The Alto Pass area offers a variety of unique lodging options, including Havisham House rentals, Cave Creek Cabins, on-site winery lodging, and others.
Enjoy exploring the village of Alto Pass, surrounded by rolling hills and the breathtaking scenery of the Shawnee National Forest. Area natural attractions include: Cedar Lake, Little Grand Canyon, Quetil Trail, Trail of Tears State Forest and Pomona Natural Bridge. As you travel the rolling hills of Hwy. 127, five of the wineriesof the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail are in this area. Enjoy the distinctive character of the wineries on the west side of the wine trail.
Bald Knob Cross of Peace: Take the scenic drive up Bald Knob mountain for spectacular views of the forest valley. Through the binocular on the observation deck, you can see the top of the Bill Emerson bridge connecting Illinois to Missouri at Cape Girardeau, and the Mississippi River snaking through the forest. Open 7 days a week 8AM to sunset. There are several special event weekends throughout the year.
Rendleman Orchards Farm Market: Whether you’re looking for locally grown peaches, nectarines, apples, or just a fun filled experience in u-pick flower fields or pumpkin patch, Rendleman Orchards is the place to go. Open 7 days a week from late June until Oct. 31. Create new memories with your favorite people while taking selfies at various photo opportunity installations scattered among The Fields at Rendleman Orchards. Wander through a beautiful Zinnia field, Cosmo field, Sunflower fields, mum field, strawberry patch or educational Butterfly garden. This magical immersive experience is located on the 150 year old property, a true working family farm, now operating in the 5th generation. Borrow a wagon and head out to select your pumpkins, snap some pictures, and enjoy fall on the farm! Depending on the season you will find fresh-picked, tree ripened, peaches, nectarines or apples to take home with you. The Farm Market offers a wide variety of locally grown produce, jams, jellies, country gourmet specialty foods, peach smoothies, apple cider floats and warm apple cider donuts! The most unique gift items adorn their country store displayed upon orchard and family heirlooms from decades past. You may shop peach and apple gift boxes for shipping at www.rendlemanorchards.com.
Hiking: Quetil Trail, from downtown Alto Pass Enjoy this 2.6-mile out-and-back trail. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 52 min to complete. Watch for the stone stairs up the bluff to Cliff View park. This is a very popular area for hiking and running, so
you’ll likely encounter other people while exploring. In addition, explore the scenery of the Shawnee National Forest with a short hike at the Pomona Natural Bridge, or a more in depth adventure at the Little Grand Canyon area.
Climbing and rappelling are permitted at Quetil Trail. Park at the Quetil Trail parking lot and hike down the old rail road bed. After about two minutes you reach the rock. Primarily a sport and bouldering area with traditional lines mixed in, these shorter walls provide endless fun. The area is well suited for “first leads” because of the closely spaced bolts and fun climbing. With shade in the warmer months and plentiful sun in the cooler months, this area is climber friendly year round. Always carry out what you carry in!
Consider at stop at Havisham House Bourbon Bar Located at 260 Main Street, the Havisham House occupies Alto Pass’s oldest commercial building, originally built in the 1800s as the Alto Pride Flour Mill. Havisham House breathed new life into this historic gem, turning it into southern Illinois’ first upscale bourbon bar, which opened its doors in September 2022.
Handmade pottery, and gift-able art in a historic building: Alto Clay Works is the home of Steve Grimmer’s studio, a showroom for handmade functional pottery, a classroom for adult and youth pottery classes, and resident artist studios. In 2015, Steve completed construction of a large, two-chamber wood burning kiln which is fired in November, January, and April. Often at work at his wheel, he’s happy to show visitors how he makes pots.
Alto Vineyard’s Alto Vineyards offers tastings and craft wine by the glass or bottle from our winery and our sister winery in Australia. Our gift shop features local artisan/artists and wine paraphernalia. We offer a diverse food menu and entertainment in a spacious tasting room, and outdoor spaces with scenic views of our lake, the Shawnee Hills and 10 acres of vines.
Von Jakob Vineyard & Brewery also has a distillery on site. Enjoy sampling and get bite to eat. Also offers lodging on site. The Flying Pig is your local, neighborhood convenience store offering a sandwich counter, picnic supplies cold drinks and more.