Collinsville, Illinois is a city of about 25,000 and located in Southwest Illinois. Collinsville is just 12 miles (7.4 km) from St. Louis and is considered a part of the Metro East area of Saint Louis. Collinsville is the self-proclaimed Horseradish Capital of the world. Every year the city holds its Horseradish Festival the first weekend in June. Collinsville is also home to the world’s largest catsup bottle, and Monks Mound, the largest man-made earthwork in North America, and a World Heritage Site. There is more to find out about Collinsville:
1. Brooks Catsup Water Tower
The Brooks Catsup Water Tower is trademarked as “The World’s Largest Catsup Bottle.” Located just south of Collinsville, the water tower is a great example of 20th-century novelty architecture. The Catsup Water Tower was added to the 2004 National Registrar of Historic Places. The tower was shown in the 2004 PBS documentary, “A Program About Unusual Buildings and Other Roadside Stuff,” hosted by Rick Sebak.
Brooks Catsup Water Tower
Address: 800 S Morrison Ave, Collinsville, IL 62234
Website: Brooks Catsup Water Tower
2. Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site
Cahokia Mounds is a site that the ancient city of Cahokia was located on between 600-1400 CE. Right now, there are about 80 mounds, but in its heyday, it contained about 120 mounds of all shapes, sizes, and purposes. Cahokia was the largest and most influential urban site of the Mississippian culture. This historic site is home to Monks Mound, the largest Pre-Columbian earthwork in North America. Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site is a National Historic Landmark and one of only 23 UNESCO World Heritage Sites within the USA. There is a Visitor’s Center with exhibits to learn about the Mississippian culture. The mounds are open from dawn until dusk. Entrance into the mounds is free, but a donation of 7 USD for adults, 5 USD for seniors, 2 USD for children, and 15 USD for families is suggested.
Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site
Address: 30 Ramey Street, Collinsville, IL 62234
Website: Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site
3. Fairmount Park Racetrack
The Fairmount Park Racing Track opened in 1925 and is a one-mile (1.6 km) oval shaped dirt track. It is one of five horse racing tracks in Illinois, and the only one outside of the Chicago area. The track runs 90 races a year. Race days are on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. There is live betting and several dining areas you can eat in at the clubhouse on race days.
Fairmount Park Racetrack
Address: 9301 Collinsville Road, Collinsville, IL 62234
Website: Fairmount Park Racetrack
You might be interested in these Airbnbs!
Large Clean Home, Affluent Neighborhood
O'Fallon, Illinois, United States
❤(5)25% Special✔Long-term ✔Fast Wifi✔Dbl Bed
O'Fallon, Illinois, United States
Near STL, Pool, Jacuzzi, Fire Pit, Lrg Yard!
Fairview Heights, Illinois, United States
4. Willoughby Heritage Farm
Willoughby Heritage Farm and Conservation Reserve is a park created to look like a 1950s farm. At this park, you can learn what life was like on a 1950s farm, visit with farm animals, see tractors, and hike along trails. The park also includes 30 acres (12 hectares) of wildlife preserve where you can enjoy views of the prairie that surrounds Collinsville.
You can make your visit to the park even more special by attending one of the special events throughout the year, or one of the special programs offered. To register for these classes you can go online or call +1 6183467529. Admission is always free and the park is open daily from 9am. Sunday-Friday the park closes at 7pm, Saturdays at 4pm.
Willoughby Heritage Farm and Conservation Reserve
Address: 631 Willoughby Ln, Collinsville, IL 62234
5. Collinsville Historical Museum
The Collinsville Historical Museum displays artifacts from Collinsville’s history. It has a special section dedicated to the achievements of local sports teams and athletes. The artifacts date back from 1767 until the present. There are exhibits about the city’s founders, history of the Police and Fire departments, the city’s history of coal mining, and more. There are frequently new exhibits added. The museum is open during normal business hours and admission is free.
Collinsville Historical Museum
Address: 406 West Main Street, Collinsville, IL 62234
Website: Collinsville Historical Museum
6. Splash Waterpark
Enjoy a fun day in the sun as you create waves at Splash Waterpark. Splash Waterpark has 7 slides, Monsoon Mountain, Crystal Creek, Leisure pool, Oasis Lap pool, and an Aqua Climb Wall. Parking and life preservers are free for all visitors. The park offers 5 USD off the admission price after 4pm and additional savings every Wednesday. The park offers daily rates and season passes as well as group rates. There are lifeguards on duty and an assisted chair lift on some of the attractions. There is also a concession stand. The park is open every day from 11am-7pm.
Splash Waterpark
Address: 10 Gateway Dr, Collinsville, IL 62234
Website: Splash Waterpark
7. Gateway Fun Park
Gateway Fun Park is a family fun amusement park. At Gateway the attractions include bumper boats, an arcade, go-karts, kiddie karts, batting cages, and mini-golf. The park is open Monday-Thursday 4pm-9pm and Friday-Sunday from 11am-9pm. To go on the attractions, visitors must purchase tickets. Each ride collects a certain amount of tickets. For 25 USD, guests can purchase a wristband to go on an unlimited amount of rides for two hours.
Gateway Fun Park
Address: 8 Gateway Dr., Collinsville, IL 62234
Website: Gateway Fun Park
8. Schnuck Memorial Park
This idyllic park covers 9.75 acres (3.9 ha) of beautiful land. It includes a playground, a pond for fishing, and a gazebo that can be rented for events or photo shoots. The cost to rent the Gazebo is 50 USD per day. It’s located near restrooms, two picnic tables, and Schnuck Lake. Enjoy a peaceful afternoon in this beautiful setting.
Schnuck Memorial Park
Address: 401 Camelot Dr, Collinsville, IL 62234
Website: Schnuck Memorial Park
Collinsville, not your average small city
Collinsville, Illinois has a population of only around 25,000 people, but it has attractions that leave a big impact. From boasting the world record for the world’s largest bottle of catsup, to being a center of Mississippian culture, to being a fun and convenient setting for family entertainment. Collinsville may be a small city, but it has a lot of big-time fun to offer any visitor.