2013 Travel Guide
Enjoy Illinois App
Showing 1-96 of 144 items
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: Murphysboro
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
Kinkaid Lake Marina Cabins
If you like to fish, enjoy the beautiful outdoors, for boating, hiking, relaxing rent a cabin that puts you right on the edge of beautiful Kinkaid Lake, Muskie fishing at your fingertips!
CITY: Murphysboro
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
Kinkaid Lake Village Marina
Located on Lake Kinkaid, the marina offers camping, boat slip rental, and boat rental. They have a restaurant, bar, bait shop, camping and boating accessories, and water toys. In addition, you can also purchase your fishing license.
CITY: Murphysboro
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
Big Muddy River
Visitors can canoe from Riverside Park in Murphysboro to Rattlesnake Ferry in LaRue Pine Hills.
CITY: Murphysboro
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
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
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
Cajun Cowboy Grill
One-of-a-kind restaurant in Southern Illinois serving up traditional Cajun dishes, such as gumbo and shrimp po' boys,alligator entree', 'gator eggs' and more. Comfort-food favorites like burgers and pasta dishes are also served. With seating for 30, this restaurant's exposed brick walls and original tine ceilings create a fun, laid-back atmosphere.
CITY: Murphysboro
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
Mileur Orchard
Mileur Orchard offers fresh-picked peaches from July to mid-September. Apples are harvested in early September, and are available into October.
CITY: Murphysboro
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
Johnson Creek Recreation Area
Recreation area includes group camping, walk-in camp sites, swimming, and picnicking facilities. Handicap accessible restrooms and fishing pier.
CITY: Murphysboro
Kinkaid Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area
Sandstone bluffs and rolling hills surround the lake and oak-hickory forest. Picnicking, fishing, boating, and hunting opportunities available.
CITY: Murphysboro
General John A Logan Museum
General John A Logan (1826-1886) is the most significant nineteenth century native Illinoisian. Creator of Memorial Day, he's named in the state song with Lincoln and Grant. The General John A Logan Museum's mission is designed to interpret the the turbulent life and times of Logan.
CITY: Murphysboro
Fort Kaskaskia State Historic Site (Ellis Grove)
Open year round with 50 camp sites
CITY: Ellis Grove
Jackson County Historical Center
The museum has expanded, adding about 1,000 square feet to its headquarters building for more exhibit area. Included in its displays is a pump organ, a collection of early cameras, a display of Daniel Grocery Store items, and many textile items, military uniforms, 1850-era Chandler Printer Press and county courthouse records containing hundreds of files available for genealogy study.The museum also has an exhibit of women's vintage clothing ranging from 1865-1970s and continues to add exhibits.
CITY: Murphysboro
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
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
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
Spinach Can Collectibles Museum
A museum inside the 1875 Opera House is full of Popeye merchandise and memorabilia.
CITY: Chester
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Lyn-Nita Vineyards, LLC
Lyn-Nita Vineyards was established in 2010 with the planting of three acres of vineyards. The Wine Cellar was opened in November 2010 and features wines from Illinois grown grapes. Local wines produced and sold.
CITY: Elkville
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
America's Best Value Inn
Welcome to the Americas Best Value Inn- Murphysboro, which is located in the heart of beautiful Jackson County. We are just west off of I-57, approx. 20 miles to Carbondale. We are a newly remodeled property with a clean and comfortable home feeling.
CITY: Murphysboro
Lake Murphysboro State Park
Popular lake for fishing. This 1,000-acre park is the perfect place to enjoy hiking, camping, picnicking, boating and fishing.
CITY: Murphysboro
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
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
George's ReSale
Quality collectible furniture from the 1940's through the 1970's is the specialty. Also, a variety of items, including glassware, china and collectible appliances.
CITY: Murphysboro
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
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
Sis's Memories
A collection of everything that sparkles - such as, Blenko, Cambridge, Carnival Glass, Fenton, Heisey & Fostoria Glass. Pottery - Hull, McCoy, & Roseville. Crockery,furniture, primitives and much more.
CITY: Murphysboro
Lau-Nae Winery
This family-owned winery offers fruit wines and a shop selling homemade quilts, crafts and gifts.
CITY: Red Bud
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
Cummare's Italian Ristorante
Authentic Italian family recipes for pizza and past dishes, salads, panini, lunch & dinner buffet.
CITY: Murphysboro
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
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
Fountain Bluff
Prehistoric dwellers left their marks on the rock walls. Petroglyphs depict animals, humans, geometric figures, and crosses.
CITY: Gorham
Wicks N Country
Wicks N Country offers candles, stationary, greeting cards, and gifts for every occasion.
CITY: Red Bud
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
Tippey's Restaurant
Family-owned and operated featuring daily specials, homemade rolls, desserts and Thursday night steak specials.
CITY: Murphysboro
Dynasty Chinese Cuisine
At Dynasty enjoy delicious Chinese cuisine in a clean and friendly environment.
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
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
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
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
Riverside Park
This 34-acre park located next to the Big Muddy River includes a public boat ramp, picnic areas, ball fields, hiking trails, a pavilion, historic band shell and playground areas.
CITY: Murphysboro
Oxbow Bed & Breakfast (Pinckneyville)
The Oxbow Bed & Breakfast was built in 1929, and the Doughtys purchased the land in 1959. After renovations the large brick veneer home has sixteen rooms for a total of 6900 squre feet of living space on three levels. The Inn sits on ten acres of rural land about one mile south of Pinckneyville, a town of 5,000 people. The house was converted into a Bed and Breakfast and now also includes two barns. The Oxbow Barn Apartment (the Honeymoon Suite) offers the most private quarters available at Oxbow. The Shannon Barn is for the use of all Oxbow guests and includes a hot tub and a roomy loft. The Oxbow house shelters five rooms for rent which are named after the people and events of the Civil War.
CITY: Pinckneyville
Sep 1
Oxbow Bed & Breakfast
The Oxbow Bed & Breakfast was built in 1929, and the Doughtys purchased the land in 1959. After renovations the large brick veneer home has sixteen rooms for a total of 6900 square feet of living space on three levels. The Inn sits on ten acres of rural land about one mile south of Pinckneyville, a town of 5,000 people. The house was converted into a Bed and Breakfast and now also includes two barns. The Oxbow Barn Apartment (the Honeymoon Suite) offers the most private quarters available at Oxbow. The Shannon Barn is for the use of all Oxbow guests and includes a hot tub and a roomy loft. The Oxbow house shelters five rooms for rent which are named after the people and events of the Civil War.
CITY: Pinckneyville
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
