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

Little Brick House

Listed on the National Register, it has six restored rooms with china, furniture, engravings, and books that belonged to the settlers when Lincoln attended the legislature.

CITY: Vandalia

Lincoln Park

Located across from the Statehouse in Vandalia, the park features a life-size, bronze statue of Abraham Lincoln. This is a favorite spot for photos with the 16th president.

CITY: Vandalia

Foundation Park

Home to the Balloon Fest, Foundation Park has many walking trails, nature areas, and gathering places.

CITY: Centralia

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

Civil War Monument at the Veterans' Memorial

This monument honors generations of soliders who sacrificed their lives for their country.

CITY: Greenville

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

Ten Talents Gallery and Gifts

Ten Talents Gallery features handmade, individual, and unique items by Illinois artists. We offer such items as jewelry, watercolors, ceramics, wood carvings, and much more.

CITY: Greenville

Vandalia State House

Step inside the Illinois’ oldest surviving State Capitol building. Vandalia was the fourth statehouse in Illinois, and is best known for the era when Abraham Lincoln served in the Illinois House of Representatives. Visitors can enjoy guided tours of this restored landmark.

CITY: Vandalia

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

American Farm Heritage Museum

Farm implements, tools, tractors, and other equipment are featured that date back 100 years. The museum is open for special events including the Outhouse Festival in the fall.

CITY: Greenville

Historic National Road Scenic Byway

The National Road is called the "road that built the nation" because it was the first highway in American history. Today the National Road in Illinois covers 164 miles, from Marshall and the Wabash Valley, to East St. Louis and the Mississippi River.

CITY: Greenville

Genkota Winery

Genkota's award-winning wines and ports feature reds, whites and blushes, from sweet and semi-sweet to dry. A full line of wine-related items and gift baskets are also available.

CITY: Mount Vernon

Fayette County Museum

Located behind the Statehouse in a century-old church, this museum is full of Lincoln-era memorabilia, including his letter cabinet and an axe carved with his initials.

CITY: Vandalia

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

A Buck or More

A Buck or More offers flowers, gift baskets, parcels, party favors, supplies, and services.

CITY: Greenville

Carlyle Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area

As a major stopping point for migrating ducks and geese, this 9,486-acre area offers excellent public waterfowl hunting opportunities.

CITY: Vandalia

Rend Lake College Market Place

Large golf outlet store plus clothing, brass, crafts and sporting goods store. Formerly Jent factory outlet mall.

CITY: Mount Vernon

Brehm Memorial Library

An extensive collection of genealogical materials offers visitors an opportunity to research local Mt. Vernon history.

CITY: Mount Vernon

Inglenook Farm Bed and Breakfast

A delightful retreat on the outskirts of Mt. Vernon, this historical home has been transformed into a bed and breakfast paradise tucked away from the road on five acres complete with a pond, and old barn, and beautiful gardens.

CITY: Mount Vernon

National Road Interpretive Center

The National Road Interpretive Center in Vandalia, Illinois tells the story of the surveyors, laborers and travelers of the National Road, sometimes called the Cumberland Road or National Pike. The Interpretive Center is a museum with hands-on activities for children including a Conestoga wagon that the youngsters can load for its journey. Abraham Lincoln’s connection to Illinois National Road towns is also spotlighted. One of the largest artifacts is an original National Road timber dating to the 1830s. Visitors will develop a better understanding of the importance of this road to Illinois and American history as well as an appreciation for the people that were involved in its construction.

CITY: Vandalia

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

Nu-Bowl Lanes

28-lane bowling facility with snack bar.

CITY: Mount Vernon

Cedarhurst Center for the Arts & Mitchell Museum

Exhibitions, a children's gallery, a permanent collection and special events. Grounds include 85 acres sculpture park, nature trails and bird sanctuary. Hosts annual Cedarhurst Craft Fair.

CITY: Mount Vernon

AMC Showplace 8

Movie Theatre with 8 theatres featuring special ticket pricing and traditional movie theatre concessions.

CITY: Mount Vernon

Vandalia Lake Camping

Vandalia Lake provides high quality camping facilities for overnight camping. The campground includes sites with electric outlets, modern shower with flush toilets, and a dump station for recreational vehicles. Campgrounds are open from Memorial weekend through last weekend in September.

CITY: Vandalia

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

Kim's Little Shanty Antiques

Kim's has a wide variety of unique antiques.

CITY: Carlyle

Herring's Antiques

Herring's has a wide variety of unique antiques.

CITY: Greenville

Carlyle Dam East Spillway Campground

Swimming, fishing, boating.

CITY: Carlyle

The Thrift Shop

Opened in 1990 to help raise money for the local hospital and nursing home, The Thrift Shop is filled with bargains, hard-to-find items, and new and used merchandise.

CITY: Greenville

Halfway Tavern

In 1779 George Rogers Clark led his army from Kaskaskia through this area to Vincennes, Indiana, where they captured Ft. Sackville from the British. At the time, this building was named for being near the midpoint of the Vincennes-St. Louis Trail.

CITY: Iuka

Lakeside Camping

Open April 1 - November 11, with 19 sites available for rent. Outdoor recreation surrounds!

CITY: Keyesport

Rusty Nail

The Rusty Nail has a large selection of great antiques.

CITY: Salem

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

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

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

Steve's Antiques

Steve's has a big selection of antiques and collectibles.

