GREAT RIVERS ALL AROUND ALTON, IL

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1 EXPLORE GREAT RIVERS ALL AROUND ALTON, IL 2016 SUMMER GUIDE

2 SPLASH into Summer A MUST-SEE scenic marvel Gregory F., Chicago Suburbs, a TripAdvisor Traveler Cover: Raging Rivers Water Park 1 All Around Alton

3 The summer season sizzles in the Meeting of the Great Rivers all around Alton, Illinois. Take advantage of outdoor adventures and concerts, Mississippi River cruises, fireworks, festivals and amazing dining delights. Everything you need for a summer full of fun is waiting for you in the Meeting of the Great Rivers. VisitAlton.com 2

4 Great OUTDOORS You will not find a better place for fun than along the nation s most scenic stretch of the river. Celebrate your outdoor spirit at the confluence of the Missouri, Illinois and Mississippi Rivers with biking, hiking, boating, horseback riding, and ziplining. All this and more can be found throughout the Meeting of the Great Rivers. Sunset Friday June 24 & July 22 7 p.m. Confluence Tower, Hartford ConfluenceTower.com (618) Grafton Harbor 10th Anniversary May 28 9 a.m. - 8 p.m. Grafton Harbor GraftonHarbor.net (618) Tour De Cure June 4 6 a.m. Liberty Bank Alton Amphitheater Grafton Harbor Dock Hop June 4 6 p.m. Grafton Harbor GraftonHarbor.net (618) Rentals Hop on a bicycle and pedal your way along the river. Or rent a boat and have some fun on the water. Bike Rentals Pere Marquette Lodge & Conference Center Lodge Blvd., Grafton (618) PMLodge.net Boat Rentals Grafton Harbor Boat Rentals 215 W. Water St., Grafton (618) GraftonHarbor.net 3 All Around Alton

5 Two Rivers Family Fishing Fair June a.m. Pere Marquette State Park, Grafton (618) Great Godfrey Maze Sept. 2 Glazebrook Park, Godfrey GodfreyIL.org (618) Great Rivers Festival June 18 Noon National Great Rivers Museum, Alton MTRF.org (618) Hummingbird Festival at Lodge June a.m. Pere Marquette Lodge, Grafton PMLodge.net (618) Hummingbird Festival July 16 9 a.m. Lewis & Clark State Historic Site, Hartford CampDubois.com (618) Peach Festival Aug a.m. Pere Marquette Lodge, Grafton PMLodge.net (618) Wood River Triathlon Aug a.m. Central Park, Wood River (618) Blessing of the Fleet Aug p.m. Alton Marina (618) Great Godfrey Triathlon Aug a.m. Glazebrook Park, Godfrey GodfreyIL.org (618) Alton Marina 20th Anniversary Party Aug. 27 5:30 p.m. Alton Marina AltonMarina.com (618) Celebrate the Marina s 20th birthday this summer with great music & food. The Boat Drunks Band will be performing throughout the festivities. This 5-anchor marina, built in 1996, offers boaters all the convenience of being within walking distance of the services and attractions of Historic Downtown Alton along with the best in dockside services and amenities. VisitAlton.com 4

6 CRUISIN On the River Live in the moment... as you cruise aboard the Spirit of Peoria paddlewheel boat or let your cares melt away on the Grafton River Adventures 49-passenger excursion boat. Riverboat cruises highlight the summer boating season all along the Meeting of the Great Rivers. Find your perfect cruise today! Hakuna Matata Cruises Grafton River Adventures, which operates out of Grafton Harbor offers one hour River Rambler weekend cruises or themed cruises throughout the summer boating season. River Rambler Cruises Cost: $18/adults, $16/seniors, $9/children (3 17) $4.50/2 and under Every Saturday: 4 p.m. Every Sunday: 2 p.m. Sunset Cruises Cost: $18/adults, $16/seniors, $9/children (3 17) $4.50/2 and under June 11: 6:30 p.m. June 25: 6:30 p.m. Aug. 13: 6 p.m. Aug. 27: 6 p.m. Sept. 10: 5:30 p.m. Sept. 24: 5 p.m. Go to VisitAlton.com/Cruise to see full schedule. Call (618) to make reservations. 5 All Around Alton

