I was born in Alton, Illinois, a quirky river town perched on the banks of the Mississippi, just 18 miles north of St. Louis. Growing up here, and now living in nearby Godfrey, I’ve come to see Alton as a place that’s equal parts history, charm, and oddball allure, a town that doesn’t just sit quietly but hums with a unique rhythm all its own. Nestled amid limestone bluffs and the confluence of three great rivers, the Mississippi, Illinois, and Missouri, Alton is a treasure trove of stories, natural beauty, and unexpected delights.

Let’s start with the history, because Alton wears it like a badge of honor. This is the town where Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas squared off in their final debate in 1858, a moment that shaped the nation’s path toward the Civil War. It’s also where Elijah P. Lovejoy’s printing press still stands near the river, a testament to his fight for free speech that ended with his murder by a pro-slavery mob in 1837. Alton is the birthplace of Miles Davis, the legendary jazz trumpeter whose innovative sound reshaped 20th-century music, born here in 1926 at 1112 Milnor Street. It’s also the origin of James Earl Ray, born in 1928 in a modest home near Ninth and Belle streets, a man later convicted of assassinating Martin Luther King Jr., casting a complex shadow over the town’s legacy. And then there’s Robert Wadlow, the tallest man in recorded history at 8 feet 11.1 inches, born and raised here. You can still visit his life-sized statue on College Avenue, craning your neck to take in his gentle giant presence, a reminder of Alton’s knack for producing larger-than-life characters. The darker threads weave in too: Alton’s role in the Underground Railroad, its Civil War prison that once held 12,000 Confederate soldiers, and Lovejoy’s assassination, whose legacy looms large over the city. This is a place where the past isn’t just remembered, it’s palpable.

But Alton isn’t stuck in yesterday. Downtown buzzes with a vibe that’s both historic and hip. The niche stores here are a draw, places like Mississippi Mud Pottery, where you can snag handmade ceramics, or the eclectic antique shops that line the brick-paved streets. After browsing, you’ll want to eat, and Alton delivers. Tony’s Restaurant has been dishing up steaks and Italian classics for decades, while Old Bakery Beer Company pairs organic craft brews with hearty fare in a renovated riverfront building. For a quick bite, State Street Market offers fresh, local flavors that hit the spot. And then there’s the downtown bar scene, lively and unpretentious. Mac’s Downtown is a standout, where you can sip a cold one and bet on horse racing, soaking in the kind of gritty charm that feels timeless. But the crown jewel for pub lovers is Morrison’s Irish Bar. It’s not just a bar, it’s one of the most authentic Irish pubs in the greater St. Louis area, with perfectly poured Guinness, live music, and a warmth that makes you feel like you’ve stumbled into Dublin.

Speaking of St. Louis, it’s just a short drive south across the stunning Clark Bridge, about 30 minutes, to trade Alton’s small-town quirks for big-city lights. Downtown STL offers everything from Cardinals games to the Gateway Arch, but honestly, Alton often feels like it’s got enough going on to keep you rooted right here.

Take the Great River Road, for instance. Stretching north from Alton to Grafton, this scenic byway hugs the Mississippi and is jaw-droppingly beautiful in the fall when the leaves turn fiery shades of red, orange, and gold against the limestone bluffs. It’s a drive that begs you to slow down, roll the windows down, and breathe in the crisp air. Along the way, you’ll pass eagles nesting in the winter months, Alton’s a prime spot to see these majestic birds swoop down to the Mississippi for fish. The Melvin Price Locks and Dam is a great perch for eagle-watching, and the nearby National Great Rivers Museum dives into the river’s storied past.

The Mississippi itself is Alton’s lifeblood. It’s where fishermen cast their lines, where F1 powerboat races roar through the water each summer (the Alton Midwest Nationals are a must-see), and where the Argosy riverboat casino floats, a garish, oddly colored relic of riverboat gambling that’s been docked here since 1991. It’s not for everyone, but if you’re into slots or blackjack with a side of river views, it’s worth a visit. For my money, though, the river’s real magic shines on the 4th of July, when Alton’s fireworks display lights up the water and sky, an explosive spectacle that rivals any in the region. Another gem is the Alton Marina, where you can dock your boat or simply enjoy the riverfront views, a peaceful counterpoint to the town’s lively energy.

Then there’s “Haunted Alton,” a title the town has earned with pride. Labeled one of America’s most haunted small towns by the Travel Channel, Alton leans into its spooky side. The McPike Mansion, crumbling yet captivating, draws ghost hunters year-round, while walking tours reveal tales of restless spirits tied to the city’s turbulent past. Come October, the Halloween float parade rolls through downtown, a surprisingly stellar event where locals go all out with elaborate, awesome floats that rival most other cities.

Alton’s got more up its sleeve, too. The annual Mississippi Earthtones Festival celebrates the rivers with art, music, and conservation, while the Alton Amphitheater hosts summer concerts with the Mississippi as a backdrop. Fishing’s big here, whether you’re after catfish or bass, and the Sam Vadalabene Bike Trail offers a flat, shaded ride along the river for cyclists. For a taste of local lore, check out the Piasa Bird painting on the bluffs, a mythical creature said to have terrorized Native tribes centuries ago. If you’re into nature, Principia College’s campus nearby offers stunning views from its bluff-top perch, a quiet spot to soak in the area’s beauty.

From Godfrey, where I live now, Alton’s just a stone’s throw away, and I’m reminded daily why this area is special. It’s not just the history or the scenery, it’s the way Alton blends the two with a scrappy, authentic spirit. Whether you’re grabbing a pint at Morrison’s, betting on the ponies at Mac’s, or watching eagles soar over the river, Alton offers a slice of life that’s hard to find anywhere else. It’s my hometown, sure, but it’s also a place that keeps surprising me, year after year. Come see for yourself, you might just fall for it too. And this is just a glimpse, there’s so much more to Alton that I haven’t even touched on, waiting for you to discover.