In 2005 the City of Chester was awarded an Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program Grant for $385,620.00 from the Illinois Department of Transportation to construct a Welcome Center. The center is located in Segar Park next to the Chester Bridge overlooking the Mississippi River. The Welcome Center is staffed with volunteers. It contains an information center with displays/brochures and a large deck overlooking the Mississippie River and Missouri bottoms and includes bathrooms.
The bronze statue of Popeye the Sailor Man has been overlooking the Mississippi River in Segar Park for more than 30 years (since 1977). This is the first of numerous Popeye & Friends Character Trail statues of Popeye characters placed in various areas in Chester. See more pictures of the Welcome Center below.
Volunteer Hours: Monday – Friday 9 AM – 4 PM
Limited access outside these hours (restrooms only)
Address for the Welcome Center is:
10 By-Pass Road
618.826.2326 ext 229