Lincoln Park

Located across from the Statehouse in Vandalia, the park features a life-size, bronze statue of Abraham Lincoln. This is a favorite spot for photos with the 16th president.

CITY: Vandalia

Evergreen Tree Walk

The Evergreen Tree Walk features over 90 species of trees indigenous to Illinois. Markers beside the trees list the common and Latin names of each species. The tree walk is a relaxing experience, especially after a long day of travel.

CITY: Effingham

Lake Sara

A quiet cove at dawn, where the only sound is the whir of a casting reel and the gentle splash of the fly hitting the water’s surface...that’s Lake Sara. A sunny afternoon slalom skiing behind a powerboat or running along the beach...that’s Lake Sara. A family picnic in the grass at water’s edge or a family reunion, with fried chicken and the works, under one of the pavilions...that’s Lake Sara. Lake Sara is an 800-acre recreational lake nestled into a wooded shoreline, encircled by a winding road. Spend a day, a week, or a season on the shores of Lake Sara. Lake Sara has something for everyone, in every season of the year.

CITY: Effingham

Vandalia State House

Step inside the Illinois’ oldest surviving State Capitol building. Vandalia was the fourth statehouse in Illinois, and is best known for the era when Abraham Lincoln served in the Illinois House of Representatives. Visitors can enjoy guided tours of this restored landmark.

CITY: Vandalia

Carlyle Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area

As a major stopping point for migrating ducks and geese, this 9,486-acre area offers excellent public waterfowl hunting opportunities.

CITY: Vandalia

Ballard Nature Center

Located just minutes outside of Effingham, Ballard Nature Center is home to dozens of species of birds and wildlife. Natural prairie, wetlands, butterfly and hummingbird gardens, ponds, and creeks round out the outdoor experience. Activities at the Nature Center includes trail walks, kids' fishing, bird watching, picnics, and much more. An indoor activity center provides plenty for the whole family to do any time of year.

CITY: Altamont

Wray's Fruit Farm

Stop for u-pick strawberries and apples in season, or purchase other fruit products such as apple butter.

CITY: Clay City

Salem Country Club

This 18-hole course has lots of character, and is open to the public from 9am-12pm Monday through Friday. Golf carts are available.

CITY: Salem

Colonial Golf Course

This public 18-hole, par 70 course is open year round, with rental clubs and carts, plus a snack bar.

CITY: Sandoval

Vandalia Golf & Country Club

Opened in 1916, this nine-hole course features 2,782 yards of golf from the longest tees, for a par of 35.

CITY: Vandalia

Stephen A. Forbes State Park

Located among the rolling hills of Southwestern Illinois, this park has a beach and offers boating, camping, fishing, hiking, swimming, and other activities.

CITY: Kinmundy

Marion County Fairgrounds

20 sites, big rigs welcome.

CITY: Salem

Archway Skydiving Center

Averaging over 10,000 skydives annually, more than 1,200 students make their first jump each year with high quality, USPA-rated instructors.

CITY: Vandalia

Sam Dale Lake Conservation Area

Multiple-use recreational area with a 194-acre lake. It provides habitat for shore birds and upland game and offers camping, hunting, hiking, fishing and horseback riding.

CITY: Johnsonville

Bail's Timberline Lake Camp Ground

140 sites, electricity, water, dump station, showers, reservations.

CITY: St. Elmo

Kampground Okaw Valley

52 sites, electricity, dump station, showers, reservations.

CITY: Brownstown