Edwardsville Travel Guide

Explore the best of Edwardsville, Illinois with our comprehensive travel guide. Discover top attractions, outdoor adventures, shopping, food, and more.


Introduction to Edwardsville

Edwardsville is a charming city located in St. Louis Metro East, in the Midwest region of the United States. The city is known for its historic downtown, beautiful parks, and outdoor recreational activities. With its rich history and numerous attractions, Edwardsville attracts visitors from all over the world.

List of Places to Visit in Edwardsville

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Edwardsville Arts Center

The Edwardsville Arts Center is a must-see for art lovers visiting the city. The center offers a variety of art exhibitions, workshops, and classes throughout the year.

Madison County Historical Museum

The Madison County Historical Museum is located in the heart of Edwardsville and is dedicated to preserving the history of the region. Visitors can learn about the history of the county through exhibits on the Civil War, the Underground Railroad, and more.

Natural Attractions of Edwardsville: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Watershed Nature Center

The Watershed Nature Center is a beautiful nature reserve that offers visitors a chance to see a variety of wildlife and plants. With over 40 acres of land, the center features trails, gardens, and a pond.

Edwardsville Township Community Park

The Edwardsville Township Community Park is a great place to enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and picnicking. The park features several trails, a fishing pond, and a playground.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Edwardsville

Madison County Transit Trails

The Madison County Transit Trails covers over 100 miles of hiking and biking trails throughout the county, including a 22-mile trail that runs through Edwardsville.

MCT Goshen Trail

The MCT Goshen Trail is a 13.8-mile trail that runs through Edwardsville and offers beautiful views of the surrounding area.

Best Things to Do in Edwardsville: Activities and Tours

Edwardsville Art Fair

The Edwardsville Art Fair is an annual event that features artists from around the country selling their work. The fair also features live music, food vendors, and activities for kids.

Edwardsville Children’s Museum

The Edwardsville Children’s Museum is a great place to take the family for a day of fun and learning. The museum offers interactive exhibits on science, art, and more.

Week-Long Itinerary for Edwardsville

Day Activity
Day 1 Visit the Madison County Historical Museum
Day 2 Hike the MCT Goshen Trail
Day 3 Explore the Edwardsville Arts Center
Day 4 Visit the Watershed Nature Center
Day 5 Take a bike ride on the Madison County Transit Trails
Day 6 Attend the Edwardsville Art Fair
Day 7 Visit the Edwardsville Children’s Museum

Food and Drink Scene of Edwardsville

Must-Try Dishes

Goshen Market Salad

The Goshen Market Salad is a local favorite and features fresh, seasonal ingredients from the nearby Goshen Market.

Pork Tenderloin Sandwich

The Pork Tenderloin Sandwich is a classic Midwestern dish and can be found on many menus in Edwardsville.

Local Beverages

Beer from Recess Brewing

Recess Brewing is a local craft brewery that serves up delicious beer in a relaxed atmosphere.

Wine from Bella Vista Winery

Bella Vista Winery is a local winery that offers tastings and tours of their vineyards.

Where to Stay in Edwardsville: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Comfort Inn Edwardsville

The Comfort Inn Edwardsville is a popular hotel in the city and offers comfortable rooms at an affordable price.

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson

The Country Inn & Suites by Radisson is a great option for those looking for a more upscale experience. The hotel features an indoor pool, hot tub, and fitness center.

What to Buy in Edwardsville: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Goshen Market

The Goshen Market is a great place to pick up fresh produce, handmade crafts, and other locally made items.

The Happy Hop Homebrew & Gourmet

The Happy Hop Homebrew & Gourmet is a local shop that sells brewing supplies and other gourmet food items.

Local Culture and Customs of Edwardsville

Public Art

Edwardsville is home to many beautiful public art installations, including murals and sculptures throughout the downtown area.

Southern Hospitality

Southern hospitality is a way of life in Edwardsville, with locals known for their friendly demeanor and willingness to help visitors.

Best Time to Visit Edwardsville

The best time to visit Edwardsville is in the spring and fall, when the weather is mild and the foliage is at its peak.

Do’s and Don’ts of Edwardsville

Do:

  • Take advantage of the many outdoor recreational activities in the area.
  • Try the local cuisine, including the Goshen Market Salad and Pork Tenderloin Sandwich.
  • Explore the city’s rich history and cultural attractions.

Don’t:

  • Forget to pack comfortable shoes for hiking and biking.
  • Skip the chance to try some delicious local beer and wine.
  • Miss out on the opportunity to experience the city’s famous southern hospitality.

Safety and Health

Safety in Edwardsville

Overall, Edwardsville is a safe city to visit. However, visitors should still take precautions to protect themselves and their belongings.

Health in Edwardsville

Visitors to Edwardsville should be aware of the risk of tick-borne illnesses and take appropriate measures, such as wearing long pants and using insect repellent.

Getting to Edwardsville: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Edwardsville

The nearest airports to Edwardsville are Lambert-St. Louis International Airport and MidAmerica St. Louis Airport.

Bus Stations Near Edwardsville

Greyhound offers bus service to the nearby city of Collinsville, which is just a short drive from Edwardsville.

Other Options

Visitors can also drive to Edwardsville or take a taxi or rideshare service from nearby cities.

How to Get Around in Edwardsville

The best way to get around Edwardsville is by car. However, visitors can also rent bicycles or use rideshare services.

Where to Go Next from Edwardsville: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

St. Louis

The city of St. Louis is just a short drive from Edwardsville and offers a variety of attractions, including the Gateway Arch, the Missouri Botanical Garden, and the St. Louis Zoo.

Alton

The city of Alton is located just north of Edwardsville and offers charming shops, restaurants, and a beautiful waterfront park.

Conclusion

Edwardsville is a beautiful city with a rich history and many attractions for visitors to explore. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or delicious local cuisine, Edwardsville has something for everyone. Plan your trip today and discover all that this charming city has to offer.