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Edwardsville, Illinois: Where Fun and Adventure Collide – The Best Places to Visit and Things to Do!

Edwardsville works properly if you plan the evenings out before the days. The Wildey Theatre has been putting shows on there for well over a century now. SIUE Cougar Lanes runs a band and concert series with local and national acts. The Edwardsville Arts Center books its shows and performances across the whole year. And the Edwardsville Public Library costs nothing and fills the gaps between them.

You are in for something if you are heading to Edwardsville, Illinois. This small town is packed with things to do and places to visit, enough to fill days. History buff, nature lover, or just after a good time: Edwardsville has a version of each.

One of the stronger things about Edwardsville is the variety. You can get outdoors at one of the many parks and nature reserves in the area, or go deep into the past at the historical landmarks and museums of the town. And if you are travelling with kids, there are plenty of child-friendly spots to hold them.

So if you are wondering what to do in Edwardsville, Illinois, here it is. This article works through the things to do and places to visit in this small town. Downtown Edwardsville through to the local farmers market, it is all covered. So pack the bags and go.

Key Takeaways

• Edwardsville, Illinois is a charming town with something for everyone.
• Visitors can explore nature, history, and child-friendly spots in the area.
• From downtown Edwardsville to the Land of Goshen Community Market, there’s plenty to see and do in this town.

The Fun of Edwardsville

Looking for things to do in Edwardsville? You are in luck, because this city runs plenty. Here are a few places to start:

Edison’s Entertainment Complex

Edison’s Entertainment Complex is where to go with friends or family. They run 12 lanes of boutique bowling, a 4,000 sq. ft. laser tag arena, and a 65+ game arcade. And there is food and drink at the full-service bar and restaurant.

And if you are hosting a party or an event, Edison’s handles that too. They run 10 party and event spaces that take groups of any size. A birthday, a graduation, or just a night with coworkers: each one fits.

SIUE Cougar Lanes

SIUE Cougar Lanes is the other place to go for a night out in Edwardsville. They run 8 bowling lanes, billiards and a spread of arcade games. And there is a theater showing the latest releases.

Live music people should take their band and concert series. It runs local and national acts, so something will land. And there is a snack bar when you get hungry.

A few frames of bowling, a round of laser tag, or a film: Edwardsville covers each. Take Edison’s Entertainment Complex and SIUE Cougar Lanes for the lot.

Nature’s Beauty in Edwardsville

You do not have to go far for the natural side of Edwardsville. With parks, woodland trails and quiet lakes, the city gives you plenty of ways to get away from the noise of the everyday.

One of the busier spots for nature people is the Watershed Nature Center. The 46-acre preserve runs wetlands, prairies and forests, and it holds wildlife across the range, turtles and frogs through to birds and butterflies. Take a slow walk along the trails, or bring a picnic and sit in it.

For something more structured, go to The Gardens at SIUE. The botanical garden shows plants and flowers across the range, roses, irises and daylilies among them, and it runs guided tours and educational programs through the year.

For a rougher picnic, take Joe Glik Park. The wooded park runs a picnic pavilion, a fishing lake and plenty of trails for hiking and biking. Pack a lunch and give it the day.

Wherever you go in Edwardsville, there is a way to get outdoors. So pack the sunscreen, grab the bug spray, and go.

Historical Wonders

You may not be a history buff, but the historical side of Edwardsville will still hold you. Madison County is home to the oldest brick house in Illinois, the Benjamin Stephenson House. It was built in 1820 by Benjamin Stephenson, one of the more important Illinois figures of the early 19th century.

The Federal-style house is rectangular with square rooms, brick exterior walls, and a fireplace in each room. The hallway and staircase are the centerpieces, and the detached kitchen and veranda suit outdoor gatherings. The Benjamin Stephenson House is now a museum and sits on the National Register of Historic Places.

For more on the history of Madison County, take the Madison County Historical Museum. The museum sits in a building that was once a post office and federal courthouse. Inside there are artifacts and exhibits telling the story of the past of the county.

History buff or not, the significance of these buildings in Edwardsville is hard to miss.

Child-Friendly Spots

If you are in Edwardsville with little ones, there are plenty of child-friendly spots. Playgrounds through to interactive exhibits, most kids are covered.

One of the stronger spots for kids in Edwardsville is the Edwardsville Children’s Museum. The museum is built for kids and runs interactive exhibits that teach and entertain at once. They can explore the human body, pick up science and technology, and pretend to be a firefighter or a police officer.

For somewhere to let the kids run, there are several playgrounds in the area. Hoppe Park is the popular one, with equipment to climb, swing and slide on. Township Park is the other option, with a large play area and open space for running.

