Tours: West to East

Jump to: Day Two | Day Three | Day Four

Download the full Itinerary in PDF format.

We encourage all visitors to create their own National Road experience by selecting the sites that most interest them. These are only suggested stops as each town offers restaurants, antiques, shopping and unique architecture that should also be enjoyed.

Day One Itinerary

  • Start: Casino Queen, East St. Louis. 200 S. Front St.
  • Suggested time at this site: How lucky are you?

Billed as the Home of the Loosest Slots, this smoke-free casino also has four restaurants and a breathtaking view of the Arch and St. Louis riverfront.

Stop 1: Cahokia Mounds, Collinsville. 30 Ramey St.

  • Distance and travel time from previous site: 8 miles / 15 minutes
  • Suggested time at this site: 1-2 hours

The largest prehistoric Indian site north of Mexico, Cahokia Mounds covered nearly 4,000 acres and at its peak was the home of 10-20,000 people. The complex was comprised of around 120 mounds highlighted by the 14 acre Monks Mound. The interpretive center is an excellent way to begin your visit.

Stop 2: Splash City, Collinsville. 10 Gateway Dr.

  • Distance and travel time from previous site: 5 miles / 10 minutes
  • Suggested time at this site: 1 hour

A great way to cool down, Splash City Family Waterpark offers patrons the chance to relax, take a lap or two around the pool, or take on some of the bigger water attractions.

Stop 3: Catsup Bottle Water Tower, Collinsville. 800 S. Morrison Ave.

  • Distance and travel time from previous site: 6 miles / 12 minutes
  • Suggested time at this site: 15 minutes

Perhaps the only catsup bottle to have its own fan club and website, this 170-foot tall water tower is one of the most recognizable sites on the National Road. Built in 1949 by the G.S. Suppiger Company, this Brooks catsup bottle was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2002.

Stop 4: Willoughby Heritage Farm, Collinsville. 631 Willoughby Lane

  • Distance and travel time from previous site: 2 miles / 6 minutes
  • Suggested time at this site: 45 minutes-1 hour

More than just a vintage farm, this site brings agriculture, nature, and conservation together in a memorable family experience. University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeners work their green thumb magic in their own corner of the grounds.

Stop 5: Historical Society Museum, Collinsville. 406 W. Main St.

  • Distance and travel time from previous site: 1 mile
  • Suggested time at this site: 30-45 minutes

From military artifacts to coal mining displays, this museum covers all facets of Collinsville history. This new facility, built in 2006, is one of the top local museums along the National Road in Illinois.

Stop 6: U.S. Senator Paul Simon Museum, Troy. 542 Edwardsville Rd.

  • Distance and travel time from previous site: 8 miles / 15 minutes
  • Suggested time at this site: 30-45 minutes

Dedicated to the memory of the former U.S. Sentator and presidential candidate, the museum follows his path from a newspaper editor at The Troy Tribune to his career in state and national politics. Open Saturdays from 10 a.m. until noon or by appointment, (618) 520-1144.

Stop 7: Tri-township Park, Troy. Lake Drive.

  • Distance and travel time from previous site: .5 miles
  • Suggested time at this site: 1 hour

Enjoy a picnic lunch or a leisurely stroll on the walking path. There's also a petting zoo for kids.

Stop 8: Mersinger Log Cabin, Troy. 610 E. Center.

  • Distance and travel time from previous site: .5 miles
  • Suggested time at this site: 20 minutes

The replica 1860s era cabin takes visitors back to the early days of Troy. Open by appointment by calling (618) 667-6662.

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Day Two Itinerary

Start: Louis Latzer Homestead, Highland. 1464 Old Trenton Rd.

  • Distance and travel time from previous site: 20 miles / 31 minutes
  • Suggested time at this site: 45 minutes

The home of Pet Milk founder, Louis Latzer, this beautiful country estate is the site of the Harvest Days event each September. A Pet Milk Museum can also be found on the grounds. Tours may be arranged by calling (618) 654-7957.

Stop 1: Erwin Weder Museum, Highland. 600 13th St.

  • Distance and travel time from previous site: 3 miles / 6 minutes
  • Suggested time at this site: 30-45 minutes

Located in the former Schott's Brewery building, this museum is dedicated to vintage farm machinery and vehicles. Open by appointment by calling (618) 654-1761.

Stop 2: Kaeser Park and Museum, Highland. 1739 E. Broadway

  • Distance and travel time from previous site: 1 mile
  • Suggested time at this site: 20-30 minutes

This former stagecoach stop and home of a local physician houses Highland history and period furnishings and décor. Open by appointment by calling (618) 654-6781.

Stop 3: American Farm Heritage Museum, Greenville. I-70 at the 45 mile marker exit.

  • Distance and travel time from previous site: 21 miles / 30 minutes
  • Suggested time at this site: 45 minutes-1 hour

Visitors can see the beginnings of agriculture with an emphasis on farm and home life. The Lil' Red Barn is open Saturdays from May through October from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. and includes a replica feed store and tool store. The museum also hosts its Farm Heritage Days festival the last weekend in July.

