Tours
The Belleville Historical Society offers walking tours of two different locations in Belleville, Illinois. Both tours have been researched and are led by local historian Bob Brunkow, who holds a Ph.D. in History and is formerly of the AMC History Office at Scott AFB. Advanced reservations are required; please see details below.
In case of inclement weather, tours will be re-scheduled. Please call 618.531.7753 to verify if a tour will proceed as scheduled.
Downtown Belleville Tour
The downtown tours start at the Veterans’ Memorial on Saturdays at 10 a.m. Veteran’s Memorial is at the southeast corner of East Main Street and South Illinois Street/Route 159, within the town square. The downtown tour encompasses approximately 16 city blocks (one and a half miles) and lasts about 90 minutes.
2013 Downtown Tour Dates: April 27, May 25, September 7, October 12, November 23
All tours start at 10 a.m.
Village of West Belleville Tour
The Village of West Belleville, which encompassed the area from Richland Creek to 17th Street, existed from 1852 until 1882 when it merged with the City of Belleville. Tours start at 10 a.m. at 1106 West Main, the historic house on the old West Belleville Square. For parking, please use the city lot at the intersection of West Main and South 10th Streets. The tour is approximately one mile and takes about an hour.
2013 West Belleville Tour Dates: May 4, June 8, September 14, October 5, November 30
All tours start at 10 a.m.
Tour Details and Reservations
Tours are limited to 10 people each, and advanced reservations are required. These are walking tours and guests should dress appropriately. The Downtown Tour is about 1½ miles long and the West Belleville Tour is about 1 mile long. Tour guests must be 12 years or older.
Cost: Both tours cost $10 per person.
Reservations (both tours): Leave a message at 618.236.7481 or email rdevb@earthlink.net. Provide your name (please spell your last name if you phone), phone number, tour date, and number in your party.
Group Tours: Other dates for tours of more than five people or more can be scheduled by calling Bob Brunkow at 618.236.7481.