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

The Old Chain of Rocks Bridge

Built in 1927, Old Chain of Rocks was the fifth bridge to cross the Mississippi River, which shortened the distance between St. Louis, Missouri, and Edwardsville, Illinois by 15 miles.

CITY: Edwardsville

Henry's Ra66it Ranch

This quirky must-see Route 66 attraction, information center and souvenir gift shop is home to rabbits of all kinds, bunny and VW, as well as Mother Road memorabilia.

CITY: Staunton

Scotty's Route 66 Bar & Grill

Drive Route 66 to one of the Mother Road's few remaining original diners, and try your hand at golf on the nine-hole course next door.

CITY: Hamel

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

Family Fun Tyme

Located in Maryville, this facility has an indoor arcade, batting cages and lots more fun for kids. Alfonzo's Restaurant is right next door for pizza lovers.

CITY: Maryville

Dream Catcher Ranch and Kennel Petting Zoo

Specializing in small animals that kids can touch and play with, at Dream Catcher you can also tour the farm and ride the zoo train.

CITY: Staunton

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

Bilbrey Farms

Just outside of Edwardsville, Bilbrey Farms is home to exotic animals and trained birds. Come feed the animals or stay at the bed and breakfast.

CITY: Edwardsville

Shoal Creek Nature Preserve

This 260-acre site offers nature trails for visitors to explore wetlands, prairie openings, and sandstone bluffs and ledges. The preserve is home to more than 700 plants and 70 bird species, including bald eagles during the winter months.

CITY: Litchfield

Walton Park

Home of the first Litchfield Chautauqua, with speakers such as William Jennings Bryan and Carrie Nation in 1905. Beautiful lake, playground and picnic areas.

CITY: Litchfield

Coffeen Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area

22 species of fish are found in this lake, including bass, white crappie, channel catfish, bullhead, yellow bass, bluegill, and carp. This 1,100-acre lake is surrounded by native oak and hickory forests. Picnicking, hiking, and limited hunting and trapping.

CITY: Coffeen

Watershed Nature Center

A 3,000 ft. wheelchair-accessible pathway at lake level and wood-chipped trails wind through forested areas. An elevated walkway spans the wetlands and two observation towers, a wildlife viewing blind, an outdoor amphitheater and classroom.

CITY: Edwardsville

Carlyle Dam East Spillway Campground

Swimming, fishing, boating.

CITY: Carlyle

Timber Lakes Golf Course

Timber Lakes features an 18-hole, par 72 course.

CITY: Staunton

Red Barn Rendezvous RV Park

30 sites, phone hookups, handicap access

CITY: Edwardsville

Boulder Recreation Area

Swimming and fishing, boating, tent camping

CITY: Carlyle

Coles Creek Recreation Area

148 sites, electricity, shower, reservations

CITY: Carlyle

Carlyle Dam West Campground

Swimming, fishing, boating, tent camping

CITY: Carlyle

Drost Park

Drost Park features a 7-acre lake, pavilions, 1-mile walking trail, boat ramp, playground, and restroom facilities. The University of Illinois' Master Gardeners keep it seasonally beautiful.

CITY: Maryville

Stonebridge Golf Club

Stonebridge offers 18 holes of first-class golf.

CITY: Maryville

South Shore State Park

33 sites, fishing, boating, tent camping.

CITY: Carlyle

Ripson Bridge

Located north of Greenville in Sorento, this covered bridge holds festivals every year that draw thousands of visitors.

CITY: Sorento

Oak Brook Golf Course

Oak Brook features a 27-hole golf course.

CITY: Edwardsville

Rustic Acres Campgrounds

155 sites, recreation building, swimming pool, lake fishing, boat rentals, tent camping, handicap access.

CITY: New Douglas

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

Bur Oaks Camp Ground

Open all year, swimming and fishing, handicap access.

CITY: Alhambra

Bent Oak Golf Course

This par 9 course is located in Breese.

CITY: Breese

Eldon Hazlet State Park

The largest campground in the Illinois State Park system. The park covers 3,000 acres on the west shore of Carlyle Lake. Every year more than 3/4 million visitors come here to hunt, fish, picnic, camp, boat, water ski, and hike.

CITY: Carlyle

Coles Creek

148 sites, swimming, fishing, boating, tent camping

CITY: Carlyle

Indian Grove Campground

Overnight tent camping, overnight pull through spots and permanent camper sites. Call ahead -- space limited for overnight trailer sites.

CITY: Coffeen

Twin Oaks Golf Club

Twin Oaks offers a scenic nine-hole golf course.

CITY: Greenville

Locust Hills Golf Club

This 18-hole golf course was built in 1933.

CITY: Lebanon

Boulder Marina

The marina offers modern concrete docks, an air-conditioned lounge, private showers, dry dock, and winter storage.

CITY: Shattuc

Carlyle Lake Golf Club

This nine-hole golf course was designed by John Kueper.

CITY: Carlyle

Governors Run Golf and Country Club

This championship 18-hole course has 13 lakes scattered throughout the par 72 layout. It boasts five sets of tees to accommodate all skill levels on exquisitely manicured greens.

CITY: Carlyle

Staunton Country Club

This well-established, hilly nine-hole, semi-private course has many mature oaks, small greens and one water hole. The club also offers a swimming pool, tennis court and snack bar.

CITY: Staunton

Hideaway Campground

95 sites, electricity, water, sewer, showers, reservations.

CITY: Keyesport

McNair Group Camping

42 sites, lake swimming and fishing, boat rentals, tent camping.

CITY: Carlyle

Glenn Shoals Lake

Covering 1200 acres, has picnic areas, marina and public boat slips.

CITY: Hillsboro

Keyesport Lodging

Five cabins, cable TV, lake swimming and fishing.

CITY: Keyesport

Timber Trails Camp Ground

150 sites, electricity, 100 sites with water, 50 sites with sewer, showers, reservations.

CITY: Mulberry Grove

Fox Creek Golf Club

Fox Creek features an 18-hole golf course.

CITY: Edwardsville

Lake Hillsboro

Located on Lake Hillsboro , many camp sites, hiking and horseback trails, picnicking areas, playground and swimming beach

CITY: Hillsboro

D&M Hunting Club

Located 2.6 miles south of Rt. 37. With five strategically placed dry, heated, concrete pits overlooking water. Hunt in decoyed spreads in excess of 200 dozen, ducks available. Mandatory professional guides.

CITY: Marine

Tomahawk Camp Ground

142 sites, electricity, water, sewer, showers.

CITY: Pocahontas

Hillsboro Sherwood Forest Campground Montgomery County

Camping, Hiking, Fishing along with many special events. Call ahead for information.

CITY: Hillsboro

Bremer Sanctuary

Trails for bird watchers and nature lovers; 200 acres.

CITY: Hillsboro

Tri-Township Park

Just miles off I-55, I-70, and I-270, the park has easy access and has many features for travelers, like a petting zoo, playground equipment, picnic pavilions and a small lake.

CITY: Troy

Tradewinds Marina

Able to accommodate boats up to 45 ft. in covered slips and 40 ft. in open slips, Trade Winds Marina is a great place to moor your boat. The new clubhouse features showers, restrooms, and a lounging area for members.

CITY: Carlyle

Carlyle Lake Sailing Association

CSA has docking for 380 boats, 3 electric jib cranes, 1,300 ft. of dock and 2 launching ramps. Special events feature annual regattas.

CITY: Carlyle