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Shedd Aquarium

Alton's National Cemetery

600 Pearl St., Alton, IL 62002

Historic Sites

Fought on American soil, the Civil War was the deadliest war in American history.

More than three million men fought in this "war between the states" that claimed the lives of more than 62,000 soldiers. An estimated 263 Union soldiers are buried in Alton's National Cemetery. The men often died of disease at the Alton Hospital or on-board steamboats passing up the Mississippi River.

What's happening nearby...

Miles Davis Jazz Festival 2026

Post Commons •  May 22 – May 23 @ 6PM

Celebrate 100 years of Miles Davis May 22–23 in Alton with live jazz, food, and community.

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250 on the Mississippi at Haskell Park

Haskell Park  •  Jul 01 @ 4PM

Kick off opening night of 250 on the Mississippi at Haskell Park on July 1! Enjoy a giant birthday cake, eating contests, live music, food trucks,…

Read more about 250 on the Mississippi at Haskell Park

250 on the Mississippi at Rotary Park

Alton Godfrey Rotary Park  •  Jul 02 @ 4PM

Keep the celebration going at Alton Godfrey Rotary Park with live music by American Jackals, food trucks, stilt walkers, kids activities, and festive fun for the…

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Western Military Academy Monument

Alton

Originally founded as Wyman Institute by Edward Wyman in 1878, it was reorganized as Western Military Academy in 1896.

Read more about Western Military Academy Monument

Haskell Playhouse

Alton

A Victorian-style playhouse built for the daughter of Dr. William A. Haskell, a physician and one of the wealthiest residents of Alton, as a present for…

Read more about Haskell Playhouse

Elijah P. Lovejoy Monument

Alton

Visit the monument of an amazingly persistent and inspirational freedom fighter, Elijah P. Lovejoy.

Read more about Elijah P. Lovejoy Monument

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