Points of Interest between Carlyle, Illinois to Belleville, Illinois

picture of Carlyle, Illinois

Road Tripping from Carlyle to Belleville in Illinois

If you're planning a trip from Carlyle to Belleville in Illinois, you're in for a treat. This road trip takes you through scenic routes with plenty of landmarks, parks, and museums to visit.

Interesting Fact: Did you know that Belleville is the seat of St. Clair County, the oldest county in Illinois?

Halfway Point: While on your road trip, make a pit stop at Trenton, IL, the halfway point of this journey. Trenton is a small town with a friendly community and plenty of cafes and restaurants to try out.

Length of the Trip: The Carlyle to Belleville journey is relatively short and takes about an hour's drive. However, with the different places to visit and explore, you might want to plan for a longer trip.

Top 5 Places to Visit:

  1. Clinton County Historical Museum - This museum located in Carlyle is one of the oldest county museums in Illinois and houses several artifacts that depict the rich history of the region. The museum has exhibits that showcase the life and times of the early settlers and pioneers of the region.

Point of Interest: Visit the farmers' market in Carlyle for some tasty fruits and vegetables.

  1. Horseshoe Lake State Park - This state park in Granite City is an ideal spot for those who love fishing, boating, and hiking. The park is home to several species of birds and offers stunning views of the lake and its surroundings.

Point of Interest: Take a guided bird watching tour with a knowledgeable guide to spot some of the rare bird species found in the park.

  1. Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site - This UNESCO World Heritage Site in Collinsville is one of the most significant ancient Native American cities in the US. The site has several earthen mounds that were built over a thousand years ago and are considered one of the greatest architectural achievements of the pre-Columbian era.

Point of Interest: Visit the Interpretive Center to learn more about the history and legacy of the Cahokia Mounds.

  1. World's Largest Catsup Bottle - Located in Collinsville, this roadside attraction is a must-see for ketchup lovers. The 170-feet tall water tower in the shape of a catsup bottle was built in 1949 and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

Point of Interest: Grab a burger and fries from the nearby fast-food joints for a perfect picnic lunch.

  1. St. Clair County Courthouse and Jail - This courthouse and jail in Belleville was built in the neo-classical style in the early 1800s and is an architectural marvel. The building houses several courtrooms, and the jail cells are still intact, where you can experience the grim life of prisoners detained in the past.

Point of Interest: Take a guided tour of the building and learn about its history and architecture.

Conclusion: The road trip from Carlyle to Belleville covers a short distance, but it's packed with exciting places to visit and explore. Plan your itinerary accordingly, and you're sure to have a fun-filled and educational trip.