Alton is a city in the Metro East region of southwestern Illinois and is part of the Greater St. Louis metropolitan area in Madison County. It is located about 25 miles north of downtown St. Louis and is known for its historic riverfront, the Great River Road, and the National Great Rivers Museum. The city has a rich history tied to the Mississippi River and early American settlement.
Location Map of Alton, Madison County, Illinois
About Map: The map shows the location of Alton in Madison County, in the U.S. state of Illinois.
Alton Map, Illinois
About Alton Map: The Google Map highlights the location of Alton in Madison County, Illinois. Use the zoom, satellite, and street-view options to explore the city's neighborhoods, roads, and nearby places.
Where is Alton Located?
Alton is a city located in Madison County, Illinois, the United States. The city sits on the eastern bank of the Mississippi River near its confluence with the Missouri River. It is approximately 25 miles (40 km) north of downtown St. Louis, 20 miles (32 km) west of Edwardsville, and about 95 miles (153 km) southwest of Springfield. Alton is located at 38.8906° North latitude and 90.1843° West longitude. According to the 2020 United States Census, the city had a population of 25,676. Alton covers approximately 16.89 square miles (43.75 sq km). The city is widely recognized for its historic riverfront, limestone bluffs, and as the home of the National Great Rivers Museum, which celebrates the history and ecology of America's major rivers.
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Alton City Facts
| City | Alton |
| State | Illinois |
| County | Madison County |
| Country | United States |
| Region | Metro East |
| Incorporated | 1837 |
| Founded | 1818 |
| Total Area | 16.89 sq mi (43.75 sq km) |
| Land Area | 15.45 sq mi (40.02 sq km) |
| Water Area | 1.44 sq mi (3.73 sq km) |
| Elevation | 551 ft (168 m) |
| Population (2023 estimate) | Approximately 25,200 |
| Population (2020 Census) | 25,676 |
| Population Density | About 1,660 people per sq mi |
| Time Zone | Central Time (CT) (UTC−6/UTC−5) |
| ZIP Codes | 62002, 62018 |
| Area Code | 618 |
| Major Highways | U.S. Route 67, Illinois Route 3, Great River Road (IL 100) |
| Public Transit | Madison County Transit (MCT) |
| Major Attractions | National Great Rivers Museum, Alton Riverfront, Robert Wadlow Statue, Pere Marquette State Park |
| Official Website | https://www.cityofaltonil.gov/ |
Distance from Alton, IL to Nearby Cities
- East Alton, IL – 2 miles (3 km)
- Wood River, IL – 4 miles (6 km)
- Bethalto, IL – 6 miles (10 km)
- Godfrey, IL – 4 miles (6 km)
- Jerseyville, IL – 14 miles (23 km)
- Edwardsville, IL – 20 miles (32 km)
- Granite City, IL – 21 miles (34 km)
- Collinsville, IL – 26 miles (42 km)
- St. Charles, MO – 17 miles (27 km)
- Florissant, MO – 15 miles (24 km)
- St. Peters, MO – 23 miles (37 km)
- St. Louis, MO – 25 miles (40 km)
- O'Fallon, MO – 30 miles (48 km)
- Belleville, IL – 37 miles (60 km)
- Chesterfield, MO – 33 miles (53 km)
- Springfield, IL – 95 miles (153 km)
- Columbia, MO – 118 miles (190 km)
- Jefferson City, MO – 115 miles (185 km)
- Quincy, IL – 122 miles (196 km)
- Cape Girardeau, MO – 145 miles (233 km)
Top Attractions in Alton
- National Great Rivers Museum
- Robert Wadlow Statue
- Alton Riverfront Park
- Pere Marquette State Park
- Argosy Casino Alton
- Lewis and Clark Confluence Tower
- Audubon Center at Riverlands
- Alton Museum of History and Art
- Rock Spring Park
- Great River Road Scenic Drive
Airports Near Alton
- St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL) – 24 miles (39 km)
- St. Louis Downtown Airport (CPS) – 32 miles (52 km)
- MidAmerica St. Louis Airport (BLV) – 46 miles (74 km)
- Spirit of St. Louis Airport (SUS) – 35 miles (56 km)
- Centralia Municipal Airport (ENL) – 69 miles (111 km)
Sources:
Population and area data sourced from the United States Census Bureau (2020 Census). General city information referenced from the Official City of Alton Website.
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