Fults IllinoisATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Fults, Illinois.
1. Fults Hill Prairie Nature Preserve
LOESS HILL PRAIRIE HIKING
Fults Hill Prairie Nature Preserve features the largest complex of high-quality loess hill prairies in Illinois, perched atop scenic bluffs with expansive views of the Mississippi River valley. The area offers a 1.4-mile hiking loop that winds through upland prairie, woodlands, and glade communities, giving visitors a chance to experience rare ecosystems and sweeping vistas. The preserve is known for its rich biodiversity and is accessible year-round for nature lovers and hikers.
2. Kidd Lake State Natural Area
MISSISSIPPI WETLANDS HABITAT
Kidd Lake State Natural Area preserves a remnant of the once vast Mississippi floodplain wetlands known as the American Bottom. This pristine marshland is a critical habitat for various wetland birds, amphibians, and reptiles, making it an important rest stop for migrating waterfowl. The area remains largely undeveloped, protecting its natural features and offering visitors a glimpse of the region's ecological history.
3. Fort de Chartres State Historic Site
FRENCH COLONIAL FORT
Fort de Chartres State Historic Site is a meticulously reconstructed 18th-century French fort that once stood as a center of colonial power in the Mississippi Valley. Visitors can explore stone buildings, reconstructed walls, and historic exhibits, learning about French and Native American interactions and colonial military history. Annual reenactments and living history events bring this impressive site to life for families and history enthusiasts.
4. Bellefontaine House
HISTORIC SPRING HOME
Bellefontaine House, built in the 1870s over a natural spring, now serves as the home of the Monroe County Historical Society. The restored structure offers insights into local history through period furnishings, photographs, and curated exhibits. Tours are available by appointment, making it a peaceful stop for those interested in Monroe County's past.
5. Historic Maeystown
GERMAN HERITAGE VILLAGE
Historic Maeystown is a charming 19th-century German village famous for its preserved stone buildings, old-world ambiance, and peaceful valleys. Strolling through town, visitors can shop, enjoy local cafes, and experience seasonal festivals that celebrate the area's cultural roots. The entire village is on the National Register of Historic Places, making it a unique destination in Monroe County.
6. Bohm Woods Nature Preserve
OLD-GROWTH FOREST TRAILS
Bohm Woods Nature Preserve offers 42 acres of old-growth upland forest, providing a rare glimpse of pre-settlement Illinois woodlands. The preserve is ideal for hiking, birdwatching, and nature photography, with a variety of native trees and spring wildflowers. Tranquil trails make this a great spot for a peaceful outdoor retreat near Waterloo.
7. Salt Lick Point Land and Water Reserve
BLUFFTOP PANORAMIC VIEWS
Salt Lick Point Land and Water Reserve features scenic hiking trails that climb limestone bluffs with panoramic views of the Mississippi River floodplain. The 600-acre reserve is celebrated for its wildflowers, rare plants, and dramatic rock formations. Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy the challenging trails and the spectacular overlooks, especially during spring and fall.
8. Peterstown House
STAGECOACH STOP MUSEUM
Peterstown House is an 1830s inn and stagecoach stop that now serves as a museum highlighting Monroe County's early travel and hospitality history. Period rooms and artifacts tell the story of pioneers passing through on the historic Kaskaskia-Cahokia Trail. Guided tours allow visitors to step back into the days of horse-drawn coaches and hospitality.
9. Schorr Lake Vineyard & Winery
LOCAL WINE EXPERIENCE
Schorr Lake Vineyard & Winery invites guests to taste a selection of local wines in a relaxing lakeside setting. Visitors can stroll the vineyards, enjoy a picnic overlooking the water, and experience live music on select weekends. The winery showcases the agricultural heritage of Monroe County and is a popular destination for wine lovers.
10. Historic Downtown Waterloo
SHOPPING AND CULTURE HUB
Historic Downtown Waterloo presents a vibrant collection of local shops, eateries, and historic architecture along tree-lined streets. Visitors can experience farmers' markets, vintage boutiques, and live performances in a friendly small-town atmosphere. The downtown district hosts community events throughout the year, adding to its welcoming charm.
11. Rock City Cave
NATURAL CAVE EXPLORATION
Rock City Cave is a natural limestone cave system on the bluffs near Valmeyer, offering adventurous visitors the chance to explore subterranean chambers. Guided tours reveal fascinating geological formations and local folklore about the area's history. This unique attraction appeals to spelunkers and geology enthusiasts exploring Monroe County.
12. Monroe County Courthouse
ARCHITECTURAL LANDMARK
The Monroe County Courthouse stands as a grand example of 19th-century civic architecture, featuring an impressive clock tower and stately columns. Visitors can admire the exterior and learn about the region's history through plaques and exhibits on the courthouse lawn. The building remains an anchor of Waterloo's historic downtown and a focal point for community gatherings.
13. Holy Cross Lutheran Church
HISTORIC STONE CHURCH
Holy Cross Lutheran Church is a striking 19th-century stone sanctuary known for its beautiful stained glass windows and rich heritage in Monroe County. The church grounds include a peaceful cemetery with early settlers' graves, making it a quiet place for reflection. Visitors are welcome to explore the grounds and attend special events celebrating the area's German Lutheran history.
14. Bluff Road Scenic Drive
MISSISSIPPI VALLEY SCENERY
Bluff Road offers travelers a scenic route along the Mississippi River bluffs, with sweeping views of the river, woodlands, and farmlands below. The drive is renowned for its spring wildflowers, fall foliage, and glimpses of wildlife, providing plenty of photo opportunities. Travelers can stop at various overlooks and trailheads along the way to explore Monroe County's natural beauty.
15. Haunted Rock Cave
LEGENDARY NATURAL FEATURE
Haunted Rock Cave is a legendary natural rock shelter near Prairie du Rocher, shrouded in local folklore about ghosts and mysterious happenings. The cave offers explorers a chance to step inside a formation used for shelter by Indigenous peoples and early settlers. Night tours and storytelling events highlight the spooky tales that have grown around this atmospheric site.