26 Best & Fun Things To Do In Collinsville, IL

Are you a local or a visitor to Collinsville, Illinois, looking for excitement and discovery? You’re going to have a truly remarkable experience! This all-inclusive guide reveals the best 26 exhilarating and intriguing things to do in Collinsville, IL, so you can make the most of your time in this energetic city.

Situated in Madison County, Illinois, Collinsville is well-known for its distinctive landmarks, rich cultural heritage, and history. Due to its major contribution to the production and distribution of horseradish, the city is known as the “Horseradish Capital of the World.” This is one of its most noteworthy claims to fame.

Collinsville, a well-known city in the Metro-East, is home to a plethora of enthralling man-made and natural attractions that are sure to delight tourists of all ages.

Collinsville offers a wide range of experiences to delight and engage every traveler, from the towering majesty of the Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site to the thrilling thrills of Gateway Fun Park, and from the fascinating exhibits at the Collinsville Historical Museum to the delightful flavors at the Old Herald Brewery & Distillery.

The Top 26 Exciting Activities In Collinsville, Illinois (2024)

1. Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site

Start your journey to Collinsville with a visit to the Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site, a magnificent beehive that is situated over the Mississippi River from St. Louis, Missouri, and provides history buffs with a wealth of educational activities in Collinsville, Illinois.

This amazing 2,200-acre site has more than 80 man-made mounds that served as public structures, burial grounds, and ceremonial platforms between 700 and 1400 AD. The largest prehistoric mound in North America, Monk Mound, is also located there.

In addition, the Woodhenge, a wooden construction that provides insights into the lives of the Cahokian people, and the Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site, which features a renovated fortress wall and stunning vistas of the surrounding area, are worth visiting.

Discovering the mysteries of civilization and gaining insight into the past through a tour of this attraction can serve as both an instructive and inspirational voyage through time.

2. Old Herald Brewery & Distillery

Do you want a sip of locally created beverages and a flavor of history? For wine lovers looking for exciting things to do in Collinsville, IL, look no farther than Old Herald Brewery & Distillery, a permanent historic newspaper building with a working brewery and distillery.

The attraction features a mesmerizing blend of vintage and contemporary alcoholic beverages, such as the well-known Proofreader Pale Ale, Printer’s Ink, gins, rums, and vodka, all set in a serene setting with clinking glasses and a lively bustle of content patrons.

In addition, Old Herald Brewery & Distillery offers a thoughtfully curated menu, with each course option matching and enhancing their wines and spirits.

Visitors to this location can relax with friends and family, savor a delicious meal, take in the building’s historic ambience, and sample some locally brewed beers and spirits.

3. Gateway Convention Center

Examining Gateway Convention Center offers a welcoming venue for meetings, trade exhibits, weddings, and other distinctive Collinsville, Illinois, activities for all kinds of audiences. It is a vital location for events and gatherings.

Situated within a short distance from St. Louis’ downtown, the convention center boasts 50,000 square feet of spacious event space, on-site food, audio/visual facilities, quick Wi-Fi, and complimentary parking.

The Gateway Convention Center provides you with a comfortable, fully equipped setting along with additional essential amenities to guarantee you have the greatest possible experiences, whether you’re attending a conference or any other kind of social event.

4. The Gateway Arch

Among the unusual things to do around Collinsville, Illinois, for tourists and residents, is to catch a peek of The Gateway Arch, a true landmark of the American Midwest, which is tucked away in Saint Louis, Missouri, approximately a 30-minute drive from Collinsville.

Rising more than 630 feet into the sky, this spectacular monument is the highest artificial monument in the Western Region and the highest structure that can be built in Missouri.

The Gateway Arch offers an exhilarating trip to the summit and breathtaking views over the Mississippi River, the energetic city of St. Louis, and the surrounding environs, all beyond its remarkable heights. You can also learn about the history of the Louisiana Purchase, the expansion of the United States in the West, and St. Louis at a museum.

