Edwardsville is a mesmerizing city in the well-known US state of Illinois. It has abundant natural wonders such as scenic nature trails and parks, beautiful wildlife preserves, and charming lakes. It earns the fame of being one of the best towns in the country for family holidays. Wildlife enthusiasts and kids will be pleased to visit Watershed Nature Center and get close to native animals and plants. Edwardsville is also home to several outstanding museums that will gift you an enriching experience such as Madison County Historical Museum and Edwardsville Children’s Museum. Art lovers will find the exhibits at Edwardsville Arts Center praiseworthy. So, if you are planning to spend your upcoming vacation with your beloved ones in this family-friendly city, knowing the best activities to enjoy will help you make your holidays memorable. Keep reading to find the best things to do in Edwardsville, Illinois.
1. Learn about history at Benjamin Stephenson House
Get an insight into the past by visiting Benjamin Stephenson House during your excursion in Edwardsville. Benjamin Stephenson, a reputed resident and politician of the city, had constructed this unique Federal-style abode in 1820. Today, the house is a hands-on museum, and you can get acquainted with the past of Stephenson’s family by joining arranged group tours. Learn about life in the bygone era of Stephenson. Go back to the past as you learn about the life of the kids who used to reside in the historic house, various outfits that kids used to wear in the 19th century, and hand-held toys they used to play with. You’ll also get a quick lesson about using herbs for making medicines, preparing food, and creating a pleasant fragrance. The business hours may differ depending on the month. Please be sure to check the updated hours from the websites.
Benjamin Stephenson House
Address: 409 South Buchanan St, Edwardsville, IL 62025, United States
Website: Benjamin Stephenson House
Opening hours: Thu - Sun: 11am - 2pm (closed on Mon - Wed)
Price: 3 USD - 6 USD
2. Take your kids to Edwardsville Children's Museum
Spend time with your kids by visiting the outstanding Edwardsville Children’s Museum along with them. The fabulous museum offers hands-on exhibits and activities that educate and entertain kids of various age-groups. Watch your toddlers explore play spaces and have fun. Welcoming the New Year by participating in various hands-on activities, enjoying a fantastic storytime, being part of fun-filled summer camps, participating in a hunt for an Easter Egg, and learning to prepare tasty treats by using various cereals are some of the engaging activities that would delight your kids here.
The Children's Museum at Edwardsville
Address: 722 Holyoake Rd, Edwardsville, IL 62025, United States
Website: The Children’s Museum at Edwardsville
Opening hours: Mon - Tue: 9:30am - 2pm; Thu - Sat: 9:30am - 5:30pm (closed on Sun & Wed)
Price: 7 USD
3. Get creative at Edwardsville Arts Center
If you are an art lover, make sure that you visit Edwardsville Arts Center while vacationing here. Tour through the outstanding art galleries and exhibitions and admire the exquisite art exhibits. If you or your child is interested in learning art, enroll yourself in an art class that this art center organizes. Also, be a part of a cultural event with your kids and participate in various free activities. Take time to visit Gallery Shop, which features beautiful pottery, colorful scarves, exquisite artwork, shimmering jewelry, and many more lovely items. Don’t miss out on shopping for artistic handmade gifts and souvenirs before leaving.
Edwardsville Arts Center
Address: 6165 Center Grove Rd, Edwardsville, IL 62025, United States
Website: Edwardsville Arts Center
Opening hours: Wed - Fri: 10am - 10pm; Sat: 11am - 3pm (closed Sun - Tue)
Price: 15 USD
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4. Reconnect with nature at The Gardens at SIUE
The Gardens at SIUE is the place for nature lovers to explore and reconnect with nature. The sprawling 36-acre (14.6-hectare) green space is home to beautiful gardens, Turtle Pond, well-built walking tracks, lovely bridges, and various natural spaces. Explore the green areas and nature trails at your pace. Marvel at the scenery as you tour through the Japanese-themed garden, and be delighted to get close to charming butterflies at the butterfly garden. While you explore the picturesque nature areas, make sure that you do not pick the flowers.
