Located just Fifteen minutes from downtown, a few miles east of St. Louis and the Mississippi River, Belleville is a very beautiful happening city at the crossroads of French colonialism in southern Illinois.
At the end of the 19th century, this city bloomed as a manufacturing hub.
The city has an extraordinary downtown Belleville vibe. The German culture is seen in the musical diversity of the city. From jazz, blues to classical rock, Belleville is the home of these musicals. This historic city is filled with lots of heritage architecture, outdoor activities, ale festivals, street art, farms, and parks, there are some fun things for everyone to do in this city.
Here’s our list of fun things to do in Belleville. So let’s dive in1
1. Belleville Area Museum
Belleville Area Museum
The Belleville Area Museum is also known as The BAM was made in 1996. It is situated in wonderful midtown Belleville simply off the banks of Belleville Lake and minutes from the I-94 expressway.
It was created to portray the rich history of Belleville, Sumpter, and Van Buren, Township. The museum preserved the history of the Tri-people group. Here you will see the main building that is the Historic Old Van Buren Township Hall is built-in 1875. The architectural beauty of this building is praise-worthy.
So many events are held throughout the year. Third Thursday Lectures, Antiques Appraisals, our yearly Quilt Show, Harvest Fest, Winter Fest, Strawberry Fest, Bi-yearly Cemetery History visits, and a wonderful showcase of Holiday Trees and stylistic layout in November/December.
The museum also offers postcards, shirts, Holiday adornments, magnets, and more Belleville Area Museum-related gifts.
Address: 405 Main St (8,113.96 mi) Belleville, Michigan 48111
2. T-Rex Arms Shooting Range
T-Rex Arms Shooting Range
In case you are searching for something or a target to shoot at or if you just need to keep up with your armaments fit as a fiddle, the T-Rex Arms Shooting Range is the spot to go to at Belleville.
The range is safeguarded and it has installed a ventilation system that will keep you and your family protected and safe. The Shooting Range offers weapon preparation for guests just as guns retail benefits. Go ahead and investigate the entire shooting reach and attempt various targets.
Tours & Things to do hand-picked by our insiders
This spot is marvelous and has incredible people working there. The staffs here are exceptionally well mannered and don’t cause you to feel belittled when you ask questions or misunderstand things.
Address: 44800 N Interstate 94 Service Dr, Belleville, MI 48111, United States
3. Yankee Air Museum
Yankee Air Museum
Through airplane shows and valuable aircraft, the Yankee Air Museum shows visitors aviation technology and the significance of trips through past wars and the development of business aeronautics in the United States. Yankee Air Museum offers a lot of educational programs and dominates with STEM programming explicitly produced for kids grades K-12.
The Yankee Air Museum additionally has the THUNDER OVER MICHIGAN™ Air Show at Willow Run Airport that has become one of the chief yearly aeronautics occasions in the country. Visitors additionally have the chance to buy tickets for a rare ride on one of our noteworthy flying airplanes: B-17, B-25, C-47, Huey Helicopter, and Ford Trimotor.
Found only 20 minutes East of Ann Arbor, come visit the Yankee Air Museum and join the fervor!
Address: 47884 D St, Belleville, MI 48111, United States
4. Lower Huron Metropark – Fun Things To Do In Belleville
Source: Lower Huron Metropark – Turtle Cove Family Aquatic Center
With simple access from I-275 and I-94, you’re never a long way from the natural beauty of Lower Huron Metropark’s 1,258 acres of land of mature forests, lush glades, and the beautiful Huron River.
Run or inline coast along with a cleared, climb bicycle trail. Coastline fish or kayak along the stream, as you notice swans or geese drifting on the water. In the late spring, coast down a water slide or float along the sluggish waterway at the Turtle Cove Family Aquatic Center. Lower Huron Metropark additionally offers beautiful excursion regions, b-ball, volleyball, and tennis courts. Come for a couple of hours or stay for the afternoon.