5. FanDuel Sportsbook And Horse Racing

Visit FanDuel Sportsbook and Horse Racing, a beehive providing dual enjoyment under one roof, to enjoy a ton of unique and family-friendly activities in Collinsville, IL.

This thrilling location offers 31 TVs featuring all the big games, daily live broadcast races, jockeys and horses, and the opportunity to legally place bets in a comfortable, energetic setting with delicious culinary options.

Watch the pulse-pounding excitement of live horse racing or place bets on your favorite teams in the sportsbook to have thrilling experiences with loved ones.

6. Willoughby Heritage Farm

For those who love the outdoors, visiting Willoughby Heritage Farm is a great way to relive the charm and nostalgia of rural living in Collinsville, Illinois. It’s also a unique and instructive thing to do.

The 30-acre farm attraction features a children’s playground, a vegetable and flower garden, vintage farm equipment, friendly farm animals, and a farmhouse built in the Craftsman style, all of which recreate the atmosphere of a 1940s farmstead.

Discover the history of farming in Collinsville, connect with the natural world, and let the kids explore the animals for themselves to make sure you get a unique combination of education and entertainment.

Address: 631 Willoughby Lane, Collinsville, IL 62234, United States.

7. Collinsville Aqua Park

Making a splash at Collinsville Aqua Park, a charming water park with a variety of entertaining activities for visitors of all ages, is one of the top things to do in Collinsville, Illinois, during the summer months.

For those looking for a more difficult experience, the park offers the Aqua Climb Wall in addition to a number of water slides, swimming pools, a child area with pint-sized slides, water jets, and tipping buckets, as well as a concession and free parking.

You may add some excitement to your Collinsville adventure by making a splash in the leisure pool, relaxing on the lazy river, or taking a thrilling ride down the winding water slides at Collinsville Aqua Park.

8. World’s Largest Catsup Bottle

One of the most unusual things to do in Collinsville, Illinois, for both tourists and residents, is to catch a peek of the World’s Largest Catsup Bottle, a piece of traditional heritage standing tall as a tribute to the Brooks Catsup Company.

Standing majestically on a 100-foot base, the iconic 170-foot landmark can hold 100,000 gallons, or over 640,000 bottles, of ketchup. There is a picnic area and lots of space for taking breaks in the surrounding region.

You can snap pictures in front of the enormous bottle, immerse yourself in learning about the history of the Brooks Catsup Company locally, and add some fun to your trip by visiting the World’s Largest Catsup Bottle.

9. Collinsville Historical Museum

A trip to the Collinsville Historical Museum, a veritable gold mine of art and historical exhibits, ought to be high on your list of must-do educational activities in Collinsville, Illinois, for visitors of all ages.

This dynamic museum features a wide variety of relics that date back to 1767 and tell fascinating tales of the town’s founders, the era of the local industry, and the day-to-day activities of its citizens.

A trip to the museum is one of the most interesting things to do in Collinsville, Illinois, for everyone because it provides educational insights about the industries, people, and events that built the city and helps you appreciate your heritage.

Address: 406 W Main Street, Collinsville, IL 62234, United States.

10. Woodland Park

One of the enjoyable things to do in Collinsville, Illinois, this weekend is to spend time at Woodland Park, a well-known location that offers a large green refuge for a variety of outdoor recreational activities.

Perfect for picnics, frisbee tosses, and leisure, the charming park has baseball fields, an 18-hole disc golf course, playgrounds with slides, swings, and climbing frames, and pavilions.

Families, sports fans, and couples alike may all look forward to a revitalizing escape at Woodland Park, which offers clean, contemporary amenities that foster a peaceful atmosphere for lounging and other outdoor activities.

11. Leisure World Health Club

Join Leisure World Health Club, a reputable and well-equipped fitness facility that offers a wide range of unique activities in Collinsville, IL, for people of all ages, to get moving and take charge of your health.