The Gardens at SIUE
Address: 6 Arboretum Ln, Edwardsville, IL 62025, United States
Website: The Gardens at SIUE
Opening hours: 6am - 7pm (daily)
Price: Free
5. Buy farm produce at The Land of Goshen Community Market
Take time out of your busy travel schedule and visit The Land of Goshen Community Market, which has been running for 20 years. The well-known community market hosts farmers and vendors who sell fresh farm produce such as vegetables and fruits and savory baked goods as well. Don’t forget to shop for beautiful craft creations such as handmade jewelry and artistic furniture from talented local artists. Watch entertaining music performances of various musicians as you explore the market.
The Land of Goshen Community Market
Address: North 2nd Street, St Louis St, Edwardsville, IL 62025, United States
Website: The Land of Goshen Community Market
Opening hours: Sat: 8am - 12pm (closed Sun - Fri)
6. Read a book at Madison County Historical Museum and Archival Library
Get acquainted with an incredible collection of relics at Madison County Historical Museum present in the prominent Weir House. The charming museum is home to outstanding collections of various documents such as photographs, diaries, maps, family Bibles, school records, newspapers, and much more. Take the time to visit Archival Library, which is home to more than 4,000 sources of references. It treasures the past of the locals, the county, the families, the cemetery, the church, and the businesses.
Madison County Historical Museum and Archival Library
Address: 801 North Main St, Edwardsville, IL 62025, United States
Website: Madison County Historical Museum and Archival Library
Opening hours: Wed - Fri: 9am - 4pm; Sun: 1pm - 4pm (closed on Mon, Tue, & Sat)
7. Hike in the woods at Watershed Nature Center
Venture out for a hiking excursion at Watershed Nature Center when touring through Edwardsville. It houses prairie, woodlands, and wetland habitat over 40 acres (16.2 hectares) of land. The center also offers lessons to help you learn the significance of the environment. Go on an outdoor recreation or field trip here to learn about natural diversity and connect with pristine nature. Get the chance to connect with other nature lovers as you explore the walking trails.
Watershed Nature Center
Address: 1591 Tower Ave, Edwardsville, IL 62025, United States
Website: Watershed Nature Center
Opening hours: 6am - 7pm (daily)
8. Watch a praiseworthy dance performance at Wildey Theater
Enjoy an entertaining movie or dance performance at Wedley Theater during your holidays in Edwardsville. The outstanding theater is a remodeled opera house that has been operating since 1909. It is famous for hosting a range of movies, fantastic concerts, and praiseworthy dance performances. So, if you are feeling bored anytime when in Edwardsville, book your ticket for an entertaining show or an outstanding dance performance and make the best of your time.
Wildey Theatre
Address: 252 N Main St, Edwardsville, IL 62025, United States
Website: Wildey Theatre
9. Play a bowling game at Edison's Entertainment Complex
Have a great time playing various games with your family at Edison’s Entertainment Complex, an outstanding recreation center in the city. Whether you just want to chill out or wish to experience the thrill, the complex offers various options that enable you to enjoy playtime your way. Aim your target and play an exciting bowling game or experience the thrill of shooting by participating in laser tag games. If you are a fan of arcade games, you can also find them here. The center offers delicious food and drinks as well as entertaining live music.
Edison's Entertainment Complex
Address: 2477 S State Rte 157, Edwardsville, IL 62025, United States
Website: Edison’s Entertainment Complex
Opening hours: Tue - Wed: 11am - 9pm; Thu: 11:30am - 11pm; Fri - Sat: 11:30am - 12am; Sun: 11:30am - 9pm (closed on Mon)
Price: 12 USD per hour
10. Savor delicious barbecue delicacies at Doc's Smokehouse & Catering
Are you craving a delicious barbecue delicacy? Then, make sure that you visit this well-known barbecue restaurant to enjoy authentic barbecue cuisines. The warm setting and friendly staff will welcome you and make you comfortable at the restaurant. Order your favorite barbecue plates and devour warm and fresh barbecue at your pace. The restaurant also offers tasty sandwiches, nachos, burgers, and a variety of children-friendly menu to please your little ones.
