Skip to content
visitorfun
BusinessesGrow
SightseeingLocal GemHistory BuffFree

Downstate Illinois

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

Good to know

General sightseeing guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • The forecast is part of the ticket

    Haze, low cloud, and rain flatten a view. Clear-day visits are worth rearranging your plans for.

  • Golden hour sells out first

    Sunset slots at observation decks and cruises are the first to go, so book those further ahead.

  • Dress a layer warmer

    It is always breezier up high and out on the water than it feels at street level.

  • Timed entry is common

    Plenty of landmarks release tickets in windows rather than at the door, so check before you walk over.

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.

  • 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

  • Sightseeing
    History Buff

    St. Louis Central Library

    Free

    Beaux-Arts landmark library in downtown St. Louis, free to explore inside and out.

    13 mi awayMore like this

  • Sightseeing
    Local Gem

    Cherokee Street

    Free

    Historic antique and arts district on St. Louis's south side, home to Cherokee Street Antique Row.

    14 mi awayMore like this