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Community •
November 23, 2022
Things To Do In Granite City
When people think of Granite City, they most likely think of a steel town, and rightfully so. But there is so much more going on in this traditionally rich community. From Bald Eagle viewing to the 2nd largest fireworks display in the St. Louis area, there are a variety of friendly attractions in the Granite City area zip code, as well as in the nearby cities within 30 miles like Edwardsville, Collinsville, Belleville, and St. Louis. Below is a sample outline of things you can do in Granite City at suitable venues. So grab a friend or fly solo and have some fun.
Things to Do in Granite City
Of course, if you want to Shop Granite City Real Estate, you can do that here with Dana Ficker at Coldwell Banker Brown Realtors®.
Things to Do for Free
- Bald Eagle viewing: Old Chain of Rocks Bridge.
- Melting Pot Market: An open-air market with vendors, live music, and great food.
- Movies Under the Stars is a movie series shown at Wilson Park.
- Grab a lawn chair and enjoy a Big Band Concert at Wilson Park in the Centennial Pavilion on various Thursday nights throughout the summer, beginning at 7:30 pm.
- Historic Route 66 Flea Market: Over 130 Vendors open every weekend.
- Attend the many parades throughout the year.
- Civic Park Concert Series. (Blue Grass, Acoustic, Classic Rock, and more.)
- Take your photo with the 3D Route 66 monument located in “The District.”
- Browse the fresh flowers, veggies, food stands, and much more at Sissy’s Farmers Market.
Things to Do on a Date
- Granite City Cinema: State of the art, all digital three screens and 3-D capable. Seating capacity of 500.
- Ice Skating: Twirl around the Granite City Ice Rink while listening to various popular music. A great way to get your cardio exercise.
- Check out The District entertaining zone for concert and art venues.
- Enhance your overall wellness while listening to Jazz Musicians at the Speakeasy.
- Eat, Drink, Play, and Watch Sports at Bindy’s.
- Visit Slurped Daiquiri for a signature iced daiquiri and pair it with their specialty foods.
- Take your sweetheart to the sweetest place in town for a cozy atmosphere and delicious Chocolate Covered Creations.
- Not just a cup of coffee but an oasis away from the norm at Manhattan’s Coffee & Socialhouse.
- Play almost any game you can imagine while sipping a latte at Novel Idea’s Boardgamery.
- Get up on the dance floor and express yourself with the help of Effervescent Studios. Learning to dance can be a fun and romantic way to show affection and enjoy playful movement together. Classes include swing, salsa, rumba, wedding, private, group and more. Don’t forget to check out their special events.
Things to Do When it’s Hot
- Local Swimming Pools: Wilson Park Pool and Paddlers Swim Club.
- Enjoy a cold drink with friends while playing around of golf with the new state-of-the-art simulator at Bindy’s.
- There’s no better remedy than ice cream from Mr. Twist on a hot summer day.
Things to Do for Fitness and Health
- Experience a fun, high-energy workout to upbeat music with Dawson’s Fitness & Boot Camp’s Zumba Class.
- Indulge yourself in a multitude of therapeutic benefits at Bodies Kneaded and relax.
Things to Do in Granite City – Special Events
- Easter Egg Hunt (Wilson Park).
- Carnivals: Elks, St. Elizabeth Parish Picnic, and Holy Family
- Patriots in the Park: 2nd largest fireworks display in the St. Louis area.
- Party at the Beach: Festivities in the past have had national acts of Night Ranger, the Charlie Daniels Band & The Little River Band.
- September Fiesta: Recognition and celebration of the Hispanic culture, hosted by the Mexican Honorary Commission
- Relleke Pumpkin Patch / Fall Festival.
- Pictures with Santa at the Granite City Cinema – pets welcome
- Winter Wonderland Festival – December
- The Mistletoe Market (aka Township Hall)
- Christmas Tree Display Contest
- The Month of Magic & Mayhem in “The District.” -Fall
- Halloween Scavenger Hunt
- Bring your beads, watch 100’s of smiling faces, and eyes lighting up from the colorful floats at the Mardi Gras parade and festivities – “The District”
>>Check out the list: Festivals, Parades, and Special Events | Granite City, Illinois
Things to Do When You are In The Mood To Shop
- Bring home something unique and groovy from Sissy’s Space.
- Find something valuable at Jim’s Pawn & Jewelry. A thrilling experience because you’ll always be surprised by what’s in store!
