Introduction to Bethalto, Illinois
Bethalto, Illinois, in Madison county, is 17 miles NE of Florissant, Missouri (center to center) and 23 miles NE of St. Louis, Missouri. Part of the surrounding Saint Louis metro area, Bethalto is home to some 9,454 residents.
Bethalto History
Bethalto, first settled in 1809, was formerly inhabited by Native Americans. The early settlers were attracted by the rich soil of the area as well as the various outcroppings of coal. The Alton - Terre Haute Railroad entered the area during the mid 1850s. The area was first platted on June 23, 1854 by Joe Starkey. The old Village Hall of Bethalto, built in 1873 and enlarged in 1885, is located in Madison County, which was created on September 14, 1812.
Bethalto and nearby Attractions
- Airport Plaza Shopping Center
- Bethalto Historical Museum
- Belk Park Golf Course
- Alton Museum of History and Art
- Scott Joplin House State Historic Site
- Horseshoe Lake State Fish & Wildlife Area - Madison
Things To Do In Bethalto
Bethalto offers easy access to various museums like the Alton Museum of History and Art, the Saint Louis Art Museum, the Missouri Historical Society Museum, the Eugene Field House and Toy Museum, and the Soldiers' Memorial Military Museum. The Bethalto Historical Museum provides absorbing insights into the history of this area. One can shop at the Airport Plaza Shopping Center. The Horseshoe Lake State Fish & Wildlife Area - Madison provides opportunities for boating, fishing, hiking, camping, and picnicking. The Khoury League Park and Bethalto Park are two local parks.
Bethalto Transportation
Air transportation is available at Lambert - St Louis International Airport.
Bethalto Higher Education
Lewis and Clark Community College, Saint Louis Community College - Florissant Valley, Southern Illinois University - Edwardsville provide higher education programs.