East St. Louis IllinoisATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near East St. Louis, Illinois.
1. Malcolm W Martin Memorial Park
STUNNING RIVER VIEWS
Malcolm W Martin Memorial Park offers breathtaking views of the St. Louis skyline and the Gateway Arch from across the Mississippi River. Visitors can enjoy the Gateway Geyser, which shoots water up to 630 feet high, matching the height of the Gateway Arch across the river. The park provides a peaceful setting for picnics, photography, and appreciating the natural beauty of the Mississippi riverfront.
2. DraftKings at Casino Queen
RIVERFRONT GAMING ENTERTAINMENT
DraftKings at Casino Queen is a popular riverfront casino offering a variety of gaming options including the 'loosest slots in the STL area.' The casino features table games, dining options including the Deli & Chips restaurant, and entertainment in a lively atmosphere. Located along the Mississippi River, it provides visitors with both gaming excitement and scenic views of the St. Louis skyline.
3. Gateway International Raceway
HIGH-SPEED MOTORSPORTS ACTION
Gateway International Raceway (now World Wide Technology Raceway) offers thrilling motorsports events including NASCAR and IndyCar races. The facility features multiple racing configurations, ample restroom facilities, and space for thousands of racing enthusiasts to enjoy the high-octane action. Racing fans appreciate the track's accessibility and the opportunity to witness professional drivers compete at exceptional speeds.
4. Gateway Geyser
MAGNIFICENT WATER FOUNTAIN
Gateway Geyser is the tallest fountain in the United States, shooting water to a height of 630 feet to symbolically match the height of the Gateway Arch across the river. Located in Malcolm W. Martin Memorial Park, the geyser erupts daily at noon, creating a spectacular water display visible from both sides of the Mississippi. Visitors gather to witness this impressive man-made fountain that serves as East St. Louis's answer to its more famous neighbor across the river.
5. Frank Holten State Recreation Area
OUTDOOR RECREATION PARADISE
Frank Holten State Recreation Area offers 1,080 acres of natural beauty featuring fishing lakes, picnic areas, and wildlife viewing opportunities. The park includes an 18-hole golf course, hiking trails, and boat launches that provide a variety of recreational activities for visitors. Nature enthusiasts appreciate this urban oasis that serves as a retreat from city life while remaining conveniently located within East St. Louis.
6. Katherine Dunham Museum
CULTURAL ARTS HERITAGE
The Katherine Dunham Museum celebrates the life and legacy of dancer, choreographer, and activist Katherine Dunham through a collection of artifacts, costumes, and memorabilia. Visitors can explore galleries showcasing Dunham's contributions to dance, anthropology, and civil rights, particularly her work integrating African and Caribbean dance traditions into American performance. The museum serves as an important cultural institution preserving African American arts heritage in East St. Louis.
7. Gateway Arch
ICONIC NATIONAL MONUMENT
The Gateway Arch stands as a magnificent 630-foot stainless steel monument commemorating the westward expansion of the United States. Visitors can ride a unique tram system to the top for panoramic views extending up to 30 miles in each direction on clear days. Though located in St. Louis, Missouri, the arch is easily visible from East St. Louis and serves as a backdrop to many activities in the region.
8. Old Courthouse St. Louis
HISTORIC LEGAL LANDMARK
The Old Courthouse is a stunning Greek Revival building constructed between 1816 and 1864, serving as an important historical site where the Dred Scott case was first tried. The beautiful domed structure houses exhibits on St. Louis history, the westward expansion, and the landmark court cases that shaped American legal history. Located in downtown St. Louis, this architectural gem is easily accessible from East St. Louis via the Eads Bridge.
9. Forest Park
PREMIER URBAN OASIS
Forest Park encompasses 1,326 acres of diverse landscapes including forests, nature reserves, and serene lakes, making it one of America's most celebrated urban parks. The park houses several free major cultural institutions including the Saint Louis Zoo, Art Museum, Science Center, Missouri History Museum, and the Muny amphitheater. A short drive from East St. Louis, this expansive green space offers year-round recreational activities from paddle boating to cross-country skiing.
10. Eads Bridge
HISTORIC ENGINEERING MARVEL
The Eads Bridge is an architectural wonder that spans the Mississippi River, connecting St. Louis, Missouri with East St. Louis, Illinois. Completed in 1874, it was the first steel truss bridge in the United States and featured groundbreaking engineering techniques including the use of pneumatic caissons during construction. The combined railway and road bridge remains an iconic symbol of the connection between the two cities and offers pedestrians spectacular views of the river and skyline.
11. St. Louis Stampede UFL
PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALL EXCITEMENT
The St. Louis Stampede is a professional football team competing in the United Football League with games played at their home stadium in Centreville, Illinois. Sports fans can experience the thrill of professional football in an intimate venue just minutes from East St. Louis. The team offers an affordable alternative to NFL games while still delivering high-energy professional sports entertainment to the Metro East region.
12. Big Mama's BBQ
AUTHENTIC LOCAL BARBECUE
Big Mama's BBQ serves up mouthwatering American barbecue dishes that have earned it a reputation as one of East St. Louis's favorite dining destinations. Visitors can enjoy tender smoked meats, flavorful sides, and house-made sauces in a casual, welcoming atmosphere. The restaurant provides an authentic taste of local culinary traditions and is highly recommended by travelers seeking genuine regional cuisine.
13. Mariscos Seafood el Najar
FRESH SEAFOOD DELIGHTS
Mariscos Seafood el Najar offers visitors a taste of fresh seafood dishes with authentic flavors in East St. Louis. The restaurant specializes in seafood preparations that highlight the culinary traditions of coastal Mexico. Diners can enjoy a diverse menu of fish, shrimp, and other seafood options prepared with colorful, flavorful ingredients in a casual setting.
14. Tienda El Ranchito
AUTHENTIC MEXICAN CUISINE
Tienda El Ranchito serves authentic Mexican cuisine in a vibrant, casual setting that transports diners to Mexico through flavor. The restaurant offers a variety of traditional dishes including vegetarian-friendly options that showcase the diverse culinary heritage of Mexico. Visitors appreciate the restaurant's combination of reasonable prices, generous portions, and genuine flavors that make it a standout dining destination in East St. Louis.
15. St. Louis Zoo
WORLD-CLASS ANIMAL EXHIBITS
The St. Louis Zoo is consistently ranked among the nation's top zoological parks, housing over 12,000 animals representing 500 species in beautiful naturalistic habitats. Visitors can explore themed zones including River's Edge, Historic Hill, Discovery Corner, Red Rocks, and Wild, each offering unique wildlife encounters and educational experiences. Located in Forest Park and offering free admission, this world-class attraction is just a short drive from East St. Louis and provides an engaging day trip for visitors of all ages.