20 Attractions to Explore Near Silver Lake

Horner Park offers residents and visitors alike a wide variety of activities for all ages. The sprawling greenspace serves as the perfect spot for picnics, strolls, hikes, sports games, and fishing. During the summer months, visitors can cool off in the two Olympic sized pools. There are ample opportunities to enjoy nature with trails winding through woodlands that host unique flora and fauna. Year-round guests can take part in organized youth sports leagues, rent boats and kayaks.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

Mounds Mall is a defunct enclosed shopping mall located in the city of Anderson, Indiana, United States. Opened in stages between 1964 and 1965, it was the first enclosed mall developed by Melvin Simon & Associates, now known as Simon Property Group.

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.

The World's Largest Catsup Bottle is a roadside attraction that many people flock to when they visit Madison County. Standing at an impressive 170-feet tall and capable of storing up to 100,000 gallons of catsup at once, this iconic structures has become the symbol for the city and serves as a tribute to the area's rich agricultural history. It was originally constructed in 1949 by Edward Lowe, then owner of nearby Brooks Catsup, though it has undergone numerous modifications since then.

Henry's Rabbit Ranch offers an enjoyable and unique experience for animal lovers of all ages. The ranch provides visitors with the opportunity to learn about and interact with a variety of animals, including rabbits, chickens, goats, pigs and horses. Visitors can book guided tours that include feeding the animals, exploring the grounds and getting up close with some of the ranch's more exotic residents. The ranch also offers hayrides throughout its 75 acres of land.

St. Clair Square is the regional shopping hub located conveniently off of Interstate 64, this shopping destination has something for everyone! Featuring more than 130 shops and eateries, it provides an ideal location for both retail aficionados and casual shoppers alike. From fashion, beauty, home goods and more, you're sure to find what you need at St. Clair Square. For those looking for a bite to eat after a long day of shopping, there are plenty of dining options.

The Catholic Diocese of Belleville, was established in the late 1850s and currently features 75 schools. It is responsible for providing spiritual guidance and support to over 200,000 members from 25 counties in Southwestern Illinois. The diocese also offers several ministries, including youth ministry and Faith formation as well as social service programs such as its annual Christmas night of giving. Furthermore, the diocese also lends aid to high schools in Belleville.

Built in 1973, Carlyle Dam is a 5,170-foot earthen dam on the Kaskaskia River in Clinton county, Illinois. It is one of the largest manmade lakes in the United States and is recognised as an excellent fishing spot. The lake formed by the reservoir has a surface area of 25,000 acres, making it ideal for outdoor recreation and wildlife habitat. Utilising the dam's hydroelectric power plant, Carlyle Lake Power Plant provides electric power to several cities in Illinois as well as Missouri.

Carlyle Lake, is an excellent place to explore the outdoors. It provides numerous recreational opportunities such as fishing, swimming and boating. Visitors can also challenge their skills on the multi-use trails in the area while enjoying the breathtaking views of nature and learning more about the rich cultural history of the area. With a variety of campsites nearby, it is easy to spend a night or two at Carlyle Lake and its abundance of activities make it a perfect destination for families.

The General Dean Bridge is a single lane bridge that has become a local landmark. Constructed in 1901 and spanning over 320 feet in length, this bridge stands as one of the oldest extant bridges in the region. The structure was created with pin-connected Pratt through truss design, which enabled pedestrians to simply walk into the middle of the river without any risk of falling. Today, it is hailed as an iconic symbol of both past and present.

This is a landmark that celebrates art in the local community. The center organizes exhibitions from both international and local artists, aiming to promote a collaborative atmosphere of creativity. Established in 2003, this institution has been a cornerstone for artistic education as well as providing interactive activities for families. The galleries offer free admission, making it easily accessible to anyone who wants to explore the vast array of artwork presented with each new show.

The Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site in Saint Louis City is a fascinating archaeological site that dates back to the pre-Columbian era. Covering over 2,200 acres, it contains the remains of a vast city that was once home to an ancient indigenous civilization. With its towering earthen mounds, complex ceremonial structures, and intricate artifacts, the site offers a glimpse into a civilization that flourished between 800 to 1400 CE.

Monks Mound, is a massive earthwork structure built by the ancient Mississippian culture around 1050-1150CE. It stands almost ten stories tall and covers 14 acres with four terraces consisting of millions of basketloads of soil. Archaeologists have identified the top terrace as a flat platform likely used for ceremonial gatherings due to evidence of postholes and paved walkways. Monks Mound has been well preserved with minimal damage since it was first constructed.

Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site is one of the most important archaeological sites in North America. it stands as a testament to the sophisticated civilization that once thrived more than 1,000 years ago. Spanning two and a half square miles, it was the largest pre-Columbian community north of Mexico, boasting an estimated residential population of 20,000 people who engaged in maize cultivation and long distance trade networks.

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.