2013 Travel Guide
Enjoy Illinois App
Showing 1-96 of 117 items
Fort de Chartres State Historic Site
This former French military stronghold has been partially rebuilt and turned into a museum. Regular living history events shed light on colonial life in Illinois, and include 18th-century crafts, food, music, hundreds of historically dressed participants, flintlock rifle and musket contests, cannon and mortar competitions, traders and much more. There are also guided tours of the 1800 Creole House, which was designed in the French-American Transitional Architecture style.
CITY: Prairie du Rocher
Popeye Statue
This monument honors Elzie Seager, Chester native and creator of beloved cartoon character Popeye the Sailor Man. The Popeye statue stands proudly next to the Chester Bridge.
CITY: Chester
Marissa Academy Museum and Coal Miners Monument
Memorabilia celebrating the city's growth from a coal mining town to the present makes this an interesting stop.
CITY: Marissa
Schneidewind Barn Museum
Hundreds of interesting items amassed over a lifetime are housed in this unique gallery that was formally a working farm barn.
CITY: Marissa
Fults Hill Prairie State Nature Preserve
The preserve consists of nearly 1,000 acres of both upland prairie and lowland wetland marshes. A variety of plants and animals can be found in the preserve, some common, and some cannot be found anywhere else in the state.
CITY: Prairie du Rocher
Reids' Inn Best Western
46 rooms, non-smoking, handicapped accessable, credit cards accepted, cable television available, outdoor pool, a whirlpool and fitness room, pets accepted, lounge/bar on premises, and complimentary breakfast served
CITY: Chester
Ratz Memorial Park and Lincoln Park
Located in Red Bud, these parks feature picnic shelters, and plenty of playground equipment. Both are great places to take the kids.
CITY: Red Bud
Arts & More Gallery
Arts & More Gallery offers custom framing, in-home consultations, art classes, hundreds of mats and frames, and thousands of prints. Also, original art by local, national, and international artists.
CITY: Red Bud
Randolph County Museum & Archives
Built in 1864, the museum is a repository for French-Colonial-era records and special exhibits. Next door, the Randolph County Courthouse offers a panoramic view of the Mississippi River Valley from a 5th-floor, glassed-in observation deck, a mini-museum in the Jail lobby, and a flag display in the courtyard.
CITY: Chester
Coyote ATV Trail Riders & Junkyard International Raceway
Fifty to 60 trucks carrying ATVs pull in every weekend to ride through the 10 miles of trails. You can also race go-karts on the track.
CITY: Coulterville
The Creole House
The house, built in 1800, is an example of French and American architecture.
CITY: Prairie du Rocher
Corner George Inn
The Corner George Inn is a landmark in the 150-year-old Maeystown German settlement, which is listed on the National Historic Register of Historic Places. Also visit the town's 1867 church, one-lane stone arched bridge, general store, sweet shoppe, museum and visitor's center.
CITY: Maeystown
Roscoe Misslehorn Art Gallery
This gallery features the works of renowned Southern Illinois sketch artist Roscoe Misslehorn, as well as exhibits by contemporary artists. The building is the GM&O railroad depot that was used as a location for the 1967 movie, In the Heat of the Night.
CITY: Sparta
Sharon's Heart of Gold
Sharon's Heart of Gold has a large variety of craft booths.
CITY: Steeleville
Creole House
This Lower Mississippi-style house was built in the early 1800s, and has been completely restored to reflect life during this period.
CITY: Prairie du Rocher
Turkey Bluffs State Fish and Wildlife Area
Hiking, picnicking, horseback riding and wildlife viewing. Hunting for upland game, fur-bearers and deer is encouraged on its 2,265 scenic acres that overlook the Mississippi River.
CITY: Chester
Mary's River Covered Bridge
Mary's River Covered Bridge was built in 1854 as part of a planked toll road between Breman and Chester. Currently it is the only covered bridge in Southern Illinois, and it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1974.
CITY: Chester
The Stone House Bed and Breakfast
A choice of three guest bedroom await you as well as a private sitting parlor with firesplace; two larges porches with Mississippi River view. Full breakfast served in formal dining room.
CITY: Chester
Fort Kaskaskia State Historic Site (Ellis Grove)
Open year round with 50 camp sites
CITY: Ellis Grove
Alfred Brown Museum
This museum has a large collection of post cards from the 1904 World's Fair, a drum from the civil war, Native American artifacts, old uniforms, and school artifacts.
