2013 Travel Guide
Enjoy Illinois App
Showing 1-96 of 201 items
Carlyle Lake
The largest man-made lake in Illinois (26,000 acres), is a premier location for outdoor sports. We known to sailors, it is one of the best and most challenging for sailboats. There is also boating, fishing, hunting, bird watching, sand beaches, and camping areas. Hotels, cabins and golf courses make the area a true outdoor lover's playground.
CITY: Carlyle
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
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
Hidden Lake Winery
Walk the trails around the five-acre lake, or sit and enjoy the waterfall and views of the Silent Forest as you sip a glass of wine.
CITY: Aviston
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
Foundation Park
Home to the Balloon Fest, Foundation Park has many walking trails, nature areas, and gathering places.
CITY: Centralia
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
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
Fairview Park
With 45-acres of recreation, Fairview Park features a swimming pool, baseball and softball fields, Skateboard Park, several picnic shelters, and a variety of playground equipment.
CITY: Centralia
General Dean Suspension Bridge
Located just outside the city of Carlyle, this historic 130-year-old bridge is one of the oldest suspension bridges in the area. The original bridge served as a crossing over the Kaskaskia River.
CITY: Carlyle
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
Knotty Pine Motel
10 rooms, credit cards accepted, cable television available, small meeting rooms, pets accepted, restaurant within walking distances, and lounge/bar on premises.
CITY: Breese
Clinton County Historical Museum
This building was the former home of Judge Sidney Breese, who came to Illinois from New York. He studied law here and became Assistant Secretary of the State of Illinois.
CITY: Carlyle
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
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
Centralia Historical Society Museum
Centerpieces of the collection are newspapers and memorabilia from the coal mining days with tributes to railroad history.
CITY: Centralia
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
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
Patchwork Corner Crafts
Patchwork Corner Crafts has a wide variety of quilting and craft supplies.
CITY: Mascoutah
Clinton County Showcase
The Showcase performs at the historic Avon Theatre. Call for a schedule of plays.
CITY: Breese
Centralia Area Historical Museum
Artifacts, pictures of coal mining, railroading, business, farming in and around Centralia. A work in progress by the Centralia Area Historical Society to preserve the past of Marion County.
CITY: Centralia
Nuff-Stuff Retail Antiques
Antiques, collectibles, glassware, oak furniture, and fireplace mantels.
CITY: Central City
Centralia Illinois Downtown Theatre
This former vaudeville and movie theatre has been restored to its former glory. The Playbill for the 2008 season includes Chapter 6, an acapella group that started at Milliken University in Decatur, IL and now tours worldwide and the touring company of Second City in Chicago. Don't miss the excitement.
CITY: Centralia
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
Timmerman House
3 room bed and breakfast, credit cards accepted, breakfast, deposit required, cancellation policy, private bathrooms.
CITY: Aviston
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
Harvey Pitts Waterfowl Museum
This privately owned museum features displays of more than 425 antique wooden duck decoys and over 100 species of waterfowl.
CITY: Du Quoin
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
Cholera Cross
The original wooden cross was erected in 1850 by a farmer in thanksgiving for his family being spared during a cholera epidemic. Subsequent owners of the property have repaired and replaced it.
CITY: Breese
Flying M Ranch Golf Course
This public nine-hole, 32 par course also offers a driving range, rental carts and clubs. Miniature golf, camping and fishing are also available for a fee.
CITY: Centralia
Crooked Creek Winery
Enjoy fine handcrafted Illinois wines served with a personal touch in a relaxing country atmosphere. Experience the outdoor beauty of Southwestern Illinois' rolling farmland or sip wine indoors by a cozy fire.
CITY: Centralia
Schwartz Farms
You can find berries, apples, peaches, pears and watermelons in season here.
CITY: Centralia
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
Centralia Carillon
Centralia's resident carilloneur performs on the town's 65-bell carillon, one of the few in the country. The surrounding park also features a museum and tours of the 165-foot-tall tower.
