A series of three islands – Chouteau, Gabaret, and Mosenthein – is uniquely situated in the Mississippi River just minutes north of downtown St. Louis. These islands are collectively known as Chouteau Island. The 10-mile length of Mississippi River that borders Chouteau Island to the west is the only natural stretch of river without barge traffic between St. Paul and New Orleans. This section of river is a very high-quality habitat, but also at high risk. Chouteau Island is one of the few locations in the St. Louis Region with direct public access to the Mississippi River for recreation.

Combined, all these islands provide wildlife habitat, recreation opportunities, and flood storage on over 5,500 acres. This site has a fulcrum of historic river infrastructure – a one-of-kind 1-mile pedestrian bridge across the Mississippi River managed by Great Rivers Greenway. The pedestrian bridge connects Illinoiss and Missouri’s system of trails. All these opportunities are positioned in the middle of the St. Louis Metropolitan Area.

In 2001, working in partnership with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, The Trust for Public Land, and The McKnight Foundation, HeartLands Conservancy was able to assist in acquiring all available remaining private interests in Gabaret and Mosenthein Islands. These two islands, which represent 2,000 acres, are a major component of the overall Chouteau Island complex. The islands are owned and managed by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

In 2004, with funding provided by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and the National Fish & Wildlife Foundation, HeartLands Conservancy was able to acquire an additional 94 acres on Chouteau Island, which has been deeded to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources for long-term ownership and management.

Venice Roadside Park

In 2004, a small dedicated group of area business and civic leaders began the “IT STARTS HERE” Committee under the leadership of the Chamber of Commerce of Southwestern Madison County. The Committee’s goal was to make the Illinois Route 3 Corridor, from the McKinley Bridge north to Interstate 270, an inviting entrance into the State of Illinois. Their efforts led to the idea of developing the “McKinley Bridge Roadride Park” and the “Salute to Steel” Sculpture.

The Roadside Park was funded through grants from the Madison County Parks and Recreation Committee and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. The Sculpture, however, was totally funded by private donations. Local industrial and commercial businesses, community organizations and individuals joined to raise over $290,000 for this effort.

The Sculpture, constructed of stainless steel, stands 5 1/2 stories tall. The three intertwined rings at the top of the sculpture symbolize the three major cities along Route 3, Granite City, Madison, and Venice. The colored columns emanating from the rings represent the pouring of steel, emphasizing the impact the steel industry has had on our region.

Gateway Convention Center

Gateway Convention Center is a multi-purpose event venue located in Collinsville that offers everything planners need to create successful events. The building is centrally located and easily accessible from anywhere within the region. It is surrounded by five major interstates and just 10 minutes from downtown St. Louis.  There are several southern Illinois attractions nearby like the Collinsville Aqua Park, Fairmount Park with horse-racing, and Cahokia Mounds.

From galas and corporate meetings to national consumer shows and sporting events, the Gateway Convention Center is adaptable to the needs of any event planner. The Center has approximately 50,000 square feet of flexible event space and a variety of catering options.  Clients of the Center enjoy the in-house production, exhibition, and bar services.

“Our venue has a convenient location with easy access and free parking,” said Jamie Lane, the General Manager at Gateway Convention Center.  “Gateway Convention Center is the largest convention Center in Southern Illinois for meetings, conventions, consumer shows, sporting events, and social events.  We can accommodate groups of 20, or 10,000 people.”

Gateway is the Great Way To Gather for any event!

1 Gateway Drive in Collinsville | 618-345-8998

Granite City Park District

The Granite City Park District consists of several parks – Wilson Park, Worthen Park, Veterans Parkway, Laman Park, Rode Park, Frohardt Park, Tri-City Park, Robertson Park, Stearns Park, Triangle Park, Civic Park, and Memorial Park. Wilson Park is a 74-acre park with beautiful gardens, nature paths, tennis, basketball and pickle courts, playgrounds, baseball and softball fields family picnic facilities and a 1.25 asphalt fitness trail, an ice rink and a state-of-the-art outdoor aquatic center.

They also have different facilities – The Legacy Golf Course, Granite City Ice Rink, Wilson Park Pool, Lincoln Place Community Center, and The Brown Recreational Center.

Movies Under the Stars brought to you by GCS Credit Union is back at Sykes Field in Wilson Park!

This event is FREE to the public. Bring your lawn chairs, blankets and snacks for a movie under the stars. Showing begins at dusk. The next movie showing will be September 9th showing Encanto.

2900 Benton Street in Granite City | 618-877-3059

Legacy Golf Course

Legacy Golf Course is an 18 hole, public golf course, located about 15 minutes from downtown St. Louis, Missouri.

Located in Granite City, Illinois, it was opened in 1989.  The golf course was designed by Hale Irwin, and was originally managed by his firm for the first few years.  The Granite City Park District took over ownership of Legacy in October, 2009, and has consistently invested into the facility ever since.

3500 Cargill Road in Granite City | 618-931-4653

Madison County Trails

Madison County Transit has several trail routes to choose from. MCT Confluence Trail, MCT Nature Trail, MCT Schoolhouse, MCT Eagle Point Trail and MCT Nickel PLate Trail are just a few that are located in the area.

Six Mile Regional Library District

Six Mile Regional Library District, formerly known as the Granite City Public Library, strives to provide the best library services and resources to all residents of Granite City, Mitchell, and Pontoon Beach, Illinois – basically everyone in the 62040 zip code. SMRLD offers both traditional and non-traditional library services at two locations in Granite City. Throughout the year, the library hosts a variety of events for all ages.

Mission: The Library makes a significant difference in the everyday lives of the people, institutions, and communities of Granite City, Mitchell, and Pontoon Beach by listening, understanding, and then transforming needs into proactive library services.

2001 Delmar Ave or 2145 Johnson Road in Granite City | 618-452-6238

Sunset Hills Country Club

Boasting one of the oldest courses in Southern Illinois, Sunset Hills Country Club is proud of its rich history. Founded in 1922, Sunset Hills was formerly known as E.G. Golf Club. The name was changed in the 1950’s to Sunset Hills Country Club. Our membership is full of rich history, and we have many long-time members who are able to pass along their knowledge to a new generation of families and members. We are a family-oriented, private, members-only club with something for everyone.

2525 S State Rte 157 in Edwardsville | 618-656-9380

World Wide Technology Raceway

There is something going on all year round at the World Wide Technology Raceway. When the track is closed for the racing season it is used for the Wonderlight’s Christmas, drive through Christmas lights.