Alton is a city on the Mississippi River in Madison County, Illinois, United States, about 15 miles north of St. Louis, Missouri. Located along the Meeting of the Great Rivers National Scenic Byway, named one of the Seven Wonders of Illinois, the Greater Alton area has five wineries, fifty antique shops, fifteen bed and breakfasts and guest houses, nine golf courses, Alton Marina, Alton Square Mall, boating, parasailing, hiking, biking, historic sites, fine dining, and more.
Many visitors come to explore the natural beauty of the area. A designated bikeway extends for miles north of town along the Mississippi River; its relatively flat grade makes it an easy ride for families. During the migration seasons, Alton is a destination for birdwatchers along the Mississippi Flyway; winter visitors come to see the many bald eagles that roost on the Illinois limestone bluffs. It is the area of the Meeting of the Great Rivers National Scenic Byway. Père Marquette State Park, with a WPA-era lodge, has its attractions, including trails for hikers and riders and horses for hire, a few miles to the north.
Things to See & Do
* Lewis & Clark Trail Site and Museum
* The Beall Mansion Historic Home tour
* Haunted Alton Tours
* Alton Square Mall
* The Robert Wadlow Statue
General information
Cruise Season – May - October
Currency - United States Dollar (USD)
Language - English
Land Area – 43 km²
Population – 30,000 approx
Electricity – 2 perpendicular flat pins USA style or with a round pin below
Time - GMT minus six hours
International Country Telephone Code – 1
Port Location – The Alton marina is located on the Mississippi river.
Travel Links - Alton is within fifteen minutes or less of I-270 and I-255. Illinois Route 3, Illinois Route 140, and Illinois Route 143 run through Alton.
Lambert St. Louis International Airport is only 25 minutes from Alton. St Louis Regional Airport, is located in East Alton.
There are Amtrak station stops at Alton.