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Edwardsville

Edwardsville, Illinois, the state's third-oldest city, was named after Ninian Edwards, the first governor of Illinois Territory appointed in 1809. Originally a small settlement formed around Thomas Kirkpatrick's cabin, it became the county seat in 1812. Known historically as a stagecoach stop on the Goshen Trail and home to Route 66 landmarks, Edwardsville has grown into a vibrant community with a rich foodie scene, annual cultural events, and Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville. It has produced five Illinois governors, reflecting its significant role in state history.

From the Community

AFST

Featured Trip Itineraries

The Best Things To Do In Edwardsville, Illinois

Recommendations

Landmark4.7/5

Edwardsville Township Community Park

Step into Edwardsville Township Community Park and immerse yourself in a world of adventure and relaxation. Nestled in Edwardsville, IL, this vibrant park offers something for everyone. From thrilling playgrounds to picturesque walking trails, and even a splash pad for those hot summer days, this hidden gem is the perfect spot to unwind and create lasting memories. Get ready to unleash your inner child and embrace the joy of play at this extraordinary destination.

Landmark4.8/5

The Watershed Nature Center

Welcome to The Watershed Nature Center in Edwardsville, IL! This vibrant oasis offers a perfect escape for adventurers and nature lovers alike. Discover stunning hiking trails, picturesque lakes, and even catch a glimpse of the resident wildlife. Don't forget your camera - the colorful flora and fauna here make for Instagram-worthy shots! Best part? It's free to explore! Let your wanderlust take flight at The Watershed Nature Center.

Landmark4.5/5

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville

Edwardsville's university campus spreads across wooded open land, with academic buildings, a library and gardens. In the butterfly garden, butterflies land on visitors.

Culture5/5

Edwardsville Arts Center

Edwardsville's arts center pairs gallery exhibitions with classes for adults and kids. A free children's art class runs every Saturday.

Landmark4.8/5

The Gardens at SIUE

Nestled in Edwardsville, The Gardens at SIUE offers a breathtaking blend of diverse plant collections and serene landscapes, making it an ideal spot for nature lovers and a peaceful retreat year-round.

Landmark4.4/5

Bohm Woods Nature Preserve

Nestled in Edwardsville, Bohm Woods Nature Preserve boasts serene trails and diverse wildlife, offering a peaceful escape into nature and a perfect spot for hiking, birdwatching, and enjoying the beauty of Illinois' landscapes.

Landmark4.7/5

St. Louis Street Historic District

Edwardsville's historic district follows St. Louis Street, where Victorian homes line the blocks.

Landmark4.7/5

Leclaire Park

A pond sits at the center of this Edwardsville park, with a wide sidewalk around it. Turtles surface along the shore.

Culture4.9/5

1820 Colonel Benjamin Stephenson House

Edwardsville's 1820 frontier house is furnished for the period, with costumed guides demonstrating candle making and grinding corn.

Eat$$$4.5/5

Global Brew Tap House

Attention beer enthusiasts! Global Brew Tap House in Edwardsville, IL is your hoppy haven on Plum St. With its cozy atmosphere and friendly staff, this traveler's gem offers an impressive selection of craft beers from around the globe. Get ready to embark on a tastebud adventure while enjoying live music and indulging in delicious bar bites. Cheers to good times and great brews at Global Brew Tap House!

Eat$$4.7/5

Dewey's Pizza - Edwardsville

17-inch-pie pizza restaurant with calzones, beer and tangy-sweet sauce.

Eat$$$4.6/5

Cleveland-Heath

Welcome to Cleveland-Heath, where flavor meets fun! Located at 106 N Main St, Edwardsville, IL, this whimsical eatery will satisfy your travel cravings. Explore their exciting menu featuring locally sourced ingredients and imaginative dishes. Indulge in the lively atmosphere, friendly staff, and an impressive selection of craft cocktails. So, grab your taste buds and embark on a mouthwatering adventure at Cleveland-Heath!

Eat$$$4.2/5

Ropers Regal Beagle

Deck-side bar-and-grill with barbecue and pub favorites. A Kansas City Chiefs room gives groups a place to pose for photos.

Eat$$$4.5/5

Bella Milano Edwardsville

Bella Milano in Edwardsville, IL is a must-visit spot for a taste of authentic Italian goodness. This charming restaurant offers a vibrant atmosphere that transports you straight to the cobbled streets of Italy. From delicious wood-fired pizzas to mouthwatering pasta dishes, their menu is a delightful culinary journey. So grab your travel buddy, put on your elastic pants, and come join the flavor-filled fun at Bella Milano!

Eat$$$4.5/5

Bossanova

Bossanova, located at 112 W 3rd St in vibrant Alton, IL, is the ultimate travel pitstop! This funky oasis boasts a playful atmosphere and serves up delicious bites and refreshing sips. From mouthwatering tacos to their famous margaritas, every sip and bite will transport you to a tropical paradise. Don't miss this colorful spot on your Alton adventure!

Cafe$$4.6/5

Goshen Coffee Roasters

Coffee roastery and cafe in Edwardsville with black coffee and pastries.

