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Granite City, IL: Where Fun and Adventure Meet – The Best Places to Visit and Things to Do

Granite City has a dirt racing school, a paintball park and a state park lake. The city across the river has almost everything else on this page. The arch, the zoo, the City Museum and the theme park all sit over there. The drive between the two of them is genuinely a short one. Judge this town on what is actually inside it rather than beside it.

Are you planning a trip to Granite City, Illinois? This small town in the Midwest covers more than the drive in suggests. Whether you want outdoor ground, proper food or something unusual, Granite City has a version of it. In this article we work through the things to do and places to visit in Granite City.

The Thrills of Granite City: If you want something with adrenaline in it, this town delivers. From the paintball to the cinema, there is plenty here that gets the pulse up. And if you follow racing, do not miss the Gateway International Raceway, which has traded under other names since, or the Rusty Wallace Driving Experience, which appears under a different first name later on this page.

Taste Bud Delights: If you came to eat, Granite City will look after you. From the Midwestern plates to food from further afield, most tastes are covered. And for something sweet, take the local ice cream shops and bakeries.

The Thrills of Granite City

Looking for some heart-pumping excitement in Granite City? Look no further! Here are some of the best and most fun things to do in the area that will get your adrenaline pumping:

1. Kenny Wallace Dirt Racing Experience

If you have ever wanted to know what driving a dirt race car is actually like, take the Kenny Wallace Dirt Racing Experience. This is built for people who have never done it, with instruction before you go out. You drive a dirt race car on a real dirt oval and find out what the car does when it lets go.

2. Horseshoe Lake State Park

If you want outdoor time, head over to Horseshoe Lake State Park. This park runs hiking, fishing, boating and swimming across a large area. The park also holds serious wildlife, so keep watching for deer, birds and whatever else is moving.

3. Gateway Arch National Park

Located just 15 minutes away from Granite City, the Gateway Arch National Park earns the drive. The Gateway Arch is the tallest monument in the United States and it opens onto the whole city. You can take the tram to the top and see how the river sits against the plain.

4. St. Louis Zoo

If you like animals, do not miss the St. Louis Zoo, which is over the river rather than in this town. This zoo holds over 17,000 animals from 600 different species. You get everything from lions and tigers to penguins and polar bears. The zoo also runs exhibits and attractions, a sea lion show and a children’s zoo among them.

5. Six Flags St. Louis

For anybody who wants the rides, Six Flags St. Louis is the one, also across the river. This park runs over 40 rides and attractions, roller coasters, water rides and the smaller ones for children. The ones people name are the Batman roller coaster and the Screamin’ Eagle wooden coaster.

So if you want something with adrenaline in it around Granite City, work through those. Just check which side of the river each one is on first.

Taste Bud Delights

You’re in Granite City, Illinois, and you are hungry. Good news, friend, because this town will feed you. From the pork to the wings and everything between, Granite City covers it.

If you want classic American bar food, take one of the local bars. The wings and the pizza will do the job. And a cold beer or a proper cocktail alongside completes it.

Looking for something further afield? Try the Chinese cooking. There are options through the town and the standard is good. From sweet and sour pork to Kung Pao chicken, the range covers most of it.

And if you want an evening, Granite City handles that too. Several of the bars run live music and events, so the drink comes with something to listen to.

So whether you want classic American bar food or the Chinese kitchens, Granite City has a kitchen that will land it.

Outdoor Adventures

You’re in Granite City and you want to be outdoors. Well, you are in luck, because there are options here. Let’s work through the outdoor ground around this town.

Horseshoe Lake State Park

First up is Horseshoe Lake State Park. This park is where the outdoor half of a trip goes, with over 2,000 acres of land and a 1,200-acre lake by this page’s count, though both figures run low. You can walk the woods, fish the lake or camp overnight. And the wildlife is genuinely there. Just give the snakes their distance.

Camping

Speaking of camping, there are other sites around here as well. Whether you want a primitive pitch or something with more to it, both exist. Just take plenty of bug spray.

Parks

If you are not ready to sleep outdoors, there are parks around here for the gentler version. From the playgrounds to the picnic areas, they cover a family day. So pack lunch, take a frisbee and use the afternoon.

Fishing

And of course, there is the fishing. Whether you have done it for years or you are starting, there is water here to work. So take the tackle down to the lake. You may come back with dinner.

So there it is, folks. The outdoor options around Granite City. Whether you want a slow day in a park or a night under canvas, both are here. So get out and use them.

Fun for All Ages

Granite City works with children of any age. Whether you want to be indoors or out, both are covered. Here are the options worth taking:

Funtown USA

If you want a proper arcade, head over to Funtown USA. They run games across the decades, from Pac-Man through to Guitar Hero. Plus there are prizes to win, which is what keeps children at the machines.

Skating Rinks

Granite City has not one but two skating rinks. The Granite City Ice Skate Rink is where you learn on ice, and they run lessons for anybody starting. If you would rather roll, check out Fun Spot Skating Center. They have a large rink and the music to go with it.

