History and Culture | Discover Downstate Illinois

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.

Ainad Shriners of Southern Illinois

East St. Louis, Illinois
The Ainad Temple, established in 1912, received its official charter in 1913. Today, it is the largest of 5 Masonic...more!

Berger-Kiel Log House

Mascoutah, Illinois
Get a glimpse into local life in the 1800's viewing the log house, the Anstedt barn and period garden. Call to ...more!

Cathedral of St. Peter

Belleville, Illinois
Founded in 1842 at a location east of the present structure, and named after Saint Barnabas the Apostle; rede...more!

Emma Kunz House

Belleville, Illinois
Considered to be the oldest Greek Revival-style home in Illinois, the house contains antiques and memorabilia from ...more!

Freedom Rock

Shiloh, Illinois
Shiloh, Illinois welcomes a stop on the 50 State Freedom Rock Tour. Created by artist Ray "Bubba" Sore...more!

Gateway Classic Cars & Museum

O'Fallon, Illinois
See everything from Model T's to Muscle cars and shop the Antique Mall for classic car models and memorabilia. ...more!

Holy Family Log Church

Cahokia, Illinois
Holy Family Church, established in 1699, proudly holds the title of the oldest Catholic Church west of the Alleghen...more!

House of Miles EStl

East St. Louis, Illinois
The mission of the House of Miles Leadership is to nurture, empower and embrace the talents of upcoming generations...more!

Labor & Industry Museum

Belleville, Illinois
The Labor & Industry Museum is the only public institution devoted to the history of the labor and industry of ...more!

Marissa Academy Museum and Coal Miners Monument

Marissa, Western
Memorabilia celebrating the city's growth from a coal-mining town to the present make this an interesting stop....more!

Martin-Boismenue House

Cahokia, Illinois
Built in the 1790's in the French vertical-log style, this is the oldest known residence in Illinois. By appoin...more!

Mascoutah Historical Society & Heritage Museum

Mascoutah, Illinois
The Mascoutah Heritage Museum is a non-profit museum that is owned and operated by the Mascoutah Historical Society...more!

The Mermaid House

Lebanon, Illinois
Visit The Mermaid House Hotel for a taste of local and U.S. history during your Downstate Illinois adventure. Named...more!

Metro East Pride of Southwestern Illinois

Belleville, Illinois
Metro East Pride promotes unity, viability and self-esteem among lesbians, gay men, bisexuals and transgender perso...more!

Midcentury Modern Architecture Museum

Belleville, Illinois
In November 2015 the Belleville Historical Society purchased the Terry and Thelma Blazier House at 8501 West M...more!

New Athens Historical Society Museum

New Athens, Illinois
Experience the history of an early settlement named Athens, which later became the Village of New Athens in about 1...more!

O'Fallon Historical Society Museum & Archives

O'Fallon, Illinois
Exhibits and research library focusing on O'Fallon area history including native sons, Oscar-winning actor Will...more!

O'Fallon Veterans' Monument

O'Fallon, Illinois
Visit the beautiful 15 pillar star-shaped monument. Lovely during the day and especially moving when illuminated at...more!

Old Cahokia Courthouse

Cahokia, Illinois
Old Cahokia Courthouse log cabin, is considered one of the oldest Illinois houses. Teachers in Illinois sc...more!

Scheve Park

Mascoutah, Illinois
The old train depot, a full-size caboose and a train car along with pavilions and ag building can be reserved for g...more!

Scott Field Heritage Air Park

O'Fallon, Illinois
See the workhorse of the Air Mobility Command, the C-141 Starlifter, and the KC-135 Stratotanker at Scott Field Her...more!

Sculptures in the City

Belleville, Illinois
In 2007, ART on the SQUARE launched the Sculpture in the City program, adding over 50 permanent sculptures to Belle...more!

September 11 Memorial Walkway of Southern Illinois

Belleville, Illinois
Come experience a powerful and moving tribute to 9/11, featuring a 35.25 ft. long steel column, weighing 7,100 lbs....more!

St. Clair County Historical Society Museum

Belleville, Illinois
A Victorian adaptation of a Greek Revival home built in the early 1800s, the museum has furniture, vintage clothing...more!

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