Rend Lake

It's all about the water at Rend Lake, where you can swim, boat, water ski and fish. Relax at Rend Lake Resort, tee off at the 27-hole Rend Lake Golf Course or do some target practice at the Rend Lake Shooting Complex. Also located at Rend Lake is the Southern Illinois Art & Artisans Center, featuring more than 800 artists.

CITY: Benton

Rend Lake Golf Course

This 27-hole golf course, part of the Rend Lake Recreation Complex, was ranked as one of the best public courses in the Midwest by Golf Digest, which rated it 4-1/2 stars. Chicago architect Lawrence Packard designed the course with some fairways overlooking scenic Rend Lake. The on-site Seasons Lodge and Condominiums offers golf packages that let you stay close to the action.

CITY: Whittington

Rend Lake Cabins in the Woods

Two cabins. Located off the southwest side of Rend Lake complete with full kitchen, two bedrooms, satellite TV, washer and dryer, front porch with swing, fire pit, barbecue grill and just 15 minutes off of Interstate 57.

CITY: Benton

Wayne Fitzgerrell State Park

3,300-acre peninsula in Rend Lake. Beautiful park offering boating, camping, and picnicking with shelters. Programs include pheasant hunting, field trials, and bass tournaments. Bicycle, horse trails, and stables.

CITY: Whittington

Bryant's Miniatures

Bryant's Miniatures features miniature horses, llamas and George the camel. Children and adults are welcome to enjoy the animals at this hands-on facility.

CITY: Norris City

VF Factory Outlet Mall

Enclosed mall with ten stores. Walkers welcome. Restaurants nearby.

CITY: West Frankfort

Southern Illinois Artisans Shop and Visitors Center

More than 25 categories of arts and crafts from fine art to the traditional crafts from more than 900 Illinois artisans. Also, home to the Southern Illinois Art Gallery. Special workshops and events throughout the year.

CITY: Whittington

Rend Lake Resort and Conference Center

Situated on Rend Lake in Wayne Fitzgerrell State Park, this modern resort offers cabins and boat rental suites, courtesy boat docking slips, restaurants and more. Guests can enjoy golfing, hiking, horseback riding, swimming and other water sports.

CITY: Whittington

Genkota Winery

Genkota's award-winning wines and ports feature reds, whites and blushes, from sweet and semi-sweet to dry. A full line of wine-related items and gift baskets are also available.

CITY: Mount Vernon

Ina Antiques and Collectibles

On the corner of 3rd and Rte. 3 St. Sells pottery, china, quilts, glassware, antiques, old signs, old toys, vintage clothing, old clocks, furniture, gas station memorabilia.

CITY: Ina

Benton Country Club

This semi-private, nine-hole course features a historic three-story clubhouse, surrounded by Lake Moses. Host of the annual Benton Gold Cup, the course also features a well-stocked pro shop, driving range, rental clubs and carts, and a golf pro on site.

CITY: Benton

Rend Lake College Market Place

Large golf outlet store plus clothing, brass, crafts and sporting goods store. Formerly Jent factory outlet mall.

CITY: Mount Vernon

Franklin County Jail Museum

This restored 1905 jail museum features displays on General John A. Logan, the Beatles' George Harrison, actor John Malkovich and basketball star Doug Collins.

CITY: Benton

Innstead Bed and Breakfast

Early 20th century farm house located within walking distance to historic McCoy Library with one of the oldest genealogy collections in the midwest.

CITY: McLeansboro

Brehm Memorial Library

An extensive collection of genealogical materials offers visitors an opportunity to research local Mt. Vernon history.

CITY: Mount Vernon

Frankfort Area Historical Museum

The former two-story brick Logan School is now a museum featuring area mining history, memorabilia from 1802-1976, a genealogy library, and the Red Geranium Tea Room that serves homemade lunch.

CITY: West Frankfort

Depot Veteran's Museum

This restored railroad depot houses memorabilia from all wars. Outside is a Southern Illinois Miners Memorial dedicated to coal miners of the region.

CITY: West Frankfort

Franklin County Garage and Auto Museum

This old 1910 Ford garage has been restored to its original condition and now displays vintage cars, Beatles and Charlie Binger memorabilia, and has a gift shop.

CITY: Benton

Nu-Bowl Lanes

28-lane bowling facility with snack bar.

