Godfrey IllinoisATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Godfrey, Illinois.
1. Lewis and Clark Community College
HISTORIC CAMPUS WITH GARDENS
Lewis and Clark Community College is a historic educational institution located in Godfrey that features beautiful architecture and grounds. The campus is home to the impressive Monticello Sculpture Gardens, which have become a favorite photo spot and place to pay homage to the arts. Visitors can explore the campus to appreciate both its educational significance and artistic elements.
2. The Great River Road
SCENIC MISSISSIPPI RIVER BYWAY
The Great River Road is a scenic byway that winds along the Mississippi River, providing breathtaking views of the river and surrounding limestone bluffs. Visitors can enjoy hiking, biking, and birdwatching along this picturesque route that showcases the natural beauty of the region. During fall, the road offers gorgeous views of foliage on the bluffs, and winter visitors might spot bald eagles nesting along the Mississippi.
3. Benjamin Godfrey Memorial Chapel
HISTORIC UNDERGROUND RAILROAD SITE
Benjamin Godfrey Memorial Chapel, built in 1854 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, offers an impressive record of the town's past. The chapel played a significant role in the Underground Railroad, serving as a stop for escaped slaves seeking freedom. History enthusiasts can visit this important landmark to gain insight into the area's past and the brave individuals who fought against slavery.
4. Rocky Fork Church
FREEDOM TRAIL LANDMARK
Rocky Fork Church is a historic site that served as an important stop on the Underground Railroad in the Godfrey area. Along with the African Methodist Episcopal Church, it provided refuge for escaped slaves seeking freedom during a crucial period in American history. The church stands as a testament to the area's role in the fight against slavery and the pursuit of liberty.
5. Robert E. Glazebrook Community Park
OUTDOOR RECREATION DESTINATION
Robert E. Glazebrook Community Park, located at 1401 Stamper Lane, is a recreational hub in Godfrey offering various outdoor activities. The park features sports facilities, walking trails, and open spaces for community gatherings and events. Visitors can enjoy the natural surroundings while participating in active pursuits or relaxing in a peaceful setting.
6. Dutch Hollow Day Spa
RELAXATION AND WELLNESS
Dutch Hollow Day Spa is a premier wellness destination located at 3042 Godfrey Road offering relaxation and rejuvenation services. The spa provides a range of treatments designed to pamper visitors and promote overall wellbeing in a serene environment. Guests can escape the stresses of everyday life while enjoying professional spa services in this Godfrey retreat.
7. John M. Olin Nature Preserve
WILDLIFE AND NATURE SANCTUARY
John M. Olin Nature Preserve is a protected natural area in Godfrey known for its diverse ecosystems and wildlife. The preserve offers hiking trails that wind through woodlands and open spaces, allowing visitors to observe native plants and animals in their natural habitat. Nature enthusiasts can appreciate the conservation efforts that maintain this tranquil sanctuary for future generations.
8. Roper's Regal Beagle Sports Bar
LOCAL ENTERTAINMENT HOTSPOT
Roper's Regal Beagle Sports Bar is a popular local establishment in Godfrey offering food, drinks, and entertainment. The venue provides a lively atmosphere where visitors can watch sporting events, enjoy meals, and socialize with friends and locals. Sports enthusiasts and those looking for casual dining will find this bar a welcoming spot to experience the local culture.
9. Lindbergh Emergency Landing Field Site
HISTORIC AVIATION LANDMARK
In 1926, Charles A. Lindbergh personally selected a 40-acre site in Godfrey for use as an emergency landing field during his Chicago to St. Louis mail flights. This historic aviation site was utilized when weather, visibility, or mechanical problems prevented safe landings in St. Louis. The small relay station building used by pilots still stands today, offering visitors a glimpse into America's early aviation history.
10. Brush Boutique
FASHION AND EMPOWERMENT
Brush Boutique is a fashion haven located inside Brush Hair + Makeup in Godfrey that caters to women of all sizes. The boutique strives to empower every woman to embrace her personal style through carefully curated clothing and accessories. Visitors can shop for unique fashion pieces while experiencing the boutique's inclusive and supportive atmosphere.
11. Confluence Tower
THREE-STORY OBSERVATION PLATFORM
The Confluence Tower is an impressive three-story platform observatory located in nearby Hartford offering amazing views of the surrounding landscape. Visitors can walk out on three different observation platforms at heights of 50, 100, and 150 feet to appreciate panoramic vistas of the region. The tower provides a unique perspective on the confluence of major rivers and the natural beauty of the area.
12. Lewis & Clark State Historic Site
EXPEDITION HISTORY MUSEUM
The Lewis & Clark State Historic Site in Hartford is located on the approximate area that Camp River Dubois was situated from December 1803 to May 1804. The main museum showcases artifacts and replicas from Lewis and Clark's travels west, offering insights into this pivotal expedition in American history. Visitors can also explore several historic outbuildings that enhance understanding of the explorers' preparations before embarking on their westward journey.
13. Refinery Museum
INDUSTRIAL HERITAGE SHOWCASE
The Refinery Museum in Roxana preserves the history of the Wood River Refinery through a collection of artifacts and memorabilia. The museum showcases items saved by a forward-thinking secretary to the CEO who recognized their historical importance, including an American Petroleum Institute Accident Prevention Award from 1969. Visitors can learn about the significant role the refinery played in local industry and the lives of area residents.
14. Katy Trail East
BEGINNER-FRIENDLY CYCLING PATH
The Katy Trail East of St. Charles marks the easternmost part of the popular Katy Trail, stretching from downtown St. Charles to the town of Machens. This trail section is ideal for beginners, featuring miles of packed gravel, beautiful landscapes, and shaded areas for comfortable riding. Cyclists can enjoy the natural surroundings while traveling along this well-maintained route that showcases the region's outdoor beauty.
15. Melvin Price Lock and Dam
RIVER ENGINEERING MARVEL
The Melvin Price Lock and Dam is located on the MCT Confluence Trail near East Alton, offering visitors insight into the engineering that controls the mighty Mississippi. The site is home to the Great Rivers Museum and the National Great Rivers Research and Education Center, providing educational opportunities about river ecosystems and navigation. Cyclists and pedestrians can access this impressive structure via the trail system, making it a unique destination that combines recreation with learning.