20 Attractions to Explore Near 1820 Colonel Benjamin Stephenson House

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 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 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 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.

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.

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.

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.

Edward "Ted" and Pat Jones-Confluence Point State Park is a hidden gem located in St. Charles County, Missouri, that is often overlooked by tourists. The park sits at the confluence of the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers, offering visitors stunning views and abundant recreational activities.Visitors to the park can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, picnicking, and birdwatching, all while taking in the breathtaking views of the river.

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.

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.

Horseshoe Lake is a 287-acre lake with numerous recreational activities. It is a manmade impoundment created for flood control purposes and is managed by the U.S. Army Corps. Fishing, camping, swimming, and boating are all popular activities enjoyed on or around Horseshoe Lake as it boasts a bounty of bass, bluegill, sunfish, and catfish lurking throughout its waters. While enjoying these activities visitors can also take advantage of trails near the lake providing scenic views.

Columbia Bottom Conservation Area is a natural wonderland situated in St. Louis County, Missouri, spanning over 4,318 acres of diversified landscape. The area was formerly used for farming and was later purchased by the Missouri Department of Conservation in 1996, with the aim of preserving the unique natural habitats and diverse wildlife.The conservation area is a haven for nature enthusiasts, boasting a blend of natural features, including forests, wetlands, and prairies.

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.

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.

The Old Chain of Rocks Bridge is an incredible feat of 1930s engineering. Built as part of Route 66, this bridge spans the mighty Mississippi River and provides a unique glimpse into the past. The breathtaking view has attracted visitors for decades, and its historical value gives the bridge extra significance. Hikers and cyclists alike traverse the 1.6 mile wooden suspension bridge, taking advantage of some of nature’s most incredible scenery.

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.

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.