Top 15 Activities and Attractions in O’Fallon, IL

The city of O’Fallon resides in the Southern Illinois’ Metro East region, situated just a few miles east of the Mississippi River and St. Louis, Missouri.

While there are numerous local attractions to enjoy, including a lively downtown area, appealing landmarks, excellent parks, and an expansive network of bicycle trails, you are always in close proximity to the remarkable sights and attractions of one of the largest cities in the Midwest.

The Scott Air Force Base, the heart of local life and essential to the area’s economy, dates back to World War I and features an outdoor museum showcasing impressive aircraft.

1. Downtown O’Fallon

In the heart of O’Fallon, the railroad tracks are flanked by trees and grassy areas. On either side of this corridor, various charming old buildings house the numerous shops, restaurants, and bars of downtown O’Fallon.

This district is thriving, boasting unique shops specializing in bike repairs, gourmet foods, comics, pet supplies, charcuterie, toys, flowers, and more.

The dining options are diverse, catering to various tastes whether one prefers pizza, BBQ, delightful desserts, American cuisine, or pub fare.

Additionally, the new event center, O’Fallon Station, enhances the downtown experience, which will be discussed later in this article.

2. Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site

Around a millennium ago, an impressive city existed near O’Fallon in Collinsville. At its zenith in the 12th century CE, Cahokia was home to approximately 18,000 individuals, marking it as the largest pre-Columbian settlement north of Mexico.

Designated as both a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a state historic site, the remnants of this ancient city are illustrated by numerous earthwork mounds across 2,200 acres.

The most significant of these is Monks Mound, initiated in the early 10th century CE, standing at 100 feet high and 775 feet wide.

The on-site interpretive center provides extensive context, reconstructions, facts and figures, along with a collection of artifacts unearthed from the city.

3. St. Louis

Regardless of your reason for visiting O’Fallon, the city recognized as the Gateway to the West will inevitably play a role in your itinerary.

This designation is epitomized by the magnificent and internationally acclaimed Gateway Arch (1965), recognized as the tallest structure of its kind in the world, reaching 630 feet.

The Saint Louis Zoo, located in the scenic Forest Park, frequently ranks among the best in the world, while attractions such as the Saint Louis Art Museum, Missouri Botanical Garden, Saint Louis Science Center, and City Museum offer a plethora of enriching educational experiences.

St. Louis is also home to the Anheuser-Busch Brewery, which is worthy of a tour, as well as major sports teams, from MLB’s Cardinals to the NHL’s Blues.

4. Vine Street Market

Situated adjacent to the railroad tracks in downtown O’Fallon is a recent addition courtesy of the city’s parks and recreation department.

O’Fallon Station is a charming brick structure serving as a venue for public events, markets, and celebrations throughout the year.

Vine Street Market, occurring here on Saturday mornings, is O’Fallon’s farmers’ market, where you can procure local seasonal produce, meats, baked goods, dairy, pet supplies, fresh food, beverages, and a variety of handmade goods.

The market usually features live music, and additionally, there is a drive-thru market available on Tuesday evenings.

5. O’Fallon Family Sports Park

The city’s parks and recreation department oversees a premier sports facility located just west of downtown, conveniently adjacent to Interstate 64.

Spanning 200 acres, the O’Fallon Family Sports Park is designed for league games, tournaments, exhibitions, clinics, and camps, as well as everyday recreational activities.

The facility includes a soccer complex featuring eight all-weather, lighted synthetic fields, and a baseball complex boasting eight lighted diamonds, designed by the same architect as the field used by the Cardinals.

The park also offers pleasant family outings, with two all-weather playgrounds, a splashpad, a fishing pond, four concession stands, and a 2.1-mile walking path.

6. Scott Field Heritage Air Park

Scott Air Force Base, established in 1917, is one of the oldest continuously operating facilities of its kind in the United States.

It serves as the headquarters for both the Air Mobility Command (AMC) and the U.S. Transportation Command.

Resembling a small city, the base employs approximately 13,000 individuals and has recently become home to advanced cybersecurity squadrons.

To learn more about the base, visitors can explore the Scott Field Heritage Park, which displays crucial aircraft related to AMC operations, including a C-141 Starlifter, KC-135 Stratotanker, C-9 Nightingale, and C-130 Hercules.

7. O’Fallon Community Park

The primary park adjacent to downtown O’Fallon serves as the headquarters of the city’s parks and recreation department and is well-equipped with public amenities.

