Collinsville, IL - 11/11/20

11/11/20 - Wednesday
Collinsville, IL

We stopped for lunch in Collinsville and were amused to see their unique water tower.

Collinsville, Illinois is famous for its enormous 170-foot Brooks Catsup Bottle water tower and its stature as the horseradish capital of the world.

Collinsville is a city located mainly in Madison County, and partially in St. Clair County, both in Illinois. As of the 2010 census, the city had a population of 25,579.

Collinsville was settled in the early 1800’s and named for the Collins family who came to the area from Litchfield, Connecticut. Flour, lumber and whiskey were early products of the fledgling community. But it was the discovery of coal beneath the soil in Collinsville that catapulted the city into the modern age and brought an influx of residents.

Annual Festivals:
Italian Festival
Known for its large Italian population, descendants of late 19th and 20th Century immigrants, the city hosts the largest Italian Festival in the Midwest the third weekend of September each year. More than 50,000 visitors flock to the streets of Uptown Collinsville for Italian food, grape stomping competitions, music and culture during the two day street fest.

International Horseradish Festival
The two-day is held in June.
Collinsville reportedly produces 85 percent of the world’s horseradish.

Smokin’ on Main Barbeque
This festival is held the last weekend in July. Barbeque competitions, food vendors, music and more are part of this street festival celebrating the outdoor cooking skills of local and national competitors.

Historic Attractions:
Willoughby Heritage Farm
The farm, tucked away in Collinsville’s residential area, is a time machine visit back to 1940’s middle America. The farmhouse is restored to its original character and free tours are available daily. The 30-acre wildlife preserve has hiking trails and scenic vistas overlooking the surrounding prairie.

D.D. Collins House
Tour the historic house at 703 W. Main St., in Collinsville. The Greek revival home was built in 1845 by the first president of the Collinsville Village Board, Judge Daniel Collins. The home is open for tours on Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Cahokia Mounds
Collinsville is home to the largest and most civilized prehistoric culture north of Mexico. What is now called the Cahokia Mounds Historic Site sits on the southwest edge of the city. Within the 2,000 acre tract of the preserved settlement lies the archeological remains of the Mississippians and their ancient civilization known today as Cahokia. The Native Americans in the region built over 80 man-made mounds and 70 still exist. The mounds were used for ceremonial and burial purposes and visitors can stroll through the grounds and explore the remaining mounds. Cahokia Mounds is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Historical Landmark.

For more information on Collinsville click here: Collinsville.