Renowned jazz instrumentalist Miles Davis was born a small town in the Land of Lincoln, and went on to create a legendary musical career. You will find an homage to him with the Miles Davis Statue in Alton, Ill. This little town has a lot of history to it as well as many attractions that make it a wonderful destination to explore.

Alton is one of the most charming small towns in Illinois.
artistmac/Flickr
It experienced an industrial boom decades ago, and many of the remnants still exist alongside more recent beauty and charm.
In 2015, the city unveiled a statue to commemorate the legacy of Miles Davis.
Paul Sableman/Flickr
You can see it standing on West Third Street in the middle of downtown.
Every year, the memory of Miles Davis is honored at the Miles Davis Jazz Festival.
Miles Davis Jazz Festival, Alton IL/Facebook
During this annual festival jazz greats gather to play his music, keeping it alive for people of all ages to enjoy and hopefully discover anew.
Many of the old brick buildings bring a sense of nostalgia and history for locals.
Bryan Hadley/Google Map
This includes the building that once housed the Wedge Bank. More recent businesses now occupy this space, yet the shape and details of this building remain intriguing. It is one of the most historic buildings in the region.
Alton was also home to the world’s tallest man, Robert Ludlow.
John E/TripAdvisor
He is commemorated by this landmark statue.

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Just look at how tall he was in his day!
Lysa Allman-Baldwin/OnlyInYourState
Most tall men only stand as high as his elbow! These Illinois tourists give you a good sense of scale.
The National Great Rivers Museum shares the natural and local history of the Mississippi, Missouri, and Illinois rivers that surround the town of Alton.
Smokeyham/TripAdvisor
You can learn about how the lock and dam system works, and there are several daily tours.
The museum encompasses a wide array of exhibits and gallery spaces.
Lysa Allman-Baldwin/OnlyInYourState
Some share the wealth of African American history in Illinois.
The Gordon F. Moore Community Park has beautiful flower gardens all around with a lovely fountain to admire.
JMCSTL/TripAdvisor
There are shaded benches, a gazebo, statues, and all kinds of natural beauty throughout this park.
The Lucy Haskell Playhouse was built in the Queen Anne style for Lucy J. Haskell, the five-year-old daughter of William and Florence Haskell.
Michael Cummings/Google Maps
Four short years later, Lucy passed due to diphtheria. The family donated this playhouse and their estate to the City of Alton in her memory to be used for recreational and educational purposes.
Make sure to stop by the Jacoby Arts Center.
Troy Anders/Google Maps
Once a furniture store, the building's rustic exterior hides an exquisite interior with the works of local artists on display. One quite charming exhibit is of art done by young local students whose insights about art are shared next to their artistry.

To learn more about his charming small Illinois town, be sure to visit the Alton Regional Convention & Visitors Bureau website, as well as the Great Rivers & Routes Facebook page.

While you’re exploring Illinois, you’ll also love to visit these 10 picturesque small towns with their own charm and beauty. There are also quite a few kid-friendly attractions in the state.

Would you agree that Alton is one of the most historic places in Illinois? What are your favorite places in Illinois to visit? Let us know in the comments!

If you’d like to explore hikes around any Alton, you can find some great trails by going to the AllTrails website.

If you’re still in the mood for more Illinois adventures, take a look at this video about the historic river town of Galena:

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More to Explore

More Illinois Adventures

Lysa Allman-Baldwin | September 27, 2023

Where can we find other small towns in Illinois?

  • Nauvoo was once the town where Joseph Smith and the members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints went to escape religious persecution.
  • Dixon is famous for being the boyhood home of former President Ronald Reagan.
  • Galesburg was once a hub for industry as well as an important stop on the Underground Railroad.

Read on to learn more about some of the many other charming small towns in Illinois.

Where can we find the best hotels and resorts in Illinois?

  • The Sybaris Pool Suites Northbrook in Northbrook features tropical waterfalls, soothing whirlpools, and a steamroll.
  • The Goldmoor Inn in Galena features cottages and cabins overlooking the Mississippi River.
  • The CitizenM Chicago Downtown Hotel in Chicago features a rooftop bar and lounge offering spectacular city views.

Read on to learn more about some of the many other fantastic hotels and resorts in Illinois.

Where can we find natural wonders in Illinois?

  • The Garden of the Gods in Herod is home to some otherworldly rock formations.
  • Giant City State Park in Makanda is known for its giant sandstone bluffs and rock formations.
  • The Cache River Natural Area in Belknap features giant ancient cypress trees with buttresses measuring up to 40 feet in diameter.

Read on to learn more about some of the many other natural wonders in Illinois.

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Alton, IL, USA