Southern Illinois Vacation Spots

Southern Illinois Vacation Spots: People who like wine tasting, outdoor sports, unique art experiences, and antique shopping can all have unique experiences in southern Illinois.

Visit Shawnee National Forest for the weekend or the day and see what it has to offer. At Kincaid Water, you can do water sports. At Lake Murphysboro, you can go fishing, or you can relax on the quiet shores of Cedar Lake. Enjoy the natural beauty of the area by playing golf or picking fresh fruit in fields nearby.

Take a stroll through the beautiful scenery of Southern Illinois while you enjoy a delightful wine-tasting experience. Check out the Shawnee Hills American Viticultural site. It was the first place in Illinois to be named for its great wine-making traits. It is famous for its unique ways of making wine. As you learn more about this changing wine culture, try wines with unexpected traits.

Southern Illinois Travel Guide

People who are going north to Chicago often miss Southern Illinois. Still, this area has a lot of character and charm, with its old towns, well-known tourist spots, and beautiful getaways. Enjoy the atmosphere of the small towns before exploring the rivers and forests of this friendly and peaceful area.

The Kincaid Mounds State Historic Site tells the story of the first people to live in Illinois, who did so more than a thousand years ago. The Illinois Rural Heritage Museum and the Saline Creek Pioneer Village and Museum are two other interesting places to visit. They tell the stories of the European pioneers who came to this area in the early 1800s and changed the way people lived.

Explore Historic Maeystown, a town with a lot of history. Check out the old candy shops and antique shops, each with a style derived from the building’s German-inspired design.

You can meet other superheroes as you discover Metropolis, Superman’s real home. You can also look at a 15-foot statue of the Man of Steel and visit a museum dedicated to this famous comic book figure.

Today, Southern Illinois makes the most of its beautiful scenery by producing a wide range of well-known wines and beers. Travel the Heartland Rivers Wine Trail and sample samples from different wineries to enjoy their tasty offerings.

Get away from the noise and chaos of city life and enjoy peace in the Shawnee National Forest. Check out a number of outdoor trails that go through hills and woods. You should take advantage of the Garden of the Gods Wilderness, which is famous for its beautiful scenery and strange rock formations.

7 Fun Things To Do In Southern Illinois

People of all ages can enjoy a wide range of fun things to do in southern Illinois, which is a truly unique and interesting place. There is something for everyone in southern Illinois, whether they want to learn about its past or explore the vast wilderness. Here are seven great things to do in this lovely spot.

Camping in Southern Illinois:

Take advantage of the different camping options that are available to fit your tastes and enjoy nature’s beauty. There are different kinds of camping in southern Illinois, like luxury glamping, RV camping, and rustic trekking. 

Camp at Ceder Point:

Camp Manitowa: Cedar Point is a great place to recharge and get ready for the weekend. To ensure your guests have a great time, offer a variety of activities on-site in a beautiful setting.

Park for Pharaohs in the Garden of the Gods:

Twelve campsites in Garden of the Gods are well-equipped with bathrooms, drinking water, and fire pits. They are great places to get lost in nature’s beauty. The viewing platform and trails offer stunning views of the Shawnee Hills all year long.

There’s a cave in Rock State Park:

Visit Cave in Rock State Park for a relaxing camping trip. There are many Class A and B/S camping sites. All of them have showers, toilets, and dumping stations, so you can have a peaceful stay in the woods.

Park in the state of Ferne Clyffe:

Explore the natural beauty of Ferne Clyffe State Park, a famous spot for people who like to watch wildlife. Enjoy the area’s beautiful rock formations, lush ferns, and wide range of plants while hiking on its well-kept paths, which lead to stunning views of the forest and rock formations nearby.

State Park Big City:

Discover the stunning beauty of Giant City State Park. The park has a lodge and a tourist center where people can relax and enjoy nature. There are hiking trails that go through trees and rock formations and give you amazing views of Southern Illinois.

With its beautiful scenery and long past, southern Illinois offers unforgettable experiences for anyone looking for fun or peace.