7 Spirit of Peoria Cruises Enjoy a timeless cruise on board one of the few remaining paddlewheel boats on the Mississippi River, the Spirit of Peoria. Sightseeing Cruises (Docking at Grafton) Cost: $25/adult, $23/senior (64+), $14/child (0-2 free) *Aug. 31: 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. *Sept. 21: 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. *Oct. 5: 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. *Oct. 5: 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Full Day Cruises (St. Louis to Grafton) Cost: $140 (all-inclusive) *Jun. 28: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. *Aug. 30: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. *Sept. 20: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. *Oct. 4: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Full Day Cruise (Grafton to Florence) Cost: $140 (all-inclusive) *Jun. 29: 9 a.m to 4 p.m. Brunch Cruise (Docking at Grafton) Cost: $45 *Sept. 21: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Lunch Cruises (Docking at Grafton) Cost: $45 *Aug. 31: 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. *Oct. 5: 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Dinner Cruises (Docking at Grafton) Cost: $55 *Aug. 31: 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. *Sept. 21: 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. * All passengers must arrive 30 minutes prior to cruise time listed. Go to VisitAlton.com/Cruise to purchase your ticket or call (800) Discover the Nina & Pinta May 27 - June 5 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. The Loading Dock, Grafton TheNina.com (787) The Nina and Pinta, replicas of Christopher Columbus ships, will be open to the public for touring at the Loading Dock in Grafton. Archaeology magazine has called the Nina, the most historically correct Columbus replica ever built. VisitAlton.com 6

8 SUMMER TIME Fun These lazy, hazy days... of summer are a perfect time to discover new and exciting activities. Jazz up your summer months with boatloads of fun from river festivals to incomparable riverside fireworks, car shows to haunted adventures. The Meeting of the Great Rivers has something for everyone. Alton Memorial Day Parade May a.m. VisitAlton.com (800) All-Wheel Drive-In Car Show June 12 3rd Street, Alton DowntownAlton.com (618) th of July Fireworks at St. Louis Regional Airport June 26 9:15 p.m. St. Louis Regional Airport, East Alton (618) Fireworks in Brighton July 2 9 p.m. Fireworks Over the Mississippi July 3 9:15 p.m. Riverfront Park, Alton VisitAlton.com (800) All Around Alton Pride, Inc. Annual Garden Tour June p.m. Alton & Godfrey PrideIncorporated.org (618) CAA: Archeology Day July a.m. Center for American Archeology, Kampsville CAA-Archeology.org (618) Fireworks in Jerseyville July 4 9 p.m. American Legion, Jerseyville (618) Godfrey Family Fun Fest With Fireworks July 4 9:30 p.m. Glazebrook Park, Godfrey GodfreyIL.org (618) Fireworks in Grafton July 2 9 p.m. Riverfront, Grafton (618) Photo: Michael Weaver

9 ALT: Fame July 22 - July 31 Alton Little Theater AltonLittleTheater.org (618) Grafton Towboat Festival July Grafton Harbor GraftonHarbor.com (618) Rock the Hops Aug p.m. Downtown Alton (618) Tri-County Olden Days Aug a.m. Tri-County Antique Club, Dow (800) Alton Hauntings Walking Tour June 11, 18, & 25, July 9,16,23, & 30 Aug. 6 7 p.m. AltonHauntings.com (217) Mineral Springs Haunted Tours June 11, July 16 7 p.m. Cemetery Tour: June 25, July 30 & Aug. 27 MineralSpringsHauntedTours.com (618) McPike Mansion Haunted Tour June 11, July 16 & Aug p.m. McPikeMansion.com (618) Haunted America Conference June Atrium Hotel & Conference Center, Alton This is the 20th year for the Haunted America Conference and it will be returning to its most haunted city yet -- Alton, Illinois! Join ghost hunters in Alton and explore this historic and haunted region with weekend events, including a chance to hear lectures and workshops on ghosts and ghost hunting; listen to presentations on paranormal phenomena and investigating the unknown; take part in discussions and questions & answer periods; visit haunted locations; experience ghost tours, late-night investigations, and much more! AmericanSpookShows.com VisitAlton.com 8