TurtleCove Family Aquatic Center is home to two waterslides, an apathetic waterway, a 300-gallon dumping bucket, and a zero-profundity section pool with lap paths. They are open from Memorial Day Weekend to Labor Day, with work day long periods of 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. Their Weekend/Holiday hours are 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Address: 40151 E Huron River Dr, Belleville, MI 48111, United States
5. Van Buren Park Beach
Van Buren Park Beach
Located on the shores of Lake Michigan, Van Buren State Park has one mile of sandy seashore and high-rise developments. It’s the ideal spot to relax on the seashore, stroll through the forest path and partake in an outing lunch. Found three miles south of South Haven, the camping area is just minutes from neighborhood shops and eateries. A few camping areas with 50 amp administration. Metal recognizing region.
The day-use region has outdoor tables and barbecues, an excursion safe house, and two current bathroom structures. Lake Michigan gives an incredible region for swimming and an excellent seashore for sunbathing. Incredible Lakes sea shore security.
To begin your day, visit Cafe, Julia, to drink espresso or tea. Incredible coffee, cakes, plates of blended greens, and sandwiches! Van Buren Trail – Paved Portion is the following stop. Stunning to climb steep hills once more. Each progression is exceptionally boring. At the point when you, at last, got to the highest point of the tremendous ridge, you could see some blue, a long way away. After one more modest hill, extremely sandy there is the flawless Lake Michigan! It is certainly worth the work in case you are in condition.
On the off chance that you bring a pet if it’s not too much trouble, know that they are permitted uniquely in indicated regions, not on the seashore inside the state park limits. Your pet should be on a six-foot rope and tidy up is required. Pets may not be left unattended whenever and are not permitted in any park structures.
6. Bayou Grill
Bayou Grill
While sort of kitschy in style, it’s clean and nice. They have outside seating also, yet except if a spot has an incredible vibe or view outside, I for the most part favor my first visit to be inside.
The servers are cordial and attempted to be useful concerning disclosing Cajun food to the uninitiated as well as determining what they enjoyed better compared to different things on the menu. Generally speaking, while not extraordinary Cajun food, it was quite good for outside Louisiana.
Their popping, or chicharrones if you’ve eaten Cuban previously, were enormous and were their table tidbit when you initially plunk down. You would return only for them. They began pleasant and crunchy and afterward as they relax in your mouth you can feel and taste the pork belly…the best I’ve had out of South Florida.
Address: 404 Main St, Belleville, MI 48111, United States
7. Lakeview Tavern
Lakeview Tavern
Delightful lakeside eating anticipates you at the Lake View Tavern on the shores of Lake Harmony at Split Rock Resort along South Lake Drive. Lake View Tavern is an ideal spot to unwind and partake in a drink, great food, and an incredible view. Eat on the deck or unwind inside. Open ends of the week serving supper, breakfast, an early lunch.
Address: Belleville, MI 48111, United States
8. Antiques On Main
Antiques On Main
In case you are wanting to visit a destination that offers a pristine natural view with a natural rustic wide-open countryside, Antique maybe your image of heaven. Known as the land where the mountains meet the ocean, Antique is a seahorse-formed territory that involves almost the whole western shore of Panay Island in the Philippines. It is honored with a long coast confronting the Sulu Sea, wonderful seaward islands, and a considerable lot of Panay’s tallest mountain tops.
Notwithstanding its nearby area from Boracay Island and Iloilo, Antique is regularly neglected by voyagers. You will not discover vacationer swarms, large global brand resorts, or thundering dance clubs here. Interestingly, Antique is generally immaculate by standard the travel industry.
Here, you can visit excellent seashores, far-off islands, immaculate cascades and springs, immaculate rainforests, taking off mountain tops, and serene field sees. Antique is a nature sweetheart’s heaven. Look at this rundown of spots to go and what should be done.
Address: 430 Main St, Belleville, MI 48111, United States
9. Diamondback Saloon
Diamondback Saloon
Diamondback Saloon is Metro Detroit’s biggest nation bar! Each Wednesday night they held a Classic Car Show that beginnings at 5 pm. You can join the fun on the outside deck and have tasty food at the open-air grill.