Places to go in southern Illinois

The Millstadt Farm owned by Millstadt and Eckert

Eckert’s Belleville Farm is, without a doubt, one of the best places in southern Illinois for families.

During harvest time, spend a fun day outside picking apples and pumpkins with your family.

The Cross of Peace on Bald Knob at Alto Pass

A sign for southern Illinois is the Bald Knob Cross of Peace, which is the largest cross in the Western Hemisphere. Look at how beautiful it is from a few hundred feet away.

From anywhere on the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail, you can see the cross. It is at 3630 Bald Knob Road. At the site, you can not only take pictures but also enjoy stunning views of the Illinois Ozark mountains.

State Park du Fort Chartres is in Fort Chartres.

Fort Chartres is an important historical place because it is one of the oldest buildings in southern Illinois and one of the few 18th-century French forts that still stand along the Mississippi River.

A big part of the fort has been fixed up, but most of it is still the same. Every day of the week, people can explore the fort, and in June, there are live military reenactments at the yearly Rendezvous event.

Forest of Shawnee and Garden of the Gods

One of the most beautiful places in southern Illinois is the Garden of the Gods. It’s a great place to rock climb, hike, and look at the fall colors.

With its strange rock shapes and beautiful lookouts, such as Buzzards Point and Monkey Face Rock, it offers stunning views of the Shawnee National Forest.

The Ultimate Playground: Outdoor Adventures in Southern Illinois

The area around Shawnee National Forest is very green and has many outdoor activities that can help you relax and feel better. There are seven forest areas, nine state parks, lakes, rivers, waterfalls, and even a swamp.

The best places to enjoy nature in the area cover more than 400 square miles and are surrounded by the Ohio, Mississippi, and western rivers. The internal roads are long, but they make it possible to drive between the rivers in less than 90 minutes. Along the way, you can stop in cute towns and rural hideaways for coffee, dinner, and wine tasting. You can also drive slowly along the Ohio River Scenic Byway (188 miles) or the Great River Road (550 miles), which are both federally designated routes that go through the Shawnee area.

People who love being outside.

The Shawnee Hills Canopy Tour, close to Makanda, offers exciting views of sandstone hills. The longest of the eight zip lines is 1,100 feet long. For a challenge, take one of the eight zip lines or glide through the trees on the 180-foot suspension bridge. Jackson Falls has many different routes for climbers to choose from. Both Vertical Heartland Climbing School and Egyptian Hills Resort offer climbing coaches.

Adventures on paddleboards

At Cache River State Natural Area, you can feel the charm of a Midwest swamp. You can hike through old cypress trees and emerald-green duckweed. Cache Bayou Outfitters offers gear and trips. Little Grassy Lake is another great place for paddlers. It’s close to Giant City State Park and lets you take paddleboards, kayaks, and canoes.

Lovely drives.

The 45-mile Tunnel Hill State Trail passes through fields, woods, and bluffs as it deepens into the forest between Harrisburg and Karnak. This trip has some interesting stops, and the Henry Barkhausen Cache River Wetlands Center is one of the best. People who like horses can go on outdoor rides, kid-friendly pony rides, or equestrian day programs at Giant City Stables in Makanda.

11 Affordable Summer Vacation Spots In Illinois

Route 66, the first McDonald’s, and the world’s biggest ketchup bottle are all in Illinois. When summer comes around, the prairie state’s cheap and fun holiday spots draw both residents and visitors, giving people a break from the harsh winters.

Canal boat rides in Channahon.

The Canal Boat Rides at I&M in Channahon will take you back in time and let you see more of the area. You can enjoy the beauty of canal boats from the 1840s while listening to interesting historical stories told by experienced guides. You can also check out the wild beauty of Channahon at places like Channahon State Park, McKinley Woods, and the Channahon Park District.

The Matthiessen State Park in Oglesby:

Find out about the natural treasures in Oglesby’s Matthiessen State Park. Enjoy the stunning waterfalls and discover the natural beauty of the park’s 1,938 acres. In the beautiful settings, you can go hiking, rock climbing, or mountain biking, among other things.

