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

Bob's Civil War Fort

Tucked away in the rolling hills of Germantown is a Civil War Fort. There is a jail, civil war cannons, a stage coach, a livery, log cabins, and much more.

CITY: Germantown

National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows

The Shrine has 200 beautifully landscaped acres of gardens and devotional areas, including the Outdoor Amphitheatre, Shrine Church, Lourdes Grotto, Stations of the Cross, Millennium Spire, the Visitors Center with a restaurant and gift shop, and the Shrine Hotel.

CITY: Belleville

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

Rainbow Ranch Petting Farm

Meet the wide range of animals at this real working farm. Bottle feed kids and lambs. Pet the goats, camels, chicks, rabbits, camels and even two zebras.

CITY: Nashville

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

Belle-Clair Fairgrounds & Exposition Center

Home to the annual St. Clair County Fair, several craft shows and monthly flea markets, the complex also includes the Belle-Clair Speedway, with stock car races and demolition derbies.

CITY: Belleville

Dr. Poos Home - Heritage House Museum

Built in 1888, this home was occupied by Dr. Robert Poos, a local practitioner and druggist. Dr. Poos was also the staff physician at the Springs Hotel and Bath House, later known as the Okawville Original Springs Hotel.

CITY: Okawville

The Edge

The largest laser tag arena in the region also includes mini-golf, a big video arcade with the coolest games on the market, and food at D.S.Vespers Sports Pub and Eatery.

CITY: Belleville

J-H Bison Ranch

Tours of this family-run bison ranch include baby bison feeding, herd tours, and photos with baby bison, llamas and horses.

CITY: Trenton

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

Main Street Jazz & Blues

Join the group at this small intimate club featuring performers from St. Louis and the local area.

CITY: Belleville

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

Scheve Park

This expansive park features picnic areas, baseball and softball fields, playgrounds, tennis courts, horseshoe pits, and sand volleyball courts. The centerpiece of the park is an old train depot, a full-size caboose, and a train car that can be reserved for groups.

CITY: Mascoutah

Melvin Price Memorial Park

The 24-acre park has a pavilion, walking trails, and many other amenities. It is also the site of the Veterans of All Wars Memorial and the September 11 Memorial.

CITY: Swansea

The Mermaid House

The beautiful house is an example of an 1830s hotel. Charles Dickens once visited there in 1842 while researching a book he wrote on prairies in America.

CITY: Lebanon

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

Thomas Kinkade Gallery

The Thomas Kinkade Gallery of Belleville is full of beautiful works by Thomas Kinkade.

CITY: Belleville

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

Green Mount Crossing

Green Mount Crossing is lodging, restaurants, Target Store, Dierbergs, World Market, Chocolate Company, Beauty Brands & Spa, and Michael's.

CITY: Shiloh

Broadway Center of Arts

Groups regularly perform at the "Black Box" Main Stage theatre.

CITY: Belleville

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

Braeutigam's Orchards

Blackberries, peaches, apples, pumpkins, tomatoes, and eggplant are the specialties at this orchard.

CITY: Belleville

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

Calico Moon

Calico Moon features primitives, dry goods, rug hooking, primitive stitch, supplies, and classes.

CITY: Lebanon

Heritage House Museum

Three properties -- Dr. Poos Home & Medical Museum; the Frank Schlosser Home, which includes a turn-of-the-century house, barn, harness shop, and commercial laundry; and the Joseph Schlosser Home -- make up the Museum complex.

CITY: Okawville

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

St. Louis Street Shopping

St. Louis Street in Lebanon is paved with brick and lined with many unique antique boutiques and specialty shops. Several of the stores specialize in Victorian and country collectibles, distinctive gifts, music, foods, fine glassware, and books. Shoppers can find a little bit of everything here.

CITY: Lebanon

Belle Clair Speedway

Stock car races, drag races and demolition derbies are regular events at this speedway.

CITY: Belleville

Black Diamond Vineyards

This winery offers a quiet, relaxing setting and great wine. Be sure to check out the gift shop that features handmade truffles by Heavenly Sweets, lotions, oils and candles. Special events are held throughout the year.

CITY: Nashville

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

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

Ben's Antique Mall

For over 17 years, Ben's Antique Mall has offered furniture, antiques, and Belleville items.

CITY: Belleville

Patchwork Corner Crafts

Patchwork Corner Crafts has a wide variety of quilting and craft supplies.

CITY: Mascoutah

Eckert's Country Store & Farms - Belleville

This Eckert's location has a greenhouse, restaurant, Country Store, and fruits and vegetables to pick in season.

CITY: Belleville

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

Club Escapade

In business since 1998, this Belleville gay bar features karaoke on Wednesdays, and dancing to live DJs on select Saturday nights.

CITY: Belleville

McIlwain Mansion B&B

3 room bed and breakfast with private bathrooms.

CITY: Okawville

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

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

Berger-Kiel Log House

The log house gives a glimpse into local life in the 1800s. While at the park, visit the refurbished caboose and passenger train.

CITY: Mascoutah

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

Limelight Players

This talented troupe can be found at a variety of venues from dinner theater at Fischer's Restaurant to stage shows at Southwestern Illinois College.

