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Downstate Illinois, Swansea, IL
SightseeingLocal GemHistory BuffFree

Downstate Illinois

Downstate Illinois is a sightseeing stop in Swansea, IL, part of the St. Louis guide. Cost: free.

4387 N. Illinois Street, Suite 200 · Swansea, IL

Why you should go…

Discover Downstate Illinois is a convention and visitors bureau that markets tourism across 22 counties and two cities in south central Illinois, an area that includes Waterloo and Monroe County near St. Louis. The organization promotes local history museums and outdoor recreation, including the Monroe County History Museum's exhibit on an 8,000 year old rock shelter. Monroe County alone is home to more than 100 caves. The office is based in Swansea, Illinois.

  • #tourism
  • #region
  • #history
  • #caves
  • #outdoor

What's around here?

The closest stops to Downstate Illinois, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

  • Sightseeing
    Quirky Fun

    World's Largest Catsup Bottle

    Free

    You stand beneath a 1949 water tower shaped like a giant Brooks catsup bottle, a restored roadside landmark beside Route 159.

    8.9 mi awayMore like this

  • Sightseeing
    History Buff

    Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site

    Free

    Climb 100-foot Monks Mound and walk trails among the earthworks of an ancient Mississippian city.

    9.2 mi awayMore like this

  • Tours
    Family Favorite

    Riverboats at the Gateway Arch

    Under $25

    Cruise the mighty Mississippi on a classic paddlewheel replica with the Arch towering overhead. Skyline views guaranteed.

    12 mi awaySwitch it up: Tours

  • Sightseeing
    Iconic

    Gateway Arch National Park

    Under $25

    Ride a tiny tram pod 630 feet up America's tallest monument for sweeping views of the Mississippi and the city skyline.

    12 mi awayMore like this

  • Museums
    Local Gem

    Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

    Free

    The regional Federal Reserve bank's downtown St. Louis headquarters, with public economics exhibits.

    13 mi awaySwitch it up: Museums

  • Tours
    Iconic

    Busch Stadium Tours & Cardinals Hall of Fame Museum

    Under $25

    Walk the warning track, sit in the Cardinals dugout, then dive into 11 World Series titles at the team's Hall of Fame in Ballpark Village.

    13 mi awaySwitch it up: Tours