Madison County - 30 Attractions You Must Visit

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 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 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.

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.

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 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.

Wilson Park is a nature-lover's paradise. Spanning over 200 acres of pristine woodland and expansive prairies, the park offers numerous activities to partake in including walking, hiking, biking, and fishing. The park is home to a variety of wonderful wildlife, plants, and wildflowers that can be seen while exploring the land. You can also take advantage of their camping facilities or simply come out for the day and enjoy an outdoor picnic with friends and family while taking in the fresh air.

Woodhenge is an ancient Native American ritual and gathering place in Madison County. The site is believed to have been constructed around 1050 CE and has since become an important landmark associated with Native American culture. Many archaeologists believe that the structure of Woodhenge was used as a type of astronomical calendar, as well as for religious ceremonies. It is composed of four circles, each made up of large stones placed upright into the ground.

World Wide Technology Raceway is a premier motor sports complex. Located just 25 miles east of St. Louis, it has long been a favorite destination for racers and spectators alike. The track features a three-quarter-mile tri-oval dirt track for stock car racing and a half mile drag strip for speed events. With 14,000 grandstand seating, the Raceway is capable of hosting numerous fans from all over the Midwest region.

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.