Fort de Chartres State Historic Site — Attraction in Illinois

This was my first time attending. I really enjoyed all of the vendors and costumes! I was able to pick me up a few neat little things b4 they started packing it up, but the amount of super awesome things to look at and buy was impressive! The vendors were fun & friendly. All of them made sure to let us know if we had any questions, be sure to ask! **MY ADVICE IS TO LOOK THROUGH ALL THE TENTS FIRST, THEN GO BACK TO BUY THE THINGS U CAN'T LIVE WITHOUT, because if u start buying at the first couple u see ur going to be broke & upset or in debt by the time u get to the end! Some things u can find & buy cheaper at a different tent, but a majority had their own unique items that kept getting better and better Was! Was so glad that I at least got some AMAZING kettle corn, and cream soda out of the barrel that was put in an old time looking soda bottle w/cork lid! Kinda wish we could've came the day b4, so I could have experienced more than I did, but I enjoyed the beautiful weather and didn't have to work that day...Just got out w/the amazing ppl that introduced it to me, & invited me to join the festivities! All 3 of us are HUGE history buffs! One a retired archeologist that I am doing my apprenticeship with! The other a retired judge! My ONLY complaint is the amount of bees that were back by the food area. They were extremely aggressive & just didn't want to go away no matter what u did to shoo them! Other than that, I would definitely recommend attending, & I definitely will be coming back for years to come if im still...

Very interesting historical site. We visited with a tour bus group and got to hear a verbal account of the history behind the Fort. So many cool areas to explore. I'd like to go back when I have more time to look around.

I was told there is a mile long trail that takes you to the river and back. That definitely sounds worth like a short and worthwhile hike.

I love that my brief visit has inspired me to learn more about the French presence in Illinois. There were signs throughout in both English and French that explained what you would see in the area.

There was a small playground area located near the parking lot with all the classic fun playground pieces including a seesaw, metal slide and rings.

One of the pit toilets near the playground required the buddy system because the latch was broke to lock the door. Also required light from my phone flashlight, because it was super dark in there. We found out later that there were also bathrooms inside the Fort. I believe in the museum building. One that flush and everything. 😉

The gift shop was quiant and had some beautiful pottery and other interesting items to purchase.

I definitely think if you enjoy history this Fort should be on your list of spots. It's one of those places that is fun to just kind of look around and try to imagine what life there might have looked like once...

Awesome colonial era fort only an hour from St. Louis. I had no idea this place even existed, but we were staying in Ste Gen and saw a brochure at the local tourism office. Decided to come back to StL coming through Illinois to take a look and was so happy we did. I love history and this place is about as historic as you can get in the Midwest. I believe it was the largest colonial fortification in French Louisiana and the recreation is phenomenal.

Totally free to partake. You can play around in the fortifications and visit the little museum. They also have a cool vegetable garden area with a chicken pen that has live chickens. The original fortification was destroyed by the British so this is a rebuild, but still an amazing site.

Kind of rough on a hot day, which is when we were there. Not a ton of shade to hide in within the fort and the buildings are obviously not air conditioned. On a nice day it would be a great place for a picnic. A rendezvous was being setup the day we were there which also would have been cool.

Highly recommend a visit for anyone that loves history. Especially military or...