CITY: Sparta
Kaskaskia Bell Shrine and the Liberty Bell of the West
Known as the Liberty Bell of the West, the Kaskaskia Bell was rung as the island was captured from the British during the Revolutionary War.
CITY: Ellis Grove
Rock Mill and Museum
The entire village of Maeystown is on the historic register with much of the history preserved in the museum.
CITY: Maeystown
Kaskaskia River State Fish and Widlife Area
One of the largest state-owned and managed sites in Illinois, located 35 miles southeast of St. Louis. The land and water area total more than 20,000 acres of river and bottomland. It contains 36 miles of river.
CITY: Baldwin
Rieso Farm Museum & Antiques
There is a large collection of machinery and primitives dating back to the 1800s.
CITY: New Athens
Spinach Can Collectibles Museum
A museum inside the 1875 Opera House is full of Popeye merchandise and memorabilia.
CITY: Chester
Old GM&O Depot Roscoe Misselhorn Gallery
Two thousand original drawings, paintings, and woodcuts by Roscoe Misselhorn, the Norman Rockwell of the Midwest, are displayed in the depot. Much of the work is in black and white and depicts historic sites throughout the area.
CITY: Sparta
Popeye Character Trail
Popeye stands tall in front of the new Welcome Center in the Elzie C. Segar Memorial Park. Find his friends on murals and statues around town, including Wimpy, Olive Oyl, Swee' Pea, Jeep, Bluto, Castor Oyl and Sea Hag.
CITY: Chester
Fort Kaskaskia State Historic Site
(TEMPORARILY CLOSED beginning 10/08 except for special events.) This site preserves what is left of the old fort-one of the first built on the Mississipi River. A scenic overlook offers views of the Mississippi and Kaskaskia Rivers, and of Old Kaskaskia.
CITY: Ellis Grove
Kaskaskia River Marina/Campground (New Athens)
100 sites available year round, recreation building, cable TV, swimming, fishing, tent camping, handicap access
CITY: New Athens
Governor Shadrach Bond State Memorial
Notably, this is the burial site of the first Governor of Illinois and of U.S. Senator Elias Kent Kane, Illinois' first Secretary of State.
CITY: Chester
Open House Theater
Shows are performed at the Turkey Hill Grange, Progressive Grange, and The New Athens Senior Center.
CITY: New Athens
The Bluffs Vineyard & Winery
Buttermilk Hill is home to this vineyard & winery, the location and view are quite unique and allow all who visit to truly feel like they are back to nature. The grounds are large enough to have a picnic or a private conversations over a glass of wine. And at the same time, the winery is accommodating to larger groups. The wine list has several whites and reds made with local grapes.
CITY: Ava
Garrison Hill Cemetery
The cemetery was created when graves were moved from Kaskaskia Island in the 1890s after a flood. According to one account, 3,000 boxes were moved, some containing entire families.
CITY: Ellis Grove
Sharp Rock Falls
This campground on Kinkaid Lake is open year round. There are 81 permanent sites available for annual rental. There are 20 sites with electricity, water, and sewer, plus 40 tent sites. There is also a snack bar.
CITY: Ava
Maeystown
The entire 150-year-old German settlement is on the National Historic Register. Restoration includes a church from 1867, a one-lane stone arched bridge, Corner George Inn, general store, sweet shops, museum, and a visitor's center.
CITY: Maeystown
Carolyn's Cottage
Carolyn's Cottage has a large collection of bird houses, Native American art, home and garden decor, and much more.
CITY: Coulterville
Pierre Menard Home
(TEMPORARILY CLOSED beginning 10/08 except for special events.) Pierre Menard, an important political figure in 1818, built this home. It is furnished with many of the Menard family's personal possessions and other period pieces. The surrounding grounds and outbuildings include an herb garden, smokehouse, springhouse, and adjoining kitchen.
CITY: Ellis Grove
Kaskaskia River Marina Campground
100 sites, recreation building, cable TV, swimming, fishing, tent camping, handicap access.
CITY: New Athens
Peabody River King State Fish Wildlife Area
Boat docks and fishing areas are easily accessed for all skill levels - even special docks for kids.
CITY: Baldwin
Baldwin Lake
Located within the Kaskaskia River State Fish & Wildlife Area, Baldwin Lake boasts excellent fishing and migratory bird watching for outdoor enthusiasts. A two-lane boat ramp, camping, and picnic facilities are nearby.
CITY: Baldwin
Randolph County State Recreational Area
96 sites, electricity available, dump station.
