Evergreen Tree Walk

The Evergreen Tree Walk features over 90 species of trees indigenous to Illinois. Markers beside the trees list the common and Latin names of each species. The tree walk is a relaxing experience, especially after a long day of travel.

CITY: Effingham

Lake Sara

A quiet cove at dawn, where the only sound is the whir of a casting reel and the gentle splash of the fly hitting the water’s surface...that’s Lake Sara. A sunny afternoon slalom skiing behind a powerboat or running along the beach...that’s Lake Sara. A family picnic in the grass at water’s edge or a family reunion, with fried chicken and the works, under one of the pavilions...that’s Lake Sara. Lake Sara is an 800-acre recreational lake nestled into a wooded shoreline, encircled by a winding road. Spend a day, a week, or a season on the shores of Lake Sara. Lake Sara has something for everyone, in every season of the year.

CITY: Effingham

White Squirrels of Olney

For over 100 years, Olney has been the home for hundreds of white squirrels. The albino squirrels can be seen at various locations in town, but are most often found in the Olney City Park.

CITY: Olney

Ballard Nature Center

Located just minutes outside of Effingham, Ballard Nature Center is home to dozens of species of birds and wildlife. Natural prairie, wetlands, butterfly and hummingbird gardens, ponds, and creeks round out the outdoor experience. Activities at the Nature Center includes trail walks, kids' fishing, bird watching, picnics, and much more. An indoor activity center provides plenty for the whole family to do any time of year.

CITY: Altamont

Wray's Fruit Farm

Stop for u-pick strawberries and apples in season, or purchase other fruit products such as apple butter.

CITY: Clay City

Varvil Orchard

This orchard offers in-season peaches, apples, pears and pumpkins.

CITY: Wheeler

Jasper County Golf Club & Banquet Facility

Jasper County Golf Club & Banquet Facility is a premiere golf course. Tee times are also available for non-members.

CITY: Newton

Newton Lake State Fish & Wildlife Area

This 1,775 acre lake features 540 acres of shoreline as a day use conservation area. Recreational activities include fishing, picnicking, hiking, horseback riding, cross-country skiing and hunting.

CITY: Newton

Taylor Lake Campground

Ten RV sites, water, sewer, electrical hookups -- 20,30,50 AMP, 6 tent sites, lake, fishing, shower house, restroom and playground.

CITY: Olney

East Fork Par 3 Golf Course

This nine-hole, par 3 golf course features a driving range.

CITY: Olney

Richland Country Club

This 18-hole facility is open to non-members at certain times.

CITY: Olney

Stephen A. Forbes State Park

Located among the rolling hills of Southwestern Illinois, this park has a beach and offers boating, camping, fishing, hiking, swimming, and other activities.

CITY: Kinmundy

East Fork Lake - Olney Water Skiing

East Fork Lake north of Olney is a perfect location for water sports. Whether it's skiing, or tubing, you'll enjoy your time in Olney at East Fork Lake.

CITY: Olney

Fox Creek Outfitters

Located in one of the country's top states for producing Trophy Whitetail Deer, along with the Eastern Wild Turkey. Situated on privately owned land, the cabin is surrounded by hardwood timber, river bottoms, and rich farm fields. Fox Creek offers guided and non-guided deer hunts each season. Several cabins are available for hunters.

CITY: Olney

Sam Dale Lake Conservation Area

Multiple-use recreational area with a 194-acre lake. It provides habitat for shore birds and upland game and offers camping, hunting, hiking, fishing and horseback riding.

CITY: Johnsonville

Prairie Ridge State Natural Area

Located southwest of Newton, Prairie Ridge is a wonderful site for observing rare species of grassland wildlife. Over 2500 acres, visitors will enjoy bird watching, nature study, photography and much more.

CITY: Newton

Illinois Wildlife Connections

Located in rural Jasper County, northeast of Newton, Illinois Wildlife features a lodge for hunters during deer seasons and in the off-seasons hosting meetings, receptions and off-season lodging.

CITY: Newton

Outdoor Sportsman's Lodge

Outdoor Sportsman's Lodge offers several packages for all individuals. Hunting, fishing, golfing or family getaways can be enjoyed in their luxurious cabins located Southwest of Newton.

CITY: Newton

Lakeside RV Park

Located north of Olney adjacent to East Fork Lake, this park features all the amenities campers seek.

CITY: Olney

Lakewoods Flying Duck Sporting Clays

Public shooting range with sporting clays & wobble trap. A premiere sporting clays shooting facility located in rural Wayne County, seven miles northeast of Cisne, Illinois. Currently, offering twelve stations with 20 automatic machines, including a wobble trap, a battue, and a Rabbit. Our country setting allows us to present stations in the woods, on a hillside, in a marsh, and in open fields. We also surround a placid eight acre lake. On any given day, you can see the fish splash in the water, and hear the frogs croaking. Shooters have frequently reported seeing curious deer watching them from the shelter of the woods. Crisscrossing meadows, woods and marshes are all weather graveled nature paths winding thru miles of natural beauty. Both new and experienced shooters can appreciate the natural backdrop as they enjoy the sport. GPS> N38 33' 11.24" W088 22' 01.78"

CITY: Cisne