Stunning Autumn colors are just around the corner which means it time to make plans now to view them in all their glory on a Fall Foliage and History guided tour in the Great Rivers & Routes region of southwest Illinois. Tickets are on sale now for the popular scenic tours which highlight the brilliant fall colors along the Meeting of the Great Rivers National Scenic Byway – one of the top fall color viewing spots in the U.S. Individual tickets are $27.50 each and can be purchased at: https://www.riversandroutes.com/things-to-do/buy-tickets/ Seating is limited to 22 people per tour.

The four-hour tours are available on Thursdays and Fridays including: Nov. 1,7,8,14, and 15. The tours are offered by the Great Rivers & Routes Tourism Bureau of Southwest Illinois.

“These tours showcase some of the most awe-inspiring fall scenery in southwest Illinois and frankly, we believe in the U.S.,” Cory Jobe, President/CEO of the Tourism Bureau remarked. “We expanded the number of tours we are offering this year because they have become very popular with the visiting public and we want to ensure everyone has a chance to learn more about the region while experiencing fall colors.” Tours highlight the history of the region as well as the scenic views in the Mississippi River communities of Elsah and Grafton. The tours include stops at Principia College, the only Christian Science college in the U.S. perched high on the limestone bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River, Pere Marquette State Park, and the Village of Elsah.

Learn more about the region’s history with a Freedom to Equality Tour which highlights Black History. Tickets are also on sale for these tours which focus on the people and events that impacted the City of Alton over the last 200 years. Tickets are $35 per person. The two-hour Freedom to Equality Tours are held monthly and fall tour dates include Sept. 21, Oct. 19 and Nov. 16. Stories, songs and historic re-enactments are used to bring the city’s history to life. Learn more about Alton’s significance on the Underground Railroad, discover legendary abolitionists who fought against slavery and follow the stories of local Civil Rights leaders who left their mark on the city and the nation. Freedom to Equality tickets can be purchased here: https://www.riversandroutes.com/things-to-do/buy-tickets/

For more information on fall activities and events, visit: https://www.riversandroutes.com/