Byway Discovery Center to Open Nov. 6 in Southwest Illinois
The center at Great Rivers Park will introduce visitors to outdoor recreation and nature-based travel along the 33-mile Meeting of the Great Rivers National Scenic Byway.
ALTON - A new chapter in tourism along one of America's great river landscapes launches with the opening of the new Byway Discovery Center at Great Rivers Park on Friday, Nov. 6.
A grand opening celebration will be held to celebrate the opening of the much anticipated Byway Discovery Center at 2 p.m., Nov. 6. The public is invited to attend.
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This new immersive orientation center is designed to connect travelers with the communities, landscapes and outdoor adventures found along the Meeting of the Great Rivers National Scenic Byway, a 33-mile stretch of road between Hartford and Grafton in southwest Illinois.
The opening marks the beginning of a larger effort by Great Rivers & Routes to establish Southwest Illinois as a leading Midwest destination for outdoor recreation and nature-based travel — a place where America's great rivers, scenic roads and communities come together.
Developed by the Great Rivers & Routes Tourism Bureau with public and private partners, the approximately $7.4 million first phase of the project represents a major investment in the future of outdoor recreation and nature-based tourism. The Byway Discovery Center was funded by a $7 million Capital grant from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.
“This isn't simply about opening another visitor center,” said Cory Jobe, President and CEO of the Great Rivers & Routes Tourism Bureau. “We are creating a front door to one of the Midwest's great outdoor destinations. The Mississippi River, our limestone bluffs, trails, parks, wildlife and river communities are tremendous economic assets. The Byway Discovery Center gives us an opportunity to connect those assets into a visitor experience that can drive travel and economic activity throughout the region.”
Located along the Meeting of the Great Rivers National Scenic Byway, the Discovery Center will introduce visitors to experiences stretching from Hartford through Alton and Grafton to Pere Marquette State Park and the surrounding region.
Interactive and immersive exhibits will help travelers discover opportunities for hiking, cycling, fishing, paddling, birding, scenic drives, wildlife viewing and other outdoor experiences while encouraging them to explore nearby communities, attractions, restaurants, shops and lodging.
The Byway Discovery Center is the first phase of a larger vision for Great Rivers Park which is perched on the banks of the Mississippi River near Piasa Creek.
Plans for the next phase include approximately 55 acres of outdoor recreational space connecting the Discovery Center with the Mississippi River and Piasa Creek. Proposed amenities include walking trails, interpretive exhibits, outdoor learning areas and fishing access — creating additional opportunities for residents and visitors to experience the river landscape.
“The opportunity in front of us is bigger than tourism,” Jobe said. “Outdoor recreation contributes to quality of life, community development and economic development. When we encourage someone to spend another hour, another meal or another night exploring this region, that activity supports local businesses and strengthens our communities.”
The project has been made possible through partnerships with the State of Illinois, Jersey County, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Great Rivers Land Trust and the Great Rivers & Routes Tourism Bureau.
“Great Rivers Land Trust has always believed that protecting our region’s natural landscapes also means creating meaningful opportunities for people to experience and appreciate them,” said Alley Ringhausen of Great Rivers Land Trust. “The Byway Discovery Center at Great Rivers Park brings that vision to life. By partnering with Great Rivers & Routes Tourism Bureau and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, we are transforming this remarkable property into a place where residents and visitors can connect with the Mississippi River, explore the outdoors and better understand why these natural resources are worth protecting for generations to come.”
Operating hours of the Byway Discovery Center will be Wednesday to Sunday from 10a.m. to 4p.m. year-round.
(The Great Rivers & Routes Tourism Bureau is a certified Destination Marketing Organization serving Madison, Jersey, Calhoun, Macoupin, Montgomery and Greene counties and Brooklyn and East St. Louis in St. Clair County. The bureau is dedicated to educating visitors about the region by providing information regarding the area’s history, unique landmarks, recreational opportunities, leisure attractions, special events and scenic marvels.)
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