2013 Travel Guide
Enjoy Illinois App
Showing 1-96 of 130 items
Rend Lake
It's all about the water at Rend Lake, where you can swim, boat, water ski and fish. Relax at Rend Lake Resort, tee off at the 27-hole Rend Lake Golf Course or do some target practice at the Rend Lake Shooting Complex. Also located at Rend Lake is the Southern Illinois Art & Artisans Center, featuring more than 800 artists.
CITY: Benton
Rend Lake Golf Course
This 27-hole golf course, part of the Rend Lake Recreation Complex, was ranked as one of the best public courses in the Midwest by Golf Digest, which rated it 4-1/2 stars. Chicago architect Lawrence Packard designed the course with some fairways overlooking scenic Rend Lake. The on-site Seasons Lodge and Condominiums offers golf packages that let you stay close to the action.
CITY: Whittington
Wayne Fitzgerrell State Park
3,300-acre peninsula in Rend Lake. Beautiful park offering boating, camping, and picnicking with shelters. Programs include pheasant hunting, field trials, and bass tournaments. Bicycle, horse trails, and stables.
CITY: Whittington
Rend Lake Cabins in the Woods
Two cabins. Located off the southwest side of Rend Lake complete with full kitchen, two bedrooms, satellite TV, washer and dryer, front porch with swing, fire pit, barbecue grill and just 15 minutes off of Interstate 57.
CITY: Benton
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
4
Salute to Freedom
Come to the huge fireworks display at the Mt. Vernon Airport for July 4th. This event also includes live entertainment, children's area, food vendors, and much more!
CITY: Mount Vernon
18 - 20
Mt. Vernon Fall Festival
This three day October festival in downtown Mt. Vernon includes a beer tent with live entertainment, parade, children's area, food, fun, car show, band competition, pumpkin competition, and so much more!
CITY: Mount Vernon
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
Southern Illinois Artisans Shop and Visitors Center
More than 25 categories of arts and crafts from fine art to the traditional crafts from more than 900 Illinois artisans. Also, home to the Southern Illinois Art Gallery. Special workshops and events throughout the year.
CITY: Whittington
Rend Lake Resort and Conference Center
Situated on Rend Lake in Wayne Fitzgerrell State Park, this modern resort offers cabins and boat rental suites, courtesy boat docking slips, restaurants and more. Guests can enjoy golfing, hiking, horseback riding, swimming and other water sports.
CITY: Whittington
VF Factory Outlet Mall
Enclosed mall with ten stores. Walkers welcome. Restaurants nearby.
CITY: West Frankfort
7 - 8
Cedarhurst Craft Fair
More than 160 exhibitors from throughout the country show and sell diverse craft items. Includes continuous entertainment, children's activities, and a variety of food.
CITY: Mount Vernon
Ten Mile Creek State Fish and Wildlife Area
5,800 acres vary from flat bottomlands to rolling forestlands. Fields throughout the site provide for 1,000 acres of planted food for wildlife. Game hunting for rabbit, quail and waterfowl is allowed. Fishing is available at 25 strip-pit lakes and ponds.
CITY: McLeansboro
Ina Antiques and Collectibles
On the corner of 3rd and Rte. 3 St. Sells pottery, china, quilts, glassware, antiques, old signs, old toys, vintage clothing, old clocks, furniture, gas station memorabilia.
CITY: Ina
Jun 11
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
Pheasant Hollow Winery
Pheasant Hollow Winery is located in a rustic log cabin in the woods near Rend Lake. A large tasting room, huge stone fireplace, and a wraparound deck provide a great place to sample Pheasant Hollow's award-winning wines.
CITY: Whittington
Franklin County Jail Museum
This restored 1905 jail museum features displays on General John A. Logan, the Beatles' George Harrison, actor John Malkovich and basketball star Doug Collins.
CITY: Benton
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
Benton Country Club
This semi-private, nine-hole course features a historic three-story clubhouse, surrounded by Lake Moses. Host of the annual Benton Gold Cup, the course also features a well-stocked pro shop, driving range, rental clubs and carts, and a golf pro on site.
CITY: Benton
19
Downtown Car Show/Cruise Night
Downtown Car Show / Mt. Vernon Cruise Night - The Car Show will be located on 9th Street between Harrison and Jordan. Features cruise night, car, truck, and motorcycle show; entertainment, food, demonstrations, and a 50/50 drawing. The Car Show will have various models from "Classics" to "Modern".
