Coming this summer, the Worldwide Technology Raceway is hosting the Enjoy Illinois 300 Worldwide Technology Raceway NASCAR Cup Series Race from Saturday, June 1st to Sunday, June 2nd. The greater metro St. Louis region made history in 2022 and 2023 by hosting the NASCAR Cup series at WWT Raceway, so it is exciting to have the event brought back so fans can enjoy a fun and thrilling day of NASCAR. 

This Blog goes through suggestions on what else you can do when you leave the race and are looking for something to do, this list is broken down into two days because the race is two days, and these places are around the racetrack, so not a far drive to enjoy some local restaurants, shops, wineries & breweries and outdoor activities here in the metro-east area. 

Day 1 

Cahokia Mounds - Cahokia, IL
First up for our outdoor lovers, Cahokia Mounds remains the most sophisticated prehistoric native civilization north of Mexico and are preserved at Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site. The mounds are within a 2,200 Arce tract and lie the archaeological remnants of the central section of the ancient settlement known today as Cahokia. The grounds are open to the public daily from dawn to dusk so you may walk around the trails, and there is a free museum if you would like to walk around the museum. You can visit the Cahokia Mounds website for information on what to wear, stuff to bring, and how to get there. 

Illinois Caverns - Waterloo, IL 

Open seasonally from April through October, and the site is open Wednesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. There is no admission charge, and all guests are required to complete an application permit before entering the cave. Also, there must be a group of 4 or more, sturdy boots, a hard hat, and a source of light for each person. The Illinois Caverns State Natural Area is a 120–acre preserve owned by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. The cave is nearly three miles long and contains an assortment of cave formations and an underground stream meander, and throughout the year, the cave remains somewhat consistently a cool 58 degrees. 

Gallagher’s Restaurant - Waterloo, IL 

In the historical downtown of Waterloo Illinois, Gallagher Restaurant has dark hardwood floors, exposed brick, sparkling chandeliers, and award-winning food and drink. The menu has a variety of appetizers, including chicken flatbread, local charcuterie, and more. For entrée, Gallaghers offers soup & salad, steak, and much more. Come and experience Gallagher’s Restaurant and enjoy a nice meal. 

Day 2 

First Watch - O’Fallon , IL
Enjoy a yummy brunch at the first watch in O’Fallon with their exceptional ingredients that deliver an experience that will make you feel good and taste even better. Their menu consists of wellness juices, a shot of antioxidants-rich vitamins, iced coffee, brunch cocktails, classic favorites, healthier side, egg-exclusive, power bowls, and much more. 

Circa - Belleville, IL 

Want to do some local shopping? Then Circa is the place for you! Circa is a small business clothing and gift boutique in downtown Belleville, where you can shop for accessories, beauty & bath, home & gift, and much more. You can also order online, and have it shipped to your house if that is more convenient for you. So come and explore circa while supporting a small business.  

The Weingarten Winery and Event Venue - Belleville, IL 

Weingarten in Belleville is a perfect place to gather and hang out with friends on a Friday or Saturday evening, as you can enjoy the Weingarten open-air wine bar and private event space as relaxing music plays. The Weingarten offers a different signature, house, white, red, and sweet wines. A food menu is available for when you're hungry, featuring shared appetizers, salads, wraps, and flatbreads.