Alton Is A Small Town In Illinois That Has Much To Explore

Renowned jazz instrumentalist Miles Davis was born in the small town of Alton, Illinois, and went on to create a legendary musical career. This little town has a lot of history to it as well as many attractions that make it a wonderful destination to explore.

Alton had an industrial boom decades ago, and many of the remnants still exist alongside more recent beauty and charm.

artistmac/Flickr

In 2015, the city unveiled a statue to commemorate the legacy of Miles Davis. You can see it standing on West Third Street.

milesdavis.com

Every year, the memory of Miles Davis is honored at the Miles Davis Jazz Festival, where jazz greats gather to play his music, keeping it alive for people of all ages to enjoy and hopefully discover anew.

Miles Davis Jazz Festival, Alton IL/Facebook

Many of the old brick buildings bring a sense of nostalgia and history for locals, like the building that once housed the Wedge Bank. More recent businesses now occupy this space, yet the shape and details of this building remain intriguing.

Bryan Hadley

Alton was also home to the world’s tallest man, Robert Ludlow, who is commemorated by this statue. Most tall men only stand as high as his elbow.

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The National Great Rivers Museum shares the natural and local history of the Mississippi, Missouri, and Illinois rivers that surround the town of Alton. You can learn about how the lock and dam system works, and there are several daily tours.

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The Gordon F. Moore Community Park has beautiful flower gardens all around with a lovely fountain to admire. There are shaded benches, a gazebo, statues, and all kinds of natural beauty throughout this park.

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The Lucy Haskell Playhouse was built in the Queen Anne style for Lucy J. Haskell, the five-year-old daughter of William and Florence Haskell. Four short years later, Lucy passed due to diphtheria. The family donated this playhouse and their estate to the City of Alton in her memory to be used for recreational and educational purposes.

Michael Cummings/Google Maps

Make sure to stop by the Jacoby Arts Center. Once a furniture store, the building’s rustic exterior hides an exquisite interior with the works of local artists on display. One quite charming exhibit is of art done by young local students whose insights about art are shared next to their artistry.

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While you’re exploring Illinois, you’ll also love to visit these 10 picturesque small towns with their own charm and beauty. There are also quite a few kid-friendly attractions in the state. What are your favorite places in Illinois to visit? Let us know in the comments!