Numerous pieces of equipment are available in the fitness club, such as cardio machines, ellipticals, treadmills, free weights, and shower-equipped locker rooms.

A membership at Leisure World Health Club gives you access to a world of training opportunities because members may customize their workouts using a variety of equipment or take advantage of group lessons that provide extra inspiration and knowledgeable guidance.

12. Black Friday Liquidators / Restaurant Equipment

Are you trying to find somewhere to get a good bargain on your next restaurant project? In Collinsville, Illinois, Black Friday Liquidators / Restaurant Equipment offers an entertaining atmosphere for today’s activities.

The restaurant takes great pleasure in its expansive one-acre showroom and wide selection of restaurant equipment, which includes prep stations, sinks, dishes, cutlery, and commercial refrigerators, freezers, ovens, and ranges.

When you visit Black Friday Liquidators / Restaurant Equipment, you’ll enjoy a number of advantages, such as lower pricing on purchases and a delightful shopping experience thanks to the large selection of items in the showroom.

13. Ballpark Village

One of the entertaining things to do near Collinsville, IL, for people of all ages, is to indulge your inner sports enthusiast at Ballpark Village, the home of the St. Louis Cardinals baseball team. Ballpark Village is located in Saint Louis, MO, about 20 minutes’ drive from Collinsville, IL.

Beyond sports, the park offers a variety of mouthwatering dining options, a live music venue at a chic and contemporary bar, an entertainment complex with family-friendly games and a movie theater, and a place to relax with breathtaking city views.

You can find more entertainment options to liven up your visit, enjoy live music, watch your favorite movies, and satisfy your appetite with delectable meals and refreshing drinks at the several restaurants and bars located within the entertainment complex.

Visits to Ballpark Village are among the romantic activities to do for couples around Collinsville, IL, as it’s an ideal place to enjoy a fun date night.

Address: 601 Clark Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63102, United States.

14. St. Louis Aquarium At Union Station

Take a dive at St. Louis Aquarium Union Station, a fascinating find tucked away in Saint Louis, Missouri, only 19 minutes’ drive from Collinsville, Illinois. This aquarium offers a voyage through various aquatic bodies and other unusual things to do near Collinsville, Illinois, for all types of visitors.

The aquarium takes great pleasure in its more than 120,000 square feet of water wonders and exhibits that showcase various aquatic environments, such as the magnificent Mississippi River, amazing coral reefs, and small pools teeming with aquatic life.

In order to provide the perfect balance of entertaining and educational experiences for visitors of all ages, the attraction also has useful displays and educational activities.

When you visit this attraction, you can discover the mysteries hidden beneath the surface, discover the range of species and their environments, and take in the breathtaking array of marine life.

15. Old Chain Of Rocks Bridge

Discovering Old Chain of Rocks Bridge, a historic site also called the Chains of Rocks Bridge, is one of the interesting things to do around Collinsville, IL, for history buffs. It is located in St. Louis, Missouri, and is only a 30-minute drive from Collinsville.

This 1929-founded attraction’s main feature is its striking bend, which was built as a result of an uneven bedrock and the presence of a water intake. Some notable features are the remnants of the Route 66 signs, lovely scenery, and a well-maintained promenade for bicyclists and pedestrians.

A visit to this destination ensures a unique blend of exercise, history, and panoramic vistas. You can wander, go for a revitalizing bike ride, take in the lovely views, or unwind in the comfortable surroundings.

16. Budweiser Brewery Experience

The Budweiser Brewery Experience, located at St. Louis, MO, is only a 20-minute drive from Collinsville, IL, and provides an inside look at the brewing process of one of the most well-known beers in America. highlighting one of the interesting things that both locals and tourists can do in the vicinity of Collinsville, Illinois.

Located in the Soulard area, the brewery provides tours catering to a wide range of interests, introducing guests to every step of the brewing process, from picking hops to packing.

When visiting this location, you can take a tour to discover several hidden places and have a clear view of the finishing tanks. You can also experience the rich history of the brand at the Budweiser Museum.

