World Wide Technology Raceway – Historical Attractions

World Wide Technology Raceway in Madison, Illinois, opened in 1967 as a drag racing facility. It has grown significantly since then and is now an enormous raceway used by NASCAR, the Sports Car Club of America, and the Porsche Club of America. World Wide Technology Raceway has a capacity of 78,000, and features VIP suites and a designated ADA-compliant area.

World Wide Technology Raceway is just five minutes from downtown St. Louis, a city rich in history. After a day full of exciting races, you may want to visit one of these historical sites nearby the venue.

Scott Joplin House State Historic Site

One of the most famous ragtime musicians of all time, Scott Joplin, once called St. Louis home. The local African American community preserved his former residence, which now serves as the Scott Joplin House State Historic Site.

The house, estimated to have been built in 1860, is furnished to reflect what it looked like when Joplin lived there. The famous composer occupied the house from 1900 to 1903, during which he wrote his most famous song, “The Entertainer.”

In 1983, the Scott Joplin House became the first state historic site in Missouri dedicated to the African-American experience. While guests tour the modest apartment, a piano player plays some of Joplin’s famous songs live. The exhibits share information not only about the King of Ragtime, but about the black experience in urban St. Louis during the 1900s. These eye-opening exhibits make this hidden gem worth a visit. The Scott Joplin House State Historic Site is located 11 minutes from World Wide Technology Raceway.

St. Louis’ Custom House and Post Office Historic Landmark

One of the largest and most impressive historic sites near World Wide Technology Raceway is the St. Louis’ Custom House and Post Office Historic Landmark. This beautiful building was constructed between 1873 and 1884, and its first year alone, processed hundreds of millions of pieces of mail.

A museum on the first floor of the St. Louis’ Custom House and Post Office Historic Landmark contains photos of the post office in its prime as well as information about its history. This structure has been preserved for more than a century, and is used as event and office space to this day. This magnificent, marble building is certainly worth a visit, and is only located 12 minutes from World Wide Technology Raceway.

Old Six Mile Museum

The Old Six Mile Museum, 12 minutes from World Wide Technology Raceway, is a 1837 farmhouse that celebrates the heritage of the St. Louis community. The museum is filled with Victorian-era furniture and information about the family that once lived there.

Guests can visit the garden at Old Six Mile Museum, which supports the local bee population. Volunteers collect the honey produced from the garden and sell it to raise funds for the museum.

But the volunteers at Old Six Mile don’t stop there; they are actively involved in the community as well. For instance, volunteers maintain a pristine community garden, host farmer’s markets, throw cookouts, and more. The charm and the passionate staff at Old Six Mile Museum make it a great place to stop by to get a glimpse into the history of the St. Louis area.

Glen Carbon Historic Museum

Glen Carbon Historic Museum, located 17 minutes from World Wide Technology Raceway, pays homage to the history of the education system. The town constructed the building in 1914 to serve as a school, after townspeople rallied together to make education accessible for their children.

Besides being a school, the building has taken on the role of a WWII scrap metal collection center, blood bank, police station, doctor’s office, and a library. Now, it functions as the Glen Carbon Historic Museum. Exhibits at the museum include vintage toys, military memorabilia, Native American artifacts, and information about life in the early 1900s.

In 2014, the U.S. Parks Service placed the Glen Carbon Historic Museum on the National Register of Historic Places, making it an important place to visit while in the area.

Wood River Refinery History Museum

Car enthusiasts attending an event at World Wide Technology Raceway will almost definitely be interested in Wood River Refinery History Museum.

At this vehicle-centric museum, guests step back almost a century to learn about the oil industry and the evolution of vintage cars. This fascinating museum is located on a former Shell research campus and is made up of multiple buildings. While the main building contains artifacts centering around the oil refinery business, car lovers will enjoy the Annex most.

The Annex houses historic vehicles, such as a 1918 Ford Tank Truck, a 1924 Chevrolet, and a 1957 fire truck. The museum even grants guests the unique experience of sitting in the driver’s seat of the vintage fire truck.

Wood River Refinery History Museum is a great destination for car connoisseurs, and is only 22 minutes from World Wide Technology Raceway.

Lewis and Clark State Historic Site

Two of the most well-known explorers in American history, Lewis and Clark, set up camp in the St. Louis area during the winter of 1803. The Lewis and Clark State Historic Site was built on this original location and features a recreation of the duo’s Camp DuBois. Guests can stroll through this simple, fenced-in camp that contains various log structures. Interpreters are onsite at the reconstruction and explain how Lewis and Clark made it through the winter.

In addition to the camp, this historic site features indoor exhibits that are kid-friendly and made for hands-on engagement. These informational displays give visitors a deeper understanding of Lewis and Clark’s journey. The Lewis and Clark State Historic Site is located 22 minutes from the World Wide Technology Raceway.

After an exciting event at the World Wide Technology Raceway, enjoy a change of pace and step back into time. These destinations are just the beginning of all the historic landmarks in the St. Louis area, so get out there and start exploring!