East St. Louis

East St. Louis is a city in Southern Illinois. It is commonly abbreviated ESL.

Get in

Roads

Four major interstates lead into East St. Louis. They are Interstate 70, Interstate 55, Interstate 255, and Interstate 64. Interstate 64 takes the most direct route into the city center. U.S. Route 40 connects East St. Louis to St. Louis, MO and runs through East St. Louis. U.S. Route 50 runs through ESL as well. Illinois Routes 3, 15, and 111 also enter and leave East St. Louis. The city is very accessible by road through many different routes.

Metrolink

The Metrolink train travels into East St. Louis on the blue and red lines. The Red Line begins at Lambert Airport in St. Louis, MO and ends in Shiloh, IL. The Blue Line begins in Shrewsbury, MO and ends in Fairview Heights, IL. Both of these lines run through downtown St. Louis and both stop at the same East St. Louis stations- which are named, East Riverfront, 5th and Missouri, Emerson Park, Jackie Joyner-Karsee Center, and Washington Park. For more information, fares, and schedules visit the Metrolink page.

Airports

There are many airports near East St. Louis. The largest nearby airport is the Lambert-St. Louis International Airport approximately 16 miles from ESL. The Saint Louis Regional Airport in St. Louis, MO is around 25 miles from ESL. A smaller airport is located in Mascoutah, IL called Mid-America Airport, about 22 miles away. Public-use airports closest to East St. Louis include: St. Louis Downtown Airport, Airport: Sackman Field, and St. Louis Metro East Airport. Taxis are available at all airports.

Amtrak

The Amtrak Train does not directly station in East St. Louis, but makes many stops nearby. The closest stop is in St. Louis, MO at the 16th Street stop, approximately 5 miles away. Other stops are the Kirkwood Amtrak Station (about 18 miles away) and Alton Amtrak Station (about 30 miles away). Taxi cabs are available at the station.

Staying Safe

On the whole, East St. Louis is a very unsafe and dangerous area. One should avoid visiting this area unless you must go for business trips or other purposes. It is an area with high crime and drug rates. Visitors should avoid walking the streets at night at all costs. Visitors should be familiar with the area before arriving in East St. Louis, but there are areas that are secure. Please obtain clear and precise directions before driving around East St. Louis or use the security and reliability of mass transportation. The East St. Louis Park District and Illinois Southwest Tourism Bureau can assist with any questions.

Do

Katherine Dunham Museum - As one of the most famous residents of ESL, the Katherine Dunham Museum is centered around the life of this famous dancer. The Museum is home to many of her personal items collected from all over the world. Some of these items include African Diaspora, African artifacts, dance costumes, pictures, drawings, paintings, and Katherine's personal awards and accomplishments.

The Casino Queen is located on the Illinois side of the Mississippi River in East St. Louis. St. Louis, MO is directly across the river. The Casino Queen is known for its "loose slots" and is a major attraction for this area. It is open daily from 8 AM - 6 AM and features an array of games, a hotel, 4 restaurants, The Stage Bar, and a RV park.

See

Near the Casino Queen on the Mississippi River is the Gateway Geyser. The fountain mimics the St. Louis Arch directly opposite, both reaching a height around 630 feet (190 m). The Gateway Geyser is the world's second tallest fountain. The fountain runs daily from April through October from 12:00-12:15 pm and from 1:00-1:15 pm.

The Jackie Joyner-Kersee Center opened in 2000 in East St. Louis, IL. As a 6-time Olympic medalist in track, Jackie Joyner-Kersee began this project to help her hometown and encourage participation in sports.

Eat & Drink

Being a small city located on the Mississippi River, East St. Louis residents and visitors have the luxury of experiencing their own town along with the big city of St. Louis, MO. East St. Louis has many of the typical fast-food restaurants, but has many sit-down restaurants in town and only a couple miles away in St. Louis, MO.

East St. Louis, IL

Sandy's Barbeque & More

Javons Restaurant

Wishing Well

China Chop Suey

Golden Dragon Chop Suey

Best Fish House

Mello Freeze

V's Catering and Deli Sandwiches

Arthur's Barbeque

There are many more options around both areas available to enjoy.

Sleep

Crown Hotel at Casino Queen: East St. Louis, IL

Royal Inn: East St. Louis, IL

Royal Relax Inn: East St. Louis, IL

Indian Mound Motel: East St. Louis, IL

Royal Budgest Inn: East St. Louis, IL

Many more options are available across the river in St. Louis.

Go next

Routes through East St. Louis

Memphis/Columbia ← St. Louis ←	S/W  N/E	→ Fairmont City → Springfield/Indianapolis
O'Fallon, MO ← St. Louis ←	W  E	→ O'Fallon, IL → Louisville