Southwest IL river attractions — one for history and one for sightseeing — are now open
Many of us head toward the metro-east’s awesome rivers to take in the sights, explore our history and enjoy nature. Two attractions are now open to help support that pastime.
Confluence Tower has reopened to the public after being closed for more than a year. The Village of Hartford reopened the tower with assistance from the Great Rivers & Routes Bureau, which is responsible for staffing and operating the attraction, according to a recent release.
“We are very pleased that we can reopen the Tower and we look forward to welcoming visitors back to Hartford and the Tower,” Hartford Mayor Bill Robertson said.
“The Confluence Tower really showcases the scenic beauty of the Great Rivers & Routes region,” says Cory Jobe, President and CEO of the tourism bureau. “From views of the confluence of the Mississippi and Missouri rivers to sights of downtown St. Louis and beyond, the Tower is a great place to experience the history and beauty of the region.”
The tower is located along the 18.7-mile Confluence Bike Trail. Bicyclists and hikers moving from Granite City to Alton can easily visit along the way.
Located at 435 Confluence Tower Drive in Hartford, Confluence Tower is open for tours 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday-Monday. Visit riversandroutes.com for more information.
***
A grand opening was held Saturday, June 19, for the Edward Amburg History Museum in Grafton. Funded by a grant from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, the museum highlights Grafton’s past and includes artifacts from “prehistoric Native American cultures to the tools used by local craftsmen as they began constructing the Mississippi River community,” according to a June 15 release.
The museum’s displays include items preserved by the Grafton Historical Society. The Edward Amburg History Museum is located within the Grafton Visitor Center at 950 W. Main St. in Grafton. The museum is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday-Sunday and on Monday holidays. For information, call 618-786-7000.
This story was originally published June 30, 2021 at 5:00 AM.