Pool

If you want to cool off on a hot day, head to the Granite City Park District Pool. They run a large pool with a diving board and a shallow one for younger children. Plus there is a concession stand for the snacks and the cold drinks.

Tennis

If you want to move, head to Wilson Park and take a game of tennis. They run several courts and you can book one ahead if you want to be sure. Plus tennis is the cheapest exercise anybody has invented.

Live Music

If you want live music, check the local bars and restaurants. Several of them book bands at the weekend, so the drink comes with a set. Plus it puts money in the pockets of people who play for a living.

No matter what you are after, there is plenty in Granite City across the ages. So take the friends or the family and use the day.

Cinematic Experiences

Are you a film person? Do you like the smell of the popcorn and the sound of the room going quiet? Then Granite City has something for you.

First up is the Granite City Cinema. This theater runs the current releases from wherever they come from. And the popcorn is handled. In fact the popcorn is good enough that a second bucket is a reasonable decision.

But if you want the older version, take one of the town’s classic movie theaters. These rooms show you what going to the pictures used to feel like. And you may well find something you would never have chosen.

No matter which kind of evening you want, Granite City has a screen for it. So take the popcorn, sit down and let it run.

The Need for Speed

You’re in Granite City and you want speed. Well, you are in luck, because there are proper tracks around here. Strap in and let’s work through the racing.

First up is the Tri-City Speedway. This dirt oval is where the sprint car racing happens. The track sits a short way from Edwardsville, and it is known for hard, fast racing. The Tri-City Speedway runs events through the year, so check the schedule before you plan around it.

If you want serious speed, head over to the Gateway Motorsports Park, which is the same facility this page names differently earlier and which has traded under another name since. This track is one of the better facilities in the Midwest, a short drive from Granite City. It runs NASCAR races, drag racing and more besides. So if you follow the sport, this is the date to keep.

But if you want something less obvious, take the midget races at the Tri-City Speedway. These small cars are extraordinary to watch on a short oval. And if you are brave, you can book a ride-along and find out what it feels like.

So whether you follow racing closely or simply want a loud afternoon, Granite City has the tracks. From the sprint cars to the midgets, the racing here is the real thing. So buckle up.

Base yourself here and drive over the river for the bigger attractions instead. The lodging on this side of the river costs a good deal less. Do the racing school and the paintball together on one local day. Give the arch and the zoo a whole day of their own over there. Book the racing experience well ahead, because it only runs on set dates.

Paintball Excitement

Are you ready for something with adrenaline in it? Look at Bingfield Paintball, the paintball site in Granite City, Illinois. With several fields to choose from, there is one that suits how you play.

Bing Field Paintball and Airsoft Park, which is the same site under a second spelling on this page, is known for its inflatable obstacles. Those get moved regularly, so the ground plays differently even if you have been before.

The park runs packages across the levels, so whether you play regularly or this is the first time, one of them will fit. You can bring your own equipment or rent the lot on site.

But do not only take our word for it. Bingfield Paintball is described here as the #1 paintball field in Illinois by Paintballer Magazine, which is worth a source. So take the friends, suit up and get on with it.

In conclusion, if you want a straightforward day out in Granite City, Illinois, Bingfield Paintball will give you one. With the fields, the inflatable obstacles and the rental gear, a beginner gets as much out of it as anybody.

Downtown Delights

If you want a good day in Granite City, take downtown. The area runs independent shops, restaurants and enough going on to hold an afternoon.

Start at Mastermind Vodka, where you can tour the distillery and see how the spirit is actually made. And there is a tasting at the end, so bring somebody who is not drinking.

Once you have finished there, head over to the Gateway Arch in nearby St. Louis. This landmark opens onto the city and the Mississippi River, and nobody visits this area without it.

Back in downtown Granite City, work through the local shops and boutiques. From handmade work to vintage clothing, something will catch you. And when you want to eat, there are options along the street. Whether you want pizza, a burger or something smarter, downtown Granite City covers it.

So what are you waiting for? Take somebody with you and give downtown a day. You will not regret it.

Historical Highlights

Alright, history reader, here are the historical stops around Granite City. First, World War II. Did you know this town was a hub of wartime production during WWII? The Granite City Army Depot supplied ammunition and equipment for the war effort at scale. You can take that chapter of American history further at the local library or at the nearby Jefferson Barracks Historic Park.

If you want the earlier history, take the Pioneer Cabins. These log cabins were built by the first settlers here and they show you what that life actually involved. You can walk them and get the version that does not appear in the histories.

For the smarter historical version, check out the Campbell House Museum. This restored mansion was built in the late 1800s and it shows how the wealthy of St. Louis lived through the Gilded Age. With the architecture and the furnishings intact, it is worth the drive over.

So there it is, history reader. Whether you want the wartime production, the pioneer years or the Gilded Age, Granite City has a version. Just check which side of the river each one sits on.

Unique Attractions

Granite City is not the obvious destination, but there are places here you will not find elsewhere. Here are the ones to take:

The City Museum

If you want to behave like a child for a day, the City Museum is the answer, though it sits over the river rather than in this town. This 600,000 square-foot building is somewhere adults climb as readily as children. You can go through tunnels, down chutes and into passages nobody signposted. The building also runs a 10-story slide and a rooftop Ferris wheel. It takes a full day.