There is a decent blend of ages at the Diamondback Saloon, running from individuals in their mid-20s to moderately aged couples. There are two or three blocks out of the way and a depressed dance floor with rings of tables around it.
There is a live band that played bluegrass music and no less than two dozen individuals got out on the floor and were line moving out of nowhere. I don’t care for bluegrass music, however, I like the way that the group was into it.
The best thing about the Diamondback Saloon was that they didn’t appear to act over the top with themselves. That is to say, let’s go, it’s nation line moving, right?. At a certain point, a commentator inquired as to whether there were any ladies whose sweethearts were out hunting. In case they were there alone, they should all bring $1 up to the bar for a few “buck shots.” That most certainly occurred.
Brews were modest, however, there was a $3 cover. It’s generally Bud, Bud Light, and LaBatt in bottles. You need to head to arrive, however that is to be expected. You know, it is Michigan.
Live amusement with Derringer begins at 8:30 pm. Diamondback Saloon has incredible beverage specials and diversion Wednesday-Sunday. You can also reserve a spot for your exceptional events or join their mailing list at Web webpage for additional subtleties and invigorating new occasions.
Address: 49345 S Interstate 94 Service Dr, Belleville, MI 48111, United States
10. The Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses
The Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses
To recognize Jehovah, the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses lays out objectives and urges others to feel the decency of Christianity. It is a sacred affiliation that you can visit with your loved ones and find a lot of solutions to questions that you find befuddling while at the same time having an ordinary existence.
The congregation readies every one of the appropriate responses dependent on the heavenly lessons of the Bible. The congregation likewise means to examine the Bible coherently to all.
From children to grown-ups, the congregation greets all wholeheartedly and means to spread holiness as indicated by the lessons of God. This affiliation viably intercedes to determine family issues of individuals as indicated by their requests so that all can live joyfully.
Address: 43777 Ecorse Rd, Belleville, MI 48111, United States
11. Lincoln Theater
Lincoln Theater
Watch a film or a performance at the Lincoln Theater, one of Belleville’s most famous designs sitting on the site of the nineteenth-century Mansion House Hotel/Voss Building.
The theater was built in 1921 immediately charged as the best vaudeville house in Southern Illinois, continuing to sound movies when of the Great Depression. The venue went through many changes throughout the years to clear a path for the advanced film-watching crowd. Today, the auditorium likewise has live exhibitions, including shows and youngsters’ theater, and is the home of the Belleville Philharmonic Society.
For quite a long time, families consistently partook in The Lincoln Theater and couples even go on dates here. The auditorium has a delightful architectural design with intricated details. We partake in the primary theater since it is tremendous with the biggest inhabitance of an auditorium around.
Address: 1215 U St NW, Washington, DC 20009, United States
12. Try margaritas at Casa Maria Mexican Grill
Casa Maria Mexican Grill brings you real and new flavors from the shores of Mexico right to the roads of Belleville. Attempt the sweeping menu which incorporates servings of mixed greens, quesadillas, fajitas, enchiladas, tacos, nachos, and surprisingly delightful treats.
Their salsa is simply wonderful with the right blend of flavors and accompanies a bowl of free chips. Nonetheless, you need to likewise attempt one of their heavenly and fantastic margaritas, for no Mexican dinner is finished without them! Attempt the Casa, the Caddy Maria, and the Casa Maria, which all component house and pick-your-own tequilas in the blend.
These lip-smacking frozen margaritas highlight house tequila blended in the frozen integrity of peach, strawberry, mango, and lime!
Address: 100 N High St, Belleville, IL 62220, United States
13. National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows
Source: National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows
Found a short way from downtown St. Louis, the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows is possessed by the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate. Its 200-section of land grounds invites more than 1,000,000 guests per year and offers an assortment of strict and reverential projects.
While commitment to Our Lady of the Snows developed, the quest for a regarded area in her honor started. The general public tracked down the ideal area in February 1958 and bought 80 sections of land of farmland close by the Mississippi River in western Illinois. Later that late spring, the general public bought twenty extra sections of land. Everything was concluded in August 1958.