10 SUMMER TIME CONCERTS Fun There is nothing like experiencing live music relaxing along the banks of the Mississippi River. Listen to the sounds of some of the biggest names in country and rock history at the Liberty Bank Alton Amphitheater. Or check out local bands in more intimate settings. We have your ticket to great music waiting! Liberty Bank Alton Amphitheater Fireworks Over the Mississippi Sunday, July 3 Music by Hudson and Hoodoo Cats Feed the Need Concert: Rodney Atkins with special guest Jana Kramer Saturday, July 16 7 p.m. The Charlie Daniels Band Sat. July 23 8pm, doors at 7pm Food Truck Festival Saturday, Aug p.m. Music by Boogie Chyld Go to AltonAmphitheater.com for complete schedule or call (800) Summer Time Jams Grafton s Music in the Park Thursdays June 2 - Aug. 3 7 p.m. The Grove Memorial Park Miles Davis Jazz Festival June 4 6 p.m. Jacoby Arts Center, Alton AltonMuseum.com Alton Muny Band Thursdays at Riverview Park beginning June 9 through Aug. 4 8 p.m. Sundays at Haskell Park beginning June 12 through Aug. 7 7 p.m. AltonMunyBand.org (800) Rockin With Robert Concert Series June 21, July 19 & Aug p.m. Robert Wadlow Statue, Alton UpperAlton.com (800) All Around Alton

11 Meet the Beatles Sunset Tribute Concert June 24 7 p.m. Pere Marquette Lodge, Grafton PMLodge.net (618) Dinner With Elvis July 22 6 p.m. Pere Marquette Lodge, Grafton PMLodge.net (618) Shuttle Tours Underground Railroad Shuttle Tours May 28, June a.m. & 1 p.m Alton s riverfront location along the Mighty Mississippi played a vital role in helping slaves make connections to the freedom of the northern U.S. Remnants of this period in history still exist. Alton s riverfront location along the Mighty Mississippi played a vital role in helping slaves make connections to the freedom of the northern U.S. Jersey County Fair American Legion, Jerseyville JerseyCountyFair.com (618) The week-long Jersey County Fair offers rare glimpses of livestock and agriculture competitions mixed with nightly entertainment. Don t miss the NTPA tractor and truck pulls, a monster truck challenge, demo derby and Queen competitions. Almost Kiss Concert July 14 7:30 p.m. American Legion Grandstand, Jerseyville JerseyCountyFair.com (618) VisitAlton.com 10

12 FLAVORS of the Region Batter up! Check out the 18 All Star family owned and operated restaurants taking part in the Annual All Star Restaurant Week July Lunch and dinner specials will once again be launched to local diners in Alton, Grafton and Godfrey. Step up to the plate with $10 lunch and $25 dinner options! Restaurant Roster Alton Bluff City Grill Castelli s Chez Marilyn Franco s Gentelin s Johnson s Corner Journey (Argosy Casino Alton) Old Bakery Beer Co. Olga s Kitchen My Just Desserts Rib City State Street Market Tony s Restaurant 11 All Around Alton Godfrey Carver s Grafton Fin Inn Grafton Winery & Brewhaus The Whole Scoop Grafton Oyster Bar All-Star Restaurant Week Glass Giveaway! All diners 21 and over who bring in a receipt from any participating restaurants to the Alton Visitor Center, 200 Piasa St., Alton, will receive a free promotional Restaurant Week glass featuring the historic Piasa Bird playing ball. Offer is valid while supplies last. For more information and menus, go to AltonRestaurantWeek.com.

13 Head to the market this summer for mouth-watering fresh local produce. The cream of the crop in local produce is available at area Farmer s Markets throughout the region. One-of-a-kind Calhoun peaches and sweet corn, lettuce, melons along with native plants and hand-crafted artwork are all available starting in June. Schedule of Farmers Markets Wednesdays Alton Farmers & Artisans Market 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Corner of Landmarks and Henry streets, Alton Begins June 8 Thursdays Wood River Farmers Market 4 p.m. to dusk Madison Avenue, Wood River Begins July 7 Saturdays Alton Farmers & Artisans Market 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Corner of Landmarks and Henry streets, Alton Begins June 4 Peach Festival at Pere Marquette Lodge Aug a.m. to 3 p.m. Pere Marquette Lodge, Grafton The great peach migration takes place every year as local farmers and their families come from all directions to participate in the Annual Peach Festival. There will also be live music, craft and art vendors, wine tasting, restaurant specials, an educational exhibit and historic Lodge tours. VisitAlton.com 12