CITY: Mount Vernon

Cedarhurst Center for the Arts & Mitchell Museum

Exhibitions, a children's gallery, a permanent collection and special events. Grounds include 85 acres sculpture park, nature trails and bird sanctuary. Hosts annual Cedarhurst Craft Fair.

CITY: Mount Vernon

Inglenook Farm Bed and Breakfast

A delightful retreat on the outskirts of Mt. Vernon, this historical home has been transformed into a bed and breakfast paradise tucked away from the road on five acres complete with a pond, and old barn, and beautiful gardens.

CITY: Mount Vernon

Pheasant Hollow Winery

Pheasant Hollow Winery is located in a rustic log cabin in the woods near Rend Lake. A large tasting room, huge stone fireplace, and a wraparound deck provide a great place to sample Pheasant Hollow's award-winning wines.

CITY: Whittington

Illinois State Museum - Southern Illinois Art Gallery

A museum gallery featuring theme-based exhibitions of works created by past and contemporary Illinois artists and artisans.

CITY: Whittington

Ten Mile Creek State Fish and Wildlife Area

5,800 acres vary from flat bottomlands to rolling forestlands. Fields throughout the site provide for 1,000 acres of planted food for wildlife. Game hunting for rabbit, quail and waterfowl is allowed. Fishing is available at 25 strip-pit lakes and ponds.

CITY: McLeansboro

AMC Showplace 8

Movie Theatre with 8 theatres featuring special ticket pricing and traditional movie theatre concessions.

CITY: Mount Vernon

McGuire's Orchard

Buy apples, blueberries, blackberries, peaches, plums and nectarines in season.

CITY: Fairfield

Joyce's Country Quilts

Beautiful hand-stitched quilt,; plus a large supply of quilt and dress fabrics and notions in a quaint country store.

CITY: Dahlgren

Hawkins-Schwartz Orchards

This orchard features fresh-picked apples, peaches, a pumpkin patch, cider and special events for children during apple season.

CITY: Dix

Hamilton County State Fish And Wildlife Area

The 1,683-acre site has a 75-acre lake where families can picnic, fish, paddle boat, camp and enjoy the good food at the on-site restaurant.

CITY: McLeansboro

Indian Hills Golf Course

This public 18-hole course offers challenges for both beginning and advanced golfers. A lighted driving range allows extended practice hours, and free group golf lessons are available every Saturday.

CITY: Mount Vernon

Jefferson County Historical Village

Authentic log structures. Historic memorabilia from the area are carefully preserved and displayed at the village. Open from the first weekend in May through the last weekend in October

CITY: Mount Vernon

Hampton Inn - Mount Vernon

101 rooms located near I-57. Indoor pool, spa and exercise room. Rooms with whirlpool tubs available.

CITY: Mount Vernon

Best Holiday Trav-L-Park-Benton

A private, family-oriented RV campground with 120 sites from tents to huge recreational vehicles. Peaceful, wooded setting close to all the activities at Rend Lake.

CITY: Whittington

Benton KOA Campground

Full-service campground with pool, pavilion, grocery shop, RV supplies and laundry available. Modem hookups. Shopping, golf, Rend Lake water activities (1½ mi.), 20 shaded tent sites.

CITY: Benton

Seasons Lodge & Condominiums

Provides affordably priced and beautifully furnished accommodations. Optional spa and fireplace suites. Restaurant and golf course on site.

CITY: Whittington

South Marcum Campground

Campground open April 1st through October 31st. Activities begin in May and run through September. 147 sites with electricity and 14 tent sites. Close to Rend Lake and Visitors Center.

CITY: Benton

9th Street Grill

Located in Historic Downtown Mt. Vernon (an Illinois Main Street Community), 9th Street Grill brings cosmopolitan flare and flavor to a hometown atmosphere.

CITY: Mount Vernon

Frankfort Community Aquatics & Activities Center

Located at the West Frankfort City Park, this newly built indoor 25-meter six lane pool is open to the public; classes and activities available, handicap accessible, lifeguard on site, open every day.

CITY: West Frankfort

Franklin County Country Club

This club offers an immaculate bermuda fairway and bent green grass, par 71 course. Franklin County also features a fine dining restaurant, locker rooms and a pro shop.

CITY: West Frankfort

Gray Plaza Motel Benton

Modern motel off I-57 featuring free Continental Breakfast, restaurants next door, cabel TV, free HBO & ESPN, golf, hunting and fishing nearby, close to Rend Lake.

CITY: Benton

Days Inn - Benton

Quality rooms with competitive prices located off I-57. Close to all the activities at rend lake with restaurant and lounge on premises.

