Alto Vineyards - Alto Pass

This award-winning winery's original Shawnee Hills Wine Trail location (Alto also has a Champaign outpost) offers free wine tasting and a gift shop, in addition to spring, summer and fall festivals with music and food.

CITY: Alto Pass

Bald Knob Cross

A national symbol of faith, this 111-foot-tall cross, when illuminated at night, can be seen over an area of 7,500 square miles atop the most prominent elevation in Southern Illinois. The cross is surrounded by the Shawnee National Forest.

CITY: Alto Pass

Big Muddy River

Visitors can canoe from Riverside Park in Murphysboro to Rattlesnake Ferry in LaRue Pine Hills.

CITY: Murphysboro

Burns Goose Club

Located 1.7 miles west of Illinois Route 148 on Grassy Road just south of the Crab Orchard Wildlife Refuge. Waterfowl and deer hunting on 960 acres. Guides available. One of the top three harvest clubs in the southern Illinois quota zone.

CITY: Carbondale

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

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

Cannon Park

Picnic shelter, playgrounds, and a lake for visitors to enjoy fishing.

CITY: Carterville

Cedar Lake

Located in the Shawnee National Forest, this 1,750 acre lake has 40 miles of shoreline, a maximum depth of 60 feet, and 10hp limit on boat motors.

CITY: Carbondale

Cedar Lake Trail

A 10-mile trail on the west side of Cedar Lake from north to south. Encircles Little Cedar Lake.

CITY: Carbondale

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

Crab Orchard Golf Club

Located between Marion and Carbondale, this 18-hole, semi-private par 70 course features lush zoysia fairways and a practice area with target greens. Crab Orchard made Golf Digest's 2008/09 "Best Places to Play" list.

CITY: Carterville

Crab Orchard Lake & Campground

6900-acre lake, popular lake for fishing. Campground offers RVs, motor homes, tents, hot showers, flush toilets and a country store.

CITY: Carbondale

Cypress Creek National Wildlife Refuge

Visit Illinois’ bayou. Yes, the bayou in Illinois. Cypress Creek Wildlife Refuge is home to incredible cypress-filled swamps and wetlands and is unlike anything you expect to find in the Midwest. The refuge protects 15,000 acres of lush wetlands and some of the oldest living trees east of the Mississippi River.

CITY: Ullin

Devil's Backbone Horse Camp

Provides a scenic riding trail for riding enjoyment. Two acres fenced in for horses, several electrical and water hook-ups. Located west of Grand Tower, the site overlooks the Mississippi River. Horse trails are open year 'round.

CITY: Grand Tower

Devil's Backbone/ Devil's Bake Oven

A ridge that runs parallel to the Mississippi River. Offers spectacular views, but with a steep ascent and descent (not an easy hike).

CITY: Grand Tower

Devil's Kitchen Campground and Marina

This 810 acre lake is part of the Crab Orchard Refuge and is stocked with rainbow and brown trout. Also provides largemouth bass, bluegill, sunfish, crappie, channel catfish, bullheads, and carp. Boat ramps available.

CITY: Carbondale

Devil's Kitchen Lake

With a maximum depth of 90 feet and a 24-mile shoreline, this fishing lake is stocked with rainbow and brown trout, bass, sunfish, crappie, bluegill and catfish. Boats have a 10-horsepower limit.

CITY: Carterville

Doctorman's Cache Core Hunting Preserve

Upland game bird hunting from Oct. 1 - April. Dogs & guide service available. Located 3 miles west of Jct. Hwy. 37 & Hwy. 169, or, 4 miles east of I-57 just off Shawnee College Road.

CITY: Ullin

Drury Lane Llamas

Established in 1990, Drury Lane Llamas is located in the hills of Southern Illinois, at the edge of the Shawnee National Forest, and features a herd a furry friends.

CITY: Carbondale

Eagle Watching - Union County Refuge

The Union County Refuge in Union offers a popular spot for bald eagle watching. Visitors can view bald eagles and take wildlife photography off the main road, which runs down the middle of the wildlife refuge. Park rangers will be available weekdays to answer questions about the eagles and other wildlife spotted in the refuge. Admission is free. For more information on eagle watching, contact the Union County Refuge (618-833-5175).