CITY: Belleville

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

American Legion Post 58 Freedom Farm

40 sites, recreation building, lake swimming and fishing, boating, tent camping, handicap access.

CITY: Freeburg

Aunt Bea's Attic Antiques

Unique antiques and collectibles from all over the world.

CITY: Lebanon

St. Clair County Historical Society Museum

This Victorian adaptation of a Greek Revival home was built in the early 1800s. In addition to period furniture and vintage clothing, artifacts, and quilts, the museum contains an extensive research library and gift shop.

CITY: Belleville

Fort Kaskaskia State Historic Site (Ellis Grove)

Open year round with 50 camp sites

CITY: Ellis Grove

The Hett Theater

Distinguished speakers, concerts, and drama are all part of the playbill at The Hett, McKendree College's showcase Center for the Arts.

CITY: Lebanon

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

Emma Kunz House

Visitors are invited to walk through this home, considered to be the oldest Greek Revival-style home in Illinois.

CITY: Belleville

Labor & Industry Museum

The Labor & Industry Museum is the only public institution devoted to the history of the labor and industry of Belleville and southwestern Illinois. The centerpiece is Jumbo, a 19th-century steam engine along with coal mining, carpentry, and stove-making exhibits.

CITY: Belleville

Whitey Herzog Field

Citizens Park's 45 acres are home to some of the area's best ball diamonds. Whitey Herzog Field features a lighted baseball complex with batting cages, concessions, and grandstand seating for 300.

CITY: Belleville

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

Civil War Fort

Visit an exact replica of a Civil War Fort complete with a jail, one-room home, livery, and log cabins.

CITY: Germantown

Mascoutah Heritage Museum

The museum focuses on the businesses that helped the city grow, particularly milling.

CITY: Mascoutah

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

Looking Glass Playhouse

The Looking Glass Playhouse was started in 1972 by a small group of volunteers to raise money for McKendree College by directing and producing a musical play. The play was a success and they have been putting on performances ever since. Drama, musicals, and comedy performances are on the bill.

CITY: Lebanon

Washington County Historical Museum

Built in 1871 as a private residence, this building now holds hundreds of artifacts from the country including a display of period wedding dresses.

CITY: Nashville

Tamarack Country Club

This 18-hole golf course was designed by Pete Dye.

CITY: Shiloh

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

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

Rieso Farm Museum & Antiques

There is a large collection of machinery and primitives dating back to the 1800s.

CITY: New Athens

The Orchards

The Orchards offers an 18-hole golf course.

CITY: Belleville

Skyview Drive-In

Open from April to October, this theatre shows first-run movies, and is one of only 200 drive-inns left in the United States.

CITY: Belleville

Spinach Can Collectibles Museum

A museum inside the 1875 Opera House is full of Popeye merchandise and memorabilia.

CITY: Chester

Washington County Nature Preserve (Nashville)

Enjoying the out-of-doors is easy with tent and trailer spaces readily accessible. Electricity and disposal are available for trailers. A shower building is also located in the camping area.

CITY: Nashville

Spring Valley Golf Club

Spring Valley offers a par 18 golf course.

CITY: Okawville

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

Mariachi's Mexican Restaurant

Mariachi's offers delicious, authentic Mexican food in a great atmosphere. Mariachi's is family owned and will make you feel like part of the family with their fast and friendly service.

CITY: Belleville

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

Freedom Farm

40 sites, lake swimming and fishing, tent camping, handicap access.

CITY: Freeburg

Capitol Theater

The Monroe Actors Stage Company (MASC) offers plays from September through June.

CITY: Waterloo

Yorktown Golf Course

Designed by golf legends Pete Dye and Bob Goalby, Yorktown offers an 18-hole lit par 3 golf course.

CITY: Belleville

Kaskaskia River Marina/Campground (New Athens)

100 sites available year round, recreation building, cable TV, swimming, fishing, tent camping, handicap access

CITY: New Athens

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

The Lemming Armada Theatre Co.

Performances throughout the year include music, drama, and comedy.

CITY: Belleville

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

Our Common Ground

Our Common Ground is a nonprofit organization dedicated to growing local art by organizing mixed media shows in rural communities.

CITY: Lebanon

Open House Theater

Shows are performed at the Turkey Hill Grange, Progressive Grange, and The New Athens Senior Center.

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

The Schmidt Art Center and Gallery

Over 350 permanent works, including a beautifully landscaped and sculptured garden, are on display.

CITY: Belleville

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

Eagle's Nest

Friendly atmosphere and a full menu of delicious items such as pizza, burgers, nachos, and much more. Great service and affordable prices.

CITY: Addieville

Belleville Philharmonic Society

The nation's second oldest continuously performing symphony orchestra (1867-2005) gives concerts throughout the year.

CITY: Belleville

Antique House Restaurant

Antique House offers delicious cuisine and drinks at a great price.

CITY: Belleville

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

Hy-Ho Cafe

Hy-Ho offers great food, affordable prices, and excellent service in a cozy atmosphere.

CITY: Belleville