CITY: Benton

Times Square Mall

Shopping mall with Sears, JC Penney, Peebles, and a variety of specialty shops.

CITY: Mount Vernon

Comfort Suites - Mt. Vernon

Conveniently located near I-64/I-57 Interchange with 24-hour indoor pool, fitness center, free hot breakfast, and business center

CITY: Mount Vernon

McLeansboro Golf Club

This nine-hole, semi-private club offers a pro shop.

CITY: McLeansboro

Green Hills Golf Club

This 18-hole, semi-private country club features lush Bermuda fairways and bent grass greens with four sets of tees (the longest over 6,500 yards). Green Hills also offers a large driving range, plus practice and chipping greens, a pro shop, lounge and restaurant.

CITY: Mount Vernon

Enchanted Crest Bed and Breakfast

Bed and breakfast located in Belle Rive, IL.

CITY: Belle Rive

Super 8 Motel - Benton

Located just off I-57 at Benton Exit, this modern motel extends the traveler 48 clean rooms, free morning coffee and convenient restaurant and lounge on premises. Special packages for hunters and fishermen.

CITY: Benton

Mt. Vernon Veterans Park

86 acres of shaded playgrounds, tennis courts, swimming pool, in-line skating area and walking path around the lake. Fishing is allowed with proper license.

CITY: Mount Vernon

Gibby's on the Green

Located on the Rend Lake Golf Course, Gibby's restaurant opens 30 minutes before the first tee time every day. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served. Sandwiches, steaks and seafood are on the menu.

CITY: Whittington

Glass Door Inn

A newly constructed bed & breakfast nestled in a serene rural setting. Private bath, outdoor spa, and porches. Fishing in samll lake and outdoor enjoyment.

CITY: Fairfield

Fairfield Inn & Suites

Close to Interstate 57/64

CITY: Mount Vernon

Okla-Tex Nick's Bar-B-Q

Located in Benton's Days Inn, this popular restaurant is open daily serving breakfast, lunch & dinner. The specialty is the BBQ, chicken, beef or pork. Lunch & Dinner specials, kids 10 & under free on Sunday, delivery, catering & carryouts. Bar with two pool tables. Karaoke Wed. and Sun.

CITY: Benton

Martin's Restaurant & Catering

Family atmosphere. Breakfast, lunch and dinner. Daily specials. Everything's homemade. Large variety of sandwiches available. Call ahead for group, seating for 65.

CITY: Benton

Fairfield Country Club

At this 18-hole, semi-private golf club Wednesday and Friday afternoons are open to the public. The club features a fully stocked pro shop, plus electric golf carts and clubs for rent.

CITY: Fairfield

Sidwell Friends Bed and Breakfast

This B&B is housed in a classic 1920s Colonial decorated with antiques and fine art. Sidwell Friends is located just blocks from Cedarhurst Center for the Arts, which features the Mitchell Museum and an impressive sculpture park.

CITY: Mount Vernon

America's Best Inn

America's Best Inn is a part of a national chain specializing in easy, comfortable and affordable hotels. This hotel is conveniently located just off I-57/64 and includes free breakfast. Pets ok.

CITY: Mount Vernon

Gray Plaza West Frankfort

Modern motel off I-57, featuring cable TV, free continental breakfast, free local calls, Sr. Citizen discounts, close to restaurants and only 10 minutes to Rend Lake.

CITY: West Frankfort

Windows Restaurant

Located at the Rend Lake Resort, this friendly restaurant offers fine regional cuisine with a waterfront view. Try the Sunday afternoon all-you-can-eat fried chicken buffet.

CITY: Whittington

Fairfield Uptown Motel

Large clean rooms with color cable television, free local calls and low room rates.

CITY: Fairfield

McCoy House Memorial Library

This majestic four-story Victorian home, built in 1884 by banker A.G. Cloud, sits next to the old bank of similar architectural style. The house is now a memorial library and museum decorated with beautiful furnishings and paintings.

CITY: McLeansboro

America's Best Value Inn

Conveniently and centrally located the Americas Best Value Inn proves to be a great starting point for those visiting historic Mt. Vernon. Our property is a four story, exterior corridor facility with spacious guestrooms.

CITY: Mount Vernon

North Sandusky Campground

Beautiful campground on Rend Lake with 118 sites with electricity. Full hookups available on selected sites. Three picnic shelter areas (wheelchair accessible). One group area with 21 wooded campsites for $100 a day.

