We all have that one place we call home, the one we can’t wait to get to each day. For many, that place is Belleville, Illinois, a city with endless opportunities for entertainment, fun, and adventure.

 

From amazing food and nightlife to world-class museums and entertainment venues, there is always something going on in Belleville. And with a population of just over 100,000 people, you’re never too far from a fun place to be.

 

With its rich history and stunning architecture, Belleville is a great place to visit. But there is so much more to do in and around this central Illinois community. Whether you are looking for culture, family fun, or just a great place to get away, you’ll find it in Belleville. Here are some of our favorite things to do in and around our amazing community.

 

Things To Do In Belleville IL

 

Downtown Belleville

The heart of Belleville is downtown, which is filled with restaurants, shops, and historic buildings. The most popular area for visitors to explore is the Old Village, which is lined with shops and restaurants and is home to the Old Courthouse and the Old Village Museum.

 

The area is also home to the Main Street Bridge, which spans the Illinois River and is the oldest railroad bridge in Illinois. The courthouse is home to the Belleville Public Museum, which has art and history exhibits, several historical items, and a large collection of natural history specimens.

 

Public Square

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Dotted with locally-owned shops and restaurants, Belleville’s Public Square is the perfect place to enjoy a sunny afternoon or to attend a show or performance.

 

The Square is home to the Historic Public Library and Belleville Community Playhouse, which is a 230-seat theater that presents a variety of shows, including professional performances and community performances.

 

The Square is also home to the Belleville Farmer’s Market, which happens every Saturday morning, and the Belleville Public Library, which is open Monday-Thursday from 9am-7pm and Friday-Saturday from 9am-5pm.

 

Lincoln Theatre

Take in a show at the Lincoln Theatre, a historic entertainment venue in Downtown Belleville. The Lincoln Theatre is the perfect place to host your next concert, play, or event because of its rich history and on-site production capabilities.

 

The Lincoln Theatre also features a full bar and dining options for those who want to enjoy some downtown Belleville nightlife before or after the show. Take in a game at the Belleville IceHogs, the city’s professional hockey team.

 

Scott Field Heritage Air Park

If you’re looking for something special to do in Belleville, make sure to take a trip to Scott Field Heritage Air Park. Here, you can take a helicopter ride over Belleville and see the city from above, or you can take a tour of the airfield, where you’ll learn about the area’s aviation history and see aircraft up close.

 

If you’ve never been in a helicopter, this is the perfect way to get a bird’s eye view of Belleville and the surrounding area.

 

Labor & Industry Museum

Take a trip to the Labor and Industry Museum to learn about the area’s industrial history and the people who worked in the area’s factories and mills. In addition to exploring the exhibits and artifacts, you can also participate in hands-on activities and games, or just sit back and relax as you enjoy the numerous artifacts and displays.

 

Those looking for a fun day out with the family will love the interactive exhibits and activities, which allow you to experience the work and life of a factory worker, watch a demonstration of how a mill operated, or learn the history of Belleville and the surrounding area.

 

Don’t miss the chance to take a tour of the historic Marshall Foundry, where you can learn all about the foundry’s history and see its working.

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Braeutigam Orchards

The Braeutigam Orchards are located in Belleville, Illinois and are dedicated to the preservation of traditional and exotic fruit varieties. The orchards contain hundreds of varieties of apples and pears, a stone arbor, and a large vegetable garden.

 

The Orchards are owned by the Braeutigam family and run by their grandchildren. They have been growing apples for over 100 years, and have the largest orchard in the area. They are open for business all year, and sell apples, pears, and other fruits available at the time.

 

The tickets are $6.00 for adults and $3.50 for children. The park has a playground, lots of rides, and a small petting zoo. My favorite ride was the ferris wheel, and the petting zoo had lambs, goats, and bunnies.

 

National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows

The National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows is a Catholic shrine located in St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, just West of downtown, in Belleville, Illinois.

 

The shrine includes a church, a museum, a sanctuary where the statue of the Virgin Mary is displayed, and a grotto.

 

The shrine is built over the spot where a miraculous apparition was said to have occurred at the end of the 19th century. A woman was said to have fallen into a trance on June 29, 1879, and the following day a statue of the Virgin Mary was found in the snow nearby.

 

Today, there are more than 50,000 people who visit the shrine each year, and many of them come from as far away as California and New England.

 

St. Clair County Historical Society

The St. Clair County Historical Society is located in Belleville, Illinois and preserves county history. Many of the exhibits are available for public view.

 

The St. Clair County Historical Society maintains an archive of photographs and documents of the county.

