Belleville Travel Guide

Trek Zone

City

Facts and practical information

Belleville, located in the Illinois region of the United States, is a charming city with a rich history and plenty of attractions for visitors to enjoy. From its historical sites to its vibrant cultural scene, Belleville offers a unique and memorable experience for travelers.

One of the highlights of Belleville is its historic downtown area. Here, visitors can stroll along the picturesque Main Street, lined with beautifully preserved buildings that date back to the 19th century. The area is also home to a variety of boutique shops, antique stores, and art galleries, making it the perfect place to indulge in some retail therapy or discover unique treasures.

For history enthusiasts, Belleville offers several intriguing landmarks. The National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows is a breathtaking sanctuary that attracts pilgrims from all over the world. Its stunning architecture and peaceful atmosphere provide a serene retreat for visitors seeking spiritual solace.

Another must-visit location is the Labor and Industry Museum, which showcases the rich industrial heritage of Belleville. From exhibits on coal mining and steel production to displays highlighting the impact of labor movements, this museum offers a fascinating insight into the city's past.

Nature lovers will also find plenty to explore in Belleville. The Eckert's Belleville Farm is a family-friendly destination that offers activities such as apple picking, pumpkin patches, and hayrides. Visitors can immerse themselves in the beauty of the surrounding countryside while enjoying the freshest produce and delicious homemade treats.

Food aficionados will be delighted by Belleville's diverse culinary scene. The city boasts a range of dining options, from cozy cafes to upscale restaurants. Whether you're craving traditional American comfort food or international flavors, Belleville has something to satisfy every palate.

Alternative names: Founded: 1814 (210 years ago)Population: 42 thous. (2019)Area: 23.5 mi²Elevation: 528 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 38°31'2"N, 89°59'2"W

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IllinoisUnited States

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Belleville Top Attractions

Belleville Attractions - What to See and Explore

Belleville offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Cathedral of Saint Peter, St. Clair County Courthouse, Schmidt Art Center, National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Church
Cathedral of Saint Peter
The Cathedral of Saint Peter is the mother church of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Belleville, located in Belleville, Illinois.
Modernist architecture
St. Clair County Courthouse
The St. Clair County Courthouse is a government building in Belleville, the county seat of St. Clair County, Illinois, United States. Built in 1976, it is the fifth courthouse in the history of the county, and one of two that still stands.
Art gallery • Shopping • Museum
Schmidt Art Center
The William and Florence Schmidt Art Center is a 6,500-square-foot art museum located on the Belleville Campus of Southwestern Illinois College, which houses a collection of over 900 works of art and artifacts, the largest permanent collection of any two-year college in the state of Illinois.

Sacred and religious sites • Spiritual • Church
National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows
The National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows is a Catholic shrine to the Blessed Virgin Mary in Belleville, Illinois, nine miles southeast of St. Louis, Missouri. The Shrine's director is the Reverend Father David Uribe, OMI.
38°30'47"N • 89°59'3"W
Hotel Belleville
Hotel Belleville is a historic hotel building at 16 S. Illinois Street in Belleville, Illinois. The hotel was built in 1930–31 to replace the city's previous hotel, the Belleville House; like its predecessor, the hotel marketed itself as the most luxurious and modern hotel in Belleville.
38°28'41"N • 89°56'23"W
Turkey Hill Grange Hall
The Turkey Hill Grange Hall is a historic Grange hall located at 1375 E. Illinois Route 15 in Belleville, Illinois. Built in 1937, the hall was the third used by the Turkey Hill Grange #1370, which was founded in 1874.
Romanesque architecture
Blair Historic District
The Blair Historic District is a historic district located in downtown Belleville, Illinois. The district encompasses a mainly commercial area on the west side of the downtown area; it includes 78 buildings, 57 of which are contributing buildings.
38°31'18"N • 89°59'43"W
Gustave Koerner House
The Gustave Koerner House is a historic house located at 200 Abend Street in Belleville, Illinois. The Greek Revival house was built in 1848-49 and rebuilt in 1854–55 after a fire.
38°31'18"N • 89°59'43"W
Knobeloch–Seibert Farm
The Knobeloch–Seibert Farm is a historic farm located on the east side of Schneider Road east of Belleville, Illinois. The farm was established circa 1832 by John W. Knobeloch and his family; after passing through several generations of the Knobeloch family, it was inherited by Henry Seibert.
Neighbourhood
Belleville Historic District
The Belleville Historic District is a historic district in Belleville, Illinois. The primarily residential district consists of an irregularly shaped area on the east side of Belleville. 70 buildings are included in the district, all of which are contributing buildings to its historic character.
Universities and schools
Lindenwood University – Belleville
The Belleville Learning Center, previously known as Lindenwood University–Belleville and Lindenwood Belleville, is a defunct satellite campus of Lindenwood University. It offered evening postgraduate and undergraduate classes for about 300 students.

Day trips

Belleville – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Belleville, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Gateway Arch (St. Louis), The Magic House (St. Louis), Museum of Westward Expansion (St. Louis).

13 milesNW
Memorial, Monuments and statues, Observation decks and towers
Gateway Arch, St. Louis
The Gateway Arch stands as an iconic monument in St. Louis, Missouri, symbolizing the westward expansion of the United States and serving as a poignant memorial to the pioneers who shaped the nation's destiny. At 630 feet (192 meters), this stainless steel structure is...
23 milesW
Museum, Children's museum, Science museum
The Magic House, St. Louis
Nestled in the heart of St. Louis, The Magic House stands as a vibrant hub of imagination and learning, a museum designed with the young and the young-at-heart in mind. This enchanting establishment, which opened its doors in 1979, has since grown into an esteemed...
13 milesNW
Memorial park with an iconic landmark
Museum of Westward Expansion, St. Louis
The Museum of Westward Expansion in St. Louis is a place that transports its visitors back in time to discover the history and heritage of the American West. It is located beneath the famous Gateway Arch – a monument commemorating the pioneering spirit of Americans...
26 milesW
Museum, History museum
Museum of Transportation, St. Louis
The Museum of Transportation in St. Louis, United States, is a haven for enthusiasts of historical vehicles and transportation heritage. This comprehensive museum boasts an impressive collection that spans the history of American transportation, with a particular focus...
18 milesNW
Sprawling historic public space
Forest Park, St. Louis
Forest Park, a verdant oasis in the heart of St. Louis, United States, is not only a park but a cultural and recreational hub that spans 1,371 acres. Opened in 1876, it is one of the largest urban parks in the country, surpassing even New York's Central Park in size.