2013 Travel Guide
Enjoy Illinois App
Showing 1-96 of 266 items
Fort de Chartres State Historic Site
This former French military stronghold has been partially rebuilt and turned into a museum. Regular living history events shed light on colonial life in Illinois, and include 18th-century crafts, food, music, hundreds of historically dressed participants, flintlock rifle and musket contests, cannon and mortar competitions, traders and much more. There are also guided tours of the 1800 Creole House, which was designed in the French-American Transitional Architecture style.
CITY: Prairie du Rocher
National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows
The Shrine has 200 beautifully landscaped acres of gardens and devotional areas, including the Outdoor Amphitheatre, Shrine Church, Lourdes Grotto, Stations of the Cross, Millennium Spire, the Visitors Center with a restaurant and gift shop, and the Shrine Hotel.
CITY: Belleville
Illinois Caverns
There are formations of stalactites, stalagmites, soda straws, and more. An underground stream flows through the cave bed, and the temperature is a relatively constant 58 degrees.
CITY: Waterloo
Popeye Statue
This monument honors Elzie Seager, Chester native and creator of beloved cartoon character Popeye the Sailor Man. The Popeye statue stands proudly next to the Chester Bridge.
CITY: Chester
Belle-Clair Fairgrounds & Exposition Center
Home to the annual St. Clair County Fair, several craft shows and monthly flea markets, the complex also includes the Belle-Clair Speedway, with stock car races and demolition derbies.
CITY: Belleville
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
The Edge
The largest laser tag arena in the region also includes mini-golf, a big video arcade with the coolest games on the market, and food at D.S.Vespers Sports Pub and Eatery.
CITY: Belleville
Fults Hill Prairie State Nature Preserve
The preserve consists of nearly 1,000 acres of both upland prairie and lowland wetland marshes. A variety of plants and animals can be found in the preserve, some common, and some cannot be found anywhere else in the state.
CITY: Prairie du Rocher
Main Street Jazz & Blues
Join the group at this small intimate club featuring performers from St. Louis and the local area.
CITY: Belleville
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
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
Reids' Inn Best Western
46 rooms, non-smoking, handicapped accessable, credit cards accepted, cable television available, outdoor pool, a whirlpool and fitness room, pets accepted, lounge/bar on premises, and complimentary breakfast served
CITY: Chester
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
Thomas Kinkade Gallery
The Thomas Kinkade Gallery of Belleville is full of beautiful works by Thomas Kinkade.
CITY: Belleville
Rex's Museum
A Lionel train set shares space with a Li'l Abner Dogpatch Band windup toy and British toy soldiers. Antique collectibles, clothing, glassware, a mule deer antler chandelier, and many more unusual items fill the 2,000 sq. ft. "extra room" added onto the house.
CITY: Waterloo
Broadway Center of Arts
Groups regularly perform at the "Black Box" Main Stage theatre.
CITY: Belleville
Ratz Memorial Park and Lincoln Park
Located in Red Bud, these parks feature picnic shelters, and plenty of playground equipment. Both are great places to take the kids.
CITY: Red Bud
Arts & More Gallery
Arts & More Gallery offers custom framing, in-home consultations, art classes, hundreds of mats and frames, and thousands of prints. Also, original art by local, national, and international artists.
CITY: Red Bud
Braeutigam's Orchards
Blackberries, peaches, apples, pumpkins, tomatoes, and eggplant are the specialties at this orchard.
CITY: Belleville
Randolph County Museum & Archives
Built in 1864, the museum is a repository for French-Colonial-era records and special exhibits. Next door, the Randolph County Courthouse offers a panoramic view of the Mississippi River Valley from a 5th-floor, glassed-in observation deck, a mini-museum in the Jail lobby, and a flag display in the courtyard.
CITY: Chester
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
Belle Clair Speedway
Stock car races, drag races and demolition derbies are regular events at this speedway.
CITY: Belleville
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
The Creole House
The house, built in 1800, is an example of French and American architecture.
