It’s easy to enjoy the escape of spring and summer; it’s easier to escape in Alton. Find your fill of homegrown flavors and homemade goods. Have an adventure with biking and birding trails and outdoor recreation. Enjoy the sights and sounds of the arts. Bask in picture-perfect scenery along the Meeting of the Great Rivers National Scenic Byway. Relax amidst the backdrop of the soothing waters of three rivers. It’s easy to escape it all in Alton.

Shop at farmers’ and artisans’ markets all around Alton. From Alton to Grafton to Jerseyville, the fresh flavors of fruits and vegetables from local farmers and the hand-crafted goods of local artisans are blossoming all spring and summer. Buy antiques, glassware, tools and more from 70+ dealers at the Grafton Riverside Flea Market the 4th weekend of each month from April through October. Discover a showcase of locally grown produce and homemade items at the Farmers and Artisans Market on State Street in Jerseyville, every Tuesday night from July through September.

Go bird watching and biking along the Audubon’s Great Rivers Byway Bird and Bike Tour. Explore the rich eco-systems, and migrating and breeding waterfowl, along the Mississippi River flyway. Bike the Sam Vadalabene River Road Bike Trail, the Confluence Bike Trail and the Alton Bike Trail to discover the various habitats along the Important Birding Area designated by the Missouri Audubon.

Have family fun with an adventure on the Mighty Mississippi. Take a voyage with Float With Us Cruises for a dinner cruise, sunset cruise or daytrip and overnight cruises. Follow a guide by canoe or kayak with Big Muddy, or discover the Mississippi on your own with Grafton Canoe, Kayak and Boat Rental. Splash in gallons of fun at Raging Rivers Water Park.

Enjoy various concerts and movies as they take center stage outdoors. Listen to the sounds of the Alton Muny Band weekly in Riverview Park every Thursday evening, and Haskell Park every Sunday evening from May through August. Watch your favorite films at movie nights in Glazebrook Park three Friday nights from June through August. Take in the Mississippi River’s ambiance and music at Grafton’s Music in the Park every Thursday evening from June through August.

Pictures are made easy along the scenic route of the Meeting of the Great Rivers National Scenic Byway. From Hartford to Alton to Grafton and Calhoun County, find history to explore, restaurants to enjoy, lodging to rest, all making an easy escape along the Byway.

No matter how you find your way, you’ll find it easy to relax and unwind with the soothing waters of three rivers. Find scenic views, outdoor adventure and family fun. Find everything you need to escape all around Alton.