2013 Travel Guide
Enjoy Illinois App
Showing 1-96 of 178 items
Shawnee National Forest
The Shawnee National Forest is famed for its awesome Garden of the Gods, and is home to the Rim Rock Recreational Trail (the forest has a system of 403 miles of equestrian/hiking trails). Hikers are greeted by magnificent jutting walls of rock covered with emerald-green moss, and paths that meander through canyons under the forest canopy. Nestled between the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers, the stunning Shawnee National Forest landscape features rolling hills, lakes, creeks and rugged bluffs.
CITY: Harrisburg
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
Arrowhead Lake
Located on the northeast corner of Johnston City, this 35-acre lake includes a paved boat ramp for fishing, walking path, and campground. Only electric motors and canoes are permitted. You will find largemouth bass, bluegill, redear sunfish, black and white crappie, and channel catfish in this small reservoir.
CITY: Johnston City
20 - 27
Herrinfesta
Annual week-long festival recognizing the Italian heritage of the town of Herrin. This festival has nightly concerts, contests, parade and carnival.
CITY: Herrin
Bandy's Pumpkin Patch
This fun fall destination (open Oct. 1-30) features mazes, inflatable games and face painting for the little ones, and hayrides. Grab a snack from the concession stand (try the sweet rock candy) before heading home with the perfect pumpkin.
CITY: Johnston City
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
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
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
The Porch Basket
A unique one of a kind shop in downtown Eldorado, the Porch Basket offers a large line of hand woven baskets, country decor items, and a large line of basket weaving supplies. Call about basket weaving lessons.
CITY: Eldorado
Super 8 - Harrisburg
Hot tub- suites available free continental breakfast- non smoking & handicapped rooms available.
CITY: Harrisburg
Saline Creek Pioneer Village
This fascinating pioneer village includes the original Saline County Pauper Farm (now a three-story museum), an old jail, an 1859 one-room schoolhouse, the Cain Church, several 1800s log cabins, a barn and country store.
CITY: Harrisburg
The Bar B Q Barn
One of Harrisburg's most popular home cooking restaurants, the speciality is fresh pit style BBQ sandwiches. Open Monday through Saturday for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Stop in before hiking in the Garden of the Gods.
CITY: Harrisburg
Economy Inn & Suites
Well established, friendly hometown motel. Queen beds, specials, kids free under 12, free coffee and tourism information. Close to Shawnee National Forest and Garden of Gods Recreation Area.
CITY: Harrisburg
Doughboy Statue
The Doughboy statue was commissioned to honor the men who served in WWI, and is one of 90 that exists in the United States.
CITY: Herrin
Lafayette Inn
Located in three historic structures covering 2/3rds of the city block, two blocks west of the public square on Route 13.
CITY: Harrisburg
How the West Was Won - Shawnee National Forest
An all-star cast is featured in this frontier drama about the western expansion of the United States in the early 1800s, as seen through the eyes of two pioneer families. Parts of the movie were filmed in Southern Illinois' Shawnee National Forest and Cave-in-Rock State Park, named for its limestone cave that once harbored real river pirates.
CITY: Harrisburg
Bryant's Miniatures
Bryant's Miniatures features miniature horses, llamas and George the camel. Children and adults are welcome to enjoy the animals at this hands-on facility.
CITY: Norris City
VF Factory Outlet Mall
Enclosed mall with ten stores. Walkers welcome. Restaurants nearby.
CITY: West Frankfort
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
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
Herrin City Park
Beautiful pond, bridge with year around ducks and geese. A variety of playground equipment that caters to children of all ages.
CITY: Herrin
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
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
Williams Hill Pass
The bunkhouse cabins accommodate four people. Each cabin includes heat, air-conditioning, electricity, table and chairs, a full bed bunk bed and linens. Picnic tables and fire rings are provided outside the cabins for meal preparation. Showers and bathrooms are located in the air conditioned shower house at the Welcome Center. Williams Hill Pass is a family-oriented OHV park located between Mitchellville and Rudement just off Illinois Route 34 in southern Saline County on the north slope of Williams Hill, the highest point in Southern Illinois.
CITY: Harrisburg
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
Jimmy Dean's Marketplace
One of the unique places to visit while in Eldorado, Jimmy Dean's is easily located on US Hwy 45, and offers a variety of antiques, collectibles, glassware, primitives, jewelry and that special something.
CITY: Eldorado
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Brehm Memorial Library
An extensive collection of genealogical materials offers visitors an opportunity to research local Mt. Vernon history.
CITY: Mount Vernon
Saline County Golf & Country Club
This beautiful Southern Illinois course features 18 par 70 holes, and is open year round. The club also features a full pro shop and snack bar, plus golf club rental.
CITY: Eldorado
China Buffet Harrisburg
Delicious Chinese Food Buffet to take out or eat in. Lunch and Dinner and Saturday and Sunday it's all day Buffet.
CITY: Harrisburg
AMC Showplace 8
Movie Theatre with 8 theatres featuring special ticket pricing and traditional movie theatre concessions.