CITY: Prairie du Rocher
Dec 31
Way of Lights
The Way of Lights at the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows in Belleville offers the only light display that tells the Birth of Jesus. The story depicts the “Journey to Bethlehem” and culminates at the nativity. A million white lights, life-size statues and electro-art sculptures bring the story to life. Inside the Visitors Center there are tree & wreath displays, an interactive children's village, choir performances, live animals, camel rides and an indoor laser show making this an evening to remember.
CITY: Belleville
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
Creole House
This Lower Mississippi-style house was built in the early 1800s, and has been completely restored to reflect life during this period.
CITY: Prairie du Rocher
Eckert's Country Store & Farms - Belleville
This Eckert's location has a greenhouse, restaurant, Country Store, and fruits and vegetables to pick in season.
CITY: Belleville
Turkey Bluffs State Fish and Wildlife Area
Hiking, picnicking, horseback riding and wildlife viewing. Hunting for upland game, fur-bearers and deer is encouraged on its 2,265 scenic acres that overlook the Mississippi River.
CITY: Chester
Sharon's Heart of Gold
Sharon's Heart of Gold has a large variety of craft booths.
CITY: Steeleville
Ben's Antique Mall
For over 17 years, Ben's Antique Mall has offered furniture, antiques, and Belleville items.
CITY: Belleville
Patchwork Corner Crafts
Patchwork Corner Crafts has a wide variety of quilting and craft supplies.
CITY: Mascoutah
Corner George Inn
The Corner George Inn is a landmark in the 150-year-old Maeystown German settlement, which is listed on the National Historic Register of Historic Places. Also visit the town's 1867 church, one-lane stone arched bridge, general store, sweet shoppe, museum and visitor's center.
CITY: Maeystown
American Legion Post 58 Freedom Farm
40 sites, recreation building, lake swimming and fishing, boating, tent camping, handicap access.
CITY: Freeburg
Limelight Players
This talented troupe can be found at a variety of venues from dinner theater at Fischer's Restaurant to stage shows at Southwestern Illinois College.
CITY: Belleville
Club Escapade
In business since 1998, this Belleville gay bar features karaoke on Wednesdays, and dancing to live DJs on select Saturday nights.
CITY: Belleville
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
Emma Kunz House
Visitors are invited to walk through this home, considered to be the oldest Greek Revival-style home in Illinois.
CITY: Belleville
The Stone House Bed and Breakfast
A choice of three guest bedroom await you as well as a private sitting parlor with firesplace; two larges porches with Mississippi River view. Full breakfast served in formal dining room.
CITY: Chester
Mary's River Covered Bridge
Mary's River Covered Bridge was built in 1854 as part of a planked toll road between Breman and Chester. Currently it is the only covered bridge in Southern Illinois, and it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1974.
CITY: Chester
Fort Kaskaskia State Historic Site (Ellis Grove)
Open year round with 50 camp sites
CITY: Ellis Grove
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 Bell Shrine and the Liberty Bell of the West
Known as the Liberty Bell of the West, the Kaskaskia Bell was rung as the island was captured from the British during the Revolutionary War.
CITY: Ellis Grove
Bellefontaine House
Meriwether Lewis is reported to have stayed here. It is home to some of the earliest settlers in Illinois (1782) and was named by the French for a spring located on the beautiful site.
CITY: Waterloo
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
Labor & Industry Museum
The Labor & Industry Museum is the only public institution devoted to the history of the labor and industry of Belleville and southwestern Illinois. The centerpiece is Jumbo, a 19th-century steam engine along with coal mining, carpentry, and stove-making exhibits.
CITY: Belleville
St. Clair County Historical Society Museum
This Victorian adaptation of a Greek Revival home was built in the early 1800s. In addition to period furniture and vintage clothing, artifacts, and quilts, the museum contains an extensive research library and gift shop.
CITY: Belleville
Whitey Herzog Field
Citizens Park's 45 acres are home to some of the area's best ball diamonds. Whitey Herzog Field features a lighted baseball complex with batting cages, concessions, and grandstand seating for 300.
CITY: Belleville
Rock Mill and Museum
The entire village of Maeystown is on the historic register with much of the history preserved in the museum.
CITY: Maeystown
Mascoutah Heritage Museum
The museum focuses on the businesses that helped the city grow, particularly milling.