17. The St. Louis Wheel

Take an expedition to The St. Louis Wheel, an iconic wheel that offers breathtaking views and thrilling rides for all ages, and discover a variety of family-friendly activities nearby in Collinsville, IL.

Located approximately 22 minutes from Collinsville in St. Louis, the St. Louis Wheel boasts 42 temperature-controlled gondolas with expansive windows that provide an amazing panoramic view of the surrounding landscapes, the Mississippi River, and city skylines.

To round off your experience, you can browse the array of eateries, retail establishments, and entertainment options in addition to enjoying a 15-minute trip on the 200-foot wheel.

Address: 201 S 18th Street, St. Louis, MO 63103, United States

18. Historic Miner’s Theater & Institute

For those with an interest in history, a fascinating activity in Collinsville, Illinois, is touring the Historic Miner’s Theater & Institute. The local coal miners’ unions built this historical site, which serves as a “home away from home” for the miners and their families.

The 1918-founded Theater & Institute takes pride in its exquisitely restored hall, which features comfortable seats, an excellent stage, and intricate details that vividly depict a bygone era.

The Historic Miner’s Theater & Institute also offers a variety of performances, such as plays, musicals, dances, concerts, and educational programs, to help you learn about the history of the nearby coal miners.

Address: 204 W Main Street, Collinsville, IL 62234, United States.

One of the most unusual things to do around Collinsville, Illinois, for everyone is The Darkness Haunted House, which is located in St. Louis and is about an 18-minute drive from Collinsville. Get ready for an exhilarating trip at this haunted house, which is known as America’s Scariest Haunted House.

The haunted house attraction has a large, terrifying arena as well as a number of spooky attractions all under one roof, all of which are designed to shock you with live performers, amazing effects, and terrifying themes.

Prepare to navigate through spooky settings, come face-to-face with terrible monsters, and let out screams as you discover this fabled treasure.

Address: 1525 S 8th Street, St. Louis, MO 63104, United States.

20. Kruta Bakery

Experience a little bit of history at Kruta Bakery, an aromatic refuge for sweet tooths and bread aficionados that opens up a world of unique activities in Collinsville, IL, suitable for all ages.

To satisfy your palate, the bakery offers a delightful selection of freshly baked items made locally, including cakes such as carrot and red velvet cake, cookies, pastries, and donuts, as well as typical European fruits and nut bread.

A visit to Kruta Bakery promises a delightful array of freshly baked goods in the cozy, quaint setting of this hidden gem in the community.

Address: 300 St Louis Road, Collinsville, IL 62234, United States.

21. Gateway Arch Riverboats

One of the exciting things to do near Collinsville, IL, for families is to take a cruise on the Gateway Arch Riverboats, which are located in St. Louis and are approximately a 22-minute drive away.

To accommodate a range of interests and schedule constraints, the attraction provides a variety of sailing activities. The cruises provide stunning views of the Mississippi River, the surrounding landscape, and an insight into the region’s rich past.

In addition to learning about the region’s history, visitors may take in the breathtaking views of the Mississippi River and surrounding countryside, making this a place for both leisure and education.

22. MX Movies & Bar

Experience the perfect blend of your favorite movie series and a warm, inviting bar at MX Movies & Bar. This entertainment hub and bar offers plenty of interesting and romantic activities for couples in the Collinsville, IL area.

Tucked away in St. Louis, just eighteen minutes from Collinsville, MX Movies & Bar provides the ideal fusion of lively bar and lounge areas with easy-to-use in-seat food options.

With just a scan of a QR code, you may peruse their extensive menu featuring movie snacks like popcorn and candies or savor an extensive array of beers, wines, and drinks sourced from the top breweries in St. Louis.

23. Citygarden Sculpture Park

One of the enjoyable and family-friendly activities close to Collinsville, Illinois, for people of all ages is an excursion at Citygarden Sculpture Park, a free urban oasis in St. Louis, which is 20 minutes away by car.

