Belleville, Illinois is a charming midwestern town located in St. Clair County, just 25 miles east of St. Louis. The city is full of great restaurants and attractions that make it an excellent destination for both locals and visitors alike.
From outdoor recreation to unique shopping experiences, Belleville has something for everyone. Whether you’re in town for a day or a week, here are some of the top things to do in Belleville IL.
1. Downtown Belleville
Downtown Belleville is a vibrant, historic area with a small-town charm. It is home to a variety of businesses and services, as well as plenty of entertainment and dining options.
Visitors can explore the charming shops and restaurants, take a stroll down Main Street to admire the architecture or enjoy some live music. The area also features several parks and recreational areas for outdoor activities, perfect for families or those looking for a leisurely walk.
The historic downtown district is one of the most popular destinations for visitors and locals alike. Here you can find unique shops and restaurants that offer everything from vintage apparel to delicious food options. Plus, there are plenty of festivals held throughout the year for those looking for a bit more excitement in their visit to downtown Belleville IL.
2. St. Clair County Historical Society
The St. Clair County Historical Society is located in Belleville, IL, and is dedicated to preserving the history of St. Clair County and its people. The Society was founded in 1928 and houses an extensive collection of documents, photographs, artifacts, maps, books, and manuscripts about the county’s past.
Visitors can explore the museum galleries or take a guided tour through the archives. The society also offers educational programs for adults and children on topics related to local history. They also host special events throughout the year such as lectures and field trips to local historical sites.
3. Labor & Industry Museum
The Labor & Industry Museum in Belleville, IL is a unique museum that celebrates the history and accomplishments of the hardworking citizens of the area. The museum focuses on the industrial and labor history of Belleville, highlighting the contributions of workers from all walks of life.
Visitors can explore interactive displays and exhibits, including an interactive timeline of Belleville’s industrial history, an educational theater showcasing stories about workers and their lives, and a collection of artifacts from local industries.
The museum also houses a large collection of photographs and documents to further provide insight into this important part of American history.
4. Old Town Farmers’ Market
The Old Town Farmers’ Market in Belleville, IL is a vibrant and bustling community gathering place that has been around for over 30 years. It features locally grown fruits and vegetables, freshly baked goods, handcrafted items, live music and entertainment, and more. The market is open on Saturdays from 8 am to 12 pm in historic downtown Belleville.
It’s the perfect place to find fresh produce, shop local businesses, or just enjoy a leisurely stroll through the market. The Old Town Farmers’ Market also hosts special events throughout the year such as seasonal cooking demonstrations and family-friendly activities.
5. The Edge
The city boasts a thriving downtown area with an array of locally-owned restaurants, shops, galleries, and live music venues. Residents here enjoy the convenience of being able to access the amenities of downtown while living in a family-friendly neighborhood.
The Edge features several parks and outdoor activities, including walking trails, playgrounds, baseball fields, skate parks, tennis courts, basketball courts, and much more.
There are also plenty of restaurants and shopping options nearby as well as a variety of entertainment venues such as movie theaters and bowling alleys. With its close proximity to St. Louis, The Edge provides an ideal location for those looking for easy access to all that the city has to offer.
6. National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows
The National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows is a Catholic shrine and pilgrimage site located in Belleville, Illinois. It was founded in the early 1950s by a group of local Catholics who wanted to honor Mary, the Mother of Jesus.
The shrine includes an outdoor altar and grotto, replicas of several famous Marian shrines from around the world, a large statue of Mary, numerous shrines dedicated to various saints and other religious figures, several chapels, and other religious buildings. It also hosts an annual pilgrimage each August.
The shrine’s mission is to provide pilgrims with a place to experience spiritual renewal, peace, and hope in their lives.
7. Lincoln Theatre
The Lincoln Theatre is a historic theatre located in Belleville, Illinois. Built in the 1920s, it is the oldest surviving movie theater in the Metro-East area of St. Louis. It also houses the Belleville Little Theatre Company and is home to many local music events. The theatre continues to be an integral part of the history and culture of Belleville IL.
The theater has a large main auditorium with seating for over 800 guests and an upper balcony with seating for another 300 people. Its grand lobby features ornate details such as beautiful marble flooring, decorative plaster columns, and detailed plasterwork on the ceilings and walls.
The theater also features two large movie screens, a state-of-the-art sound system, and a variety of concession stands. The Lincoln Theater regularly hosts concerts, plays, musicals, comedy shows, and other special events. It is also home to the Belleville Philharmonic Orchestra.
8. Orchards Golf Course
Orchards Golf Course in Belleville, IL is a public 18-hole golf course in the heart of St. Clair County. It offers a challenging layout amidst scenic views of rural Illinois. The course consists of four sets of tees, including a championship-length set that stretches over 6,744 yards.
Orchards also feature a driving range and practice facilities for golfers to hone their skills before hitting the links. This family-friendly course offers an array of amenities such as a fully stocked pro shop, carts and clubs for rent, a snack bar and beverage cart on the course, and locker rooms with showers and saunas.
Golfers of all ages are welcome at Orchards Golf Course, making it the perfect place to get out and enjoy a day on the links.
9. Braeutigam Orchards
Braeutigam Orchards is a family-run orchard located in Belleville, IL. The orchard has been a part of the local community since 1945 and offers a wide variety of apples, pears, peaches, plums, and other fruits.
Customers can pick their own fruit or purchase pre-picked produce from the farm store. The farm also offers homemade baked goods, jams, and jellies made with their own fruit, and seasonal activities such as hayrides, pumpkin picking, and more.