CITY: Chester
World Shooting & Recreational Complex
Largest shooting facility of its kind in the U.S. Find more than 100 trap fields on a 3-mile line parallel by 5,000 parking spaces. Over 20 fields for skeet also. 3-D archery range, rifle and pistol ranges, 1,000 campsites, events center building & more.
CITY: Sparta
Marissa Antique Station, Inc.
Marissa Antique Station, Inc. has over 100 dealers and offers almost everything and anything you could want.
CITY: Marissa
Kaskaskia River Marina
The marina on the Kaskaskia River is the site of drag boat races in September. Next to the marina, enjoy batting cages, ball fields, and roller hockey in the park.
CITY: New Athens
Lau-Nae Winery
This family-owned winery offers fruit wines and a shop selling homemade quilts, crafts and gifts.
CITY: Red Bud
Cohen House
This beautifully restored home has cobalt blue windows. Tours by appointment and open for special events.
CITY: Chester
Krause Elk Farm
Tour this farm where the elk roam on 55 acres of the 600-acre spread.
CITY: Evansville
Marissa Recreation Area
Two lakes, a nine-hole golf course, a camping area, a cottage/residence area, as well as picnic shelters, are features of this great park.
CITY: Marissa
Charter Oak "8-Sided" School
This building is a great study in physics as well as history. It was designed to withstand strong winds and capture light throughout the day.
CITY: Sparta
In The Heat Of The Night - Misselhorn Art Gallery
A respected Philadelphia homicide detective is mistakenly accused of murder in a racist southern town, and is then hired to help the local sheriff with the investigation. The movie town's name was changed to Sparta so that signs in the Illinois community where the flick was filmed would not have to be changed. The railroad station used in the film is now the Misselhorn Art Gallery, which features a permanent exhibit dedicated to the movie.
CITY: Sparta
St. Genevieve Modoc Ferry
Ride the ferry across the Mighty Mississippi the next time you visit historic St. Genevieve and Randolph County. The ferry travels between St. Genevieve, Missouri and Modoc Illinois, and holds approximately nine vehicles.
CITY: Modoc
Wicks N Country
Wicks N Country offers candles, stationary, greeting cards, and gifts for every occasion.
CITY: Red Bud
Gift Box Boutique
Extreme Events offers party supplies and rentals to make your next party a success.
CITY: Sparta
Dynasty Chinese Cuisine
At Dynasty enjoy delicious Chinese cuisine in a clean and friendly environment.
CITY: Sparta
Holiday Inn Express & Suites
Ideally located 2 miles from historic downtown Sparta, our friendly Sparta accommodations offer travelers easy access to a number of local businesses, restaurants and attractions. Just minutes from our hotel near downtown guests can tour the Misselhorn Art Gallery, attend events at the Randolph County Fairgrounds, golf at the Sparta Country Club or watch a tournament at the World Shooting and Recreational Complex. Visitors can also enjoy local restaurants. During your visit to Sparta, enjoy the free, wireless Internet access & complimentary breakfast bar. On-site amenities such as a heated indoor pool & whirlpool, 24-hour Business Center, a well-equipped Fitness Center & 24-hour convenience store are also provided for your convenience. Consider our Sparta hotel's choice amenities and excellent rates as you start planning your trip today.
CITY: Sparta
Kaskaskia River Motel
7 rooms, Non-smoking rooms, credit cards accepted, and cable television available
CITY: Baldwin
Moof's Bar & Grill
Try a Moof Burger, or one of the other many delicious items on the menu, with a friendly and welcoming staff. Moof's is a great place to stop when in Chester, Illinois.
CITY: Chester
The Ol' Farmhouse Cafe
The Ol' Farmhouse Cafe has wonderful food in a casual atmosphere, also on site is a small gift shop and bakery.
CITY: Chester
Pistol City Restaurant & Saloon
Pistol City has a great menu full of delicious dishes and large buffet to keep everyone happy, set in a warm, family friendly atmosphere.
CITY: Coulterville
China King
China King offers delicious Chinese food in a family friendly atmosphere with affordable prices and excellent service.
CITY: Red Bud
Susie's Restaurant
Susie's has a full menu of delicious items. Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
CITY: Red Bud
Randolph County Conservation Area
Amid rolling hills and abundant game cover, this area is a hunter's paradise offering quail, deer (archery only), squirrel, dove, and rabbit hunting. Bass and channel catfish are found in its 69-acre lake. Equestrian trails, picnicking, and camping.
CITY: Chester
Corner George Inn Bed & Breakfast
The inn consists of five buildings: the original inn, the summer kitchen, a log cabin and two rock houses. There are a total of seven guestrooms each with a private bath.
