Smithton IllinoisATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Smithton, Illinois.
1. Smithton Historical Museum
LOCAL HISTORY PRESERVED
The Smithton Historical Museum offers visitors a fascinating glimpse into the town's rich past through carefully curated exhibits and artifacts. Visitors can explore displays chronicling the development of this small Illinois community from its founding to the present day. The museum provides an educational experience for history enthusiasts of all ages interested in understanding Smithton's cultural heritage.
2. Illinois State Park
NATURAL BEAUTY OUTDOORS
Illinois State Park near Smithton offers outdoor enthusiasts a tranquil escape with its scenic hiking trails and picturesque landscapes. Visitors can enjoy various recreational activities including fishing, picnicking, and wildlife observation throughout the changing seasons. The park serves as a natural haven where families and nature lovers can connect with the Illinois wilderness just minutes from Smithton.
3. Smithton Local Farmers' Market
FRESH LOCAL PRODUCE
The Smithton Local Farmers' Market brings together regional vendors offering fresh produce, handcrafted goods, and specialty foods in a vibrant community setting. Shoppers can browse through stalls filled with seasonal fruits, vegetables, and artisanal products while connecting with local farmers and artisans. The market has become a beloved Smithton tradition where residents and visitors alike can experience the agricultural bounty of southern Illinois.
4. The Roost
PREMIER COMFORT DESTINATION
The Roost in Smithton offers visitors exceptional accommodations with luxury amenities and attentive service in a charming small-town setting. Guests can enjoy comfortable rooms, on-site dining featuring delicious cuisine, and concierge services to help plan local excursions. This premier destination has earned consistent praise from travelers for its immaculate facilities and commitment to providing a memorable stay in Smithton.
5. National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows
SPIRITUAL PILGRIMAGE SITE
The National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows is a significant Catholic pilgrimage site featuring a church, grotto, and amphitheater spread across beautiful grounds near Smithton. Visitors can explore the peaceful shrine complex which includes religious exhibits, devotional areas, and scenic walking paths through meticulously landscaped gardens. The shrine also offers amenities including a hotel and restaurant, making it a complete destination for both spiritual seekers and those interested in religious architecture.
6. Eckert's Belleville Farm
PICK-YOUR-OWN FAMILY FUN
Eckert's Belleville Farm provides a delightful agricultural experience where visitors can pick their own seasonal fruits and vegetables throughout the year. The farm features a country store, restaurant serving farm-fresh meals, and family-friendly activities like hayrides and special seasonal events. Eckert's has become a beloved regional attraction drawing visitors from Smithton and beyond who seek authentic farm experiences and fresh produce direct from the source.
7. Braeutigam Orchards
HISTORIC FAMILY ORCHARD
Braeutigam Orchards offers visitors a chance to experience a historic family-run orchard with pick-your-own seasonal fruits and farm-fresh products. The orchard maintains traditional growing practices while providing modern amenities for families looking to connect with agricultural heritage just a short drive from Smithton. Visitors can enjoy the peaceful country setting while sampling freshly harvested apples, peaches, and other seasonal offerings throughout the growing season.
8. Scott Field Heritage Air Park
MILITARY AVIATION HISTORY
Scott Field Heritage Air Park displays historic military aircraft that tell the story of American aviation and the legacy of Scott Air Force Base. Visitors can get an up-close look at various aircraft that served in different eras of U.S. military history through outdoor exhibits and informative displays. The air park provides an educational opportunity for aviation enthusiasts and history buffs from Smithton and surrounding communities to appreciate military aerospace engineering achievements.
9. Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church
HISTORIC RELIGIOUS ARCHITECTURE
Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church stands as an impressive example of religious architecture featuring beautiful stained glass windows and traditional design elements. Visitors can admire the church's ornate interior with its detailed altar work and artistic religious symbolism that reflects Catholic heritage in the region. The church welcomes those interested in religious history, architecture, or seeking a moment of peaceful reflection near the Smithton area.
10. Smithton Art Galleries
LOCAL CREATIVE EXPRESSION
Smithton Art Galleries showcase works from local and regional artists in a variety of mediums from paintings to sculptures and mixed media installations. Visitors can explore changing exhibits that highlight the creative talent and artistic vision present in this small Illinois community. The galleries serve as a cultural hub for the town, fostering appreciation for the arts and providing a platform for creative expression in Smithton.
11. Gateway Arch
ICONIC NATIONAL MONUMENT
The Gateway Arch stands as an iconic 630-foot stainless steel monument symbolizing St. Louis's role as the gateway to the American West, located a short drive from Smithton, IL. Visitors can ride a unique tram system to the top of the arch for spectacular views of the Mississippi River and city skyline stretching for up to 30 miles. The accompanying museum beneath the arch presents exhibits on westward expansion, Native American history, and the engineering marvel of the arch itself.
12. Saint Louis Art Museum
WORLD-CLASS ART COLLECTION
The Saint Louis Art Museum houses an impressive collection of over 34,000 works spanning five millennia and cultures from around the globe, easily accessible from Smithton. Visitors can explore galleries featuring everything from ancient Egyptian artifacts to contemporary installations in a beautiful Beaux-Arts building in Forest Park. The museum offers free general admission, making world-class art accessible to all those interested in cultural enrichment from the surrounding Illinois communities.
13. Missouri History Museum
REGIONAL HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE
The Missouri History Museum presents engaging exhibits chronicling the rich history of St. Louis, Missouri, and the American experience from Lewis and Clark to present day, just a short journey from Smithton. Visitors can discover artifacts, photographs, and interactive displays that bring to life the people and events that shaped the region's development. The museum offers a deeper understanding of the shared history between Illinois and Missouri through thoughtfully curated permanent and special exhibitions.
14. Smithton Community Park
OUTDOOR RECREATION HUB
Smithton Community Park offers residents and visitors alike a welcoming recreational space with playgrounds, picnic areas, and sports facilities for all ages to enjoy. Families can spend quality time outdoors while children explore play equipment and adults make use of walking paths and fitness stations throughout the park. The park hosts community events throughout the year, serving as a gathering place that strengthens the small-town bonds that make Smithton special.
15. Smithton Public Library
KNOWLEDGE AND COMMUNITY CENTER
The Smithton Public Library serves as both a repository of knowledge and a community gathering space offering books, digital resources, and programming for residents of all ages. Visitors can participate in reading groups, educational workshops, and special events designed to foster learning and connection in this small Illinois town. The library stands as a testament to Smithton's commitment to education and community development, providing resources that enrich the lives of local citizens and visitors.