Nine reverential regions are situated on the grounds of the Shrine, remembering a generation of the Grotto at Lourdes for France. Try not to miss the sensational Millenium Spire, an 85-foot-tall, hardened steel structure that neglects the place of worship’s open-air amphitheater.
Free streetcar visits are presented to guests, and a basic video is displayed in the guest’s community. Admission to the holy place is free and guests of all beliefs are gladly received.
Address: 442 S Demazenod Dr, Belleville, IL 62223, United States
14. Scott Field Heritage Air Park
Scott Field Heritage Air Park
The 4-acre air park currently displays six retired aircraft with monuments and memorials to commemorate their history and accomplishments at Scott Air Force Base. Current aircraft on display include the C-141 Starlifter, KC-135 Stratotanker, C-9 Nightingale, C-130 Hercules, C-140 Jetstar, and C-21 Lear Jet.
Long-range plans call for a visitor center to be constructed that will exhibit additional information about the history of Scott Air Force Base and the aircraft on display at the airpark.
The site is located immediately north of the Shiloh gate on the west side of Scott Air Force Base, allowing 24-hour public access to the park to both civilian and military personnel.
Address: 763 Seibert Rd, Scott AFB, IL 62225, United States
15. Fun Spot Skating Center
Source: Fun Spot Skating Center
The arena was built in 1986 by Bruce and Barb Pearson and opened in October of 1968. Their child Greg and his significant other Denise assumed control over the business during the 1990s, keeping it locked down. They as of now actually claim and work Fun Spot Skating and Event Center, alongside their little girl, who will assume responsibility for business activities sooner rather than later.
Partake in the best that Roller Skating has to bring to the table. Continuously Adult Supervision Computer Controlled Lights and Sound A REAL Maple Wood Skating Floor Great Snack Bar Food and Drinks The Vault Laser Maze Conquest Cool Special Events Full Service Pro Shop Award Winning Birthday Parties Roller Skating Rink of the Year in 2000
Address: 1400 West Blvd, Belleville, IL 62221, United States
Belleville Featured Events
Some other events happening in Belleville are:
- HUNKS The Show at Silver Creek Saloon and Grill on May 4th at 8:00 PM
- Drop The Skirt – How My Disability Became My Superpower at Tavern On Main on May 4th at 11:30 AM
- Midwest Margarita Madness at El Gordito on May 6th at 11:00 AM
- Seinfeld Trivia Support St Clair TNR Rescue at Silver Creek Saloon on May 11th at 7:00 PM
- Mother’s Day Brunch 2023 at The Weingarten on May 14th at 10:30 AM
- Designer Purse Bingo for Holy Rosary Ladies’ Sodality at Silver Creek Saloon & Grill on May 18th at 7:00 PM
- 35th Annual SIUE Construction Alumni Society Golf Tournament at The Orchards on May 19th
- It’s A Mexican Stand-Up at Margaritas Mexican restaurant on June 3rd at 8:00 PM
Facts About Belleville, Illinois
Here are 10 facts about Belleville, Illinois:
- It is the county seat of St. Clair County and the most-populated city in Southern Illinois and in the Metro East region of Greater St. Louis1.
- It was founded in 1814 by George Blair and named after Tennessee politician John Bell1.
- It was the center of the first important German settlement in Illinois and had a 90% German population by 18701.
- It became known as “The Stove Capital of the World” for its production of stoves and other iron castings1.
- It is the home of the candy company that is known today as “Jelly Belly”, founded by Gustav Goelitz in 18681.
- It has a population of 42,404 according to the 2020 census, with a median age of 38.6 years and a median household income of $54,5832.
- It is the seat of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Belleville and the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows, one of the largest outdoor shrines in North America13.
- It hosts the annual Belleville Chili Cook-off, Art on the Square, and Oktoberfest, which attract thousands of visitors each year3.
- It has three Metrolink stations that connect it to downtown St. Louis and other nearby attractions3.
- It is the birthplace of several notable people, such as astronaut Sandra Magnus, actor Buddy Ebsen, singer Lea DeLaria, and baseball player Jayson Werth1.