Welcome To Alton, IL
Located 25 miles north of St. Louis, Missouri, Alton is full of history, recreational opportunities, and business prospects. Founded in 1837, Alton was the site of the final debate between Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas.
- Robert Wadlow, the world’s tallest man, was born and raised in Alton.
- Legendary jazz musician Miles Davis was born in Alton.
- Alton is also considered one of the most haunted cities in America.
- Alton is home to the Jacoby Arts Center, the Alton Little Theater, the Alton’s Children’s Theater, three historic districts, the Alton Museum of History and Art, the Elijah P. Lovejoy Monument, the Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine, the Alton Marina, the Alton Amphitheater, the National Great Rivers Research and Education Center, the Melvin Price Locks and Dam, the Meeting of the Great Rivers Scenic Byway, and a variety of other educational and recreational institutions.
Alton is a great place to live, work, and raise a family. Alton’s 30,000 residents benefit from a cost of living below the national average and the protection of the Alton Police and Fire Departments. The Alton School District and several private and parochial schools provide a wonderful education to our children. Lewis and Clark Community College, Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville, and the many colleges and universities in St. Louis make higher education accessible to residents of Alton.
Large employers include:
- The Alton School District
- Alton Memorial Hospital
- Alton Steel, Inc.
- American Water Company
- Argosy Casino
- Global Brass and Copper, Inc.
- Millers First Insurance Company
- Olin Corporation
- Riverbend Head Start & Community Services
- Saint Anthony’s Health Center.
- A variety of locally owned small businesses are also located in Alton.
The main business district of Alton fronts the Mississippi River and many of the nearby streets are still paved with brick, a natural setting for the many mid-19th century buildings and Victorian homes still standing as a reminder of Alton’s historical contributions. A variety of specialty and antique shops can be found in the downtown district and throughout Alton. Whatever your interests, a visit to the Alton area is worth the trip.
Links to Alton, IL
FROM St. Louis (Forest Park)
- Take I-64 West to I-170
- Take I-170 North to I-270
- Take I-270 across the Mississippi River to IL-3
- Take IL-3 North to IL-143
- Take IL-143 West into Alton
FROM St. Louis County (Kirkwood)
- Take I-270 North and then East across the Mississippi River to IL-3
- Take IL-3 North to IL-143
- Take IL-143 West into Alton
FROM Chicago, Peoria, Springfield and points north
- Take I-55 South toward St. Louis
- Take IL-140 West into Alton
FROM Effingham, Indianapolis, Cincinnati and points east
- Take I-70 West toward St. Louis
- Take IL-111 North to IL-143
- Take IL- 143 West into Alton
FROM Cairo, Memphis and points south
- Take I-55 North to I-255 near St. Louis
- Take I-255 North to I-270
- Take I-270 West to IL-3
- Take Il-3 North to IL-143
- Take IL-143 West into Alton
FROM Columbia, Springfield, Kansas City and points west
- Take I-70 or I-64 or I-44 East toward St. Louis to I-270
- Take I-270 East across the Mississippi River to IL-3
- Take IL-3 North to IL-143
- Take IL-143 West into Alton
