Granite City Travel Guide

Discover Granite City, a hidden gem in the Midwest region of the United States. From outdoor adventures, cultural attractions, and excellent food and drink scene, this comprehensive travel guide will help you plan your trip.


Are you looking for an off-beaten-path destination with plenty of outdoor adventures, fascinating history, and great food? Look no further than Granite City, a hidden gem located in St. Louis Metro East in Illinois. From hiking and biking trails to vibrant cultural attractions, stunning scenery, and unique local products, Granite City offers something for every traveler.

Introduction to Granite City

Granite City is a small city situated just across the Mississippi River from St. Louis, Missouri. It was founded in 1896 by the businessman Frederick G. Niedringhaus, and got its name from the granite ore that was used to build the Eads Bridge in St. Louis. The city has a rich history that’s worth exploring and has many hidden gems waiting to be discovered.

List of Places to Visit in Granite City

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Granite City proudly showcases its history through numerous museums and historical sites. The best ones to check out are the Tri-City Speedway, which is one of the oldest racetracks in the region. The World’s Largest Ketchup Bottle, a 170-foot tower that stems from the Brooks Catsup Factory is another point of interest. The Granite City Park District Museum showcases the local history; from the city’s earliest days to the present. The Arts & Education Council and the Gateway Convention Center offer a range of events all year round that showcase the city’s thriving arts scene.

Natural Attractions of Granite City: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Granite City has no shortage of outdoor activities for adventure seekers. The Horseshoe Lake State Park boasts some great hiking trails, great for bird watching and ensures scenic views. For a leisurely stroll with plenty of beautifully preserved flora and fauna head to Wilson Park where a lake and a fountain await. The Watershed Nature Center, situated in the heart of the city, is a must-visit for nature lovers.  It offers educational programs for families and children alongside nature trails, a lake, and gardens.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Granite City

You can’t miss the 30-mile stretch of the Madison County Transit trail running through the city. The trail caters to people of all skill levels and is ideal for biking, walking, jogging, and hiking. With picturesque wooded areas, vast open fields, and scenic riverbanks, this trail is perfect for fitness enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

Best Things to Do in Granite City: Activities and Tours

Apart from history and outdoor adventures, Granite City also has fantastic events and activities to participate in. From cycling events like the KC’s Tour De Donut and the GCPD 5K Hero Run to art exhibits and craft fairs, there’s always something going on. The Gateway Grizzlies baseball games and live music events at the Wildey Theatre are also worth attending.

Week-Long Itinerary for Granite City

Day 1: Visit the World’s Largest Ketchup Bottle, Tri-City Speedway and the Granite City Park District Museum

Day 2: Explore the nature trails, wildlife and lakes at the Horseshoe Lake State Park

Day 3: Enjoy the great outdoors and scenery of the Madison County Transit trail

Day 4: Go fishing and bird watching at the idyllic Wilson Park lake

Day 5: Take a day trip to St. Louis and see the Gateway Arch, The St. Louis Zoo and the Anheuser-Busch brewery

Day 6: Visit the Gateway Convention Center to experience the city’s arts scene

Day 7: Relax at a local spa and rejuvenate before hitting the road back home.

Food and Drink Scene of Granite City

Must-Try Dishes

For classic ‘pub grub’ and generous portions check out the Horseshoe Restaurant or go to Papa Vito’s Pizza for some of the best deep-dish in the area. Chuck’s Southern Comforts Cafe serves up a smorgasbord of southern dishes with many vegetarian options.  And be sure not to miss the famous pork steak sandwich and beer from Simply the Best Sports Bar.

Local Beverages

Craft beer lovers won’t be disappointed with the selection at Blue Sky Vineyards or Recess Brewing. Wine enthusiasts can get their fix at the Grafton Winery and Brewhaus.

Where to Stay in Granite City: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Granite City doesn’t have a lot of hotels, but you can find accommodation options in nearby towns, such as Hotel Deville in downtown St. Louis, Missouri, and Courtyard by Marriott in Edwardsville, Illinois. If you’re looking for budget options, Airbnb properties are increasingly becoming a popular choice, or you can opt for one of the many motels located around the area.

What to Buy in Granite City: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

A small city doesn’t mean weak souvenir options. Granite City has its fair share of unique products like homemade soaps from Hart of the Green Soapworks and Leather goods from Country Gal Leathers. Just a few minutes into Missouri and you can get your hands on some homemade fudge from Russell’s on Macklind or original artwork from Old Bakery Brewery’s gift shop.

Local Culture and Customs of Granite City

Granite City is a friendly town, and neighbors are always willing to help you out if you’re lost or in need of directions. It’s important to respect the local community, especially when wandering through residential areas. The city has a reputation for its love of sports and excellent sports programs in schools. Home football games at Granite City High School are a big deal, and even neighboring towns get excited about attending the games.

Best Time to Visit Granite City

The best time to visit Granite City is from late spring to early fall when the weather is pleasant, and outdoor activities are in full swing. The city gets relatively mild winters, but the chances of snow might affect travel in some instances. The optimal travel seasons open up the best opportunity to enjoy hiking, biking, and other outdoor activities.

Do’s and Don’ts of Granite City

Do:

  • Visit the local museums and historical sites to learn about the city’s rich past.

  • Try the delicious food and drink scene that highlights the city’s Southern comfort.

  • Take in some of the local art and cultural events, like the Arts & Education Council held at Gateway Convention Center.

Don’t:

  • Trespass on private property while exploring the city’s natural wonders.

  • Ignore the local traffic laws and other road rules while driving in the city.

Safety and Health

Safety in Granite City

Overall, Granite City is a safe city to visit. As with any area, it’s recommended to be aware of your surroundings and take necessary precautions to keep yourself safe while walking alone at night and exploring the natural areas.

Health in Granite City

The nearest hospital and medical clinics are found in neighboring cities such as Edwardsville or St. Louis. It’s always recommended to check-in advance and know an alternate plan if requiring emergency medical attention.

Getting to Granite City: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Granite City

There are two airports situated near Granite City - Lambert - St. Louis International Airport (STL) and St. Louis Downtown Airport (CPS), which is about 7 miles from the city center.

Bus Stations Near Granite City

Greyhound Bus station situated in St. Louis, Missouri is an option to consider for people who want direct bus services.

Other Options

Renting a car proved to be the most hassle-free way of getting in and around Granite City.  It provides the liberty of exploring all that the city and its surrounding areas have to offer.

How to Get Around in Granite City

Renting a car is the best way to get around in and around Granite City. Local buses are also available, but getting a cab or taxi might be difficult.

Where to Go Next from Granite City: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

After exploring the hidden gems of Granite City, other nearby destinations are worth including in your travel itinerary like St. Louis for its Gateway Arch, Forest Park, and Anheuser-Busch brewery tours. The gateway to The Shawnee National Forest, in southern Illinois is another magnificent option rich in breathtaking scenery, outdoor activities, and ancient civilization.

Conclusion

Granite City, with its fascinating history, nature trails, beautiful scenery, and lively arts scene, can be the perfect destination for travelers who want to experience authentic American culture. With many options for accommodation and transportation, Granite City can be your hub for exploring the greater St. Louis region. Start planning your trip today and discover all this hidden gem has to offer.