- Create wonderful memories from the artistry of The August Garden/Revival with Floral, Antiques, and Gifts
- Make a house a home with various accessories from Welcome Home Furnishings, LLC.
- Get geared up for your game at Hibbett Sports.
- Take your play to the next level with the latest gamer gear from GameStop.
- Shop Sissy’s Indoor Farmers Market for fresh produce, fruit, honey, salsa, spices, and sweet treats as well as their unique gift shop that supports local entrepreneurs.
Things to Do Outdoors
- Horseshoe Lake State Park: 2,960 acres for Fishing, Hunting, Camping, and Picnicking
- Tri-City Speedway: 3/8 mile dirt track features automobile racing from midgets to sprints cars. Including the notorious “World of Outlaws.”
444 Logan Dockery takes the B-Modified checkered flagged at Tri-City Speedway
- The Legacy Golf Course is a beautiful 18-hole course with amenities like a pro shop, restaurant, and driving range.
- Arlington Golf Course: A 6,947-yard championship course with a restaurant, pro shop, and driving range.
- Madison County Transit Trails: 130 miles of scenic trails.
- Spend time in a natural outdoor environment at one of the city’s 12 parks:
- Wilson Park – 2900 Benton St. – 74 Acres
- Pickleball, baseball/Softball Diamonds, Trails, Basketball Court, Ice rink, Picnic Shelters, Picnic Tables, Playgrounds, Tennis Courts, Concessions, Swimming Pool, Restrooms, Gazebo, and Prairie/Songbird site.
- Worthen Park – Maryville Rd and Parkview Dr. – 45 Acres
- Baseball/Softball Diamonds, Trails, Dog Park, Football Field, Picnic Shelter, Picnic Tables, Playground Equipment, Concessions, Restrooms, and Soccer Fields.
- Veteran’s Parkway – Veterans Parkway – 20 Acres
- Gazebo
- Loman Park – 2412 Rock Rd. – 11.2 Acres
- Softball Diamonds, Basketball courts, Picnic Shelters, Picnic Tables, Playground Equipment, Concessions, and Restrooms.
- Rode Park – Amos and North St. – 5.5 Acres
- Picnic Shelters, Picnic Tables, and Playground Equipment.
- Frohardt Park – 2040 Johnson Rd. – 4.8 Acres
- Softball fields.
- Tri-City Park – McCambridge Parkway – 3.5 Acres
- Picnic Tables and Playground Equipment.
- Robertson Park – Edwards and Katie – 2 Acres
- Playground Equipment.
- Stearns Park – 2165 Amos – 1.5 Acres
- Volleyball Court, Picnic Shelter, Picnic Tables, and Playground Equipment.
- Triangle Park – Rock Road – 1.5 Acres
- Playground Equipment.
- Civic Park – 20th and Delmar – 1 Acre
- Memorial Park – 21st and Madison Ave. – 1 Acre
- Wilson Park – 2900 Benton St. – 74 Acres
More Things to Do in Granite City
- Visit the Old Six Mile House Museum: On the National Register of Historic Places. Originally built around 1837.
- The Field Sports Complex: Adult & youth soccer leagues, youth soccer training & camps, and many other indoor activities.
- Bring your rally towel and show your support for the local middle schools, Warrior high school players, band members, or cheer team.
Thanks to its location in the Metro East, you can find many other activities and attractions nearby.
Whether you’re in the mood for fine art or a thrill, you’re never far from cool things to do.
You may also like to view: Granite City Eats – showcasing the yummiest local spots, or
maybe: Utility List Serving Granite City Zip Code 62040
Community •
October 31, 2022
Things To Do Near Edwardsville & the St. Louis Metro East Suburbs
No matter your personal preferences, the St. Louis Metro East has plenty to offer. From beautiful scenery to rich historical heritage, there are plenty of fun activities and always something happening for families to enjoy. Things to do while visiting the Metro East do differ among visitors.
Below is a sample outline of things you can do in the Metro East at suitable venues. Check out individual Facebook pages for up-to-date events, schedules, and announcements.
Things to do in the Metro East
Of course, if you want to Shop the Metro East Real Estate, you can do that here with Dana Ficker at Coldwell Banker Brown Realtors Edwardsville.
