Pontoon Beach IllinoisATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Pontoon Beach, Illinois.
1. Horseshoe Lake State Park
SCENIC LAKESIDE RECREATION
Horseshoe Lake State Park is a tranquil haven known for its namesake shallow lake, offering excellent opportunities for fishing, picnicking, and bird-watching. The park features boat ramps, walking trails, and serene natural views, making it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. It draws visitors year-round who enjoy camping and spotting migratory birds.
2. Party at the Beach Music Festival
LIVE MUSIC ANNUAL EVENT
The Party at the Beach Music Festival is an annual celebration in Pontoon Beach featuring live entertainment, food vendors, and a festive community atmosphere. This event draws people from across the region to enjoy a vibrant day of music and family-friendly activities. Attendees can expect a fun-filled experience under the summer sun.
3. Chouteau Island
RIVERFRONT NATURAL ESCAPE
Chouteau Island is an expansive natural area along the Mississippi River, just a short drive from Pontoon Beach. The island features hiking and biking trails, wildlife viewing, and peaceful spaces for picnics and exploration. It's a popular spot for locals seeking a quiet retreat with river views.
4. Old Chain of Rocks Bridge
HISTORIC PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE
The Old Chain of Rocks Bridge is a historic Route 66 landmark stretching across the Mississippi River, now open to pedestrians and cyclists. Known for its unique mile-long span and a 22-degree bend, the bridge offers remarkable views and a glimpse into transportation history. Visitors can walk or ride from Illinois to Missouri while enjoying the scenic waterway below.
5. Route 66 Luna Café
VINTAGE ROADSIDE DINER
The Route 66 Luna Café is a classic 1920s diner that became famous as a legendary stop for travelers along the historic highway. Its nostalgic neon sign and reputed connections to the Prohibition era, including rumored gangster patrons, give it an undeniable charm. Today, the café invites guests to enjoy hearty meals and a touch of Americana.
6. Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site
ANCIENT NATIVE AMERICAN SITE
Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site preserves the remnants of the most sophisticated prehistoric native civilization north of Mexico. The site features enormous earthen mounds, a visitor center with exhibits, and interpretive trails. It is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers deep insight into ancient Mississippian culture.
7. World Wide Technology Raceway
PREMIER MOTORSPORTS VENUE
World Wide Technology Raceway hosts major auto racing events, including the NASCAR Cup Series and IndyCar races. The track complex features an oval, a drag strip, and a road course, making it a hub for motorsports enthusiasts. Fans thrill to the sounds and speed of professional racing throughout the season.
8. Gateway Arch National Park
ICONIC ST. LOUIS LANDMARK
Gateway Arch National Park, just across the river from Pontoon Beach, is home to the world-famous 630-foot-tall stainless steel arch commemorating the westward expansion of the United States. Visitors can ride a tram to the top for sweeping city views and explore engaging museum exhibits at its base. The park's riverside setting and striking architecture make it a must-see attraction.
9. Great River Road
SCENIC DRIVING ROUTE
The Great River Road offers a picturesque drive along the Mississippi River, passing through charming river towns and scenic natural areas. In Madison County, the route provides access to parks, historic sites, and panoramic vistas. Road trippers are treated to beautiful landscapes and plenty of opportunities to stop and explore.
10. Missouri Botanical Garden
RENOWNED URBAN OASIS
Missouri Botanical Garden, one of the oldest botanical institutions in the United States, offers 79 acres of beautifully curated gardens and conservatories. Highlights include the Climatron geodesic dome, Japanese Garden, and vibrant floral displays. This urban oasis attracts plant lovers and families seeking tranquility minutes from downtown.
11. City Museum
WHIMSICAL URBAN PLAYGROUND
City Museum is a fantastical, interactive museum fashioned from repurposed architectural and industrial objects. Visitors of all ages can explore tunnels, slides, and creative exhibits that blur the line between play and art. It's a unique venue that encourages hands-on discovery and imagination.
12. Lewis and Clark State Historic Site
EXPLORATION HISTORY CENTER
The Lewis and Clark State Historic Site commemorates the starting point of the famous 1804 Corps of Discovery expedition. The visitor center features immersive exhibits, a full-scale replica of the expedition's keelboat, and interpretive programs. Guests learn about the explorers' journey and its significance in American history.
13. National Great Rivers Museum
RIVER ENGINEERING EXHIBITS
National Great Rivers Museum showcases the history, ecology, and engineering of America's major rivers, with a focus on the Mississippi. Interactive displays and tours of the adjacent Melvin Price Locks and Dam offer educational insights for all ages. The museum highlights the vital role rivers play in transportation and the environment.
14. Willoughby Heritage Farm and Conservation Reserve
LIVING HISTORY FARMSTEAD
Willoughby Heritage Farm recreates a 1940s working farm, complete with barns, animals, and vintage farming equipment. The site features nature trails, gardens, and educational programs that immerse visitors in rural life. It's a family-friendly destination where history and nature come alive.
15. Tri-City Speedway
THRILLING DIRT TRACK RACING
Tri-City Speedway is a beloved regional dirt track venue known for its exciting stock car and dirt racing events. The speedway draws large crowds on race nights and hosts special competitions and community events. Racing fans flock here for high-speed action and a lively atmosphere.