2 Area Attractions

• Belleville. New MetroLink line, Victorian district, antiques downtown. Community College a nexus for new light rail-oriented development.
  http://www.villageprofile.com/illinois/belleville/
  
  
• Chester. Popeye statue, historic covered bridge nearby, Governor Menard House, Federal prison. There is lots of history in this river town, which can be reached from the Missouri, as well as Illinois side of the river.
  http://www.chesterill.com/
  
  
• Columbia. Bike riding areas with view of the Arch. Easy access from Missouri across the Jefferson Barracks (JB) bridge.
  http://www.conradol.com/columbia.html
  
  
• Dupo. Falling Springs area. Beautiful natural waterfall and bluffs, with view of the Arch and downtown.
  http://www.epodunk.com/cgi-bin/genInfo.php?locIndex=6081
  
  
• East St. Louis. New MetroLink line, Casino Queen, RV Park, Crown Hotel, Parker Garden B&B, Katherine Dunham Museum, Gateway Geyser. There are lots of examples of "inner city" challenges, but also committed neighborhood groups, civic leaders, and others with confidence about the future. Check out the Neighborhood Techancal Assistance Center.
  http://www.seekon.com/L/US/IL/East_St_Louis/
  
  
• Fort des Chartres and Prairie du Rocher. An important destination in order to understand the arrival of some the earliest European settlers.
  http://www.greatriverroad.com/stegen/randattract/chartres.htm
  
  
• Maeystown. Old German village. In this part of rural Illinois, German was the primary language for many until the middle of the 20th century.
  http://www.conradol.com/maeystow.html
  
  
• Mid-America Airport. Location of a recent decision by the re-born Pan Am for people flying to Gary, Indiana and Portsmouth, New Hampshire.
  http://www.flymidamerica.com/
  
  
• National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows. One of the popular destinations in the region. Offers an RV park, stunning amphitheater, and Christmas light displays.
  http://www.snows.org/
  
  
• Valmeyer. Relocating and rebuilding after the wrath of the floods. See remnants of old town below, and the new town above.
  http://www.conradol.com/valmeyer.html
  
  
• Village of Cahokia. 1600s Church of the Holy Family, early State Capitol. Just south of East St. Louis, this area provides insight into the early settlers.
  http://www.norcom2000.com/users/cahokia/