CITY: Mount Vernon
AMC Showplace 8
Movie Theatre with 8 theatres featuring special ticket pricing and traditional movie theatre concessions.
CITY: Mount Vernon
Franklin County Garage and Auto Museum
This old 1910 Ford garage has been restored to its original condition and now displays vintage cars, Beatles and Charlie Binger memorabilia, and has a gift shop.
CITY: Benton
5 - 7
Plane & Pilot Midwest LSA Expo
At the Plane & Pilot Midwest LSA Expo, you'll find Light Sport Aircrafts lined on the tarmac of the Mt. Vernon Airport. You will also find LSA's for sale, LSA ancillary equipment, and LSA related services.
CITY: Mount Vernon
19
Little Egypt Fly-In & Veterans Reunion
War birds and aircrafts will fill the runways of the Mt. Vernon Airport, along with many other prestigious models. There will also be field activities, including entertainment and concessions throughout the day.
CITY: Mount Vernon
Depot Veteran's Museum
This restored railroad depot houses memorabilia from all wars. Outside is a Southern Illinois Miners Memorial dedicated to coal miners of the region.
CITY: West Frankfort
Frankfort Area Historical Museum
The former two-story brick Logan School is now a museum featuring area mining history, memorabilia from 1802-1976, a genealogy library, and the Red Geranium Tea Room that serves homemade lunch.
CITY: West Frankfort
5 - 6
Heritage Festival
This annual festival held the first weekend in October celebrates pioneer life with demonstrations, crafts and food. Features a blue grass band, cemetery walk, and a church service at the historic Mt. Olive Church. Free admission!
CITY: Mount Vernon
Illinois State Museum - Southern Illinois Art Gallery
A museum gallery featuring theme-based exhibitions of works created by past and contemporary Illinois artists and artisans.
CITY: Whittington
Innstead Bed and Breakfast
Early 20th century farm house located within walking distance to historic McCoy Library with one of the oldest genealogy collections in the midwest.
CITY: McLeansboro
Hamilton County State Fish And Wildlife Area
The 1,683-acre site has a 75-acre lake where families can picnic, fish, paddle boat, camp and enjoy the good food at the on-site restaurant.
CITY: McLeansboro
Hawkins-Schwartz Orchards
This orchard features fresh-picked apples, peaches, a pumpkin patch, cider and special events for children during apple season.
CITY: Dix
Seasons Lodge & Condominiums
Provides affordably priced and beautifully furnished accommodations. Optional spa and fireplace suites. Restaurant and golf course on site.
CITY: Whittington
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
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
Joyce's Country Quilts
Beautiful hand-stitched quilt,; plus a large supply of quilt and dress fabrics and notions in a quaint country store.
CITY: Dahlgren
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
Best Holiday Trav-L-Park-Benton
A private, family-oriented RV campground with 120 sites from tents to huge recreational vehicles. Peaceful, wooded setting close to all the activities at Rend Lake.
CITY: Whittington
Benton KOA Campground
Full-service campground with pool, pavilion, grocery shop, RV supplies and laundry available. Modem hookups. Shopping, golf, Rend Lake water activities (1½ mi.), 20 shaded tent sites.
CITY: Benton
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
Hampton Inn - Mount Vernon
101 rooms located near I-57. Indoor pool, spa and exercise room. Rooms with whirlpool tubs available.
CITY: Mount Vernon
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
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
6
Cedarhurst Craft Fair Preview Night
Every year visitors look forward to the Cedarhurst Craft Fair Friday evening preview, featuring jazz, great food and beverages, and first choice among hundreds of vendors' merchandise.
CITY: Mount Vernon
Okla-Tex Nick's Bar-B-Q
Located in Benton's Days Inn, this popular restaurant is open daily serving breakfast, lunch & dinner. The specialty is the BBQ, chicken, beef or pork. Lunch & Dinner specials, kids 10 & under free on Sunday, delivery, catering & carryouts. Bar with two pool tables. Karaoke Wed. and Sun.
CITY: Benton
South Marcum Campground
Campground open April 1st through October 31st. Activities begin in May and run through September. 147 sites with electricity and 14 tent sites. Close to Rend Lake and Visitors Center.
