Fults Hill Prairie Nature Preserve encompasses the largest complex of high-quality, essentially undisturbed loess hill prairies along the Mississippi River in Illinois. The U.S. Department of the Interior designated the preserve a National Natural Landmark in 1986. Landscape enthusiasts will also find a different feature at Salt Lick Point Land and Water Reserve: a section of the St. Louis Limestone escarpment, rising up to 400 feet above the Mississippi River floodplain. A diverse group of herbaceous plants grows there.
Prairie, Limestone, and Caves
The two nature preserves showcase different landscape features: loess hill prairie in one, and a limestone escarpment with its plant community in the other. Illinois Caverns in Monroe County offers another perspective. The cave system includes more than five miles of underground passages and contains flowstone formations. A permit is required for entry; check the applicable requirements before your visit.
The information about the caves describes two different aspects: their length gives an impression of the extent of the underground passages, while flowstone refers to a specific type of cave formation. This makes it possible to understand the cave not only as a space underground, but also through its geological formations.
Buildings with Changing Uses
Peterstown House is the last surviving, intact stagecoach stop along the Kaskaskia-Cahokia Trail. Its history includes several uses: the house first served as a store, then as a stagecoach stop with an inn, tavern, and ballroom. It was eventually converted into apartments for several families. Today, it serves as a museum with permanent and changing exhibits; the exhibits may change.
Maeystown also tells a story through its buildings: 60 significant houses and other buildings date from the mid- to late 19th century. In 1978, the historic village as a whole was added to the National Register of Historic Places. Guided bus and/or walking tours take visitors through the village. Since tour arrangements and availability may change, it is advisable to confirm them before your trip.
At the Monroe County History Museum, changing exhibits complement the permanent displays. The Kueker Collection covers westward settlement, agriculture, local commerce and transportation, as well as several wars. In the Allscheid-Metzger Gallery, the museum displays a scale replica of the Allscheid rock shelter. Together, the collection’s subject areas and the model offer different ways to explore: one through developments in everyday life and history, the other through a specific structure.
Local Discoveries and Things to Do
Waterloo’s historic downtown offers a self-guided tour of the history of its buildings. In the same city, the Monroe County Farmers Market is a vendor-organized community tradition that has been running since 1988. The two offerings have different focuses: the tour draws attention to architectural history, while the market highlights a local tradition sustained by its vendors.
Those interested in recreation or production will find more specific activities: Konarcik Park has an 18-hole disc golf course. Tours at Old Monroe Distilling Co. include a guided tasting of Old Monroe spirits, as well as a look at the stills, the rickhouse, and the production floor. Tour offerings may change, so it is best to check the latest arrangements in advance.
For directions by road, Bluff Road describes a route along the bluffs from Columbia through Old Valmeyer and the Chaflin Bridge to Fults. The road continues beyond Fults into Randolph County. Since the route may change, check road conditions before setting out. This makes it possible to include landscapes, local history, and specific activities in your trip plans according to your interests.
Discover more destinations: Columbia, Williamson County, Cook, Peoria, Macon County, Massac County, Coles, Rock Island.
For the broader travel overview: Illinois.