CITY: Jonesboro

Ferne Clyffe State Park

Features fascinating plants and geologic formations of the scenic Shawnee Hills. Trails wind past interesting sites such as intermittent waterfalls and the largest shelter bluff in southern Illinois.

CITY: Goreville

Fountain Bluff

Prehistoric dwellers left their marks on the rock walls. Petroglyphs depict animals, humans, geometric figures, and crosses.

CITY: Gorham

Fragrant Fields

This 20-year-old herb and perennial plant nursery offers more than 200 varieties of common and uncommon plants. Sip a glass of lemonade as you view the gardens, feed the catfish in the pond and shop for garden items.

CITY: Dongola

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

Giant City Park Campground

Class A campground with separate tent and trailer camping for equestrians. Also, a youth group camp and primitive walk-in tent sites.

CITY: Makanda

Giant City Stables

Enjoy the beauty of Giant City State Park on horseback. All trail rides are guided by experienced wranglers. Lessons & pony rides also available.

CITY: Makanda

Giant City State Park

Spectacular woodlands and sheer sandstone walls create a challenge for rock climbing and rappelling, as well as hiking. Outdoor lovers will also find horseback riding, a lookout tower, cabins and a swimming pool. Dine at historic Giant City Lodge, known for its homemade fried chicken dinner.

CITY: Makanda

Hickory Ridge Golf Course

This 18-hole golf center is the highest-rated public golf course in Southern Illinois, earning four stars from Golf Digest. The course offers discounted "twilight hours" rates for unlimited play after 4pm.

CITY: Carbondale

Hickory Ridge Public Golf Center

One of the most challenging courses in Southern Illinois, this championship caliber 18-hole layout plays over 6,800 yards from the back tees. The course has a distinctive links appearance, even though it is cut through the typically hilly local terrain.

CITY: Carbondale

Honey Bee Stables

Ride the beautiful countryside. See the back roads and enjoy the Shawnee National forest with scenic bluffs, hardwood trees, seasonal flowers, wildlife, streams, waterfalls and rock formations. Specializing in all day and 1/2 day guided trail rides with picnic lunch included. Romantic rides for couples. Equestrian Vacations. All rides are private and guided. You will find that our experienced trail guide will go out of their way to ensure that you have a pleasant and memorable experience. There is no better way to see nature then from the back of a horse. The Shawnee National Forest offers miles of equestrian trails with different terrains and spectacular scenery. Ride through creeks and streams. See magnificent rock formations, waterfalls, and bluffs where the view is awe-inspiring. Explore the Shawnee Hills. Your guide will point out interesting places and facts along the ride.

CITY: Cobden

Horseshoe Lake Conservation Area (Alexander County)

This area is known for its large stands of tupelo, swamp cottonwood and cypress trees. Also known for its Canadian goose and bald eagle observation vantage point during the fall and winter.

CITY: Miller City

Horseshoe Lake Hiking/Biking Trail

A 5.5 mile trail that takes in the beauty of Horseshoe Lake. Bike rental is available at Melton's on East Side Dr. 618-776-5504. Horseshoe Lake is just east of IL Rt 3 in Alexander Co, 7 miles north of Cairo.

CITY: Olive Branch

Johnson Creek Recreation Area

Recreation area includes group camping, walk-in camp sites, swimming, and picnicking facilities. Handicap accessible restrooms and fishing pier.

CITY: Murphysboro

Kinkaid Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area

Sandstone bluffs and rolling hills surround the lake and oak-hickory forest. Picnicking, fishing, boating, and hunting opportunities available.

CITY: Murphysboro

Kinkaid Lake Village Marina

Located on Lake Kinkaid, the marina offers camping, boat slip rental, and boat rental. They have a restaurant, bar, bait shop, camping and boating accessories, and water toys. In addition, you can also purchase your fishing license.

CITY: Murphysboro

Kosmic Acres Stables

Scenic trails rides for small groups of 1 to 6. From 2 to 4-hour rides and lunch rides offered. Basic grooming, saddling and riding instructions are given. By appointment only.

CITY: Alto Pass

Lake Murphysboro State Park

Popular lake for fishing. This 1,000-acre park is the perfect place to enjoy hiking, camping, picnicking, boating and fishing.

CITY: Murphysboro

Lincoln-Douglas Statues

Located at Lincoln Memorial Park, visitors can "Walk Where Lincoln Walked" by following the presidents footsteps from Jonesboro Square to the park.