This park includes the Memorial Pool, mentioned later, and Blazier Field, a baseball facility featuring bleachers.

Additionally, it offers open green spaces, baseball diamonds, a basketball court, tennis courts, a playground, walking paths, pavilions, a BBQ grill, a community center, and complimentary Wi-Fi access.

There are a total of four pavilions available for rent by both residents and visitors.

8. MCT Goshen Trail

The Madison County Transit (MCT) operates a network exceeding 140 miles, connecting 20 communities and providing convenient travel across the county without reliance on a car.

Furthermore, this network was designed with public transport in mind, ensuring proximity to bus stops or MetroLink stations.

Most trails utilize the right-of-way of former industrial railroads, which the MCT began acquiring in the early 1990s.

The Goshen Trail, located in O’Fallon, runs along the historical namesake road originally forged in the early 1800s to provide resources to Madison County’s early settlers.

Stretching north from Kyle Rd in O’Fallon for nearly 20 miles, the Goshen Trail is paved with asphalt and connects with five other MCT trails.

9. Gateway Classic Cars

This classic car dealership in O’Fallon features a vast showroom that also serves as an automobile museum.

For some visitors, this impressive inventory may evoke nostalgia, whereas it may inspire potential buyers aiming to enhance their collection.

Spanning over a century, the collection is meticulously maintained and includes Chevrolets, Fords, Mopars, and a variety of European automobiles.

Each vehicle is accompanied by a detailed write-up, including engine and performance specifications. Knowledgeable sales staff are available to address any inquiries.

10. Rock Springs Rotary Park

Approximately one mile east of downtown lies a picturesque park oriented toward passive recreation.

Two creeks from the Rock Spring Branch traverse the west and south sides of this park, converging at the southwest corner.

The remainder of Rock Springs Rotary Park features ample open space navigable by a two-loop trail system, measuring one mile and half a mile in length.

A pavilion available for picnics and the Rock Springs Nature Center, complete with a fire pit, are featured here.

For dog owners, a fenced dog park is available, equipped with ample supplies of waste bags, toys, and a dedicated water spout.

11. Marcus O’Fallon Cinema

Operated by the Marcus Theatres chain, this 15-screen cinema located in O’Fallon has recently undergone extensive renovations. Among its new features are Dreamlounger recliners in every auditorium, ensuring a generous seven feet of legroom between rows.

The cinema also offers three SuperScreens and an UltraScreen, equipped with oversized screens, Dolby Atmos sound, and heated Dreamloungers. Check the listings for current films and special promotions, such as $5 Tuesdays.

12. O’Fallon Memorial Pool

A popular summer destination, the O’Fallon Memorial Pool complex is located on the northern side of Community Park.

This facility operates from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, comprising two primary pools. The first is an L-shaped 25-meter lap pool, suitable for serious swimmers as well as casual enjoyers, featuring a shallow entry area.

A shallow wading pool shaped like a scallop shell, with a rainfall fountain at its center, is available for toddlers, infants, and their parents.

The facility provides plenty of space, with sun loungers and a concession area offering snacks and beverages.

13. Centerfield Park

This family-friendly amusement park located on the west side of O’Fallon opens for the summer season and offers various attractions to entertain children.

It features two 18-hole miniature golf courses, a selection of go-karts suitable for all ages, batting cages with different speeds, bumper boats, and a sizable, air-conditioned game room.

Additionally, Centerfield Park includes a concession stand serving hot dogs, pretzels, nachos, ice cream, and sodas. Discounts are available for attractions with a “value card,” and the park is equipped to host birthday parties.

14. World’s Largest Catsup Bottle

For enthusiasts of vintage novelty architecture, a notable example is located just a few minutes away in Collinsville.

Perched high above Route 159, the World’s Largest Catsup Bottle cleverly disguises a water tower constructed in 1949 for the nearby Brooks catsup plant.

It is said that Gerhart S. Suppiger, president of Brooks, conceived the idea of designing the tower to resemble a Brooks catsup bottle.

Although the plant changed ownership in the early 1990s, the tower still stands and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places following its restoration in 1995.

15. Hesse Park

This well-maintained public park is located just east of the O’Fallon Family Sports Park and, similar to its neighbor, is abundant with amenities.

Hesse Park features a large, newly upgraded playground, four pavilions, impeccably maintained pickleball courts, tennis courts, a basketball court, and baseball diamonds.

The pavilions are available for rental from March through October, and a bike trail runs along the eastern side, weaving through Hesse Park and looping around a wetland area to the northwest.