Stop 4: Hoiles-Davis Museum, Greenville. 318 W. Winter

  • Distance and travel time from previous site: 3.5 miles / 6 minutes
  • Suggested time at this site: 20-30 minutes

Operated by the Bond County Historical Society and named for its two leading benefactor families, this museum houses a variety of displays related to Greenville and Bond County. Displays rotate annually. Open April through October on Saturday from 1-3 p.m. and Sunday from 2-4 p.m.

Stop 5: DeMoulin Museum, Greenville. 110 W. Main St.

  • Distance and travel time from previous site: .5 miles
  • Suggested time at this site: 30-45 minutes

For decades DeMoulin Bros. has been one of the nation's leading manufacturers of band uniforms. But the factory got its start in 1892 as a maker of lodge regalia and initiation paraphernalia. The museum features many of these initiation devices made for secret societies. Open Friday 1-3 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. and Sunday from 2-4 p.m. or by appointment by calling (618) 664-4115.

Stop 6: Bock Museum, Greenville. 315 E. College Ave.

  • Distance and travel time from previous site: .2 miles
  • Suggested time at this site: 30-45 minutes

The Almira College House, built in 1855, and the forerunner to Greenville College, is home to this collection honoring sculptor Richard W. Bock, a friend and associate of Frank Lloyd Wright. For hours of operation, call (618) 664-6724.

Stop 7: One Room School Museum, Greenville. Beaumont Avenue & Wyatt St.

  • Distance and travel time from previous site: .5 miles
  • Suggested time at this site: 20-30 minutes

Built with lumber from several county one-room schools, this museum will give visitors a chance to experience good ol' country education when there was one teacher and a stove to keep everyone warm. Open by appointment by calling (618) 664-0903.

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Day Three Itinerary

Start: Little Brick House, Vandalia. 621 St. Clair St.

  • Distance and travel time from previous site: 20 miles / 26 minutes
  • Suggested time at this site: 30-45 minutes

Likely built in the mid 1800's, this six-room house offers visitors a glimpse at era furnishings, china, engravings, and items related to early Vandalia history. The house was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1973. Open by appointment by calling (618) 283-4866.

Stop 1: National Road Interpretive Center, 106 S. 5th St.

  • Distance and travel time from previous site: .3 miles
  • Suggested time at this site: 45 minutes-1 hour

Opened in February 2009, the center is both a museum and research center for those wanting to learn more about National Road history. There is an emphasis on the Illinois chapter of the story. Visitors will enjoy the Lincoln on the National Road room, the 1830's era road timber, Conestoga wagon model, and vintage photos. Open Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.

Stop 2: Statehouse and Madonna of the Trails, Vandalia. 315 W. Gallatin

  • Distance and travel time from previous site: .2 miles
  • Suggested time at this site: 1 hour

The oldest surviving capitol building in Illinois, the statehouse was constructed in 1836 and served in that capacity until 1839. Vandalia had been the capital since 1820. Abraham Lincoln’s political career began at Vandalia while he was a member of the Illinois House of Representatives. On the southeast corner of the grounds is the Madonna of the Trails statue, dedicated in 1928. One of twelve such statues in the nation, it served as a link between the old National Road and the coast to coast highway that would later become U.S. Route 40.

Stop 3: Fayette County Museum, Vandalia. 301 W. Main St.

  • Distance and travel time from previous site: 1 block
  • Suggested time at this site: 30-45 minutes

A former Presbyterian Church, built in 1867, is the home of the museum which offers an array of artifacts pertaining to Vandalia's time as the capital as well as vintage kitchen and household items and war artifacts. The building was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1982.

Stop 4: Museum & Public Library, St. Elmo. 311 W. Cumberland Rd.

  • Distance and travel time from previous site: 16 miles / 20 minutes
  • Suggested time at this site: 20-30 minutes

Get a glimpse of the history of a community that was one of the southern Illinois oil boom towns of the 1930's. The community also prides itself on its military service as visitors can also view the nearby Veterans Memorial.

Stop 5: Alwerdt's Gardens, Altamont. 3238 E. 800th Ave.

  • Distance and travel time from previous site: 10 miles / 15 minutes
  • Suggested time at this site: 1 hour

An amazing 6-acre garden of over 1,000 varieties of herbs, perennials, and ornamental plants, Alwerdt's Gardens could occupy the attention of enthusiasts for a full day.

Stop 6: Dr. Charles Wright Mansion, Altamont. N. Main St. and W. Jackson Ave.

  • Distance and travel time from previous site: 2.5 miles / 5 minutes
  • Suggested time at this site: 30-45 minutes

This 18 room mansion was built in 1889 by one of Altamont's prominent citizens. The home features the furnishings and belongings of three generations of the Wright family including 7000 books. The mansion was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1986. Tours are available on Sundays from 2 to 4 p.m. April through October or by appointment (618) 483-6397.