CITY: Jonesboro

Little Grassy Campground & Marina

1200-acre lake with 36+ miles of shoreline with an average depth of 27 ft. Provides gas, boat rentals, bait, tackle, license, boat slips and a snack restaurant.

CITY: Makanda

Little Grassy Lake

Little Grassy Lake Campground and Marina is located on Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge and is a destination stop for returning campers, boaters, and sportsmen. They offer full service camping, primitive camping, boat rentals, concessions, and a bait shop. Reservations accepted to reserve boats and campsites. Pontoon boats, fishing boats, and kayaks can be rented. You don't want to pass up the opportunities to explore the thirty miles of shoreline and embrace the solitude you will find on the lake. The 1200 acre lake is stocked with catfish, crappie, and bass, and offers plentiful oppourtunities for fishing, paddling, boating, and wildlife observation. Amenities include waterfront camping sites, remodeled bathrooms with hot showers, dump station, swimming, pets allowed, monthly educational programs and a renovated concession/bait shop which is stocked with minnows, crickets, camping supplies, cold beverages, food items, ice cream, firewood and ice.

CITY: Carbondale

Marberry Arboretum

The arboretum houses more than 6,000 species of trees, plus shrubs, wildflowers and wildlife. A hiking trail takes you through the woods and past stones from a Shawnee Indian Council fire.

CITY: Carbondale

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

Midland Hills Golf Course

Among the abundant hills and lakes of Southern Illinois you'll find one of the most scenic and challenging courses in the area.

CITY: Makanda

Midland Hills Golf Course

Among the abundant hills and lakes of Southern Illinois, you will find one of the most scenic, oldest and one of the most challenging course in the area. Come out and enjoy the fun.

CITY: Makanda

Ohio River Recreational Area

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

CITY: Grand Chain

Pomona Natural Bridge

This natural geologic sandstone formation spans 90 feet across a ravine in a mature beech, oak and hickory forest. Nearby is an easy hiking trail dotted with picnic sites.

CITY: Pomona

S.I. Bowl

Bowling and bar. There is a game room and a bar and lounge. They have youth programs, tournaments, leagues, and parties. Offers cosmic bowling

CITY: Carterville

Shawnee Bluffs Canopy Tour

Shawnee Bluffs Canopy Tour consists of eight zip lines, the longest stretching more than 1,100 feet, which will zig-zag across the property’s bluffs and through the valley. The tour also includes 11 platforms high in the trees, three aerial suspension bridges, the longest stretching 180 feet, and two short ground hikes. A canopy tour is an exciting way to experience the flora, fauna, geology and history of the outdoors by safely traversing an established route of ziplines and aerial bridges between platforms built in the trees, and they are just plain fun!

CITY: Makanda

Shawnee Hills Wine Trail

The Shawnee Hills Wine Trail features 12 award-winning wineries located along a 25-mile scenic drive along highway 127 and highway 51 in the Shawnee National Forest. Along the way have a picnic, go on a hike, visit a shop, and stay in a cozy B&B or cabin. Many of the wineries host special events throughout the summer and fall.

CITY: Carbondale

Southern Illinois Golf Trail

Golf is always in season on the Southern Illinois Golf Trail, where the mild weather allows for golfing nearly year round. Start putting in Marion and make the rounds through all five of the Trail courses—Kokopelli, Crab Orchard, Hickory Ridge, Stone Creek and Gambit—ending in the lush green hills of the Shawnee National Forest.

CITY: Carbondale

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

Stone Creek Golf Club

Chip along dense forests on one of the most scenic courses in Southern Illinois. Nicely appointed cabins located right on the 18-hole golf course provide a convenient stay-and-play option.

CITY: Makanda

Stone Creek Golf Club & Resort

Nestled in the Shawnee National Forest, Stone Creek features an 18 hole-championship course and beautiful cabins. Stone Creek also offers a restaurant, clubhouse, and a scenic area for hiking and fishing.

CITY: Makanda

Touch of Nature Enviornmental Center

Just 8 miles south of Carbondale, Touch of Nature borders the Shawnee Forest. It is a 3,100 acre wooded retreat area perfect for group events. Located in the City of Makanda, IL.

CITY: Makanda

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