CITY: Benton
Green Hills Golf Club
This 18-hole, semi-private country club features lush Bermuda fairways and bent grass greens with four sets of tees (the longest over 6,500 yards). Green Hills also offers a large driving range, plus practice and chipping greens, a pro shop, lounge and restaurant.
CITY: Mount Vernon
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
Frankfort Community Aquatics & Activities Center
Located at the West Frankfort City Park, this newly built indoor 25-meter six lane pool is open to the public; classes and activities available, handicap accessible, lifeguard on site, open every day.
CITY: West Frankfort
Gibby's on the Green
Located on the Rend Lake Golf Course, Gibby's restaurant opens 30 minutes before the first tee time every day. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served. Sandwiches, steaks and seafood are on the menu.
CITY: Whittington
Gray Plaza Motel Benton
Modern motel off I-57 featuring free Continental Breakfast, restaurants next door, cabel TV, free HBO & ESPN, golf, hunting and fishing nearby, close to Rend Lake.
CITY: Benton
McCoy House Memorial Library
This majestic four-story Victorian home, built in 1884 by banker A.G. Cloud, sits next to the old bank of similar architectural style. The house is now a memorial library and museum decorated with beautiful furnishings and paintings.
CITY: McLeansboro
Agave
Great Mexican restaurant with authentic Mexican food and a great atmosphere.
CITY: Mount Vernon
Franklin County Country Club
This club offers an immaculate bermuda fairway and bent green grass, par 71 course. Franklin County also features a fine dining restaurant, locker rooms and a pro shop.
CITY: West Frankfort
Season's at Rend Lake
At Season's enjoy either casual or semi-formal dining at its best. Full service bar, seasonal favorites and specials with a beautiful view of Rend Lake golf course. Meeting and banquet rooms for up to 250.
CITY: Whittington
Burton's Cafe
This little roadside restaurant is known for its country home cooking and sinful white pie, heaped with whipped cream and pecans. Family-owned business for 59 years. Famous for white and about 10 flavors of homemade pie daily. Plate lunches, ham & beans. Friday and Saturday catfish dinners. Call ahead for groups. Seating for 86.
CITY: Whittington
Days Inn - Benton
Quality rooms with competitive prices located off I-57. Close to all the activities at rend lake with restaurant and lounge on premises.
CITY: Benton
Mt. Vernon Veterans Park
86 acres of shaded playgrounds, tennis courts, swimming pool, in-line skating area and walking path around the lake. Fishing is allowed with proper license.
CITY: Mount Vernon
Windows Restaurant
Located at the Rend Lake Resort, this friendly restaurant offers fine regional cuisine with a waterfront view. Try the Sunday afternoon all-you-can-eat fried chicken buffet.
CITY: Whittington
Super 8 Motel - Benton
Located just off I-57 at Benton Exit, this modern motel extends the traveler 48 clean rooms, free morning coffee and convenient restaurant and lounge on premises. Special packages for hunters and fishermen.
CITY: Benton
Martin's Restaurant & Catering
Family atmosphere. Breakfast, lunch and dinner. Daily specials. Everything's homemade. Large variety of sandwiches available. Call ahead for group, seating for 65.
CITY: Benton
Memories Antiques-Collectibles
We have a very large selection of fine glassware, vintage and antique furniture, and the latest in collectibles.
CITY: Benton
Jack Russell Fish Company
Fish with an "old Tavern recipe". Upscale decor with mid scale prices. Tropical theme with crawdads once a month & other fish dinners plus chicken and pork.
CITY: Benton
Fairgrounds Inn
Stay at this Du Quoin Hotel offering " a small town touch with large city amenities" Located adjacent to the Du Quoin State Fairgrounds. The Fairgrounds Inn is situated in the heartland of Southern Illinois Illinois. Adjacent to Du Quoin State Fairgrounds with easy access to Southern Illinois University, Southern Illinois Center, Illinois State Police Headquarters and Sparta World Shooting Complex. The hotel's proximity to Pyramid State Park and Rend Lake make it an Ideal Spot for guests to enjoy a variety of outdoor actives.
CITY: Du Quoin
America's Best Value Inn
Conveniently and centrally located the Americas Best Value Inn proves to be a great starting point for those visiting historic Mt. Vernon. Our property is a four story, exterior corridor facility with spacious guestrooms.