Stop 7: Ballard Nature Center, Altamont. 5253 E. US Hwy 40

  • Distance and travel time from previous site: 3 miles / 5 minutes
  • Suggested time at this site: 1 hour

With miles of walking trails and a visitor’s center, this 210-acre site provides a wonderful chance to get back to nature.

Stop 8: Cross at the Crossroads, Effingham. Raney St. at Pike Ave.

  • Distance and travel time from previous site: 10 miles / 15 minutes
  • Suggested time at this site: 30 minutes

This 198-foot tall cross, built in 2001, is an inspirational site for thousands of travelers each day. A Chapel Welcome Center offers visitors a reverent atmosphere.

Stop 9: Sculptures on the Avenues, downtown Effingham.

  • Distance and travel time from previous site: 2.5 miles / 6 minutes
  • Suggested time at this site: 30-45 minutes

This annual exhibition attracts a variety of work from the Midwest’s most gifted sculptors. The tour should begin at City Hall, 201 E. Jefferson, where the Flame of Hope and Balancing Boy and Joy sculptures are found.

Stop 10: My Garage Corvette Museum, Effingham. 17082 N. US Hwy. 45

  • Distance and travel time from previous site: 3 miles / 5 minutes
  • Suggested time at this site: 45 minutes-1 hour

Located on the grounds of Mid America Motorworks, this museum is a Corvette or Volkswagen enthusiast's dream. Mike Yager's collection includes a 1910 gas station and a few treats for fans of Herbie the Love Bug.

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Day Four Itinerary

Start: Monastery Museum, Teutopolis. 110 S. Garrett St.

  • Distance and travel time from previous site: 6 miles / 10 minutes
  • Suggested time at this site: 45 minutes-1 hour

Open the first Sunday of the month (April through November) from 12:30 to 4:00 p.m. or by appointment by calling (217) 857-3586. With over 30 rooms of displays, visitors will leave with a better understanding of the Franciscan Friar's life. There are also Teutopolis artifacts featured.

Stop 1: Depot Museum, Greenup. Next to the Cumberland Co. Historical Museum

  • Distance and travel time from previous site: 21 miles / 25 minutes
  • Suggested time at this site: 30-45 minutes

Greenup was the intersection of the Vandalia Railroad and the Grayville & Mattoon Railroad. This museum, located in a unique two-story 1870 era depot, is a must for railroad enthusiasts. Visitors will enjoy the model train display and vintage railroad artifacts.

Stop 2: Cumberland Co. Historical Society Museum, Greenup. 213 E. Cumberland St.

  • Distance and travel time from previous site: n/a
  • Suggested time at this site: 30-45 minutes

Housed in the century old Johnson Building, the museum features artifacts related to Greenup and Cumberland County history including war veterans, the National Road, and Abraham Lincoln.

Stop 3: Cumberland Presbyterian Church Lincoln Window, Casey. 16 N. Central Ave.

  • Distance and travel time from previous site: 10 miles/16 minutes
  • Suggested time at this site: 15 minutes

Donated to the church in 1914 by local Civil War veterans, this stained glass window is a portrait of Abraham Lincoln.

Stop 4: Fairview Park, Casey. East Monroe Ave.

  • Distance and travel time from previous site: .75 miles
  • Suggested time at this site: 30 minutes to 1 hour

A product of the oil boom of the early 1900's, the park originally featured a horseracing track. This 40-acre park is the pride of Casey and has a swimming pool, playground, picnic areas, ball diamonds and more.

Stop 5: Lincoln School Museum, Martinsville. 7400 E 1500th Rd.

  • Distance and travel time from previous site: 9.5 miles / 15 minutes
  • Suggested time at this site: 30-45 minutes

Open Sundays 2-4 p.m. from June through August, this 1880's one-room brick school is located about a mile north of Martinsville.

Stop 6: Stone Arch Bridge, Marshall. Archer Ave. at Seven Acre Rd (west of town)

  • Distance and travel time from previous site: 15 miles / 18 minutes
  • Suggested time at this site: 15 minutes

This bridge, constructed in 1834, is an authentic National Road relic that still carries daily traffic. Placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1978.

Stop 7: Clark County Historical Society Museum, Marshall. 402 S. 4th St.

  • Distance and travel time from previous site: 1.7 miles
  • Suggested time at this site: 30-45 minutes

Located in a house built in 1838 and owned by Uri Manley, the town's first postmaster, the museum includes displays related to Marshall and Clark County history including the Handy Writer’s Colony.

Stop 8: Harlan Hall, Marshall. 603 Locust St.

  • Distance and travel time from previous site: .25 miles
  • Suggested time at this site: 1 hour

Built in 1871 as a livery stable, the second floor later served as an opera house. Today the first floor is a community center and the second floor is the future home of the National Road Welcome Center. Placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2001.

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