Things to Do with Kids
- Bowling, laser tag & arcade games at Edison’s Entertainment Complex
- Build happy & curious learners at the Children’s Museum of Edwardsville
- A gym where kids can be kids We Rock the Spectrum Kid’s gym
- Aerial action- dodge, dunk, laugh & jump Altitude Trampoline Park
- Liberty Prairie Farm | Facebook page
- Go Horseback riding: Pere Marquette
- Glide or go fast around the ice rink at Granite City Ice Rink – Wilson Park, R.P Lumber Center recreational complex – Edwardsville, or East Alton Ice Arena – East Alton
- Racing leagues for kids, The Metro St. Louis Quarter Midget Racing Association for youths 5 thru 16 years of age. Tri-City Junior Speedway, Granite City
- Eckert’s Family Farm-Apple, peach & berry picking, special activities, hayrides, garden center, and country store
- Cool down on a hot day at Leon Corlew Splash Pad – Edwardsville
Things to Do for Free
- Take a hike: Pere Marquette
- Get out your binoculars and go Bald Eagle Watching
- Willoughby Heritage Farm, 1940s farming life, with tractors, barns & live animals.
- Enjoy a summer concert at Bobby’s Frozen Custard
- Skate Park: Granite City Wilson Park
- Spend the morning at the Goshen Farmers Market – in downtown Edwardsville
- Discover Monks Mound archaeological site
- Take a tour & see towboats and barges push their way through the Melvin Price Lock & Dam 26. One of the giant locks on the Mississippi River – Alton
- Grab your blanket and see a movie in the park
Things to Do on the Weekend
- Grafton Wineries (Award-winning wines on the bluff with breathtaking views.)
- Pere Marquette State Park (Recreational ideas include: biking, hiking, horseback riding, fishing, hunting, and boating.)
- Stand next to the World’s Tallest Man Statue (Robert Wadlow – Alton’s Gentle Giant)
- Appreciate art from Jacoby Arts Center – Alton
- National Great Rivers Museum – Alton
- Lewis and Clark State Historic Site
- Climb 50, 100, or 150 feet above the Confluence of the Mississippi & Missouri Rivers
- Try your luck at Argosy Casino
- Learn about local Underground Railroad sites on a shuttle tour – Alton
- View Civil War artifacts, 1830s furnishing, and Native Indian collection at the Six-Mile Museum. 158-year-old home located in Granite City.
- Find your flea market treasure at The Loading Docket -Grafton
Things to Do for a Thrill
- Have an outdoor adventure while Rock climbing: Per Marquette
- Hit the Shooting Range
- Blow off some steam by testing your Axe throwing skills: Glen Carbon
- Soar through the river bluffs for a stunning river view; Grafton Zipline at Aeries’ Resort
- Get ready to go fast. Racing excitement at Premier Go-Kart Racing on a custom-built road course inside a NASCAR superspeedway – Gateway Motorsports Park
- Discover the Ghost Walks of Alton
- Sneak into a sniping position at Bing Field Paintball & Airsoft park
Things to Do on a Date
- Check out the Loading Docket for patio dining, live music, a casual atmosphere, and great river views.
- Get pulled into the powerful sound and color of AMC Theatre’s big screen – Edwardsville
- Ambiance dining at 1818 Chophouse – Edwardsville
- Cruise the Mississippi River, and enjoy the scenic beauty during the River Rambler Tour – Grafton
- Enjoy a “foot-hi” pie at Blue Springs Cafe – Highland
- Test your skills, grit, smarts, and ability at Beast Escape Room
- Appreciate a date at Bella Milano
- Breathe, taking views from the Grafton Wineries
- Eat, Drink, Play, and Watch Sports in Edwardsville at Edison’s Entertainment Complex
- Dine at Gentelin’s on Broadway (Fine Dining with a view of the Mississippi River)
- Mix, Mingle, and enjoy live music at Fast Eddies Bon-Air
- Stroll through Antique Row – Alton, Grafton
- Tony’s Restaurant (Steak House) – Alton
- Get up high with the best seat in the Midwest at Aeries Sky Tour – Grafton
- Wine on the Water while enjoying a beautiful sunset cruise
- Relax & smile while enjoying Downtown Outdoor Dining – Edwardsville
- Pick up some good vibes at the Alton Amphitheater summer concert season
Things to Do Outdoors
- Take a motorcycle ride along the scenic Great River Rd
- Head up to Pere Marquette. Hike, Camp, Eat at the Lodge
- Grab your pole and go Fishing
- Check out the Hunting areas at Horse Lake State Park
- Hit your woods, but stay out of them with a round of Golf
- Take a walk in the wilderness at Watershed Nature Center
- Explore nature at The Gardens at SIUE
- See the World of Outlaws at Tri-City Speedway – Granite City
- Need for speed fix at Gateway Motorsports Park, INDYCAR, NASCAR,& NHRA Drag Racing
- Grab your helmet, a water bottle & map, and jump on the MCT Trails
- Take a Haunted Tour on the Alton Trolley
- Perfect your swing at Ball Buster’s batting cages in Maryville
- Take in Powerful live Thoroughbred racing at Fairmount Park Racetrack
- Launch your boat at the Alton Marina
- Riverfront Park & Amphitheater (Outdoor summer concerts & festivals with the riverfront as the backdrop.)
