Prohibition Tours

Dubbed the “wettest county in the country,” Madison County, IL was a haven for bootleggers, rum runners and speakeasies. Prior to prohibition, Americans drank an average of 7 gallons of alcohol a year, more than three times our current consumption. 

It's no wonder that citizens of the area voted to stay “wet” and the storm brewing between the wets and drys was put to rest…until 1913, when women were granted the right to vote. In 1919 the 18th Amendment was passed, prohibiting the manufacture, transportation and sale of intoxicating liquors. Many law-abiding citizens lost their jobs. Businesses closed. 

Prohibition did not stop drinking in America - it pushed it underground. Some who lost their jobs found work of the illicit variety. Many women started drinking. Speakeasies popped up and drinkers played cat and mouse with the law. Bootleggers and moonshiners had big orders to fill. Organized crime from Chicago and St. Louis found its way to Alton…

Alton Odyssey Tours is excited to announce our partnership with Vintage Voices to bring characters of the Roaring Twenties to life. We’ll travel to locations affected by the death of John Barleycorn and meet some of the people most impacted by his demise. This tour includes stops at five different locations and concludes with a celebration to the end of prohibition.

Tour begins and ends with a specially crafted Prohibition Era cocktail!

Prohibition Tour

Dubbed the “wettest county in the country,” Madison County, IL was a haven for bootleggers, rum runners and speakeasies. Prior to prohibition, Americans drank an average of 7 gallons of alcohol a year, more than three times our current consumption. It's no wonder that citizens of the area voted to stay “wet” and the storm brewing between the wets and drys was put to rest…until 1913, when women were granted the right to vote. In 1919 the 18th Amendment was passed, prohibiting the manufacture, transportation and sale of intoxicating liquors. Many law-abiding citizens lost their jobs. Businesses closed. Prohibition did not stop drinking in America - it pushed it underground. Some who lost their jobs found work of the illicit variety. Many women started drinking. Speakeasies popped up and drinkers played cat and mouse with the law. Bootleggers and moonshiners had big orders to fill. Organized crime from Chicago and St. Louis found its way to Alton…Alton Odyssey Tours is excited to announce our partnership with Vintage Voices to bring characters of the Roaring Twenties to life. We’ll travel to locations affected by the death of John Barleycorn and meet some of the people most impacted by his demise. This tour includes stops at five different locations and concludes with a celebration to the end of prohibition.Enjoy samples of Prohibition Era cocktails during the tour! We’ll travel to locations affected by the death of John Barleycorn and meet some of the people most impacted by his demise. This tour includes stops at five different locations and concludes with a celebration to the end of prohibition.

Price

$55 per person

Start Time

2:00 PM

Duration

3hrs

Starting Location
Tour Dates

June 14, July 12, August 9, September 20, November 15, and December 6

Accessibility

Enclosed Shuttle. Some walking, standing, steps and uneven surfaces.

Age Requirement

You must be at least 21 years of age with photo ID to participate.

Please refrain from over-indulging prior to the tour. We reserve the right to refuse service to intoxicated guests and no refund will be issued.
Please refrain from over-indulging prior to the tour.
We reserve the right to refuse service to intoxicated guests and no refund will be issued.
Click here to watch a video teaser!

Testimonals

I went on the Prohibition Tour and thoroughly enjoyed the actors and their stories. They were very professional and entertaining. Afterwards, back at The Conservatory we enjoyed a complimentary drink and a chance to talk with the actors. I highly recommend this tour.

— Pat P.

Our group had such a great time on the Prohibition Tour. It was like stepping back in time to the Prohibition Era, where talented re-enactors presented fascinating stories at historic Alton locations, bringing the past to life! The Prohibition style cocktail was the perfect way to end this unforgettable experience.

— Jody B.

We booked the Alton Odyssey Tours Prohibition Tour for our company’s Christmas party, and it was a fantastic experience! The actors, the stories, and the interactive engagement with our team made for a fun and memorable evening. The team was wonderful to work with, even customizing the tour with a festive holiday spin. I highly recommend Alton Odyssey Tours for an entertaining and unique experience!

— Yvette P.


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