Tourism

Rebecca Boyer and Karl Gilpin volunteered to become the organization’s new co-directors after learning that next year’s show was at risk of being canceled due to lack of leadership.

Co-Directors of Art on the Square, a staple of the Metro East town, sent an email to committee members last week, stating that they didn’t “see a path” for putting on a show in 2025.

The biggest project for the 2026 anniversary currently funded will be in downtown Granite City. The Metro East town will revive its old neon Route 66 signs, create a music band stand and put in electric vehicle charging stations.

This will be the last time in more than 300 years, researchers say, that a total solar eclipse will go over southern Illinois and Missouri. Here’s what you need to know to make the best of the celestial spectacle.

Communities in the path of next month's total solar eclipse could see millions of dollars flow into their communities for a chance to witness a few minutes of darkness when the moon passes in front of the sun.

Grafton’s mayor said the city has raised about $130,000 so far. If the city meets its goals, it will finish the new memorial, museum and plaza in the next four years.

Along with the rest of the state, southwest Illinois’ tourism industry continues to see a solid bounce back following a pandemic lull, according to the latest figures released for 2022.

The highs for Illinois tourism come after dramatic drop-off in revenue during the pandemic.

The Osage Beach Board of Aldermen has approved a redevelopment plan for the lakefront project near the Grand Glaize Bridge. Plans for the 25-acre property include restaurants, a Ferris wheel, a waterpark with a retractable roof and a 400-room Marriott hotel.

Last year’s event drew around 102,000 people to the venue over the course of the weekend, and nearly 60,000 for Sunday's main event. That’s comparable to a major playoff game in any other major sport.