14 KID CATION July 29 - Aug. 7 It s almost time for the kids to head back to school and you suddenly realize you ve missed quality summer vacation time. No worries, Alton gives you one last chance to make new family memories during our Kid Cation. From July 29 through Aug. 7, take advantage of great deals at local hotels, water parks and river cruises. Each day, we will be offering special programs and fun for the entire family. Kid Cation Events Pirate Cruises Aboard the Hakuna Matata July 30 & 31 and Aug. 6 & 7 Grafton Harbor Let the kids become Mississippi River pirates during a cruise on the 49-passenger river boat. These hour long cruises are a great way to see the river and entertain the kids. Discounted tickets available for children. Alton Little Theater: Fame Summer Youth Musical July 29, 30, 31 Alton Little Theater Watch local youths take the stage to perform the widely acclaimed musical: Fame! For tickets, contact Alton Little Theater. Archeology for Families July 30 Center for American Archeology One-day archaeological experiences for families. Minimum enrollment of 1 adult and 1 child (7+). Frozen at the Tower Aug. 6 Lewis & Clark Confluence Tower Cool off from the summer heat with Disney s Frozen Princesses. Anna and Elsa will be on the two upper levels of the Tower for a meet and greet event and photos with their fans. Plus, take home a free balloon souvenir of the event from Jay The Balloon Dude. 13 All Around Alton

15 Raging Rivers Splash Special July 29 Aug. 7 Raging Rivers Water Park Buy one adult ticket and receive a free child s ticket. Tickets are available at Raging Rivers and the Alton Visitor Center. Eagle Meet & Greet Aug. 6 Alton Visitor Center Take a selfie and learn all about the American Bald Eagle during this summer meet and greet session. Free! Amtrak Train Day Journey to the Alton Amtrak Station for a unique look at trains, train safety and scale models of trains. There will be free conductor hats and coloring books for children and cookies for all. Free event Alton Hauntings Kid Ghost Tour July 30 3 p.m. First Unitarian Church, Alton Take a not-so-scary tour of Alton, considered one of the most haunted towns in America, with an expert guide from Alton Hauntings. This ghost and history tour is geared towards children of all ages and their parents and is based on the book Haunted Alton by Troy Taylor. Tickets available at: AltonHauntings.com Kid Cation Deals Make your Kid Cation an overnight adventure. Look at these great lodging deals. Atrium Hotel & Conference Center: Kid Cation Pizza Package Overnight Package Use promo code: KIDCATION at AtriumHotel.net Pere Marquette Lodge Hiker s Delight Package Please call (618) to make your reservations. The Whole Scoop, Grafton Mississippi Mud Pie kid size Enjoy a vanilla soft serve ice cream caked in hot fudge, crushed oreos and gummy worms. $2 plus tax Find more events, activities & deals at VisitAlton.com/Kidcation VisitAlton.com 14

16 the Great Rivers go to VisitAlton.com Search for Alton Eagle Watcher more rare finds app along the Meeting of infor your smartphone store. fashioned junk! tools, candles, furniture and good oldvisitalton.com/eagleapp GraftonLoadingDock.com Where should you go to find the eagles? (618) We have an app for that! Download the 27 you 28 Eagle Watching mobile appaug. to guide May to the 28 Eagle Watching Hot Sept. Spots24 and June Oct.have 22 -been 23 find out exactly where eagles July sighted with our add an eagle sighting feature. Find the best deals so you can You won t want to miss this fabulous flea spend the night along the Meeting of the market on the river! Over 50 dealers with Great Rivers! all types of goods, antiques glassware, Riverside Flea Market 2016 Summer Schedule Pinterest.com/VisitAlton Photo Credits: Mark Meyer, Michael Weaver, Keith Wedoe, John Metcalfe, Gene Kunz 5/16 35M Disclaimer: The CVB has made every effort to verify the information related to seasonal attractions and events noted in this guide. Please note that some information may have changed since this brochure was published. Check VisitAlton. com for complete attraction and event information. Insta facebook.com/visitalton 200 Piasa St. I Alton, IL I (800) VisitAlton.com I GreatRiversByway.com Meeting of the Great Rivers National Scenic Byway Alton Regional Convention & Visitors Bureau