Stays

Stay4.5/5

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Edwardsville by IHG

Holiday Inn Express and Suites Edwardsville by IHG in Edwardsville offers rooms with air-conditioning, private bathrooms, and free WiFi. Each room includes a work desk, tea and coffee maker, and a sofa bed. Guests can enjoy a fitness centre, indoor swimming pool, and a child-friendly buffet. Additional amenities include a 24-hour front desk, free toiletries, and a seating area. A buffet breakfast is provided each morning, featuring a variety of options to suit all preferences. Located 34 km from the St. Louis Gateway Arch and 31 km from Laclede's Landing, the hotel is also close to the National Great Rivers Museum and Lewis And Clark Confluence Tower. MidAmerica St. Louis Airport is 39 km away.

Stay3.9/5

Comfort Inn Edwardsville - St. Louis

Comfort Inn Edwardsville - St Louis in Edwardsville offers family rooms with air-conditioning, private bathrooms, and free WiFi. Each room includes a work desk, TV, and complimentary toiletries. Guests enjoy an indoor swimming pool with a view, fitness centre, and lounge. Additional amenities include a minimarket, coffee shop, outdoor seating area, and picnic spots. Located 31 km from St. Louis Gateway Arch and 36 km from St. Louis Lambert International Airport, the inn is near attractions such as Laclede's Landing and Old Courthouse. Free on-site private parking is available. Guests appreciate the buffet breakfast, comfortable beds, and the convenient location.

Stay4.2/5

Alton-St. Louis Area Hotel

This Alton hotel has rooms, a breakfast area and an on-site Mexican restaurant.

Stay3.9/5

Hampton Inn & Suites St. Louis-Edwardsville

Welcome to the Hampton Inn & Suites St. Louis-Edwardsville! Located at 5723 Heritage Crossing Drive, Glen Carbon, IL, our hotel is the perfect base for exploring the wonders of St. Louis. Enjoy comfy rooms, a refreshing pool, and a delicious free breakfast. With friendly staff and easy access to attractions, we promise a stay that's as delightful as a day at the amusement park!

Things To Do
Provided by

5/5

Private Tour of St. Louis's Iconic BBQ Joints & Breweries

St. Louis is one of America's great beer and BBQ cities, and this private tour takes you straight to the heart of both. Your guide Wayne drives you to a hand-picked lineup of the city's best smokehouses and breweries, from nationally acclaimed spots like Side Project Brewing to the legendary Anheuser-Busch Biergarten. Each stop is chosen for what it does best, whether that's a perfect rack of ribs, a small-batch sour, or an American Lager in a beer hall with 170 years of history. Between stops, Wayne fills in the story of how German immigrants turned St. Louis into the beer capital of America, why the city's BBQ style is its own thing, and where the locals actually eat everyday. Food and drinks are purchased by your group at each stop, so you choose exactly what you want. ***Larger private group tours (up to 55 guests) are available. Please contact us for options, pricing, and availability***

$139.00

5/5

Private Day Trip to Missouri Wine Country

We have been providing private hospitality services in the St. Louis region since 2005. We are very knowledgable on the area, attractions, dining, and social scenes. We create personalized experiences based on guest input and host expertise. The entire excursion is customizable to the needs of our guests. Get ready for fun, hospitality, and delicious MO wines and craft beers! This experience is perfect for a couples getaway or a group of friends wanting to explore the country's first American Viticultural Area.

$495.00

4.8/5

Private Tour of The Hill, The "Little Italy" of Saint Louis

Explore The Hill, St. Louis's legendary "Little Italy", on a private walking tour through one of the most authentic Italian-American neighborhoods in the US. Your guide Wayne takes you on a journey of the mom-and-pop shops, bakeries, delis, and restaurants that have made The Hill a food destination for over a century. You will share signature tastings at multiple stops. Think Toasted Ravioli, St. Louis-style pizza, and Gioia's Deli's famous hot salami subs. Between bites, you'll walk the neighborhood streets and hear the stories of the immigrant families who built The Hill and kept it thriving for generations — from the Italian flag fire hydrants to the bocce courts to the homes that produced baseball legends like Yogi Berra and Joe Garagiola. This is The Hill the way locals experience it — not from a bus window. Shared food tastings are included at multiple stops. Individual drinks and gelato are available for purchase also. Benvenuto in Collina! (Welcome to The Hill)

$175.00

8760 h

Funfull FunPass St. Louis

Unlock a year of unlimited fun with Funfull’s St. Louis FunPass! This isn’t just a discount it’s your family’s ticket to adventure all year long. With one low price, you’ll enjoy daily visits to dozens of the best local attractions, including Altitude Trampoline Park, Edwardsville Children's Museum, bowling alleys, zoos, play centers, arcades, and so much more. And to make it even better, every FunPass comes with one free movie ticket each month, redeemable at Regal Cinemas or Cinemark an extra $150+ value over the year! Traveling? Your FunPass goes with you. Your membership isn’t limited to St. Louis. As Funfull rapidly expands across the United States, your pass is accepted at thousands of partner locations nationwide. That means whether you’re at home or on vacation, you’ll always have access to family fun without paying extra.