A State Park in Utica called Starved Rock:

Explore the wild beauty of Starved Rock State Park, which has more than 18 beautiful valleys and tough hiking trails. Every lookout point, from Tonti Canyon to Lover’s Leap Overlook, has stunning views of nature. Learn about the background of the park’s most famous landmarks as you walk through its 2,630 acres.

State: Park Cave-in-Rock

Check out Cave-In-Rock State Park, which got its name from the beautiful 55-foot-wide cave that has a view of the Ohio River. You can enjoy the park’s natural beauty on one of its more than 23 climbing trails, no matter how skilled you are. To finish off your trip with more beautiful views and small-town charm, take a boat ride to North Marion, Kentucky.

What is Southern Illinois famous for?

This region, which is the oldest in the state, was once the wealthiest region as well and is known for its rich history and antebellum architecture scattered throughout its small towns and cities. Today, Southern Illinois is quickly becoming known for its ever-growing wine country.

Southern Illinois offers many different ways to have fun, such as arts and culture, health and fitness, and outdoor sports. It’s a dream for people who love the outdoors, with lots of beautiful natural areas for fishing, shooting, boating, and just relaxing in nature. 

We’ve provided you with a lot of information about the different events you can attend, but this summary doesn’t cover everything. Contact us if you have any questions about other things to do or events happening in the area. Our goal is to help you get the most out of your trip to Southern Illinois.

Is there anything to do in Southern Illinois?

There is an endless supply of things to do in this magnificent playground called Southern Illinois. Take a hike, go biking, zip-lining, or boating. We invite you to come and stay with us to explore the area for yourselves. The area is made up of rolling hills and massive rock bluffs that are called the Shawnee Hills.

The beautiful playground in southern Illinois offers lots of exciting things to do. You can go climbing, biking, zip lining, or boating, depending on what you like. Our sincere invitation is for you to stay with us and fully enjoy exploring this wonderful place.

The Shawnee Hills are only found in southern Illinois. They consist of tall sandstone cliffs and rolling hills. The Ohio River is to the east, and the Mississippi River is to the west. They meet in the south of the state. The Missouri and Wabash rivers feed them, making them part of the country’s major water systems. The Shawnee National Forest is happy to be in southern Illinois. It is known for its amazing geological features, deep history, and beautiful scenery.

Check out the interactive map or the list below to see just a few of the many interesting places in and around the Shawnee Hills that are waiting to be discovered.

What is the biggest town in Southern Illinois?

Southern Illinois’ most populated city is Belleville at 44,478. Other principal cities include Alton, Centralia, Collinsville, Edwardsville, Glen Carbon, Godfrey, Granite City, O’Fallon, Harrisburg, Herrin, West Frankfort, Mt.

The state of Illinois, which is sometimes called the “Land of Lincoln,” has a lot of different cultures and a long past. There is something for everyone in the state, from the busy city of Chicago to the cute towns of Aurora. Illinois is known for its beautiful countryside and friendly towns, and its housing choices can fit a wide range of lifestyles. Illinois has everything you could want, from the peace of the suburbs to the excitement of the city. If you’re thinking about moving to Illinois, there are many great things about the state. Use this Redfin piece as a guide as we visit some of the biggest cities in Illinois.

Chicago, Illinois, USA

Living in Chicago is like being a part of a big, busy city that has a lot of history and a lot of different cultures. The city is full of arts and culture, from the Field Museum and other world-class museums to lively theaters and food businesses. Its famous tower and beautiful lakefront offer stunning views, and sports fans from all over the world gather there all year long to cheer on their teams.

The Aurora in Illinois

Aurora has the best of both worlds: natural beauty and city ease. Its beautiful old town has lots of cute shops and restaurants, and the Fox River is a peaceful place to play sports outside. The city’s diverse community celebrates its cultural history with many fairs and events. They also work to make the city a place where everyone feels welcome.

