Tunnel Hill State Trail

This scenic 45-mile-long hiking and biking trail runs along a converted rail bed through farmland, hills/bluffs and bottomland areas.The trail passes through the Shawnee National Forest and Cache River State Natural Area, with railroad trestles and an old train tunnel as picturesque markers along the way.

CITY: Vienna

Mermet Springs

Scuba dive at this unique spring-fed stone quarry and marvel at underwater treasures such as a submerged airplane (actually used in the movie U.S. Marshals) and a cement petting zoo. Mermet Springs offers on-site instruction and equipment rental.

CITY: Belknap

Cache River State Natural Area

Nationally renowned for its ancient cypress-tupelo swamp, this natural area contains 100 threatened or endangered plant and animal species, and 11 state champion trees. Visitors enjoy birding, hunting, wildlife watching, and hiking. Bikers can access the Cache River via the Tunnel Hill State Trail.

CITY: Belknap

Southern Illinois Wine Trail

Illinois' newest wine trail connects six wineries dotted throughout the southeast corner of the state. Visitors can enjoy both breathtaking vistas and friendly rural communities, all while sampling excellent red and white wines.

CITY: Vienna

Cache River Wetlands Center

The Wetlands Center provides a one-stop shop for information about the Cache River Wetlands and its recreational and educational opportunities. The center has an extensive natural and cultural history exhibit, wildlife viewing, trails and a video.

CITY: Cypress

Ohio River Scenic Byway

The 188-mile scenic route begins at the Wabash Memorial Bridge in Gallatin County and ends at Fort Defiance Park in historic Cairo. Sights along the way include the Garden of the Gods, Cave-in-Rock, Elizabethtown, the quaint river town of Golconda, and Metropolis, the home of Superman.

CITY: Metropolis

Gambit Golf Course

This championship par 71 golf course, designed by Richard Osborne, snakes through meadows and woodlands. The Gambit features the area's only indoor practice center, with two state-of-the-art golf simulators and a nine-hole practice green.

CITY: Vienna

Cedar Ridge Whitetails, LLC

Trophy whitetail hunts in scenic Southernmost IL. Hunts are offered September 15th through December. The farm consists of mature timber, pine and cedar thickets, thick draws and open area food plots. All hunts are with an experienced guide.

CITY: Karnak

Lake Glendale Beach & Campground

Beautiful beach located on the shore of an 80 acres lake in the heart of the Shawnee National Forest. Beach open Memorial Day-Labor Day, 7 days a week. Concessions available

CITY: Glendale

Ohio River Recreational Area

RV campground with bathhouse, boat ramp and country store. Restaurant and lodge also on site.

CITY: Grand Chain

Dixon Springs State Park

Dixon Springs State Park is one of several state parks in the Illinois Shawnee Hills. Park visitors may enjoy the varied wildlife, take a swim in the outdoor pool or simply soak up the relaxing atmosphere of the moss-covered boulders, craggy overhangs, and rushing brook.

CITY: Golconda

Lake Glendale Stables

Trail ride in beautiful Southern Illinois. Hourly to full-day rates. Over night pack trips and lunch or dinner outings. Group rates and boarding available. Great horses for all riders, experienced or not. Professional guides, cool wooded trails.

CITY: Golconda

Golconda Marina

One of the finest fishing and boating areas in the nation, this marina is the gateway to the Ohio River's Smithland Pool, constructed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The 619-acre full-service boat marina has more than 200 slips.

CITY: Golconda