2013 Travel Guide
Enjoy Illinois App
Showing 1-96 of 153 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
Illinois Caverns
There are formations of stalactites, stalagmites, soda straws, and more. An underground stream flows through the cave bed, and the temperature is a relatively constant 58 degrees.
CITY: Waterloo
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
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
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
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
Rex's Museum
A Lionel train set shares space with a Li'l Abner Dogpatch Band windup toy and British toy soldiers. Antique collectibles, clothing, glassware, a mule deer antler chandelier, and many more unusual items fill the 2,000 sq. ft. "extra room" added onto the house.
CITY: Waterloo
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
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
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
The Creole House
The house, built in 1800, is an example of French and American architecture.
CITY: Prairie du Rocher
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
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
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
Julius J. Knobeloch State Nature Preserve
Beautiful. untouched nature preserve which way originally purchased by the Knobeloch family in 1874. After a family disagreement, the land was auctioned off to the nature conservancy and then sold to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
CITY: Freeburg
American Legion Post 58 Freedom Farm
40 sites, recreation building, lake swimming and fishing, boating, tent camping, handicap access.
CITY: Freeburg
Bellefontaine House
Meriwether Lewis is reported to have stayed here. It is home to some of the earliest settlers in Illinois (1782) and was named by the French for a spring located on the beautiful site.
CITY: Waterloo
Fort Kaskaskia State Historic Site (Ellis Grove)
Open year round with 50 camp sites
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
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
Schorr Lake Vineyards
This secluded winery focuses on environmentally-friendly wine making methods. Relax on the deck overlooking the vineyards and enjoy these estate-grown and produced table and fruit wines.
CITY: Waterloo
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
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
Acorns Golf Links
Acorns Golf Links is located in Waterloo, Illinois featuring 6,701 yards of golf from the longest tees for a par of 72 . The course rating is 72.3 and it has a slope rating of 125. You will not find subdivision golf at Acorns; just nature, beautiful scenery, challenging design, and you. Making Acorns the premier public course to test your game, have fun with good friends, or to get away from your daily hussle and bussle. Acorns features zoysia fairways, five tee boxes; matching every level of golf and large bent grass greens. Designed by William Ebeler, the Acorns golf course opened in 1997.
CITY: Waterloo
Rieso Farm Museum & Antiques
There is a large collection of machinery and primitives dating back to the 1800s.
CITY: New Athens
The History Museum of Monroe County
Anchored by items gifted by Col. Edd & Violet Kueker, this collection represents the settlement of the West, numerous U.S. wars and early transportation. There is even a display of items from the Stone Age retrieved during a local archaeological dig. Changing displays and Special Exhibits from the Museum collection and "on loan" items provide awesome journeys through the pages of history.
CITY: Waterloo
Spinach Can Collectibles Museum
A museum inside the 1875 Opera House is full of Popeye merchandise and memorabilia.
CITY: Chester
Annbriar Golf Course
Ranked seventh-best golf course in the state of Illinois, Annbriar is an 18-hole, par 72 course. Photo Credit-Annibriar-Golf-Course
CITY: Waterloo
Capitol Theater
The Monroe Actors Stage Company (MASC) offers plays from September through June.
CITY: Waterloo
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
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
Peterstown House
Built in 1830, this is the only stagecoach stop still intact along the 60-mile Kaskaskia-Cahokia trail.
CITY: Waterloo
Open House Theater
Shows are performed at the Turkey Hill Grange, Progressive Grange, and The New Athens Senior Center.
CITY: New Athens
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
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
American Legion Post 58 Freedom Farm
40 sites, recreation building, lake swimming and fishing, boating, tent camping, handicap access.
CITY: Freeburg
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
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
Cohen House
This beautifully restored home has cobalt blue windows. Tours by appointment and open for special events.
CITY: Chester
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
Fredericos Restaurant
This locally owned Italian restaurant features pasta, pizza and specialty items.
CITY: Waterloo
Krause Elk Farm
Tour this farm where the elk roam on 55 acres of the 600-acre spread.
CITY: Evansville
Riding Center
Stop in or make a reservation to ride the trails. Lessons are also available.
CITY: Freeburg
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
Robert Scott's Grill & Cafe
Enjoy delicious steak, chicken, great sides, and much more, in a casual atmosphere.
CITY: Smithton
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
Dreamland Palace German Restaurant
Monroe County's only German restaurant and Bavarian wine garden.
CITY: Foster Pond
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
Gift Box Boutique
Extreme Events offers party supplies and rentals to make your next party a success.
CITY: Sparta
Wicks N Country
Wicks N Country offers candles, stationary, greeting cards, and gifts for every occasion.
CITY: Red Bud
Senator Rickert Residence Bed & Breakfast
Located in the Historic District of Waterloo, IL. The home was originally built as a one story brickhouse.
CITY: Waterloo
The Healthy Nut
At Whole Body Health & Gifts, you can get back to basics with natural foods, vitamins, herbs, supplements, beauty aids, gifts, cards, and much more.
CITY: Freeburg
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
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
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
Breadeaux Pizza
What makes Breadeaúx Pizza different? It's the crust, which is chewy and sweet, and reminiscent of fine French Bread. While other pizza places boast about using dough made fresh daily, at Breadeaúx Pizza restaurants, our dough is aged and double-raised, once quickly, and the second time slowly while being chilled. The major difference in our dough preparation creates our distinctive taste and texture. So come on in to Breadeaúx Pizza and taste the difference.
CITY: Freeburg
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
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
Chickens Country Restaurant
Chickens Country Restaurant offers delicious homestyle cooking in a relaxed and casual environment with live music Tuesday nights.
CITY: St. Libory
Dave's West End Bar & Grill
Dave's West End Bar & Grill is a great place to hang with friends and enjoy a good meal and a great drink. It is mostly a bar, but they have some food such as cheeseburgers.
CITY: St. Libory
Gary's Restaurant
Gary's has delicious food in a casual, homey atmosphere, and served by a cheerful and friendly staff.
CITY: Freeburg
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