For something different, take Playgrounds. The indoor play center runs play structures across the range, a giant slide and a ball pit among them. And there is a toddler area, so the smallest ones can join in.

Wherever you go in Edwardsville, there are child-friendly spots to find. So pack up the kids and take a day of it.

Exploring Downtown Edwardsville

Downtown Edwardsville is where the Midwest gets its city hours. The area is full of things you will not have expected, and it will hold you for a while.

Start on Main Street, where there are shops, restaurants and bars in quantity. And if you want a drink or a snack, take the local watering hole for a cold one and something to eat.

For a night out, downtown Edwardsville is the answer. The area runs a lively nightlife scene, with bars and clubs to choose from. A quiet evening or a loud one, both are here.

For culture, take the Edwardsville Arts Center. The hub runs shows and performances through the year, showing local artists and performers.

And do not miss the antique shops. They are full of unusual finds and vintage pieces you will not turn up elsewhere.

Walking through downtown Edwardsville, watch the colorful signage on the buildings. The signs are a nod to the history of the area and they give the downtown its character.

And catch a show at the Wildey Theatre. The historic venue has been entertaining audiences for over a century and is still a fixture of the downtown.

So what are you waiting for? Get out and work through downtown Edwardsville.

The numbers here run a good deal larger than a town of this size usually manages. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville carries more than 13,000 students on its books. The Gardens at SIUE cover 35 acres of botanical planting all on their own. Cougar Athletics fields 18 NCAA Division I teams across the various sports. And the Watershed Nature Center protects 46 acres of wetland and prairie.

Parks and Recreation

You do not need to be a fitness enthusiast to use the parks in Edwardsville. The city runs several with activities across the range. A slow walk, a picnic, or a game of basketball: each one fits.

One park that stands out is the Edwardsville Township Community Park. The expansive park runs everything you would want, playgrounds and picnic areas through to baseball fields and a skating rink. Yes, a skating rink. So if you want to show off on the ice, this is where.

For something more laid-back, take City Park. It suits a slow afternoon picnic or a game of frisbee. And there is a lake for fishing or just for looking at.

But if you want the blood moving, take one of the many smaller parks across the city. They run everything from basketball courts and soccer fields to walking trails and fitness equipment. So grab the running shoes and go.

The parks and recreational areas in Edwardsville cover most people. A quiet afternoon or a hard one, both are here. So what are you waiting for? Get out there.

The Edwardsville Library

The Edwardsville Public Library is where you go to leave the day behind. And it costs you nothing at all.

The library runs an extensive collection of traditional books, fiction, non-fiction and children’s books included. There are also audiobooks, DVDs and magazines. And if you read on a device, the digital collection is serious and you can reach it from anywhere.

And there is more, because the library runs educational programs for all ages. Storytime for toddlers through to computer classes for seniors, most people are covered. And students get resources for homework and research.

The Edwardsville Library is not only a place to read. It is also where the community meets. There are events and activities through the year, author visits, book clubs and craft workshops among them.

Bookworm or just after something free to do, the Edwardsville Public Library is worth the visit.

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville

You cannot visit Edwardsville without stopping at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE). The university is a hub for education, culture and entertainment. With more than 13,000 students, SIUE is a busy and varied community running activities and events across the board.

One of the stronger things about SIUE is The Gardens at SIUE. The 35-acre property is a botanical garden showing the natural side of the area. Walk the gardens and take the plants, flowers and trees. And The Gardens at SIUE draws photographers, particularly in fall when the leaves turn.

Sports people get Cougar Athletics at SIUE. The university fields 18 NCAA Division I sports teams, basketball, soccer and baseball among them. Catch a game and cheer the Cougars on.

SIUE also runs a working arts scene. The theater program stages several productions a year, classic plays through to modern musicals. And there are concerts, art exhibitions and other cultural events on campus.

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is one to see in Edwardsville. Nature, sports or the arts, SIUE has a version of each. So put on the Cougar gear and go.

The Land of Goshen Community Market

You cannot visit Edwardsville without The Land of Goshen Community Market. It has been running since 1997 and is one of the bigger farmer’s markets in the region. You will find it at 131 E Vandalia St, Edwardsville, IL 62025.

The market has what you need for a day out. There are dozens of vendors selling locally-grown fruits and vegetables, microgreens, hydroponic produce, potted plants, pumpkins and gourds, berries, herbs, fresh-cut flowers, seeds and more. And there are unusual items in there too, handmade jewelry and crafts among them.

