A very good interpretation/museum for this amazing lock and dam. Wander through the aisles there,…read morethen sign up for a tour of the lock and dam. The structure will blow your mind. Huge and what a feat of engineering. We were lucky to be able to watch a barge go through the lock. What a sight! An awesome ranger provided so much information and explanation of the one of 29 "steps" for boats/ barges on this 600mile portion of the Mississippi River. Fascinating!

For a 'National' museum, this one had very few exhibits. We did enjoy the small display of local…read moreanimals. The museum was free though, so I guess I shouldn't have expected much. They have a 'no-bag' policy, but not everyone is asked to follow it. My husband had to hobble back out to the vehicle to take his small man bag back while two ladies walked around inside with a visible fanny pack and small purse.

On the former Shurtleff College campus is the Alton Museum, which is in one of Alton's oldest…read morebuildings (185+ years old!). This is the place if you would like to know some of the history of Alton, Illinois. The museum covers Robert Wadlow, Elijah Lovejoy and notable black Americans that are from Alton. There is also a room devoted to how transportation played an important part in the city, by river and rail. Several historic items are found here, including Robert Wadlow's shoe and 3rd-grade desk. You'll also learn about the Underground Railroad as it was part of Alton. Lots of historical tidbits await the visitor. Did you know Alton is known to be where the first Civil War battle happened, and where it ended? It started with the battle over Lovejoy's printing press to Lyman Trumbell's (was a resident of Alton) co-authoring of the U.S. 13th Amendment. As much as I hate to say it, there probably won't be some people who aren't from the Metro East area who don't know much about Alton that would be interested in visiting. Do some research on Elijah Lovejoy (that is, if you didn't learn about him in school. He is a very important historical figure.) Also, if you know a lot about the streets and old buildings in downtown Alton, it would probably be a much cooler visit. I for one, didn't know much about the streets so I was a bit lost! There is usually a volunteer that will happily give you the tour. Mine was Brian (sp?) and he was very enthused about the history, and he told a few obscure stories related to Alton. It is only $5 admission for adults, and you get a discount if you are a veteran. Park in the back behind the museum and library. And as always, check the hours.

We stopped here while visiting my hometown to share local history with my wife. The museum captures…read moreAlton's rich history which ties into many significant people and events. The hosts of the museum are extremely knowledgeable about all of the displays and history of Alton. I learned so much about the history of my own hometown just visiting here for an hour! Admission is 1/2 off to military veterans.

This museum was awesome! I wasn't expecting much from this small home, but I was more than…read moreimpressed. I have never been to a museum that uses the home like it was used in its hay-day. The kitchen was remodeled in the late 1800's so they rebuilt a detached replica of the original kitchen which was the very neat. They tour guide let us touch all the utensils, cookware, and tools while she explained how they would have been used. Inside, they tore the building down to the bricks and rebuilt it exactly as it was in 1820. If you have a couple hours to explore while in Edwardsville, stop for a tour....you will be impressed.

From the owner: We are a hands-on history museum that offers a fun and unique view of life in 1820 Illinois. A…read morevariety of special events and activities are offered throughout the year as well as guided tours of the site.

If you like planes and you like history, this is the place for you. Learn about Boeing's products,…read moresee the history, and enjoy fun facts. Did you know Marilyn Monroe was a Boeing employee?

VERY VERY COOL.... this is an amazing way to visit a cool Air & Space History Exhibit…read more Please look at their website for more in depth info... group tours, etc. The Prologue Room is open for self-guided tours to the general public (individuals, small groups, etc.) only during the summer months: June, July and August, 9:00 a.m. -- 4:00 p.m., Monday -- Friday Free admission. Free parking. Cameras are permitted. The facility is wheelchair accessible. The Prologue Room is located in Building 100 at the corner of McDonnell Boulevard and Airport Road, adjacent to Lambert-St. Louis International airport. DIRECTIONS From HWY 70: Exit Hwy 170 North, exit Airport Road; turn left onto Airport Road. Turn right at third signal light into Main Entrance. The Prologue Room is in Bldg 100. From HWY 270: Exit Hwy 170 South; exit Airport Road; turn right onto Airport Road. Turn right at second signal light into Main Entrance. The Prologue Room is in Bldg 100. From Lindbergh Blvd: Turn east on McDonnell Blvd; turn left onto Airport Road. Turn left at first signal light into Main Entrance. The Prologue Room is in Bldg 100.

This place was so fun! Even though we were there for at least two hours with one year olds, I would…read moresay we went through half of what they had. I am itching to go back already, it is well-worth the price ($18 for both my child and I). There is a lot of outdoor activities, so I would go on a nice day, but there's plenty to do inside as well if you need a rainy-day activity. So many fun activities for children, from a racing car track to a large outdoor xylophone, a "tree house" and fun little pretend areas, such as a hospital (the nursery, of course) pizza parlor, a market stand with fake food. Outside has a lot of fun things for Littles to climb on and explore. We will definitely be back!

Sooo many thing to see and do! Had to leave but will come back to do more activities.read more

What a delightful bed and breakfast mansion complete with host in a tuxedo and amazing history! I…read morefelt right at home and absolutely loved my amazing suite complete with chandeliers in the bedroom and spa bathroom. The bed is soooo comfortable, the fireplace homey and takes any chill off on a rainy night. The jacuzzi helped ease my muscles after a long drive. I was a short drive from bakeries, restaurants and St, Louis.

We LOVE the Beall. We got married there in 2017. We've been back several times for anniversaries &…read morefor a weekend getaway. Every stay we've had was amazing. Jim & Sandy are the BEST hosts. The beds are SO comfortable, so many pillows to choose from you'll find the perfect one. Attention to details far surpassed my expectations - everything has a added touch, from the turn down service to the plush robes and bath salts Sandy makes - you won't regret choosing the Beall. The jacuzzi tub in the Senator Beall room is huge. We love little bed & breakfasts, and this is by far the best one we've been to.