Augusta IllinoisATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Augusta, Illinois.
1. Weinberg-King State Fish & Wildlife Area
NATURE AND WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
Weinberg-King State Fish & Wildlife Area offers visitors a pristine natural environment with diverse ecosystems to explore. The area features numerous hiking trails, fishing spots, and opportunities for wildlife viewing throughout its expansive acreage. Nature enthusiasts can enjoy seasonal activities including hunting, birdwatching, and photography in this beautifully preserved Illinois wilderness.
2. Tri-County Golf Course
SCENIC GOLFING EXPERIENCE
Tri-County Golf Course provides golfers with a well-maintained course in the heart of rural Illinois. The course offers challenging holes suitable for various skill levels while showcasing the beautiful rolling landscape of the region. Visitors appreciate the friendly atmosphere, reasonable rates, and the peaceful countryside setting that makes for an enjoyable day on the links.
3. Kibbe Hancock Heritage Museum
LOCAL HISTORY PRESERVED
The Kibbe Hancock Heritage Museum houses an impressive collection of artifacts and exhibits that tell the story of Augusta and the surrounding region. Visitors can explore displays featuring Native American artifacts, pioneer life, agricultural history, and other significant aspects of local heritage. The museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the rich cultural tapestry that has shaped this corner of Illinois over generations.
4. Lake Hill Winery
LOCAL WINES AND VIEWS
Lake Hill Winery welcomes guests to enjoy locally produced wines in a charming rural setting. The winery offers tastings of their unique varieties along with a relaxing atmosphere perfect for unwinding and socializing. Visitors can take in beautiful views of the surrounding countryside while savoring quality wines produced right on the premises.
5. Bailey House
HISTORIC ARCHITECTURAL GEM
The Bailey House stands as a notable historic landmark showcasing the architectural heritage of Augusta. This well-preserved structure offers visitors insight into the building styles and domestic life of an earlier era in Illinois history. Tours of the property highlight original features and period furnishings that bring the past vividly to life for modern-day visitors.
6. Sportsman's
LOCAL RECREATION HUB
Sportsman's serves as a popular gathering spot for locals and visitors seeking recreational activities in Augusta. The venue offers various entertainment options and a welcoming atmosphere that reflects the community spirit of small-town Illinois. Guests appreciate the friendly service and authentic local experience that provides a true taste of Augusta's culture.
7. Carthage Jail
HISTORIC MORMON SITE
Carthage Jail is a significant historic site where Mormon founder Joseph Smith and his brother Hyrum were martyred in 1844. Visitors can tour the preserved jail building and learn about this pivotal event in Mormon history through informative exhibits and guided presentations. The site provides valuable context about religious persecution and the Mormon migration westward that followed this tragic incident.
8. Pere Marquette State Park
OUTDOOR ADVENTURE PARADISE
Pere Marquette State Park, Illinois' largest state park, offers breathtaking natural beauty along the Mississippi River with over 8,000 acres to explore. Visitors can enjoy hiking on numerous trails, biking routes, fishing spots, and wildlife viewing opportunities throughout all four seasons. The park's historic lodge provides comfortable accommodations and dining options for those wanting to extend their outdoor adventure.
9. Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center
EXPEDITION HISTORY SHOWCASE
The Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center commemorates the famous expedition's 1803-1804 winter camp with engaging exhibits about this pivotal journey. Visitors can view a replica of the crew's keelboat and numerous artifacts that bring the Corps of Discovery's adventures to life. The center provides fascinating historical context about the expedition that opened America's western frontier to exploration and settlement.
10. Confluence Tower
SPECTACULAR RIVER VIEWS
The Confluence Tower stands 46 meters tall, offering spectacular views of the meeting point of the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers. Visitors can climb to observation decks at different levels to appreciate the historical significance of this important geographical location. The tower serves as both a monument to the Lewis and Clark expedition and a unique vantage point for understanding the region's vital waterways.
11. Melvin Price Locks & Dam
RIVER ENGINEERING MARVEL
The Melvin Price Locks & Dam offers free tours of one of the largest locks and dam systems on the mighty Mississippi River. Visitors can learn about river navigation, flood control, and the engineering marvels that make commercial shipping possible on this vital waterway. The site provides outstanding views of the Mississippi River and the surrounding natural and historic areas of Alton.
12. Robert Wadlow Statue
WORLD'S TALLEST MAN
The Robert Wadlow Statue commemorates Alton's famous son who, at 8 feet 11 inches, remains the tallest person in recorded history. Visitors can take photos next to the life-sized statue located on College Avenue to appreciate the extraordinary stature of this gentle giant. The site includes informative plaques detailing Wadlow's remarkable life story and his impact on both medical understanding and popular culture.
13. Nauvoo Historic District
MORMON HERITAGE SITE
The Nauvoo Historic District preserves numerous restored buildings from the 1840s when the town was a thriving Mormon settlement. Visitors can tour historic homes, shops, and religious buildings that have been carefully restored to their 19th-century appearance. The district offers living history demonstrations, guided tours, and interactive exhibits that bring to life this significant chapter in American religious history.
14. Riverlands Audubon Center
BIRD SANCTUARY HAVEN
The Riverlands Audubon Center serves as a premier destination for birdwatching with its strategic location along the Mississippi Flyway migration route. Visitors can observe hundreds of bird species throughout the year, with particularly spectacular viewing during spring and fall migrations. The center provides educational exhibits, walking trails, and observation areas perfect for nature photographers and wildlife enthusiasts.
15. Miles Davis Memorial
JAZZ LEGEND TRIBUTE
The Miles Davis Memorial honors the legendary jazz musician who was born in Alton in 1926. Visitors can appreciate the bronze statue that captures Davis in his characteristic playing stance, celebrating his revolutionary contributions to music. The memorial serves as a cultural landmark highlighting Alton's proud connection to one of the most innovative and influential musicians of the 20th century.