Alton Cruise Port
River Cruises - United States
About Alton Cruise Port
Port Overview
Alton, Illinois, docks river cruises along the Mississippi, 25 miles north of St. Louis, at the Melvin Price Locks and Dam. The town, population 25,000, offers a 5-minute walk to the Riverfront Amphitheater. Travelers visit the Alton Museum of History and Art for exhibits on abolitionist Elijah Lovejoy and jazz legend Miles Davis. The Clark Bridge, a cable-stayed structure, provides river views. Excursions to Pere Marquette State Park, 20 minutes west, include eagle-watching hikes in winter. The National Great Rivers Museum, adjacent to the dock, details Mississippi ecology with aquariums. Local markets sell apple butter. Peak season April to October; shuttles free to downtown. Dining includes catfish po’boys at riverside cafes. Souvenirs feature steamboat models. Bikes rentable for towpath trails.
River Cruises - United States
River Cruises - United States
79°F / 3°F
avg high / low in March
🚢 Itineraries
0
cruise itineraries
🎯 Excursions
4,102
available excursions
🛡️ Safety Score
6.6 / 10
#61 of 71 in River Cruises - United States
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Alton, Illinois
Cruise Port Location
Alton, Illinois is located on the Mississippi River, just north of St. Louis, Missouri. The Alton Marina is located on the east side of the river, and is the main port for cruises departing from the area. The marina is located just off of the Great River Road, and is easily accessible from Interstate 270. The marina offers a variety of amenities, including a restaurant, a bar, and a gift shop.
What to Do
Alton Top Activities & Attractions
Alton, Illinois is known for its many outdoor activities and attractions. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities such as fishing, boating, and camping along the Mississippi River. There are also several parks and trails for hiking, biking, and bird watching. The city also offers a variety of cultural attractions, including museums, galleries, and historic sites. Visitors can also enjoy a variety of shopping, dining, and entertainment options. Alton is also home to a number of annual festivals and events, making it a great destination for a fun and exciting getaway.
Alton Fun Facts
Home of the World's Largest Catsup Bottle
Alton, Illinois is home to the world's largest catsup bottle, standing at a whopping 170 feet tall. It was built in 1949 by the W.E. Caldwell Company and is now a water tower. It is a popular tourist attraction and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Alton Cruise Port Excursions
Alton Popular Shore Tours
Explore the best excursions and tours near Alton cruise port. From guided sightseeing to adventure activities, find the perfect way to make the most of your time at this cruise port.
Cruise Port Schedule
Alton Cruise Port Ships & Passenger Count
How many people will be in Alton cruise port during your visit? Which other ships will be docked? Use the date selector below to find cruise port traffic for Alton on any date.
No ships scheduled
No cruise ships are in port at Alton on Sunday, March 29, 2026.
Alton Cruise Terminals
Alton Belle Casino
Alton Belle Casino is a riverboat casino located on the Mississippi River in Alton, Illinois. It offers a variety of gaming options, including slots, table games, and poker. The casino also has a restaurant and bar, as well as a live music venue. It is a popular spot for cruises, with several cruise lines offering trips up and down the river.
Explore Alton Cruise Port
Alton, Illinois is a popular cruise port destination for travelers looking to explore the area. Excursions in the area include outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and kayaking, as well as cultural experiences like visiting local museums and historical sites. There are also plenty of opportunities to explore the local cuisine, with restaurants and cafes offering a variety of dishes. Shopping is also a popular activity, with a variety of boutiques and stores offering unique items. No matter what type of experience you're looking for, Alton has something for everyone.
Alton, Illinois is located on the Mississippi River, and is home to several beaches along the river. The most popular beach is the Alton Riverfront Park, which is located on the banks of the Mississippi River and features a sandy beach, picnic areas, and a playground. Other nearby beaches include the Alton Marina Beach, which is located on the banks of the Illinois River and features a sandy beach, picnic areas, and a playground; and the Alton Lake Beach, which is located on the banks of Alton Lake and features a sandy beach, picnic areas, and a playground.
Alton Marina Beach
Alton Marina Beach is a popular beach located near Alton, Illinois. It is a great spot for swimming, fishing, and boating. The beach is well-maintained and offers plenty of amenities, including a snack bar, restrooms, and a playground. Visitors can also take advantage of the nearby boat launch and marina.
Grafton Harbor Beach
Grafton Harbor Beach is a popular beach located near Alton, Illinois. It is a great spot for swimming, fishing, and boating. The beach is well-maintained and offers plenty of amenities, including a snack bar, restrooms, and a playground. Visitors can also take advantage of the nearby boat launch and marina.