The expansive grounds of The Beehive are home to more than twenty-four sculptures, six rain gardens, a kid-friendly spray plaza with 102 fountains, and an engaging 180-foot pool with a cascading waterfall.

With sculptures encouraging play and exploration, peaceful gardens, and calming water features, this attraction offers visitors a unique, free open experience that feels like a peaceful retreat right in the middle of the city.

24. The Mural Mile

For art lovers, there are plenty of free things to do close to Collinsville, Illinois, like the vibrant Mural Mile, an outdoor gallery that is only a 19-minute drive from Collinsville, Illinois, to St. Louis, MO.

The gallery, which stretches over two miles, features the creative creations of over 250 street and graffiti artists on the Mississippi River floodwall, presenting an eye-catching panorama of the city’s artistic achievements and culture.

You can take a free, self-guided walking tour of the Mural Mile to see the various creative styles, historical allusions, and thought-provoking themes included into the mural collections.

25. World Wide Technology Raceway

One of the entertaining and thrilling things to do close to Collinsville, Illinois, for racing aficionados and tourists is to suit up for thrills at World Wide Technology Raceway, a sizable motorsports stadium tucked away in Madison, Illinois, just a 14-minute drive from Collinsville.

The racing hub includes a drag strip, state-of-the-art karting facility, 2.0-mile road course for pro and club racing, and a 1.25-mile oval track for NASCAR, IndyCar, and truck races.

See professional racing at the World Wide Technology Raceway, test your mettle on the go-kart course, or just take in the thrilling atmosphere of the arena.

26. Camelot Bowl

Enjoy some entertainment at Camelot Bowl, a family-friendly facility that provides a variety of enjoyable activities for friends and families in Collinsville, Illinois.

The bowling zone offers 32 lanes for bowling, cosmic bowling with music and black lights, party packages, and year-round leagues for competitive bowlers for the greatest experiences.

Whether you’re an expert or novice bowler, are you looking for the ideal evening of friendly competition, a laid-back hangout with friends, or a memorable family outing? Then you are insured by Camelot Bowl.

27. Omnidome Virtual Reality

For the most exciting and unusual things to do close to Collinsville, IL, take a 10-minute trip to Maryville, IL and see Omnidome Virtual Reality, a world of cutting-edge 360-degree treadmills and cutting-edge VR technology.

The entertainment center offers an ideal blend of real and virtual experiences, along with a 360-degree treadmill that lets you run, walk, or even crawl in the virtual world.

To add some spice to your Collinsville excursion, the gaming hub lets you take on thrilling adventures, battle terrifying foes, and explore uncharted territory.

Address: 46 Executive Plaza Court, Maryville, IL 62062, United States.

28. Altitude Trampoline Parks

One of the most entertaining things to do around Collinsville, Illinois, for kids is to let your inner jumper at Altitude Trampoline Parks, a fun hub located in Glen Carbon and 16 minutes away by car.

The trampoline park has dodgeball courts, obstacle courses, foam pits, slam dunk zones, and a sizable trampoline area with a web of trampolines for jumping and flipping. as well as tutorials to accommodate beginners’ ability levels.

Any ability level can have fun jumping and flipping in a safe setting at Altitude Trampoline Parks, making it the perfect place to spend a day with family and friends.

29. Collinsville Activity Center

Discover a variety of enjoyable, engaging, and instructive activities in Collinsville, IL, for all ages at the Collinsville Activity Center, a fully-stocked facility offering programs and rental spaces.

The activity center takes pride in having multiple rooms for various uses, a large auditorium for bigger gatherings, smaller classrooms, and a kitchen for basic meal preparation.

Whether you live in Collinsville or are organizing an event there, the Collinsville Activity Center provides reasonably priced rental space in a handy location for flexible use.

Address: 10 Gateway Drive, Collinsville, IL 62234, United States.

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