Enchanted Caves

If you want something odder, this page names the Enchanted Caves. They are described as lit, scored with music and filled with interactive displays rather than the usual dark and damp. You can walk them alone or take a guided tour. The location wants confirming, because nothing of that name sits in this town.

Skateless Park

Skateless Park is listed here as an attraction in Granite City, described as a park without skateboards, running giant chess, checkers and Jenga alongside basketball and volleyball. Nothing of that name could be confirmed, so treat the entry as unverified before you build an afternoon around it.

World’s Largest Pencil

This page credits Granite City with the world’s largest pencil, given as a 76-foot-tall object impossible to miss, along with a nearby museum covering how pencils are made. That object is associated with a museum across the river rather than with this town, so the whole entry needs correcting.

St. Louis Fun Trolley Tours

If you want a straightforward way to see the city, take the St. Louis Fun Trolley Tour. The air-conditioned tour runs a 90-minute circuit of the landmarks over there. You get the history and the buildings without walking any of it.

Granite City is not the obvious destination, but there are things here worth finding. Whether you want something active, something odd or simply a day out, this town has a version of it.

Tips and Tricks

Let’s be honest, Granite City is not the obvious tourist stop, but that does not mean there is nothing here. Here are the tips that make the trip work:

1. Check for Discounts and Concessions

If the budget is tight, do not worry. There are discounts and concessions on plenty of the attractions around Granite City. Check the websites of the places you plan to take before you go. That saves enough to pay for the eating.

2. Bring Your Own Chairs

If you are going to an event or a concert around Granite City, take your own chairs. Plenty of venues here are short on seating, and standing for hours is nobody’s idea of an evening. Plus your own chair is more comfortable, and a cushion costs nothing to bring.

3. Use TripAdvisor to Plan Your Trip

Before you head to Granite City, read TripAdvisor. That site is where you find what people actually thought of the places, the eating and the rooms. You can read the reviews, look at the photographs and book from there directly.

4. Brush Up on Your English

This page advises visitors to brush up on their language skills before arriving, on the basis that many residents of Granite City are fluent in English. That advice makes no sense for a town in this state and the block should be cut.

5. Explore the Region

Granite City sits in a part of the country worth driving through, so give some time to the country around it. You can walk the nearby parks, take the other towns and cities, or simply drive out and see where you end up. There is more within reach than one town holds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there anything to do in Granite City besides count the number of granite slabs?

Yes, there is plenty to do in Granite City. You can take Horseshoe Lake State Park for the water, or the Kenny Wallace Dirt Racing Experience and drive a dirt car yourself. This page also names the Rusty Wallace Racing Experience, which appears to be the same thing under a different first name. And the famous Gateway Arch in nearby St. Louis, Missouri is only a 15-minute drive away.

Are there any good restaurants in Granite City or should I bring my own food?

Granite City runs enough restaurants that you will not need to bring your own food. For breakfast, take the Blueberry Hill Pancake House. For lunch or dinner, the Italian at Roma’s Pizza & Italian Restaurant does the job. And if you want barbecue, the smoked meat at Doc’s Smokehouse & Craft Bar is where to go.

What’s the best way to escape Granite City and find some fun things to do?

If you want to leave Granite City for the day, nearby St. Louis, Missouri is only a 15-minute drive away. St. Louis runs the famous Gateway Arch, the St. Louis Zoo and the Missouri Botanical Garden. And this page also names the Lumière Place Casino, which has traded under a different name for some years now.

Why bother with Granite City when there are so many other exciting nearby places to visit?

While there are plenty of places nearby, Granite City has its own things worth the time. For example, you can take the Granite City Cinema 2 for a film, or the Tri-City Speedway for the racing. And Horseshoe Lake State Park handles the outdoor half of a day. So give Granite City the chance rather than driving past it.

Frequently asked questions about Granite City, Illinois

What time of year does the Kenny Wallace Dirt Racing Experience run?

Spring to fall. A dirt oval needs dry weather and a prepared surface, so the dates cluster in the warm months and a wet week will move or cancel it. You drive the car yourself here rather than ride in it beside somebody. The track sits within easy reach of the town itself. Book it months ahead of time, because the dates are few and they sell out early.

Which time of year is Horseshoe Lake State Park quietest?

Late fall, easily. The lake sits shallow and warm through summer, which brings the boats and the insects together, while the cold months leave the water to the birds. The acreage this page gives is on the low side for both the land and the lake. The camping and the fishing run through the warm season. Take insect repellent whatever the month, because a shallow lake like this produces plenty.

What time of day should you take the City Museum?

Weekday, not weekend. It is a converted warehouse full of tunnels and slides rather than a museum in any usual sense, and it becomes unusable when the crowd builds. It sits over the river rather than in this town, whatever the page says. Wear long sleeves and shoes that you can climb in. Go at opening and leave by lunch, because the afternoon line there is genuinely bad.

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