10. Skyview Drive-In
Skyview Drive-In is one of the oldest and most beloved outdoor movie theaters in Belleville, Illinois. Located just off Highway 159, the drive-in offers guests a nostalgic, classic movie experience.
The large outdoor screen towers over customers’ cars and shows two movies nightly, beginning at dusk. Popular events like car shows and live music nights also occur throughout the summer months. Skyview Drive-In is a great place to take family and friends for an old-fashioned evening under the stars.
The theater offers a snack bar with classic movie fare like popcorn, candy, and ice-cold drinks. Guests can also bring their own food and beverages if they wish. The theater also has a playground for the kids, as well as a large outdoor seating area with picnic tables.
11. Belleville Public Square
Belleville Public Square is situated in the city’s downtown area and serves as the center of activity for many local events. The square consists of a large grassy area surrounded by trees, benches, and other amenities. The grassy area is generally used for gatherings such as concerts and festivals.
The surrounding sidewalks are lined with historic buildings that house businesses such as restaurants, boutiques, and other stores. The square also contains several monuments dedicated to notable figures in Belleville’s history.
Belleville Public Square is a popular destination for local residents and visitors alike. It is a great place to take a walk, grab a bite to eat, or simply enjoy the sights and sounds of the city.
12. Scott Field Heritage Air Park
The Scott Field Heritage Air Park is located on the grounds of the former Scott Air Force Base in Belleville, Illinois. The park is devoted to preserving and displaying the history of aviation, particularly military aircraft.
The park features a full-scale replica of a B-17 Flying Fortress bomber and houses a collection of historic military aircraft, including Vietnam-era fighter jets and helicopters.
Visitors to the airpark can also explore interactive exhibits that provide a detailed look at various aspects of aviation history, such as aircraft engines, uniforms, and weaponry.
Additionally, visitors can view an extensive selection of aviation memorabilia from wars throughout American history. The airpark also offers educational programs and hosts special events throughout the year.
13. Art on the Square
Art on the Square is an annual outdoor art fair held in Belleville, IL. The fair consists of over 150 artists from across the United States who showcase their artwork for sale.
There is a wide variety of art mediums represented, such as painting, sculpture, jewelry, photography, pottery, glasswork, and more. The event also features live music and entertainment, food vendors, and children’s activities.
Art on the Square attracts thousands of visitors each year who come to explore and purchase original works of art from some of the best artists in the country.
14. Silver Creek Trail Park
Silver Creek Trail Park is a scenic outdoor recreation area that features over five miles of trails that wind through the woods and along the banks of Silver Creek. There is a variety of terrain to explore, including hills, valleys, open fields, and wetlands.
Visitors can enjoy activities such as hiking, biking, fishing, bird watching, and more. The park also offers facilities for picnicking and camping. With its convenient location just outside of St. Louis, Silver Creek Trail Park is a great destination for both locals and visitors alike.
15. Christkindlmarkt
Christkindlmarkt is an outdoor holiday market held in Belleville, IL each year. It features a variety of vendors selling handmade crafts and holiday decorations, food and drink, music, and other entertainment.
The market is held in the month of December and is a great way to get into the spirit of the season. There are also activities for kids and adults alike such as face painting, ornament making, caroling, and more.
Visitors can also take part in a traditional German tradition called “Christkindl” [1] where children receive special gifts from Saint Nicholas (Santa Claus). Christkindlmarkt is the perfect way to kick off your holiday season with festive fun.
16. Eckert’s Country Store & Farms
Eckert’s Country Store & Farms is a family-run business offering fresh produce, local products, and unique experiences. The store has been in operation since 1837 and is the oldest family-owned business in the area.
They grow over 500 varieties of fruits and vegetables on their farms, including apples, peaches, tomatoes, cantaloupes, pumpkins, and more. Eckert’s also provides pick-your-own opportunities for visitors to choose their own produce right off the vine.
Eckert’s also offers a variety of homemade pies and pastries, jams, and jellies produced onsite from local fruits, as well as gift baskets filled with locally made products. The store also hosts special events such as festivals throughout the year that feature live music and entertainment.
17. Bicentennial Park
Bicentennial Park is a large, open park located in Belleville, Illinois. The park offers a variety of amenities for visitors including a playground, three pavilions with picnic tables, two miles of trails for biking and hiking, and a fishing dock.
There is also an 18-hole disc golf course that traverses through the wooded area of the park. Bicentennial Park has plenty of open green space perfect for family outings and picnics.
Visitors will also enjoy the stunning views of downtown Belleville from the top of the limestone bluffs.
18. Bel-Air Bowl
Bel-Air Bowl is a bowling alley located in Belleville, Illinois. It features 32 lanes, a full-service bar and grill, a game room, and private party rooms. The alley also hosts leagues, tournaments, and corporate events.
It is open seven days a week and offers a wide range of bowling packages for groups of all sizes. Bel-Air Bowl offers a variety of services, including bumper bowling and automatic scoring. The alley also has a large selection of snacks and drinks available for purchase.
19. Escape 618
Escape 618 is an escape room experience that offers a variety of themed rooms, including a bank heist, a pirate’s adventure, and a zombie outbreak. Each room offers unique puzzles, challenges, and tasks that teams must solve in order to “escape” the room within the allotted time limit.
The game requires teamwork and problem-solving skills to be successful. It is a great activity for family and friends looking for something different to do.
Conclusion
Whether you’re staying in town overnight or just passing through on your way somewhere else, there’s plenty to do in lovely Belleville IL that will keep everyone entertained!
From exploring its historic downtown district or taking a tour around Silver Creek Trail Park – there’s something here for everyone – so make sure not to miss out on all this charming city has to offer when visiting.