CITY: Mount Vernon
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
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
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
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
Arrow Head Lake Camp Ground
This campground with a cabin has 26 rooms. There is camping anytime. Some facility amenities include free parking, laundry services, pets allowed, park, and a 2.25 mile walking trail.
CITY: Johnston City
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
Mackie's Pizza of Harrisburg
The best place in Harrisburg for homemade pizza from the crust, thick or thin, to the homemade sauce and toppings. Also, great stromboli, 5 kinds of salads, and cheese bread stix.
CITY: Harrisburg
Four Seasons Campground
4 miles west of I-57 exit 59. Clean, friendly, spacious, shaded RV Park with many familiar amenities. Wireless internet available. Next to Herrin Park. Two cabins available.It has 33 sites and pets are allowed.
CITY: Herrin
Hollywood Tavern
This is a tavern that offers daily drink specials. We serve sandwiches and pizza. We also do fundraisers for charities.
CITY: Herrin
Shawnee Hills Country Club
This fun, challenging course includes nine, 36 par holes, and is open spring, summer and fall. The club offers a full pro shop and snack bar.
CITY: Harrisburg
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
Stardust Golf and Country Club
9 holes, par 36, winter golf, club and cart rental, snack bar.
CITY: Johnston City
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
Tequilas Mexican Restaurant Harrisburg
Authentic Mexican food; the best in Saline County.
CITY: Harrisburg
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
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
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
Comfort Inn
Modern motel, built in 2000, with king and queen beds, indoor pool, continental breakfast, tourism information and more. Only minutes from Garden of the Gods Rec. Area and Shawnee Nat'l Forest.
CITY: Harrisburg
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
8 - 9
Gus Macker Max Hoopster 3on3 Basketball Tournament
Gus Macker Basketball Tournament is a tournament designed by players for players, entertaining for the spectators and a wholesome, family event. Teams of 4 (3 players, 1 sub) compete in this competition. Cost is $132 per team.
CITY: Mount Vernon
Renaissance House: A Working Art Gallery
The gallery offers classes in art, as well as original art and gifts for sale. Exhibits and events in the performing arts are scheduled throughout the year.
CITY: Eldorado
Strictly Outdoors Outfitters
This 12,000 Sq. Ft. store, just minutes from the Shawnee National Forest, has it all for the outdoorsman; fishing, camping, hunting & hiking equipment, boots, canoes, shoes, and even information on places to go and things to do in So. Illinois.
CITY: Harrisburg
Flint Hill Vineyard
Flint Hill Vineyards began growing grapes in the Mid 1990's with the efforts of brothers-in-law, Louis Bertino and John Molinarolo. Louis had a vineyard of Concord and Niagara at his home site some years earlier. After courses in the development of a vineyard, two acres of vines were planted from cuttings acquired from an established Southern Illinois vineyard. The varieties planted were Chambourcin and Vignoles, French hybrids proven to fare well in our climate and produce fruit that vinted into excellent wine. In the late 1990's another two acres of vines were planted adding the Seyval Blanc variety, a proven and hardy producer.
CITY: Muddy
Mitchellsville Country Store
Hot food, sodas, snacks, fresh baked Mennonite breads and desserts along with groceries and gasoline. Owners: Jim and Melissa Kuhlmann and David and Debbie Fox.
CITY: Harrisburg
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
Seasons Lodge & Condominiums
Provides affordably priced and beautifully furnished accommodations. Optional spa and fireplace suites. Restaurant and golf course on site.
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
The Antique Gallery
Shop in 5500 sq. feet of quality antiques, including furniture, glassware, china, primitives, 50+ quilts, jewelry, lamps, cookie jars, depression glass, old books and much more.
CITY: Eldorado
Hampton Inn - Mount Vernon
101 rooms located near I-57. Indoor pool, spa and exercise room. Rooms with whirlpool tubs available.
CITY: Mount Vernon
The Book Emporium
17,000 sq. feet of books! Over 1000 cookbooks; classics, novels, religious & childrens section, collectible paper back romances, westerns, local and war books. Bring in your re-read books for trade; will special order on any book still in publication.
CITY: Harrisburg
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
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
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
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
Times Square Mall
Shopping mall with Sears, JC Penney, Peebles, and a variety of specialty shops.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Kew Gardens
Family oriented dining, dine in or carry out. Casual atmosphere and friendly service. Serves all kinds of Chinese foods.
CITY: Herrin
Pine Lakes Golf Club
The 18-hole "pine lakes" course at the Pine Lakes Golf Course facility features 5,889 yards of golf from the longest trees for a par of 67. The course rating is 67.0 and it has a slope rating of 107.
CITY: Herrin
Shamrock Antiques
Located off Rt 13 in Johnston City, this antique store has glassware, kitchenware,collectibles, and much more. Lots of variety in this newly established business.
CITY: Johnston City
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
Agave
Great Mexican restaurant with authentic Mexican food and a great atmosphere.
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
