Day 1:
Alton & Grafton
Fresh air and nature will help any fall road trip kick off on the right foot. This spectacular region is home to more than 200 miles of hiking and biking trails, many of which snake along the Mississippi River, traversing limestone bluffs and the scenic Pere Marquette State Park. Spend your morning exploring the area’s natural beauty and fall foliage before heading into town.
Reenergize yourself with a soup, salad or sandwich at State Street Market in Alton before getting into the Halloween spirit for your first daytime ghostly tour. A notoriously haunted local landmark, the Mineral Springs Mall is full of mystery and eerie attractions, including a foreboding grand banquet hall and a Curiosity Museum full of creepy devices.
Whew, you survived your first paranormal encounter —you may as well reward yourself with some shopping in downtown Alton. Highlights include handcrafted decor at Farmstone Roots, the Rushmore and Country Meadows Antiques.
Once you’re shopped out, it’s time to eat! Head to Castelli’s Restaurant to experience an old-school supper club that happens to be the region’s oldest restaurant. Once you try the food, you’ll understand why it’s remained in business so long.
Another option is Tony’s Steakhouse & Bar, a tried-and-true Alton staple in its own right —the family-owned restaurant has been serving up steak and pasta for more than 65 years.
After dinner, you’ll have to decide just how much spookiness you’re willing to endure in a single evening — after all, Alton is quite possibly the most haunted town in Illinois.
If you were to look up “haunted house” in the encyclopedia, the listing would likely resemble the McPike Mansion. Just remember to book your tour in advance, and prepare to learn about the numerous spirits and mysterious stories that are associated with the property.
Or perhaps a walking tour focused on Alton’s haunted history is more your speed. If so, Alton Hauntings (winner of a 2021 Tripadvisor Traveler’s Choice Award) is your best bet. Ghosts of the River Road Dinner Tour is a bewitching option as well, and you’ll be able to cover even more ground aboard a bus.
Maybe you’d prefer to take your fright night with a dash of craft beer? If so, you’re in luck: the Haunted Craft Beer Walk includes stops at five notoriously haunted locations, and you’ll get a taster glass of a different brew from Illinois Maker, Old Bakery Beer Company.
You’re probably not accustomed to so much scariness; there’s no shame in being exhausted. Treat yourself to the luxurious Beall Mansion B&B, where you’ll be pampered with feather beds, whirlpools, and —get this —a 24-hour all-you-can-eat chocolate buffet. Or you can remain downtown in the middle of the action with an upscale loft at Cracker Factory.
Or, since you’ll be exploring nearby Grafton tomorrow, you can choose to get a head start and spend the night there. The Ruebel Hotel, originally built in 1879, exudes vintage charm. Due to reports of mysterious and unexplained occurrences, many claim it’s haunted. Another great option is Aerie’s Resort, which overlooks the confluence of the Illinois and Mississippi rivers and even features individual private cottages.
