insights into Lincoln's family life and political development through guided tours and exhibits.