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History & Culture

History & Culture

Downstate Illinois Historical Sites

Downstate Illinois was made for road trips! There is no shortage of historic sites in our region, and we know that history buffs are always on the lookout for places that they haven’t explored yet. With the help of our road trip itineraries, you can discover all that our 21 counties have to offer — from family fun to outdoor adventures and shopping sprees. 

Bellefontaine House

 Waterloo, Illinois
Originally the home of Captain James Moore, the Bellefontaine House was the first American settlement in the State ...more!

Eagle Cliff Miles Cemetery

 Waterloo, Illinois
The Eagle Cliff Miles Cemetery had its first known burial in 1806. The cemetery overlooks the American Bottoms - a ...more!

History Museum of Monroe County

 Waterloo, Illinois
Anchored by Col. Edd Kueker's extensive collection of Western memorabilia including a stagecoach, wagons, bridles, ...more!

Maeystown Rock Mill Museum

 Maeystown, Illinois
The entire village of Maeystown is on the historic register with much of the village history preserved in the museu...more!

Miller-Fiege Home

 Columbia, IL
In 1850, Peter Wilheim Miller constructed this vernacular German cottage. It was his home adjacent to his blacksmit...more!

Monroe County History Museum

 Waterloo, IL
The History Museum of Monroe County in Waterloo offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience history through ...more!

Peterstown House

 Waterloo, Illinois
Built in 1830, this is the only stagecoach stop still intact along the 60 mile Kaskaskia- Cahokia Trail. Saturday a...more!

Rex Museum of Monroe County

 Waterloo, Illinois
A Lionel train set shares space with British toy soldiers, crystal, porcelain, period furniture, antiques and colle...more!

Sand Bank School

 Columbia, IL
Sand Bank School in Columbia Illinois has a history dating back to 1816 and possibly earlier....more!

Downstate Illinois Events

Downstate Illinois Events

Explore Our Event Calendar
Whether you’re looking for a festival, marathon or something family-friendly to bring the kids to, Downstate Illinois has something for everyone. The region hosts over 900 events each year, and we pride ourselves on providing the most accurate event information so that you don’t miss a thing.
Travel Ideas

Travel Ideas

Check Out Our Blog
From outdoor recreation and adventure to foodies and family fun, we have the trip ideas to plan the perfect vacation.
Road Trip Itineraries

Road Trip Itineraries

21 Counties made for Road Trips
Downstate Illinois was made for road trips! With the help of our road trip itineraries, you can discover all that our 21 counties have to offer — from family fun to outdoor adventures and shopping sprees. 
Check out our calendar of events!
SICW Wrestling Belle-Clair Exposition Center

SICW Wrestling Belle-Clair Exposition Center

 January 10, 2025 @ 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Belle-Clair Fairgrounds | Belleville, IL
New Genesis Wrestling presents: Endless Winter

New Genesis Wrestling presents: Endless Winter

January 18, 2025 @ 9:30 PM - 7:00 PM
Leu Civic Center | Mascoutah, IL
Belleville Flea Market

Belleville Flea Market

 January 18, 2025 - January 19, 2025 @ 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Belle-Clair Fairgrounds & Expo Center | Belleville, IL

View Entire Events Calendar

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