2013 Travel Guide
Enjoy Illinois App
Showing 1-96 of 228 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
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
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
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
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
The Mermaid House
The beautiful house is an example of an 1830s hotel. Charles Dickens once visited there in 1842 while researching a book he wrote on prairies in America.
CITY: Lebanon
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
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
Calico Moon
Calico Moon features primitives, dry goods, rug hooking, primitive stitch, supplies, and classes.
CITY: Lebanon
St. Louis Street Shopping
St. Louis Street in Lebanon is paved with brick and lined with many unique antique boutiques and specialty shops. Several of the stores specialize in Victorian and country collectibles, distinctive gifts, music, foods, fine glassware, and books. Shoppers can find a little bit of everything here.
CITY: Lebanon
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
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
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
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
Timmerman House
3 room bed and breakfast, credit cards accepted, breakfast, deposit required, cancellation policy, private bathrooms.
CITY: Aviston
Clinton County Showcase
The Showcase performs at the historic Avon Theatre. Call for a schedule of plays.
CITY: Breese
Julius J. Knobeloch State Nature Preserve
Beautiful. untouched nature preserve which way originally purchased by the Knobeloch family in 1874. After a family disagreement, the land was auctioned off to the nature conservancy and then sold to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
CITY: Freeburg
American Legion Post 58 Freedom Farm
40 sites, recreation building, lake swimming and fishing, boating, tent camping, handicap access.
CITY: Freeburg
Nuff-Stuff Retail Antiques
Antiques, collectibles, glassware, oak furniture, and fireplace mantels.
CITY: Central City
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
The Hett Theater
Distinguished speakers, concerts, and drama are all part of the playbill at The Hett, McKendree College's showcase Center for the Arts.
CITY: Lebanon
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
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
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
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
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
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
Mascoutah Heritage Museum
The museum focuses on the businesses that helped the city grow, particularly milling.
CITY: Mascoutah
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
Rieso Farm Museum & Antiques
There is a large collection of machinery and primitives dating back to the 1800s.
CITY: New Athens
Looking Glass Playhouse
The Looking Glass Playhouse was started in 1972 by a small group of volunteers to raise money for McKendree College by directing and producing a musical play. The play was a success and they have been putting on performances ever since. Drama, musicals, and comedy performances are on the bill.
CITY: Lebanon
Schwartz Farms
You can find berries, apples, peaches, pears and watermelons in season here.
CITY: Centralia
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
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
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
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
Kaskaskia River Marina/Campground (New Athens)
100 sites available year round, recreation building, cable TV, swimming, fishing, tent camping, handicap access
CITY: New Athens
Coal Miners Monument
Joseph Koch, who along with eight other local miners died in a mine explosion in 1947, is depicted here.
CITY: Beckemeyer
Open House Theater
Shows are performed at the Turkey Hill Grange, Progressive Grange, and The New Athens Senior Center.
CITY: New Athens
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
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
Our Common Ground
Our Common Ground is a nonprofit organization dedicated to growing local art by organizing mixed media shows in rural communities.
CITY: Lebanon
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
American Legion Post 58 Freedom Farm
40 sites, recreation building, lake swimming and fishing, boating, tent camping, handicap access.
CITY: Freeburg
Landmark on Madison Bed & Breakfast
Historic classic Greek Revival mansion built in 1906. Built on the site of old Veranda Hotel stagecoach stop on the Vincennes Trail. Full of southern charm. A step back in time.
CITY: Lebanon
Kaskaskia River Marina Campground
100 sites, recreation building, cable TV, swimming, fishing, tent camping, handicap access.
CITY: New Athens
Roland Barkau Memorial Golf Course
This 18-hole golf course was designed by Robert Garard and Gary Hoelcher.
CITY: Okawville
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
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
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
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
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
Downtown Lebanon
Stroll brick-paved St. Louis Street in the Lebanon Antiques District, where you’ll find more than 20 antique and specialty shops in this historic town that was founded in 1804, during the time of the Lewis & Clark expedition.
CITY: Lebanon
Huegen's General Store
Huegen's General Store has a small-town feeling in beautiful Albers Illinois.
CITY: Albers
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
Kaskaskia River Marina
The marina on the Kaskaskia River is the site of drag boat races in September. Next to the marina, enjoy batting cages, ball fields, and roller hockey in the park.
CITY: New Athens
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
Wally's Restaurant
Try one of Wally's famous burgers or one of the many other great choices on the menu.
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
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
Riding Center
Stop in or make a reservation to ride the trails. Lessons are also available.
CITY: Freeburg
Marissa Antique Station, Inc.
Marissa Antique Station, Inc. has over 100 dealers and offers almost everything and anything you could want.
CITY: Marissa
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
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
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
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
Boulder Marina
The marina offers modern concrete docks, an air-conditioned lounge, private showers, dry dock, and winter storage.
CITY: Shattuc