CITY: Sesser

Season's at Rend Lake

At Season's enjoy either casual or semi-formal dining at its best. Full service bar, seasonal favorites and specials with a beautiful view of Rend Lake golf course. Meeting and banquet rooms for up to 250.

CITY: Whittington

Motel Benton

Newly remodeled rooms at budget rates. Children welcome.

CITY: Benton

Memories Antiques-Collectibles

We have a very large selection of fine glassware, vintage and antique furniture, and the latest in collectibles.

CITY: Benton

Rend Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area

Anglers looking for crappie, catfish and bass drop their lines at this area, located on the 18,900-acre Rend Lake. A comprehensive management program provides habitat for a variety of wildlife, including great blue herons and many species of shorebirds.

CITY: Bonnie

Briarwood Inn of Fairfield

Clean, reasonable rates, restaurant nearby, fitness center nearby. Close to town activities.

CITY: Fairfield

Cozy Inn

78 rooms located near I-57 on frontage road. Free coffee in the morning. Special parking lot for trucks.

CITY: Mount Vernon

Quality Times R.V. Park

Shady drive-thru spaces for RVs, with water, sewer, electric hookups, tent sites, picnic tables. Close to the visitors complex.

CITY: Mount Vernon

Bob Evans - Mt. Vernon

Country cooking.

CITY: Mount Vernon

Bugsy's Chicago Dog

Bugsy's is Mt. Vernon's only authentic Chicago-style food! Menu includes real Chicago-style dogs, as well as a Greek menu, and much much more!

CITY: Mount Vernon

America's Best Value Inn

Welcome to the Americas Best Value Inn of West Frankfort, Illinois located just off I-57 at Exit 65. We offer you a clean and friendly environment for your stay in West Frankfort.

CITY: West Frankfort

China Pagoda

Chinese Buffet 7 days a week, featuring the best Hunan, Szechwan & Mandarin Cuisine in the area. we also offer carry out, buffet to go, lunch specials, and a seafood buffet on Friday & Saturday. Located on the beautiful Benton Square.

CITY: Benton

Scottish Inn-Dix

Newly remodeled rooms. Under new management. King size beds. Ground level parking. Direct dialphone. Cable color tv. Accept all major credit cards.

CITY: Dix

Red Carpet Inn

Motel that features 24 rooms.

CITY: Dix

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

Holiday Inn - Mount Vernon

236 rooms located near I-57. Large banquet and meeting facilities. Restaurants inside hotel.

CITY: Mount Vernon

El Rancherito - Mount Vernon

Mexican Restaurant. See other locations.

CITY: Mount Vernon

Chili's Grill & Bar - Mt. Vernon

Mexican food.

CITY: Mount Vernon

South Sandusky Campground

120 camping sites with electricity and 8 tent sites on beautiful Rend Lake. Full hookups on selected sites. Beach.

CITY: Sesser

Rend Lake Antiques

Fine antiques, furniture, and collectibles in old historic building on Main Street of Sesser.

CITY: Sesser

Burton's Cafe

This little roadside restaurant is known for its country home cooking and sinful white pie, heaped with whipped cream and pecans. Family-owned business for 59 years. Famous for white and about 10 flavors of homemade pie daily. Plate lunches, ham & beans. Friday and Saturday catfish dinners. Call ahead for groups. Seating for 86.

CITY: Whittington

Arnett's Country Store

Come to the country and enjoy furniture, accessories and primitives from a piece of the past. This quaint store also offers seasonal decorations and gift ideas.

CITY: West Frankfort

Americas Best Value Inn - West Frankfort

The inn is located right on Factory Outlet Blvd. It is close to many attractions, shopping destinations, and restaurants. Complimentary wireless hi-speed Internet access is available for all guests. They offer large suites and rooms with one or two beds.There are rooms furnished for handicap access also available and some rooms have exterior access. Just walking distance from the Factory Outlet Mall.

CITY: West Frankfort

Rend Lake Shooting Complex

400-acre facility with trap shooting, sporting clay range, shooters' pro shop, 3-D archery range, hunting preserve, skeet and 5-stand. Monthly registered shoots. Open year-round.

CITY: Whittington

Gun Creek Campground

Campground with 100 sites with electricity located on Rend Lake. The Seasons Lodge Restaurant, the Rend Lake Gold Course, and the Southern Illinois Artisans Shop are all within walking distance.

CITY: Whittington