The Land of Goshen Community Market runs every Saturday from May to October. So grab the reusable bags and head to Kansas Street and Center Grove Road. There is plenty of parking and plenty of people ready to point you at what you want.

One thing to know is that the market is cash-only. So bring enough with you for what you need. But there are plenty of ATMs nearby if you run short.

The Land of Goshen Community Market is one to see in Edwardsville. It supports local farmers and artisans and it fills a morning well with friends and family.

Nearby Cities to Explore

So you have worked through the things to do in Edwardsville and you still want more. There are plenty of nearby cities waiting. Here are a few to start with:

St. Louis

St. Louis. The Gateway to the West, the land of toasted ravioli, and home to the Gateway Arch. For big-city hours, St. Louis is a short drive from Edwardsville. Take the City Museum, catch a Cardinals game at Busch Stadium, or walk through Forest Park. And try some gooey butter cake while you are there.

Florissant

A short hop from Edwardsville is the small town of Florissant. Walk the historic Old Town district for the shops and restaurants. And history people should not miss the Old St. Ferdinand Shrine, which dates back to 1821.

Alton

For river views and a quiet small town, Alton is the one. The town sits on the banks of the Mississippi River and holds the Alton Amphitheater, which runs concerts and events through the summer. Walk the Great River Road and take the views.

Belleville

A short drive from Edwardsville is the town of Belleville. It holds the Cathedral of St. Peter, which dates back to 1866. And German food people should not miss the annual Belleville Oktoberfest, which runs every September.

So there you have it. Big-city hours or small-town quiet, there are plenty of nearby cities to work through from Edwardsville. Happy travels.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find the best pizza in Edwardsville, IL?

The age-old question. You are in luck, because Edwardsville runs strong pizza. For classic New York-style, go to Peel Wood Fired Pizza. For something more unusual, try the BBQ Chicken Pizza at Cleveland-Heath. And for a third option, take the pizza at Dewey’s Pizza.

What are some unique and quirky activities to do in Edwardsville?

Looking for something different? Take the Edwardsville Arts Center for the creative side. Or for something bolder, try axe throwing at The Axe House. And for something genuinely unusual, take a hot air balloon ride with Balloons Over the Rainbow and see Edwardsville from above.

What is the most Instagram-worthy spot in Edwardsville?

For a spot to snap a pic for the ‘gram, go to the Watershed Nature Center. The nature preserve runs trails, a quiet lake and plenty of wildlife to photograph. And for something more urban, take the murals on Main Street, which make a strong backdrop for a selfie.

Are there any haunted places to visit in Edwardsville?

For a scare, go to the Leclaire Park Neighborhood. The historic neighborhood is said to be haunted by the ghost of a young girl who died in a fire. And if you are feeling brave, take a ghost tour with Alton Hauntings for the haunted history of Edwardsville and the areas around it.

What are some hidden gems in Edwardsville that tourists often miss?

For unusual shopping, take the Goshen Market. The outdoor market runs local vendors selling everything from fresh produce to handmade crafts. And for somewhere quiet, take the Gardens at SIUE, which tourists tend to walk past and should not.

Can you recommend a good spot for a romantic date night in Edwardsville?

For a romantic evening, go to 1818 Chophouse. The upscale restaurant keeps a small, warm room and serves some of the stronger steaks in town. And for a nightcap, take Stagger Inn…Again, which runs a good list of craft beers and cocktails, with an outdoor patio for the end of the night.

Frequently asked questions about Edwardsville, Illinois

Which Edwardsville park suits an evening walk before a show?

The Watershed Nature Center, then the Wildey Theatre. The nature center runs 46 acres of trail that empties out nicely towards the end of the day, and the historic theatre downtown has been entertaining audiences for over a century. SIUE Cougar Lanes runs its own band and concert series instead. The Edwardsville Arts Center takes the rest of the shows. Walk first and book the theatre for afterwards.

Which Edwardsville park is worth a full day outdoors?

The Watershed Nature Center. Its 46 acres run wetlands, prairies and forest, with turtles, frogs, birds and butterflies through them, and the trails are gentle enough that a picnic is the natural way to end the day. Joe Glik Park then adds a fishing lake and a picnic pavilion. Edwardsville Township Community Park has the ball fields and a skating rink. Take the nature center early, because the wildlife settles later on.

Which Edwardsville museum carries the deepest local history?

The Benjamin Stephenson House. It is the oldest brick house in Illinois, built in 1820 by Benjamin Stephenson, and the Federal-style rooms, the brick exterior and the fireplace in every room have all been kept as they were. The hallway and staircase are the centerpieces of it. The Madison County Historical Museum then covers the wider county history. Both sit close enough to take in a single afternoon.

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