Alton, Illinois…. You ask, where is that?
Great question! Alton is a place I’d never heard of before a few year ago, despite the historical significance. Alton is one of those hidden treasures, especially for history enthusiasts and outdoor enthusiasts.
Alton was on my list when I planned Ben and my Great Illinois Road Trip.
Ben is an active child. He is also a history buff!
We set off to Alton, prepared for anything we might find …. Wow!
Alton is a wonderful place!
In no particular order, here’s why.
Alton, IL: 10 reasons to visit
1. Civil War History
Monuments and parks in Alton tell the story about America’s Civil War. Alton is a city that preserves its history. From the prison walls where confederate prisoners were housed to the monument of the Confederacy on the other side of town. Although Illinois was once a Union State the city is located just across the Mississippi River in Confederate Missouri. Alton’s story is a jumble, with the good, bad, and ugly.
2. Abraham Lincoln, President of the United States History
Illinois prides itself on being the “Land of Lincoln”. Alton is second to Springfield in terms of Lincoln’s history.
This interactive map allows you to take a tour on your own.
We visited Alton and saw several places where Lincoln’s impact was evident, including the Lincoln-Douglas Debate of 1858.
3. Mrs. Ledbetter’s Chocolate Pie
My Just Deserts offers delicious, homemade food.
From Wednesday to Friday from 11-3, the restaurant also serves lunch. The restaurant is closed Monday and Tuesday.
Was it good or not? Definitely! The service was excellent, despite the 20-minute wait for a seat. The portions were large. Everything was delicious!
The restaurant also gave me a recipe for their most famous Chocolate pie.