CITY: Centralia
Hawkins-Schwartz Orchards
This orchard features fresh-picked apples, peaches, a pumpkin patch, cider and special events for children during apple season.
CITY: Dix
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
Bretz Wildlife Lodge & Winery
Bretz Wildlife Lodge & Winery offers a relaxing dining atmosphere. They serve lunch and dinner, with breakfast on Sundays. With a twist on the normal steak and eggs, the Lodge serves prime rib or smoked brisket and eggs along with pancakes, biscuits and gravy, and omelet’s. Lunch offerings include salads, smoked sandwiches, hamburgers as well as many appetizers. Dinner includes, but not limited to rib eye steaks, surf-n-turf, succulent pulled pork, seafood, and awesome baby back ribs. The Lodge offers inside and outside dining options. A variety of dinner specials are available throughout the week. A breakfast and brunch buffet is available on Sundays. Each visit to Bretz Wildlife Lodge and Winery is a new experience for you to enjoy.
CITY: Carlyle
Lyon's Fisheries
This fresh water shrimp (prawn) farm offers agricultural tours and harvest festivals in the fall. Prawn, catfish and hushpuppies are available for purchase.
CITY: Sandoval
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
Two Raggedy Sisters
From Our Hands to Yours, another unique DuQuoin Main Street shoppers delight. Find antiques, crafts and gifts of all sorts.
CITY: Du Quoin
General Dean Suspension Bridge
Located just outside the city of Carlyle, this historic 130-year-old bridge is one of the oldest suspension bridges in the area. The original bridge served as a crossing over the Kaskaskia River.
CITY: Carlyle
Coal Miners Monument
Joseph Koch, who along with eight other local miners died in a mine explosion in 1947, is depicted here.
CITY: Beckemeyer
Dec 31
Du Quoin Annual Holiday Lights Fair
Starting the day after Thanksgiving and continuing through the month of December. Come experience Du Quoin Tourism’s transformation of the Du Quoin State Fairgrounds into a magical place with lights and decorations. The event features a 1 1/2-mile drive through over $250,000 worth of lighted displays as well as decorated trees, entertainment, food, crafts and visits with Santa in the Expo Hall. The light trail opens nightly from 5:30 – 9:30 p.m., and the Expo Hall will be open on the second and third weekends in December from 5:30 — 9:30 p.m. The Expo Hall features Santa’s train ride and Santa’s Workshop.
CITY: Du Quoin
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
Huegen's General Store
Huegen's General Store has a small-town feeling in beautiful Albers Illinois.
CITY: Albers
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
Roland Barkau Memorial Golf Course
This 18-hole golf course was designed by Robert Garard and Gary Hoelcher.
CITY: Okawville
16 - 17
Home Garden & Business Expo
Annual Home Garden & Business Expo featuring over 40 exhibitors and 2 full days of "How To" demonstrations. Breakfast and lunch available, hourly door prizes, blood screenings on site and register for the "Grand Prize!"
CITY: Centralia
Marissa Antique Station, Inc.
Marissa Antique Station, Inc. has over 100 dealers and offers almost everything and anything you could want.
CITY: Marissa
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
Knotty Pine Inn & Motel
The Knotty Pine Inn has a large variety of dishes such as pizza, sandwiches, and much more. Also, a fully-stocked bar. In addition, there is a cozy motel.
CITY: Breese
Wally's Restaurant
Try one of Wally's famous burgers or one of the many other great choices on the menu.
CITY: Breese
Centralia Recreation Complex
Located in downtown Centralia, this 60,000-sq.-ft. building features an Olympic-size, six-lane competition pool with spectator seating. The main gymnasium has room for two full-size basketball or three volleyball courts with seating for 400.