Joliet in Illinois

Joliet offers both modern conveniences and the cozy feel of a small town. Its closeness to parks and nature preserves makes it easy to enjoy the outdoors, and its thriving arts scene and rich architectural history make it a unique cultural environment. The city’s commitment to keeping a lively cultural scene is shown by the annual Joliet Fine Arts Festival, which features local artists.

Naperville in Illinois

Naperville is a great example of a quiet suburb with a touch of city culture. Beautiful neighborhoods, good schools, and a busy downtown area with lots of restaurants and shops all contribute to the city’s high standard of living. The city’s dedication to enhancing culture is shown by yearly events like the Naperville Riverwalk Fine Art Fair, which features artists from all over the country.

Rockford in Illinois

The city of Rockford is on the Rock River and is always busy and changing. People who live in Rockford may enjoy a lively and interesting atmosphere that shows how the city is strong and changing. A lively culture scene, fun events like the Rockford City Market, and a strong focus on community development are some other things that make the city stand out.

Is Southern Illinois a good place to live?

Southern Illinois is a hidden treasure in America’s heartland with a lot of personality and a hometown feel. It is growing and expanding with additional attractions coming to the region; however, it will never lose the personal touch that affects everyone living in this wonderful area.

There are many nice places to live in southern Illinois. People all over the world love this area for its beautiful scenery and unique neighborhoods: families and older people alike like its unique mix of city comforts and small-town charm.

Everyone can find something they like in southern Illinois, whether they like being outside, want good schools, or want a quiet place to settle down.

Southern Illinois has both modern conveniences and a laid-back way of life. It has both quiet rural parts and busy city centers. This article lists the 14 best places to live in Southern Illinois for 2023 based on safety, housing affordability, quality of life, and proximity to public schools, among other things.

This detailed guide is meant to shed light on the unique traits of each area so that you can make an educated choice and locate the ideal neighborhood in Southern Illinois to call home.

Where is the best place to live in southern Illinois?

LIVING IN O’FALLON

O’Fallon isn’t just the best place to live in the St. Louis area, it’s one of the best places to live in southern Illinois, with an A+ rating on Niche.com. Ours is an inclusive community where residents feel safe and have access to high quality schools and beautiful public parks.

Illinois has a long and interesting past, and it was a big part of how the United States grew westward. In addition to being a place where important historical events like the Lincoln-Douglas debates happened and where the Union made important contributions during the Civil War, it was also a way to get to the border. The quality of life in Illinois is now lively and varied, combining the state’s modern and historic past.

Chicago is the state’s biggest city and a center for culture, trade, and new ideas around the world. It is the most elegant city in the world and is known for its unique design, interesting museums, and wide range of restaurants. Illinois has beautiful rural towns, huge farmlands, and amazing nature sights like Shawnee National Forest and Starved Rock State Park, as well as a busy city.

The state of Illinois is a great place to live for people who want the best of both city life and country life. The state has a strong economy, strong educational institutions, and lots of fun things to do. Come with us as we look at some of the best places to live in Illinois.

Finding out about Southern Illinois interests you and makes you want to start your exciting trip. You will find a huge number of hidden gems in this interesting but underrated part of the United States as you visit its many interesting places.

Southern Illinois has a lot of different landscapes that are just waiting to be found. Its sandstone canyons are wild and beautiful, and its historic cypress swamps are peaceful and charming. Each place has its special appeal, whether you’re interested in the past of the town or the beautiful natural features of the woods.

As you move through this one-of-a-kind area, you’ll come across many things that are typical of the Southern spirit of friendliness and charm. From trying world-class barbecue to drinking birch-sap beer, these experiences are sure to stick with you.

But beyond the well-trodden paths, there are a lot of other treasures just ready to be found. Explore the many things to see and do in Southern Illinois by going to its hidden trails, lovely towns, and local restaurants.

With each new thing you do, you’ll want to learn more about this interesting place and have experiences that will last a lifetime. In Southern Illinois, there are many chances for fun and learning along the way, which makes the trip just as interesting as the end goal.