- Head to Horseshoe Lake State Park: 2,960 acres for Fishing, Hunting, Camping, and Picnicking
- Learn the fastest growing sport you’ve never heard of “Pickleball” – Maryville
- Cycle the trails along the limestone bluffs & confluence of two mighty rivers
- Water surfing and boating at Carlyle Lake
- Fishing, camping, and swimming at Vandalia Lake
- Boating, fishing, and nature trails at Silver Lake Park-Highland
Things to Do When It’s Hot
- During the Summer, visit Splash City Family Waterpark – Collinsville
- Raging Rivers Water Park (Riverside with pools, flumes, rafting & slides.)
- Relax at a Public Pool
- Ice cream makes everything better…Get a scope at Bobby’s in Maryville, Annie’s in Glen Carbon and Edwardsville, and Weather Vane in Granite City
- Play Bingo at the Firemen’s Hall_Collinsville
Things to Do in the Metro East – Special Events – Fairs & Festivals
- Halloween Parade – Edwardsville
- Italian Fest – Collinsville
- Glen Fest – Glen Carbon
- Maryville Homecoming
- Party at the Beach, free concert with national acts
- Relleke Pumpkin Patch / Fall Festival
- Elizabeth Parish Picnic/Carnival – Granite City
- Patriots in the Park: 2nd largest fireworks display in the St. Louis area.
- Visit Santa at Santa’s Cabin – Granite City
- St. Jacob Strawberry Fest
- International Horseradish Festival – Collinsville
- Alton Farmers’ & Artisans’ Market
- Bike Night and Car Cruise – Granite City Elks Lodge
- Grafton Market @ The Loading Dock
- Check out the Local Arts and Crafts at the Melting Pot Market – Granite City
- Cool Hot Rods and Exotic Cars All-Wheel Drive-In Car Show – Alton
- See artists transform the pavement into colorful art on Highlands’ Downtown Square – Street Art Festival and Art Expo is in the fall
- Get your groove on at the Alton Jazz & Wine Festival -Liberty Bank Amphitheater – in the fall
- Come get your kicks, Annual Route 66 Festival -Edwardsville-in June
- Wood River Spring Fest
- Make your way to the Great Godfrey Maze. 7 acres of confusion – in the fall
- Experience the all-day Mardi Gras festivities downtown Granite City – February
- Wordi Gras Celebration and parade in Worden, IL – Redneck take on Mardi Gras”
- Code 3 Spices Smokin’ On Main (BBQ Competition) Upton Town Collinsville – in July
- Sample some of the most delicious peaches at the Peach Festival at Pere Marquette Lodge | Grafton – August
- Get your kicks at the Annual Edwardsville Route 66 Festival with classic cars, great food, and fun.
Special Events for Kids…
(Check out Facebook for current events, dates & times.)
- Kids Fishing Derby – Marine -Heritage Lake Park_ Free Event_12 & Under
- Kids Fishing Derby – Collinsville – Woodland Park _Free Event_No License Needed
- Spring Pony Rides & Carnival_Happy Hooves Equine Rescue_Edwardsville
- Mother Son Fun Date – Edwardsville_ Wildey Theatre_ Edwardsville
- Spring Arrive and Drive at the MSLQMRA Tri-City Junior Speedway (March or April..weather permitting) _ in Granite City _ Ages 3-13 yrs drive a real race car. (10 laps $10.00)
More Things to Do in the Metro East across the River
- St. Louis Gateway Arch
- St. Louis Zoo (Free admission)
- Six Flags
- Live Concerts
- Professional Sports Events
- Botanical Gardens
- Fox Theatre
- Shop at the Galleria
- Put a ring on it from Tiffany & Co. at St. Louis – Plaza Frontenac
- City Museum
- Ballpark Village
You may also like to view the following:
Why in the heck would anyone want to be moving to the Metro East?
Things to Do Around Edwardsville, IL 62025
Things to Do In Granite City, IL 62040
