20 Attractions to Explore Near Henrys Rabbit Ranch

In operation since 1931 it has been providing much needed service to generations of drivers in the area. Originally owned by cousins John "Jack" Soulsby and Robert Soulsby, it was noted for several firsts in the area including the installation of one of the first gasoline pumps as well as boasting the first electric sign advertising a gas station. Today it still provides fuel and services cars with certified mechanics on staff. With its vintage station charm and welcoming atmosphere.

The Mother Jones Monument, is a beautiful memorial dedicated to the life and legacy of Mary Harris Jones. Dedicated in 2003, it serves as a testament to the inspiration she provided to working class people from all around the world during her lifetime. The monument features a prominent bronze sculpture of Mother Jones atop of a granite pedestal which contains an inscription about her impact on workers' rights and labor reform.

New Gillespie Lake, is a lovely lake that offers a variety of outdoor recreational activities. It spans 240 acres and is full of many species of animals including bluegill, catfish and bass. Boaters can enjoy the pontoon boat access on the lake while anglers can take advantage of the open fishing spots or try their luck at night fishing. There are also plenty of shoreline options for relaxing picnics or those looking to observe wildlife.

The Madison County Archival Library, is a trove of historic documents and artifacts. It contains an extensive collection of materials relevant to the U.S. history and culture ranging from photographs to business records to maps. There are also resources available dedicated to researching the county's family histories. The library is open Monday through Friday and boasts esteemed staff members with extensive expertise in archival research as well as computers with access to digital archives.

The Colonel Benjamin Stephenson House is an important piece of history that draws many visitors every year. Constructed in 1820, it was originally built as a one-and-a-half-story brick dwelling with a limestone foundation. The house has been restored to its original appearance and was added to the United States National Register of Historic Places in 1988. Visitors can tour the interior of the house, which includes such 19th century artifacts as furniture pieces, books, paintings and more.

Leclaire Park, is an outdoorsman's paradise. Spanning approximately 800 acres of land and offering a wide range of activities and attractions for visitors, this public park has something for everyone. From camping and hiking trails to a beach on the Mississippi river and picnic facilities situated throughout the park, Leclaire Park provides endless opportunities for outdoor recreation. Boating and fishing are also permitted at certain spots within the park.

Silver Lake Park is a picturesque waterfront park that offers an abundance of outdoor activities for all ages. Visitors can spend the day fishing in the lake, walking along its trails, or simply enjoy a picnic with loved ones. For those more adventurous, RV and tent camping are welcome, as well as swimming and kayaking. No matter what type of recreation you're looking for, Silver Lake Park has something to offer. Spend your day here relaxing by the lakeside or exploring through its woods.

Beaver Dam State Park is a picturesque respite from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. It features many outdoor amenities such as two-wheeler trails, a nine-hole golf course, boat ramps with access to the lake and well-stocked fishing opportunities. Aside from these recreational offerings, visitors can take advantage of camping and cabin facilities to overnight trips more enjoyable. On top of all these offerings, It also has spots available for picnics or grilling with friends.

The Gardens at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is a wonderful place to visit and explore all the grandeur that Madison has to offer. Located in the heart of the campus adjacent to the Student Success Center, this 10-acre oasis features an array of horticultural displays including colorful annuals, herbaceous perennials and ornamental shrubs. It also contains an impressive three-dimensional plant collection that provides spectacular seasonal color and landscapes throughout the year.

Camp Dubois is an amazing historical site, tracing its roots back to 1803. This was the start of the Lewis and Clark expedition's journey west of the Mississippi River. Visiting this site gives visitors a unique glimpse into American History at its most formative. The original Camp Dubois consisted of a 126-acre plot of land and included two cabins, several out-buildings, piles of saltpeter and kegs of gunpowder - all left by Lewis and his men as they headed westward.

Anderson Mansion Museum, features a unique collection of items that have been painstakingly collected and researched over many decades. From furniture and pictures to an expansive collection of antiques, Anderson Mansion Museum provides an enlightening glimpse into times long past. Paired with a stellar archival library and knowledgeable staff, the museum offers what many consider to be one of the best preservations of history in all of northern Illinois.

The Glen Carbon Heritage Museum is the perfect place for locals and visitors alike to explore the area's rich history. Located in a restored 19th century building, the museum offers many fascinating exhibits including artifacts from Native American settlements, Civil War battle sites, and the region's industrial era. Visitors can get an intimate look at how people lived, worked, and played by seeing everyday items such as tools and clothing.

The Robert Wadlow Statue is a tribute to the late Robert Pershing Wadlow, who was celebrated as the tallest man in history. Standing 8ft 11inches tall and weighing 491 lbs., he often attracted crowds of people wherever he went. The statue depicts him standing in a suit holding a violin with one hand, as his long stature is featured on a 12-foot pedestal that brings him to a total height of 20 feet. Dedicated by the Alton Regional Convention and Visitor’s Bureau on June 16th, 1985.

Drost Park, is a one-of-a-kind spot for outdoor adventurers, daytrippers, and even those looking for a peaceful place to relax. Stretching along the southwestern banks of Silver Lake, there is no shortage of amazing things to do in this pristine park. Drost Park has four main trails that offer up incredible views of the lake while providing plenty of opportunities to take a leisurely stroll or an energetic jog. The trails can even be connected to form a unique 2.5 mile long loop around the lake.

Lewis & Clark Confluence Tower perched atop the banks of the Missouri and Mississippi rivers. It stands roughly 80 feet tall, adorned with interactive features to honor the riveting Lewis & Clark Expedition of 1804-06. Visitors can explore mobile and electronic ranger stations offering information about wildlife and flora along the expedition's path. The Mahogany Observation Deck allows for spectacular views of both rivers as well as a small-scale map.

This is the premier destination for anyone interested in exploring and understanding rivers from a scientific point of view. Through interactive exhibits and educational programs, visitors learn about the major river systems that define America’s landscape, as well as their various ecosystems and wildlife habitats. The museum boasts an impressive array of artifacts, photographs, maps, and hands-on activities to further engage visitors in the rich discoveries that lie within nature’s waterways.

The Melvin Price Lock and Dam is a powerhouse of activity. Located on the Mississippi River, it serves as a crucial navigation point for boats traveling along the river. It was built in 1938 with the intention of providing better navigation and reducing flooding in the area during flood season. The area surrounding the locks is one of natural beauty as well, featuring two diversely different habitats: bottomland hardwood forest and sand-bottom marshland.

The Elijah P. Lovejoy Monument, stands as a memorial to Elijah P. Lovejoy and his historic legacy of fighting for the abolition of slavery. The monument is an impressive bronze statue depicting Lovejoy standing with a bible in one hand and a printing press in the other — symbols of his faith and courage from his days as a newspaper editor. An engraving on the back reads "Erected by the citizens of Madison County A.D., 1903, to perpetuate the memory of Rev. Elijah Parish Lovejoy.

The Lewis and Clark historic site, commemorates the starting point of one of America's most iconic expeditions. This is where, in 1804-5, Meriwether Lewis and William Clark began an adventure that would take them to the Pacific Ocean for the first time American-led explorers had attempted such a feat. Camp River Dubois served as the Corps of Discovery's departure point from which they planned their mission and stocked up on supplies.

Lewis and Clark State Memorial Park is located at the county’s southwestern border, visitors to this park can explore approximately 114 acres of pristine natural beauty with majestic oak-hickory woodlands. It is also home to two major attractions – a replica of the portaged birchbark canoe used by Lewis and Clark during their famed expedition to explore the western United States, as well as reenactment programs that recreate life as it was during this period.