Historic WWII landing ship to dock in Alton for five days
ALTON, Ill. - The USS LST-325, a World War II landing ship, tank (LST) turned floating museum, will be docked at the port of Alton from Sept. 18 to 22, offering daily tours from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The vessel is a historic, fully operational World War II-era landing ship that played a crucial role in the European theater, participating in the invasions of Sicily and Normandy. Commissioned in 1943, it was designed to carry tanks, vehicles, and troops directly onto hostile beaches during assaults, which was vital to Allied success.
Visitors can explore the ship for $20 per adult, $10 for children aged 6 to 17, while kids 5 and under can tour for free. The tour seeks to help educate the public about the ship's role in World War II, Korea, and Vietnam.
The memorial's mission is to honor the memory of the ships and the men who served on them by preserving this piece of American history. The ship will display the names of all who died while serving on LSTs.
The museum will have exhibits and programs with artifacts, books, photographs, oral histories, and other archival materials related to the service of LSTs, with a focus on the years 1941 to 1978, with a focus on 1941 to 1945.
Parking for visitors is available at the Argosy Casino parking lot. Group tours can be arranged by emailing schoolbookings@LSTmemorial.org, and more information can be found by clicking here.
