JERSEY: Great Rivers and Routes breaks ground for Byway Discovery Center

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By Steven Spencer

The Great Rivers and Routes Tourism Bureau along with the Great Rivers Land Trust celebrated the groundbreaking for the new Byway Discovery Center last Wednesday, June 11, as the community prepares to welcome the new visitor center along the Great River Road.

Local elected officials and community members gathered for the groundbreaking ceremony for the 4,500 square-foot visitor center that will feature a video immersion experience, 1,400 square feet of permanent exhibit space, a gift shop, lecture facilities and public restrooms.

Alley Ringhausen, Executive Director of Great Rivers Land Trust, welcomed everyone to Great Rivers Park, formerly known as Piasa Harbor, for the ceremony saying that they worked for years to bring a project like this to fruition.

“This is a day that we’ve been building up to for a really long time,” he said. “We’ve been looking at this piece of property for over 30 years.”

Ringhausen said the organization did polling in the community when they began years ago. They found the number one response for what people would like to see along the River Road was focus on the amenities and stops near the confluence area at Lock Haven Road and Piasa Harbor.

“Seventeen years ago we were able to acquire this piece of property and we had a board of directors who took a big chance,” Ringhuasen said. “We borrowed over $2 million to buy this property and slowly over the years we’ve paid it all off with private funding and just operating a business here, and now we’re ready to start implementing this vision.”

Ringhausen described the stretch from Alton to Grafton as not much more than a 25-mile guard rail noting how the new facility will create a place for the public’s want and need to stop and actually interact with the river.

“It’s beautiful,” he said. “But you don’t have many places to stop. Especially on the river side of things. You can see it but you can’t interact with it.”

John Hopkins, Great Rivers and Routes Tourism Board of Directors, is the longest serving board member with the tourism bureau dating back to the days of the Alton Convention and Visitor Bureau. He said he has seen a lot of change but never anticipated something at this scale.

“In our wildest dreams we could have never imagined a project like this,” Hopkins said while recognizing the work of Great Rivers and Routes Tourism Bureau President Cory Jobe. “There’s one reason why we’re here. Simply put, the best decision that I made when I was the chairman was to hire Cory Jobe.”

Hopkins said the groundbreaking marked a significant “rebirth” for the region that will boost the growing local tourism economy.

“We are where we should be at this time. In this place,” he said. “This is not an end. It is a beginning of a new era of prosperity and economic development for the entire six county area that we serve. Tourism, historically based, recreational driven or sports performance, is the new economic engine of the future. And we are the tip of the spear on the new regional economic rebirth. Literally, the sky is the limit. When it’s all finished we are going to be drowned in a green wave of out-of-town dollars.”

Andy Manar, Illinois Deputy Governor, said the plans for the Byway Discovery Center are remarkable and represent a bold vision for the region.

Today we break ground not just on a building, but on a bold vision of tourism, education and economic growth in the region,” he said. “This center will serve as a starting point for unforgettable journeys through the Illinois and Mississippi River corridors.”

Manar said the investment of a portion of a $10 million capital grant through the state has been prioritized so that money “comes right away” and “keep the money flowing.”

“Governor Pritzker recognizes that tourism is not just about attractions and events. Tourism is economic development for the state. Tourism brings jobs. It supports our small business owners. It boosts local tax revenues and showcases the spirit, our rich history, and our heritage in our state and in our local communities,” Manar said.

Manar shared memories of driving the Great River Road and the impact they have on children and families.

“That’s what this center is going to provide,” he said. “Alton and the surrounding region are blessed with an abundance of natural wonders from majestic bluffs and river ways to iconic trails and cultural landmarks. The new discovery center, building upon so many other improvements that continue to happen in this area, is going to supercharge the visitor experience and draw even more families, adventurers and nature lovers to this corner of Illinois. What is good for the Riverbend is good for the State of Illinois.”

Cameron Yost, DCEO assistant director, said in 2023 the state welcomed 112,000,000 domestic and international visitors and the DCEO is dedicated to building upon that momentum with projects like the Discovery Byway Center.

“We are thrilled to have supported this project through $10 million in capital grant funding,” Yost said. “This new center will not only enhance the region for its residents, but will drive visitors, businesses, and investors to Godfrey, Alton, Grafton and all of the surrounding areas. We are immensely grateful for the support and efforts of everyone involved in making this project a reality. Especially our partners at the Great Rivers Land Trust and the Great Rivers and Routes Tourism Bureau.”

Yost said the project and collaboration realizes the shared goal of empowering local communities and ensuring Illinois continues to be “the best place for all of our residents to live, work, play and thrive.”

Cory Jobe said the groundbreaking was a milestone opportunity while thanking the Great Rivers and Routes Tourism Bureau, the Great Rivers Land Trust, the Army Corps. of Engineers, as well as all the architects, engineers and contractors for making the project a reality.

“We started this project over three years ago believe it or not, and I think we’ve found an amazing harbor,” Jobe said. “Together we are creating a place for discovery and exploration that will further activate this Great River Road. The center, as we break ground today, will be the first phase and centerpiece of what will be a larger park-like setting for area residents and visitors from all around the world to connect with our river, with nature, kayaking, fishing, hiking, bicycling, rock climbing and bird watching here along the Great River Road.”

Jobe also recognized the State of Illinois, the Office of Tourism, the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, IDOT, Governor Pritzker and local legislators for making the project possible.

“The State of Illinois has been an instrumental partner in protecting and growing visitor amenities along the byway,” Jobe said. “I also want to personally thank Governor J.B. Pritzker for his ongoing support of our efforts in building a regional destination and his commitment to outdoor recreation.”

Jobe said that destination building can align efforts locally and regionally to bring community building and economic recovery, noting that visitor spending in 2023 increased more than 22% in Jersey County and topped $550 million in Madison County.

“As we officially break ground here today this is an important time to remind ourselves of what has been accomplished since the National Scenic Byway was established in 1998,” he said. “This is an important moment today to look ahead and ask ourselves what is possible and what is next.”