Collinsville is a charming city located in Madison County, Illinois, United States. With a population of around 25000 Collinsville offers residents and visitors a perfect mix of small-town warmth and suburban convenience. Though not a huge metropolis, Collinsville has plenty to see and do for people of all ages. Let’s take a closer look at what makes this city so special.
A Rich History
Collinsville was first settled in 1812 and incorporated as a city in 1837. It was named after surveyor Daniel Collins who helped map out the area. In the mid-1800s, Collinsville became an important coal mining and manufacturing center. The city was a major supplier of coal to St. Louis during the early 20th century.
Some of the historic attractions in Collinsville include the Collinsville Historical Museum, Garfield Farm Museum, and the World Shooting Complex which was originally built for the 1904 World’s Fair. The city is also home to the Brooks Catsup Bottle water tower, a Route 66 landmark depicting a giant ketchup bottle that was built in 1949.
Family Friendly Recreation
Collinsville offers plenty of parks and recreation options for families. Glidden Park spans over 100 acres and includes athletic fields, playgrounds, an aquatic center, an off-road bike trail, and more. Woodland Park and Arlington Greens Golf Course are two other scenic parks perfect for the whole family
In addition to its parks, Collinsville also hosts many community events throughout the year like the Italian Fest, Route 66 Festival, Balloon Glow, and Christmas Parade. These free festivals feature live music, contests, crafts, delicious food, and activities for all ages
For indoor fun, Collinsville has SKY Zone Trampoline Park, Main Event Entertainment, and Edison’s Entertainment Complex which has bowling, laser tag, arcade games, and more. The city also has a lively downtown area with shops, restaurants, and summer concerts on Main Street.
Recreation for All Ages
Collinsville has recreation opportunities tailored to all age groups. For the kids, there’s the COCA Gymnastics Center, Pump It Up inflatable indoor playground, and Rock’n Jump trampoline park.
Teens and young adults can enjoy the Skateland Roller Rink, batting cages at RBI Indoor Batting & Training Facility, and shopping at Saint Louis Mills Mall. For a touch of culture, kids and teens may like taking art classes at the Mitchell Museum.
For adults, Collinsville has golf courses, sports leagues, bars featuring live music, axe throwing at Stumpy’s Hatchet House, and plenty of places for a nice dinner out. The Hollywood Casino and Fairmount Park Racetrack offer gambling and horse racing.
Seniors can stay active through senior exercise classes and activities at the Collinsville Senior Center and Recreation Center. There are also plenty of opts for low-key recreation like bingo, bridge, and cornhole games.
A Delicious Dining Scene
Collinsville has over 100 eateries ranging from fast food to fine dining. For a special night out, locals recommend Cleveland Heath, Erato Wine Bar, and Bella Milano for delicious Italian cuisine. Towne Tap and Kicks Sports Bar are popular gastropubs.
Those looking for a quick bite have many options like Lion’s Choice, Andy’s Frozen Custard, Flying Cow Cafe, and Dewey’s Pizza. Families can grab a burger and shake at Erbelli’s Pizza or picnic in the park with KFC or Subway.
Several cozy cafes in Collinsville like The Grind Cafe, Picnic Basket Cafe, and Rachel’s Cafe and Catering offer soups, salads, and sandwiches in a relaxing setting.
Attractions in the Area
Though not a huge city, Collinsville is conveniently located near several popular regional attractions. It sits about 10 miles east of St. Louis, allowing easy access to major attractions like the Gateway Arch, City Museum, Zoo, and professional sports.
Collinsville is also just a short drive from Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to incredible ancient Native American mounds. For outdoor exploration, there’s Horseshoe Lake State Park.
For indoor fun, Collinsville is close to the St. Louis Galleria shopping mall and Family Arena which hosts concerts and sporting events. Nearby Six Flags St. Louis offers world-class roller coasters and theme park excitement.
A Strong Sense of Community
More than anything, Collinsville residents comment on the sense of community in their small city. Neighbors know and look out for each other. Locals proudly support community events and youth sports leagues.
The Collinsville Chamber of Commerce works to promote local businesses and bring people together. Collinsville Unit 10 School District provides quality education with reasonable class sizes where teachers really get to know each student.
Though it has suburban conveniences, Collinsville maintains a wholesome small-town vibe. Residents feel comfortable letting their kids play outside and walk to school or the park. Crime rates are low and the cost of living is affordable compared to big cities. Collinsville offers the best of both worlds.
Something for Everyone
Whether you’re looking for family fun, outdoor recreation, historical sites, entertainment, or just a welcoming community to call home, Collinsville has something for everyone. The city strikes the perfect balance between quaint charm and modern conveniences.
Next time you find yourself near St. Louis, take a short drive to explore Collinsville’s parks, downtown, unique attractions, and flavorful dining scene. It just may end up being your new favorite Midwest getaway!
City of Collinsville Welcome
Where is Collinsville Illinois located?
Collinsville is a city located mainly in Madison County and partially in St. Clair County, Illinois, United States. As of the 2020 census, the city had a population of 24,366. Collinsville is approximately 14 miles (23 km) east of St. Louis, Missouri, and is part of that city’s Metro East area.
Where is Collinsville Missouri?
Collinsville is approximately 14 miles (23 km) east of St. Louis, Missouri, and is part of that city’s Metro East area. Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site is in Collinsville. It is a National Historic Landmark and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
When is the Collinsville City Council meeting?
Every second and fourth Tuesday of the month at 6:30 p.m., the Collinsville City Council will meet as usual. These meetings will be held in the Council Chambers located inside City Hall, 125 S. Center St. , Collinsville, Illinois.
What is Collinsville City Hall known for?
The building features Italianate architecture with window crowns. The old State Bank of Collinsville is only a half-block walk from City Hall. It is on the corner of Center and Main streets. Designed in 1916 by architect Robert G. Kirsch, this structure features a limestone exterior and marble interior walls.
When is Collinsville’s 125th anniversary celebration?
Collinsville is celebrating 125 years since it’s founding in 1899. The celebration will kick of at the Founders Day event on Saturday, April 6, 2024. Find Out More: Buy a Piece of History! Hey Collinsville! Here’s your chance to own a Piece of History while we celebrate our 125th Anniversary! Learn More.
Why should you volunteer in Collinsville?
There are a lot of different places to volunteer in Collinsville. There is Keep Collinsville Beautiful (KCB), the Collinsville Park Association, the Collinsville Area Youth Sports Association (CAYSA), and the Public Library is always busy. When you visit our community, you feel the sense of pride our residents have for Collinsville.