Two Rivers National Wildlife Refuge
Two Rivers National Wildlife Refuge is a great beach near Alton, Illinois. It is a great spot for bird watching, fishing, and hiking. The beach is surrounded by lush wetlands and is home to a variety of wildlife. Visitors can also take advantage of the nearby boat launch and marina.
Alton, Illinois is known for its antique shops, specialty stores, and unique boutiques. The city is home to a variety of vintage and antique stores, as well as several specialty stores that offer unique items. The downtown area is also home to a variety of unique boutiques, offering everything from clothing and accessories to home decor and gifts.
Alton Antique Mall
Alton Antique Mall is a great place to find unique souvenirs from your cruise. It has a wide selection of antiques, collectibles, and vintage items from all over the world. You can find everything from vintage jewelry to antique furniture, and even rare coins and stamps. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, and they can help you find the perfect souvenir for your trip.
Alton Riverfront Market
Alton Riverfront Market is a great place to find unique souvenirs from your cruise. It has a wide selection of handmade items, including jewelry, clothing, and home decor. You can find everything from handmade jewelry to unique clothing, and even rare antiques. The market also has a variety of food vendors, so you can grab a bite to eat while you shop. The staff is friendly and helpful, and they can help you find the perfect souvenir for your trip.
Alton Square Mall
Alton Square Mall is a great place to find souvenirs from your cruise. It has a wide selection of stores, including clothing, jewelry, and home decor. You can find everything from designer clothing to unique jewelry, and even rare antiques. The mall also has a food court, so you can grab a bite to eat while you shop. The staff is friendly and helpful, and they can help you find the perfect souvenir for your trip.
Alton Weather Forecast
Average Monthly Weather
March
Typical Weather
Average High
Average Low
Rainfall
Daily average
3.3 in monthly total
Alton Cruise Port FAQ
Quick answers about Alton cruise port covering location, safety, weather, excursions, and more.
Alton, Illinois cruise port is located in River Cruises - United States. Alton, Illinois is located on the Mississippi River, just north of St. Louis, Missouri. The Alton Marina is located on the east side of the river, and is the main port for cruises departing from the area. The marina is located just off of the Great River Road, and is easily accessible from Interstate 270. The marina offers a variety of amenities, including a restaurant, a bar, and a gift shop.
No, Alton, Illinois is not a good cruise port. The closest cruise port to Alton, Illinois is located in St. Louis, Missouri, which is about 40 miles away.
Alton cruise port has a safety score of 6.6 out of 10, ranking #61 of 71 ports in River Cruises - United States. Alton, Illinois cruise port is generally considered to be a safe port. The port is well-maintained and monitored by the US Coast Guard and local law enforcement. The port also has a security team onsite to ensure the safety of passengers and crew.
In March, Alton cruise port has average high temperatures of 79°F (26°C) and average lows of 3°F (-16°C).
There are currently 4,102 excursions and tours available at Alton cruise port, covering everything from guided sightseeing and cultural experiences to water sports and adventure activities. Book in advance to secure your preferred experience.
Alton cruise port offers 3 featured activities and attractions. Popular highlights include: Dining, Riverboat Cruises, Shopping. Alton, Illinois is known for its many outdoor activities and attractions. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities such as fishing, boating, and camping along the Mississippi River. There are also several parks and trails for hiking, biking, and bird watching. The city also offers a variety of cultural attractions, including museums, galleries, and historic sites. Visitors can also enjoy a variety of shopping, dining, and entertainment options. Alton is also home to a number of annual festivals and events, making it a great destination for a fun and exciting getaway.
Alton, Illinois is located on the Mississippi River and is a popular cruise port. There are several car rental options available near the cruise port. Enterprise Rent-A-Car is located just a few miles from the cruise port and offers a variety of rental cars, including economy, luxury, and SUV models. They also offer a variety of discounts and special offers. Hertz is also located nearby and offers a wide selection of rental cars, including economy, luxury, and SUV models. They also offer a variety of discounts and special offers. Avis is located just a few miles from the cruise port and offers a variety of rental cars, including economy, luxury, and SUV models. They also offer a variety of discounts and special offers. Budget is located just a few miles from the cruise port and offers a variety of rental cars, including economy, luxury, and SUV models. They also offer a variety of discounts and special offers. National Car Rental is located just a few miles from the cruise port and offers a variety of rental cars, including economy, luxury, and SUV models. They also offer a variety of discounts and special offers. Alamo is located just a few miles from the cruise port and offers a variety of rental cars, including economy, luxury, and SUV models. They also offer a variety of discounts and special offers.
The Alton Marina, located at 1 Henry St, Alton, IL 62002, offers free wifi access to its customers.
The address of Alton, Illinois cruise port is 1 Henry Street, Alton, IL 62002.
There are no cruise ships scheduled at Alton today. Use the Cruise Port Traffic tool above to check the cruise schedule for Alton on any past or future date.