CITY: Mount Vernon
Gray Plaza West Frankfort
Modern motel off I-57, featuring cable TV, free continental breakfast, free local calls, Sr. Citizen discounts, close to restaurants and only 10 minutes to Rend Lake.
CITY: West Frankfort
China Pagoda
Chinese Buffet 7 days a week, featuring the best Hunan, Szechwan & Mandarin Cuisine in the area. we also offer carry out, buffet to go, lunch specials, and a seafood buffet on Friday & Saturday. Located on the beautiful Benton Square.
CITY: Benton
Cozy Inn
78 rooms located near I-57 on frontage road. Free coffee in the morning. Special parking lot for trucks.
CITY: Mount Vernon
Quality Times R.V. Park
Shady drive-thru spaces for RVs, with water, sewer, electric hookups, tent sites, picnic tables. Close to the visitors complex.
CITY: Mount Vernon
America's Best Inn
America's Best Inn is a part of a national chain specializing in easy, comfortable and affordable hotels. This hotel is conveniently located just off I-57/64 and includes free breakfast. Pets ok.
CITY: Mount Vernon
America's Best Value Inn
Welcome to the Americas Best Value Inn of West Frankfort, Illinois located just off I-57 at Exit 65. We offer you a clean and friendly environment for your stay in West Frankfort.
CITY: West Frankfort
Gun Creek Campground
Campground with 100 sites with electricity located on Rend Lake. The Seasons Lodge Restaurant, the Rend Lake Gold Course, and the Southern Illinois Artisans Shop are all within walking distance.
CITY: Whittington
Rend Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area
Anglers looking for crappie, catfish and bass drop their lines at this area, located on the 18,900-acre Rend Lake. A comprehensive management program provides habitat for a variety of wildlife, including great blue herons and many species of shorebirds.
CITY: Bonnie
Sidwell Friends Bed and Breakfast
This B&B is housed in a classic 1920s Colonial decorated with antiques and fine art. Sidwell Friends is located just blocks from Cedarhurst Center for the Arts, which features the Mitchell Museum and an impressive sculpture park.
CITY: Mount Vernon
Bugsy's Chicago Dog
Bugsy's is Mt. Vernon's only authentic Chicago-style food! Menu includes real Chicago-style dogs, as well as a Greek menu, and much much more!
CITY: Mount Vernon
North Sandusky Campground
Beautiful campground on Rend Lake with 118 sites with electricity. Full hookups available on selected sites. Three picnic shelter areas (wheelchair accessible). One group area with 21 wooded campsites for $100 a day.
CITY: Sesser
Old Bates Campground
Located on the west side of Rend Lake off of Route 148 at the intersection of Peach Orchard Road. Offers electricity, water and sewer, shower house, bottle gas filed, dumping stations as well as campers to rent. Owners: Robert and Angela Holder.
CITY: Sesser
Arnett's Country Store
Come to the country and enjoy furniture, accessories and primitives from a piece of the past. This quaint store also offers seasonal decorations and gift ideas.
CITY: West Frankfort
Rend Lake Shooting Complex
400-acre facility with trap shooting, sporting clay range, shooters' pro shop, 3-D archery range, hunting preserve, skeet and 5-stand. Monthly registered shoots. Open year-round.
CITY: Whittington
Benton Square Antique Mall
Come see many unusual items, some you don't see every day -- and our prices are very fair. We always tell the customer go check the rest, come back to the best!
CITY: Benton
Macedonia Game Preserve
A state-licensed hunting preserve, we provide hunters with a good environment and quality deer management. Also quail, pheasant,chukar and dove hunting available. Package prices available upon request for walk-in hunts, corporate & business hunts.
CITY: Macedonia
Holiday Inn - Mount Vernon
236 rooms located near I-57. Large banquet and meeting facilities. Restaurants inside hotel.
CITY: Mount Vernon
Downtown Mt. Vernon (The District)
Visit Downtown Mt. Vernon for a variety of shops, including a kitchen store, photography studio, musical instruments, clothing, fine jewelry, scrapbooking supplies, and gifts.
CITY: Mount Vernon
Aug 6
Krieger's Sports Grill
Home to outstanding food and drinks, a great atmosphere for sports and families.
CITY: Mount Vernon
South Sandusky Campground
120 camping sites with electricity and 8 tent sites on beautiful Rend Lake. Full hookups on selected sites. Beach.
CITY: Sesser
