Collinsville ~ Illinois ~ 62234
Location
Its motto, "Wide open spaces, close to city places," speaks for itself. The hospitality
district of Southern Illinois is ideally located in the center of all activities and
attractions, and is quickly accessible by major highway networks.
Collinsville's population is approximately 22,500.
Collinsville is located only 10 miles northeast of downtown St. Louis, 6 miles from
Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville, 14 miles from Belleville Area College and
is framed by four interstates and four highways including Interstates 64, 55/70 and 255.
Attractions
The Collinsville Hospitality District offers more than 1,100 rooms, creating pleasant
surroundings from family economy to sumptuous luxury, and 400 seats in 40 restaurants,
serving cuisine from family style to gourmet fare. All of the support services and
conveniences required for conventions or tourists in the safety and comfort of a
hometown environment are available here.
Collinsville is best known for the Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site, which is on the World Heritage List; the Brook's Catsup Bottle Water Tower, which has gained national exposure since its renovation in 1995; Fairmount Park Race Track, which provides year-round horse racing; and Gateway Center, Illinois' premiere convention center, which meets the needs of groups from 25 to 2,500.
Collinsville is also known as the Horseradish Capital of the World. Two-thirds of the
world's horseradish is grown here in the American Bottoms. An International Horseradish
Festival is held the first weekend of each June.
Additionally, the annual Italian Fest, held on the third Friday and Saturday in September,
attracted over 150,000 people in 2001 sharing a fondness for Italian food, entertainment,
grape stomps, and bocce ball tournament. The festival also features a "Paisan Pedal Push" bike ride, Children's Area and street performers. Much more info is available at www.italianfest.net.
For further information on the International Horseradish Festival or the Italian Fest,
please contact Judy McCann ( RMccann44@aol.com ),
Chairperson.
Learn more about Collinsville at its Public Library and
Historical Museum Web Site.
Summary
Collinsville also boasts state championship teams in basketball, baseball and soccer and a superior school system.
Most information provided by the Scott AFB Public Affairs Office and Judy McCann.
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