Picnic Spots in the Alton, Illinois Area

Warmer weather means picnic time. The Alton, Illinois area provides many ideal places for picnicking. This article looks at several places, that are great places for family get together.

Alton Marina
Located in downtown Alton is the marina along the Mississippi River. The park there has a playground and picnic tables. You can also enjoy the traffic on the river. Many barges and different boats excursion up and down the river. There are no charges.

Pierre Marquette State Park
Twenty miles north of Alton, along the Mississippi River Road is Pierre Marquette State Park. When it comes to a place for a picnic, this is the place to go. You can picnic along the riverside, near a playground area or up in the woods. Pavilions are available, but they must be reserved. There are plenty of restroom facilities. Many times during the year, there are special programs like fishing festivals set up. There is even lectures set up by the Department of Natural Resources throughout the year.

Beaver Dam State Park
This park is located about 30 miles Northeast of Alton. This little park is loaded with everything from a restaurant to paddle boats. It also has an archery range, camp sites, pavilions, camper area, fishing and hiking trails. Most of the picnic sites have outdoor grills. So leave your grill at home. In the camping area, there is also a shower facility. Pavilions need to be reserved in advance.

Leclaire Park (Edwardsville)
Located in historic Leclaire, this park is very child friendly. There are multiple playgrounds, plenty of play area and many great picnicking sites. Not many individuals use this park. If you are looking for space this park is ideal for you.

Bertagnolli Park
This park is located in Bunker Hill. Bunker Hill is about a 20 mile drive north of Alton on highway 159. This is not your typical park for a picnic. However, it provides fishing, sand volleyball and pavilions. It is located in a rustic area that doesn't have a lot of grass and tree maintenance. Like Leclaire, it isn't used very much. If you are looking for quiet isolation, this is the park to go to. Bring your own grill here. This park has none.

Lake Lou Yeager (Litchfield)
This picnic area is about an hour drive from Alton. If you enjoy boating, you can do it here. There are plenty of picnic areas throughout the park. There is a large playground for children. Many outdoor grills are available for use. There are pavilions but they need to be reserved for use.

These are just a few nice picnic areas in the Alton, Illinois area. Check with the local Chamber of Commerce for other locations.