CITY: Centralia
Tony's Restaurant
Tony's Place has sandwiches, soup, delicious sides, steak, chicken, seafood, pot roast, country fried steak, prime rib, pasta, great desserts, and more.
CITY: Mascoutah
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
Dairy King
Dairy King offers a great selection of good food from hush puppies to gyro's, Dairy King has something for everyone.
CITY: Breese
West Access Marina
A year-round facility for large and small boats located at the southwest end of Carlyle Lake. Suited for a complete variety of water sports.
CITY: Carlyle
Greenview Golf Club
This public 18-hole, 72 par course offers rental clubs and carts, and a pro on site.
CITY: Centralia
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
Peebles
Peebles offers nationally recognized brand name apparel, accessories, cosmetics, and footware for the entire family.
CITY: Centralia
Washington County State Recreational Area - Nashville, IL
A 248-acre lake fed by two creeks is the focal point of the Washington County State Recreational Area. The area offers several barrier-free facilities, including camping, hunting, picnicking and a fishing pier.
CITY: Nashville
Boulder Marina
The marina offers modern concrete docks, an air-conditioned lounge, private showers, dry dock, and winter storage.
CITY: Shattuc
Jerry's Bar and Grill
Offers full lunch and dinner menu along with homemade desserts. We specialize in hand-cut steaks.
CITY: Centralia
America's Best Bell Tower Inn
Welcome to the Americas Best Value Inn-Bell Tower of Centralia, Illinois, conveniently located in the heart of downtown Centralia within view of the historic Carillion Bell Tower and within walking distance of some of the finest dining and shopping in southern Illinois. Our 4-story interior access (elevator) Inn features 56 nicely furnished guest rooms with added amenities including cable TV with HBO and hairdryers. Upgrades include coffeemaker, mini-fridge, microwave, and iron/board. We offer a FREE deluxe continental breakfast, indoor pool, and playground for the kids, a meeting/banquet facility with kitchen and a business center in the lobby. Come relax and enjoy the value at the Americas Best Value Inn-Bell Tower of Centralia. Hi-Speed Wireless Internet Access available.
CITY: Centralia
The Good Ol' Days Restaurant
Go back to the good old days with delicious homestyle favorites like Southern fried chicken, roast beef, adn steak. Also, cod, catfish, shrimp, sandwiches, salads, and great homemade desserts, and if you're brave try the frog legs.
CITY: New Baden
The Boiler Room Restaurant
The Boiler Room offers delicious food in a clean, casual atmosphere, with banquet and meeting facilities. Located in the Original Springs hotel.
CITY: Okawville
Colonial Golf Course
This public 18-hole, par 70 course is open year round, with rental clubs and carts, plus a snack bar.
CITY: Sandoval
The Gathering Place
The Gathering Place has a variety of soup, sandwiches, desserts, and more.
CITY: Mascoutah
Pyramid State Park
Pyramid State Recreation Area consists of heavily forested hills and many lakes and ponds. Total overall acreage is 19,701, making Pyramid the largest State Recreation Area in Illinois. It gets its name from a coal mine that once existed here. Many species of wildlife may be found in the area, including songbirds, deer, squirrels, beavers, rabbits, turkey, bobcat, raccoons, possums, coyotes, weasel, mink, woodchucks and waterfowl. Tent and trailer camping are permitted at designated camping areas only. There are 16.5 miles of foot and horse trails and mountain bike riding. Canoeing is popular because of the rough terrain, and boats with 10-hp motors or less are allowed.
CITY: Pinckneyville
14 - 18
American Thresherman Show
The evening events for this five day steam and antique tractor show will feature a horse pull, antique tractor pull and, on Friday and Saturday nights, Illinois Tractor Pulling Associating pulls. Thursday night, head uptown for the big parade. The day events include plowing with horses, steam engine and tractors and a pedal tractor pull. There will also be demonstrations on sawmills, veneer mills, shingle mills and blacksmiths.
CITY: Pinckneyville
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
