Alton is a historic Mississippi River port city known for its scenic bluffs and riverboat heritage. It serves as the gateway to the Meeting of the Great Rivers Scenic Byway in Illinois.

The city is famous for the Piasa Bird legend mural, the Alton Riverfront, and its role as a key stop on the Underground Railroad. Cruisers visit for riverboat excursions, antique shopping, and day trips to the Cahokia Mounds UNESCO site and St. Louis.

Cultural offerings include the annual Alton Riverfest with fireworks and live music, Southern-style barbecue and catfish dinners, and the historic districts filled with Victorian homes. The dramatic limestone bluffs rising above the Mississippi and the rich river history make Alton a memorable stop on the American river system.

Track ship arrivals and departures in the Port of Alton, Illinois. Real-time live ship traffic in the Port of Alton, Illinois is now centered in the port tracker map below.