Alto Pass is a small village in Union County, Illinois, located in the Shawnee National Forest. The village, surrounded by beautiful nature and close to the Ohio River, is a perfect spot to take a first date.
1. Alto Pass parks and places for a walk on a first date
If you’re looking for a romantic and relaxed walk on your first date, Alto Pass has plenty of great places to explore. The village is surrounded by the stunning Shawnee National Forest, with miles of trails and nature walks. Take a stroll around and explore the old-growth forest, enjoy the stunning views from Bald Knob, or take a romantic walk around the Alto Pass Nature Preserve. If you’re interested in the area’s history, you can visit the Fountain Bluff Historic Site for a walk around the old mill and around the cabins.
2. Places for a coffee date in Alto Pass
If you’re interested in a more low-key coffee date in Alto Pass, there’s plenty of great coffee shops to choose from. Swing by the Alto Pass Coffee Company, a local coffee spot located in the village’s historic district. Here you can enjoy coffee, pastries and conversation in a cozy and relaxed setting. You can also try The Good Stuff Cafe, which offers a range of espresso and coffee drinks, as well as light snacks and desserts.
3. Alto Pass galleries, museums and exhibitions to visit on a date
If you’re looking for something a bit more interesting, Alto Pass also has plenty of galleries, museums and exhibitions to visit on a date. Spend an afternoon exploring the Shawnee Hills Arts Council, where you can view local artwork, take part in hands-on art workshops and enjoy some live performances. The Illinois Museum of Natural History is also located in Alto Pass, and offers plenty of educational exhibits and interactive displays. If you’re interested in local history, take a tour of the Alto Pass Historical Society Museum and learn about the area’s past.
4. Live music and entertainment to invite your date to in Alto Pass
Alto Pass also has plenty of live music and entertainment for you to enjoy on your date. Attend a concert at the Union County Performing Arts Center, which regularly hosts concerts and theater performances. Or check out the local venues, such as The Trees, which has live music and DJs most nights of the week. The Wine Shop hosts live music, art shows and poetry readings, while the Tin House also offers music, events and activities. Finally, the Union County Fairgrounds often hosts live music and other performances in the summer months.
5. Alto Pass pubs, bars or restaurants for a first date drink or food
If you want to enjoy a drink or meal on your first date, Alto Pass has plenty of great pubs, bars or restaurants to choose from. Krieger’s Kafe offers a great selection of beer and wine, as well as light snacks and sandwiches. Or head over to the Keg Saloon for some classic bar food, as well as a selection of craft beers. For a more upscale meal, try Bruno's Steakhouse for steak and seafood dishes, or visit The Pines for Italian food.
6. Other date ideas to try in Alto Pass
Finally, if you’re looking for some other ideas for dates in Alto Pass, there are plenty of activities to do. Visit the Shawnee National Forest for some camping and fishing, or take your date to the Union County Fair for some classic fairground fun. Or if you’re feeling adventurous, you can take a canoe trip down the Ohio River or go horseback riding at the Alto Pass Horse Trail. Or if you prefer something more relaxed, book a quiet boat tour on the Ohio River or explore the Alto Pass Nature Preserve.