Doc's Smokehouse & Catering
Address: 6108 Shoger Dr Suite D, Edwardsville, IL 62025, United States
Website: Doc’s Smokehouse & Catering
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 11am - 7pm; Fri - Sat: 11am - 8pm
11. Please your taste buds at Cleveland-Heath
If you are looking for savory American comfort food while touring through Edwardsville, rest your weary feet at Cleveland-Heath, a fabulous American restaurant. It is famous for offering mouth-watering family-style meals and brunch comprising of American comfort food that will delight you and your family with a fantastic gastronomic experience. Catfish nuggets, Cleveland-Health special Chop Chop salad, house-made biscuits, and baked pasta are some of its specialties that you should try. Feel relaxed in its homey space with pleasant outdoor seating and enjoy a savory meal.
Cleveland-Heath
Address: 106 N Main St, Edwardsville, IL 62025, United States
Website: Cleveland-Heath
Opening hours: 11am - 8pm (daily)
12. Enjoy a picnic at Edwardsville Township Community Park
Create lasting memories with your family at Edwardsville Township Community Park during your vacations here. The park features recreational playgrounds where you can let your kids play and have a fun time. The picnic pavilion here beckons you to enjoy picnicking with your loved ones and make memories. Play a tennis match on the tennis court with your family and friends. In the months of winter, glide down the ice in the skating rink. Do not forget to donate some money, as your donations would contribute to planting the trees for a better environment.
Edwardsville Township Community Park
Address: 6368 Center Grove Rd, Edwardsville, IL 62025, United States
Website: Edwardsville Township Community Park
Opening hours: 8am - 5pm (daily)
13. Buy gifts at Kirkland's
Visit Kirkland’s, a well-known retail store, and buy lovely gifts for your loved ones back home. Find a range of beautiful home décor items here that include art, wall décor, pillows, mirrors, exquisite furniture, rugs, curtain, and kitchen accessories. Explore the retail shop and buy elegant home décor items to adorn your abode.
Kirkland's
Address: 6624 Edwardsville Crossing Dr, Edwardsville, IL 62025, United States
Website: Kirkland’s
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 9pm; Sun: 10am - 6pm
14. Make purchases at Montclaire Shopping Center
Spend time shopping and eating delicious food at Montclaire Shopping Center. The shopping mall hosts a number of well-known brands such as Sudz Wash Laundromat, Great Clips, Trusty Chords Record Store, and more. Shop for your kids at Tot Spot Kids. After you finish shopping, please your taste buds with delicious pizza at Pantera’s. Also, you can have a savory Mexican meal at El Maguey Mexican.
Montclaire Shopping Center
Address: 1500 Troy Rd, Edwardsville, IL 62025, United States
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 8:30pm; Sun: 11am - 7pm
15. Spend time with your dog at Joe Glik Park
Take your dog for a stroll in pleasant Joe Glik Park, a new dog park and recreation space. The sprawling 42-acre (17-hectare) park beckons you to explore scenic walking trails. Wear your skating shoes in the winter and explore fascinating skating trails. Try your hands at fishing at a couple of fishing lakes available here. Watch your kids laugh and play on the open, picturesque playground.
Joe Glik Park
Address: 710 E Lake Dr, Edwardsville, IL 62025, United States
Website: Joe Glik Park
Opening hours: 6am - 8pm (daily)
16. Shop lovely souvenirs at Edwardsville Flea Market
After enjoying a fantastic excursion in Edwardsville, buy some beautiful souvenirs to treasure memories of your trip here. Make sure that you visit Edwardsville Flea Market and shop for some exotic and elegant souvenirs for you and your friends and relatives back home. The market features incredible collectibles, lovely dolls and toys, antiques, home decor, and exquisite furniture dating back to vintage times.
Edwardsville Flea Market
Address: 1506 Troy Rd, Edwardsville, IL 62025, United State
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 10am - 6pm (closed on Mon)
Create lasting memories
Edwardsville is a picturesque city that attracts nature lovers and families alike for a relaxing vacation. It offers you countless fun-filled activities to make your sabbatical here memorable and refreshing. So, head out for an exciting excursion to this scenic city and enjoy all these best things to do in Edwardsville, Illinois.
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