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

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

Foundation Park

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

CITY: Centralia

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

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

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

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

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

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

Carlyle Dam East Spillway Campground

Swimming, fishing, boating.

CITY: Carlyle

Centralia Historical Society Museum

Centerpieces of the collection are newspapers and memorabilia from the coal mining days with tributes to railroad history.

CITY: Centralia

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

Nu-Bowl Lanes

28-lane bowling facility with snack bar.

CITY: Mount Vernon

Lakeside Camping

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

CITY: Keyesport

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

Kim's Little Shanty Antiques

Kim's has a wide variety of unique antiques.

CITY: Carlyle

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

McIlwain Mansion B&B

3 room bed and breakfast with private bathrooms.

CITY: Okawville

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

Nuff-Stuff Retail Antiques

Antiques, collectibles, glassware, oak furniture, and fireplace mantels.

CITY: Central City

Brehm Memorial Library

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

CITY: Mount Vernon

AMC Showplace 8

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

CITY: Mount Vernon

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

Schwartz Farms

You can find berries, apples, peaches, pears and watermelons in season here.

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

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

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

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

Coles Creek Recreation Area

148 sites, electricity, shower, reservations

CITY: Carlyle

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

Rusty Nail

The Rusty Nail has a large selection of great antiques.

CITY: Salem

Clinton County Showcase

The Showcase performs at the historic Avon Theatre. Call for a schedule of plays.

CITY: Breese

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

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

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

Steve's Antiques

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

CITY: Salem

Boulder Recreation Area

Swimming and fishing, boating, tent camping

CITY: Carlyle

Stephen A Forbes-State Recreation Area (Kinmundy)

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

CITY: Kinmundy

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

Hawkins-Schwartz Orchards

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

CITY: Dix

Spring Valley Golf Club

Spring Valley offers a par 18 golf course.

CITY: Okawville

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

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

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

Coal Miners Monument

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

CITY: Beckemeyer

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

Carlyle Dam West Campground

Swimming, fishing, boating, tent camping

CITY: Carlyle

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Roland Barkau Memorial Golf Course

This 18-hole golf course was designed by Robert Garard and Gary Hoelcher.

CITY: Okawville

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

South Shore State Park

33 sites, fishing, boating, tent camping.

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

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

William Jennings Bryan Museum

This 160-year old home has three rooms of original furniture, pictures and personal items once owned by politician William Jennings Bryan.

CITY: Salem

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

Greenview Golf Club

This public 18-hole, 72 par course offers rental clubs and carts, and a pro on site.

CITY: Centralia

Times Square Mall

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

CITY: Mount Vernon

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

Nashville Municipal Golf Course

This nine-hole golf course opened in 1967.

CITY: Nashville

Bent Oak Golf Course

This par 9 course is located in Breese.

CITY: Breese

Jerry's Bar and Grill

Offers full lunch and dinner menu along with homemade desserts. We specialize in hand-cut steaks.

CITY: Centralia

Peebles

Peebles offers nationally recognized brand name apparel, accessories, cosmetics, and footware for the entire family.

CITY: Centralia

Badollet House Bed & Breakfast

This 4 room bed and breakfast is located in downtown Salem just minutes from the Mariona County Fairgrounds.

CITY: Salem

Boulder Marina

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

CITY: Shattuc

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

Colonial Golf Course

This public 18-hole, par 70 course is open year round, with rental clubs and carts, plus a snack bar.

CITY: Sandoval

Coles Creek

148 sites, swimming, fishing, boating, tent camping

CITY: Carlyle

Carlyle Lake Golf Club

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

CITY: Carlyle

America's Best Bell Tower Inn

Welcome to the Americas Best Value Inn-Bell Tower of Centralia, Illinois, conveniently located in the heart of downtown Centralia within view of the historic Carillion Bell Tower and within walking distance of some of the finest dining and shopping in southern Illinois. Our 4-story interior access (elevator) Inn features 56 nicely furnished guest rooms with added amenities including cable TV with HBO and hairdryers. Upgrades include coffeemaker, mini-fridge, microwave, and iron/board. We offer a FREE deluxe continental breakfast, indoor pool, and playground for the kids, a meeting/banquet facility with kitchen and a business center in the lobby. Come relax and enjoy the value at the Americas Best Value Inn-Bell Tower of Centralia. Hi-Speed Wireless Internet Access available.

CITY: Centralia

Keyesport Cabins

6 room hotel, cable television, restaurant within walking distance.

CITY: Keyesport

Washington County State Recreational Area - Nashville, IL

A 248-acre lake fed by two creeks is the focal point of the Washington County State Recreational Area. The area offers several barrier-free facilities, including camping, hunting, picnicking and a fishing pier.

CITY: Nashville

Village Bakery & Deli

Village Bakery & Deli specializes in homemade donuts, bread and baked items. Daily luncheon specials. Deli meats and cheeses and more!

CITY: Okawville

Sharon's Cafe

Family atmosphere with home cooked meals. Full menu. Two banquet rooms.

CITY: Salem

Continental Motel

25 rooms, pets allowed

CITY: Salem