Clark Bridge - 4 Things to Know Before Visiting

The village of Alton, is a vibrant city full of beauty and opportunity. This picturesque city by the river offers stunning views of the Mississippi that can be enjoyed by visitors and locals alike. It's home to Lewis & Clark Community College, the many shops and restaurants of State Street, and numerous historic sites - the Daniel Belle Home being just one example. With its vibrant culture, thriving economy, close proximity to larger cities and incredible history.

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 Audubon Center at Riverlands is a premier destination located in St. Charles County, Missouri, that is perfect for bird enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. This center spans over 3,700 acres and features a variety of habitats, including wetlands, prairies, and forests, making it a prime location for birdwatching.The center is a world-class birding destination and has been designated as an Important Bird Area by the Audubon Society.

The Piasa Bird is a legendary dragon-like creature found in stories of the Illiniwek people who lived near modern Madison County. The creature was said to originally inhabit the area near the Mississippi River. According to folklore, it would swoop and attack both man and beast with great ferocity. Later, two Native Americans painted a large image of the Piasa Bird on one of these cliffs with vibrant colors and symbols to commemorate their victory over its evil nature.

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.

McPike Mansion has a story that is as alluring as its beauty. Built in 1869 for Captain Nathaniel McPike by John Warner of St. Louis, it was initially designed to be a three-story home reflecting the contemporary Victorian style of that period. Initially an impressive limestone structure complete with original flooring, solid oak finishes and ornate detailed carvings, the residence has once served as a private family residence and later as an orphanage during the 1930s.