 

“The St. Clair County Historical Society is a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation, study, and dissemination of knowledge regarding the history of St. Clair County. This includes the history of the St. Clair County area from the earliest times to the present day.

 

Skyview Drive-In

Skyview Drive-In is a drive-in movie theatre in Belleville, Illinois. It was founded in 1938 and has been run by the same family ever since.

 

The drive-in was a place where people got their movie fix, people would drive up to the front of the theatre to get their tickets, then drive down into the back to get their seats. In the 1950s, drive-ins began to go out of business and the last one closed in Belleville in the late 1960s.

 

“The Drive-In” was a huge success in the summer of 1938. It drew an estimated one hundred thousand people to the little town of Belleville, Illinois. The owners of the Drive-In had opened it on a Sunday evening in July, and by the time the first movie was over, the line was already in front of the theater.

 

My brother and I went to a drive-in movie theatre many a time. I guess you all know what a drive-in is, if not, it’s where you drive to the movie theatre and watch a movie from your car.

 

Fun Spot Skating Center

The Fun Spot Skating Center is located at 5800 East Illinois Highway 57, in Belleville Illinois. It is the largest indoor skating complex in the world and is open 365 days a year.

 

The Fun Spot Skating Center in Belleville Illinois is an indoor skater rink which opened in June of 2005 and is currently the only indoor skating rink in the Quad Cities. The Fun Spot Skating Center is the only indoor, public, family-oriented indoor skating rink in the U.S. and is the largest and most popular indoor skating rink in the world.

 

Fun Spot Skating Center is a fun place to spend some time with friends. It is open seven days a week, offering skating, roller skating, and climbing facilities.

 

Schmidt Art Center

The Schmidt Art Center is a non-profit, tax-exempt organization based in Belleville, Illinois. Its mission is to advance the arts and culture of the community through exhibitions, educational programs, and the development of public art.

 

The Schmidt Art Center has over 10,000 square feet of exhibit space plus a classroom & gallery.

 

Visit the Schmidt Art Center! It’s a great place to see art and meet artists from around the world. The Center presents over 30 exhibits each year.

 

Keil’s Antiques And Gifts

Keil’s Antiques and Gifts is a family owned business located in Belleville IL. They carry a wide variety of items from antiques to collectibles. They also have a great selection of gifts for any occasion.

 

“Keil’s Antiques and Gifts” has been a staple in the Belleville area for over 50 years. Located on the corner of Main and State St., Keil’s has become another landmark in the Belleville area.

 

Keil’s Antiques and Gifts is located at 1028 Market Street in Belleville. The store is open Tuesday through Friday from 10am to 5pm and Saturdays from 10am to 4pm.

More Fun Things To Do In Belleville IL

Belleville’s Art Scene:

The local art culture will appeal to art enthusiasts. Visit the Art on the Square festival, which takes place in May and features artists from all across the country displaying their work. In addition, the Belleville Art Association’s Gallery provides an opportunity to see and purchase local artwork.

Eckert’s Belleville Farm:

Visit Eckert’s Belleville Farm for a taste of farm life and seasonal enjoyment. Depending on the season, you can select your own fruits, go on hayrides, walk through corn mazes, and eat wonderful sweets at the country store and cafe.

Explore Belleville Parks

There are many lovely parks in Belleville for outdoor enthusiasts. With its peaceful lake and walking trails, Bellevue Park is ideal for a relaxing afternoon. South Side Park has amenities for baseball, tennis, and basketball for sports enthusiasts.

Local Dining Delights

The food scene in Belleville is vibrant and tasty. Try some of the regional specialties, such as German food, at Fischer’s Restaurant, or have a casual lunch at one of the town’s several family-run diners and cafés.

Belleville’s Festivals

A number of festivals are held annually in Belleville. These are just a few examples, such as the October Chili Cook-Off and the June Ale Fest. The lively culture and sense of community on display at these events are impressive.

Day Trip to St. Louis

Belleville’s proximity to St. Louis, Missouri, making it a great starting point for day trips. Explore St. Louis landmarks such as the Gateway Arch and the St. Louis Zoo, or see a game at Busch Stadium.

Conclusion

Belleville, Illinois, may not be the first spot that comes to mind when planning a vacation, but it’s a destination that provides a unique blend of history, culture, and outdoor activities. So, whether you’re a local looking to explore your hometown or a guest searching for a unique Midwestern adventure, Belleville has something for everyone. Plan your visit and discover the city’s hidden treasures.

These were some of the Best Things To Do In Belleville IL, hope you found one of your favorite things to do there.