CITY: Salem

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

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

Hawkins-Schwartz Orchards

This orchard features fresh-picked apples, peaches, a pumpkin patch, cider and special events for children during apple season.

CITY: Dix

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

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

Bock Sculpture Museum

The museum, located in the original college building on the campus of historic Greenville College, features hundreds of sculptural pieces by Richard Bock, best known for his work with famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright.

CITY: Greenville

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

Madonna of the Trail Statue

The Madonna is one of 12 statues in the U.S. that honors the pioneer women who traveled along the National Road.

CITY: Vandalia

Orchard View Winery

Taste the tradition of over 100 years of quality grown fruit from the Mazanek family orchards. Even connoisseurs will appreciate a glass of John James, a delightful semi-sweet blend of Golden Delicious and Jonathan apples aged in American oak.

CITY: Alma

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

Stephen A Forbes-State Recreation Area (Kinmundy)

140 camp sites open year round for outdoor lovers! Great location!

CITY: Kinmundy

Indian Hills Golf Course

This public 18-hole course offers challenges for both beginning and advanced golfers. A lighted driving range allows extended practice hours, and free group golf lessons are available every Saturday.

CITY: Mount Vernon

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

Boulder Recreation Area

Swimming and fishing, boating, tent camping

CITY: Carlyle

Bond County One Room School Museum

This museum is a living monument to the more than 72 one-story schools throughout the nation that served to educate children and host community gatherings.

CITY: Greenville

One Room Schoolhouse Museum

Bring your children and show them a glimpse into education before the 20th century. Located on the Jr. High grounds, this schoolhouse was restored by the Bond County Retired Teachers Association.

CITY: Greenville

Salem Inn

Affordable, clean and comfortable lodging with lounge/bar and restaurant on site. Right off the interstate.

CITY: Salem

Salem Country Club

This 18-hole course has lots of character, and is open to the public from 9am-12pm Monday through Friday. Golf carts are available.

CITY: Salem

Coal Miners Monument

Joseph Koch, who along with eight other local miners died in a mine explosion in 1947, is depicted here.

CITY: Beckemeyer

Jefferson County Historical Village

Authentic log structures. Historic memorabilia from the area are carefully preserved and displayed at the village. Open from the first weekend in May through the last weekend in October

CITY: Mount Vernon

Badollet House Bed & Breakfast

National Register historic home featuring period decor with contemporary conveniences. The Badollet House is not only a bed and breakfast, but also caters to small parties, weddings, business meetings and special occassions.

CITY: Salem

Coles Creek Recreation Area

148 sites, electricity, shower, reservations

CITY: Carlyle

Hampton Inn - Mount Vernon

101 rooms located near I-57. Indoor pool, spa and exercise room. Rooms with whirlpool tubs available.

CITY: Mount Vernon

Carlyle Dam West Campground

Swimming, fishing, boating, tent camping

CITY: Carlyle

Lincoln Marker

Vandalia, Illinois is where Abraham Lincoln began his historical political career and his life and achievements are commemorated on the marker.

CITY: Vandalia

Veterans Educational Museum

Items on display are from the Civil War, WWI, WWII, Korea, Vietnam, and Desert Storm along with flags from 45 countries.

CITY: Vandalia

Olde Picket Fence

Olde Picket Fence offers a custom line of primitive farmhouse furniture. Each item is handcrafted, one at a time, and every item is unique.

CITY: Farina

Hoiles-Davis Museum

Originally built as a private residence in the 1870s, the house now holds an extensive collection of Civil War memorabilia, World War I bond posters, Native American artifacts, domestic arts, and items from local manufacturers.

CITY: Greenville

Globe Theater

The marquee dates back to the 1920s, but the audio-visual equipment is state-of-the-art. Three screens show first run movies on the ground floor, with a coffee shop and bistro upstairs.

CITY: Greenville

Ingram's Pioneer Log Cabin Village

Pre-Civil War log structures rescued from destruction by the Ingrams. Many of the 17 homes and other buildings are furnished with authentic pieces and open to the public. Visit Jacob's Well Inn, frequented by Abraham Lincoln.

CITY: Kinmundy

Vandalia Artworks Gallery

The gallery uses exhibit space in the Fayette County Museum. Special exhibits are scheduled through the year.

CITY: Vandalia

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

South Shore State Park

33 sites, fishing, boating, tent camping.

CITY: Carlyle

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

Times Square Mall

Shopping mall with Sears, JC Penney, Peebles, and a variety of specialty shops.

CITY: Mount Vernon

9th Street Grill

Located in Historic Downtown Mt. Vernon (an Illinois Main Street Community), 9th Street Grill brings cosmopolitan flare and flavor to a hometown atmosphere.

CITY: Mount Vernon

Nashville Municipal Golf Course

This nine-hole golf course opened in 1967.

CITY: Nashville

Glen Carbon Heritage Museum

This museum is located in a beautiful brick building that is a renovated 1914 school located in the "Old Town" section of the Village. The museum has old dolls, weapons, pictures, and much more.

CITY: Vandalia

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

Wally's Restaurant

Try one of Wally's famous burgers or one of the many other great choices on the menu.

CITY: Breese

Comfort Suites - Mt. Vernon

Conveniently located near I-64/I-57 Interchange with 24-hour indoor pool, fitness center, free hot breakfast, and business center

CITY: Mount Vernon