CITY: Maeystown
Nice Twice Resale Shoppe
Nice Twice is a consignment and resale store with a large variety of great items.
CITY: Sparta
Doreen's Restaurant
Doreen's Restaurant has an excellent menu full of delicious dishes to tantalize the senses, to enjoy in a bright, clean atmosphere.
CITY: Sparta
Cozy Corner Bed & Breakfast
The Cozy Corner Bed and Breakfast wants to provide our guests with every comfort during their stay in Sparta, Illinois. We are located 55 miles of St. Louis with an array of activities and attractions to enjoy. All rooms include their own private bath, hot homemade breakfast, complimentary beverages and snacks, in-room satellite TV, use of the hot tub and pickup from the local Sparta airport. We look forward to your visit and hope to make many new friends.
CITY: Sparta
Big Vic's BBQ
Big Vic's offers delicious, smokey barbeque in a variety of meats, served with great sides.
CITY: Chester
Farmer's Table
From the Farmer's Table straight to yours, fresh and delicous home-cooked meals for the whole family.
CITY: Evansville
Just Sue's
Just Sue's has a wide variety of delicious dishes in a casual, comfortable atmosphere. Cash only.
CITY: Evansville
La Maison du Rocher Country Inn and Guesthouse
This inn, built in 1885, is a two-story, rectangular limestone building containing four rooms. Originally used a hotel, the limestone building is the same rock used for the first stone walls of historic Fort de Chartres, just 3 1/2 miles away. Air conditioned. The cottage sleeps up to five.
CITY: Prairie du Rocher
Briarwood Inn
39 room hotel, handicap accessible, credit cards accepted, cable television, small meeting rooms, outdoor pool, restaurant within walking distance, complimentary breakfast.
CITY: Sparta
World Shooting & Recreational Complex
This world-class recreation facility hosts the Amateur Trapshooting Association Grand American every August. Spread out over 1,500 acres, the complex features 3.5 miles of trap fields, two championship sporting clay ranges, skeet fields, a championship archery course, and permanent cowboy action shooting stages. There are also 1,000 camp sites, scenic lakes and an events center.
CITY: Sparta
Steeleville City Park
The focal point of this park is a monument dedicated to fallen soldiers from WWI, WWII, Korea, and Vietnam.
CITY: Steeleville
Shawnee Country Store
Quaint little marketplace that is nestled in the peaceful countryside among grazing horses. Deli-style fine cheeses, quality luncheon meats, summer sausages, dry goods, culinary supplies, canned items, homemade items hard-to-find and unusual items and fresh baked bread every Saturday. Lawn furniture by local craftsmen.
CITY: Ava
D & H Florist & Candle Shop
D & H has a large selection of wonderful flowers and beautiful candles.
CITY: Coulterville
Schenk's Market
With an old-fashioned general store feel, Schenk's Market offers fresh meats, groceries and refreshments for weary travelers.
CITY: Evansville
Di Carlo's Pizza & Pasta
At Di Carlo's enjoy delicious Italian pizza and pasta in a warm, casual atmosphere.
CITY: Red Bud
17th Street Bar & Grill
17th Street Bar & Grill offers a variety of award-winning barbeque and American favorites. Bon Appétit magazine picked 17th Street Bar & Grill's apple wood-smoked barbecue ribs as the best in the U.S. in 2007. Owner and pitmaster Mike Mills, reverently referred to in barbecue circles as The Legend, is a four-time World Champion and three-time Grand World Champion of Memphis in May, known as the Super Bowl of Swine. Pick up a bottle of 17th Street's award-winning barbecue sauce or Magic Dust rub while you're there.
CITY: Sparta
Rooster Hill Farm
Rooster Hill Farm is a unique country destination in "The Heart of Southern Illinois" just south of Waterloo. Anchored with a renovated 120 year old Barn, the 25 acre grounds include a quaint restaurant with gourmet food & drink, and a specialty home decor gift shop. Please check our menu online for daily specials and special events. Reservations strongly recommended in summer and required for parties of ten or more.
CITY: Fults
Ye Old Landmark Inn II
Since 1934, Old Landmark Captain's Table has been offering great food, here are some of their delicious menu items: clam chowder, buffalo wings, fried calamari, burgers, homemade cole slaw and potato salad, and seafood and live music on the weekends.
CITY: Chester
Jan's Horseshoe Inn
Jan's Horseshoe Inn has delicious food with fast, friendly service.
CITY: Sparta