CITY: Mascoutah
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
Schorr Lake Vineyards
This secluded winery focuses on environmentally-friendly wine making methods. Relax on the deck overlooking the vineyards and enjoy these estate-grown and produced table and fruit wines.
CITY: Waterloo
Rieso Farm Museum & Antiques
There is a large collection of machinery and primitives dating back to the 1800s.
CITY: New Athens
Acorns Golf Links
Acorns Golf Links is located in Waterloo, Illinois featuring 6,701 yards of golf from the longest tees for a par of 72 . The course rating is 72.3 and it has a slope rating of 125. You will not find subdivision golf at Acorns; just nature, beautiful scenery, challenging design, and you. Making Acorns the premier public course to test your game, have fun with good friends, or to get away from your daily hussle and bussle. Acorns features zoysia fairways, five tee boxes; matching every level of golf and large bent grass greens. Designed by William Ebeler, the Acorns golf course opened in 1997.
CITY: Waterloo
The History Museum of Monroe County
Anchored by items gifted by Col. Edd & Violet Kueker, this collection represents the settlement of the West, numerous U.S. wars and early transportation. There is even a display of items from the Stone Age retrieved during a local archaeological dig. Changing displays and Special Exhibits from the Museum collection and "on loan" items provide awesome journeys through the pages of history.
CITY: Waterloo
Spinach Can Collectibles Museum
A museum inside the 1875 Opera House is full of Popeye merchandise and memorabilia.
CITY: Chester
Yorktown Golf Course
Designed by golf legends Pete Dye and Bob Goalby, Yorktown offers an 18-hole lit par 3 golf course.
CITY: Belleville
Peterstown House
Built in 1830, this is the only stagecoach stop still intact along the 60-mile Kaskaskia-Cahokia trail.
CITY: Waterloo
Capitol Theater
The Monroe Actors Stage Company (MASC) offers plays from September through June.
CITY: Waterloo
Annbriar Golf Course
Ranked seventh-best golf course in the state of Illinois, Annbriar is an 18-hole, par 72 course. Photo Credit-Annibriar-Golf-Course
CITY: Waterloo
Skyview Drive-In
Open from April to October, this theatre shows first-run movies, and is one of only 200 drive-inns left in the United States.
CITY: Belleville
Mariachi's Mexican Restaurant
Mariachi's offers delicious, authentic Mexican food in a great atmosphere. Mariachi's is family owned and will make you feel like part of the family with their fast and friendly service.
CITY: Belleville
Governor Shadrach Bond State Memorial
Notably, this is the burial site of the first Governor of Illinois and of U.S. Senator Elias Kent Kane, Illinois' first Secretary of State.
CITY: Chester
Kaskaskia River Marina/Campground (New Athens)
100 sites available year round, recreation building, cable TV, swimming, fishing, tent camping, handicap access
CITY: New Athens
The Lemming Armada Theatre Co.
Performances throughout the year include music, drama, and comedy.
CITY: Belleville
Fort Kaskaskia State Historic Site
(TEMPORARILY CLOSED beginning 10/08 except for special events.) This site preserves what is left of the old fort-one of the first built on the Mississipi River. A scenic overlook offers views of the Mississippi and Kaskaskia Rivers, and of Old Kaskaskia.
CITY: Ellis Grove
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
Garrison Hill Cemetery
The cemetery was created when graves were moved from Kaskaskia Island in the 1890s after a flood. According to one account, 3,000 boxes were moved, some containing entire families.
CITY: Ellis Grove
Popeye Character Trail
Popeye stands tall in front of the new Welcome Center in the Elzie C. Segar Memorial Park. Find his friends on murals and statues around town, including Wimpy, Olive Oyl, Swee' Pea, Jeep, Bluto, Castor Oyl and Sea Hag.
CITY: Chester
Pierre Menard Home
(TEMPORARILY CLOSED beginning 10/08 except for special events.) Pierre Menard, an important political figure in 1818, built this home. It is furnished with many of the Menard family's personal possessions and other period pieces. The surrounding grounds and outbuildings include an herb garden, smokehouse, springhouse, and adjoining kitchen.
CITY: Ellis Grove
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
The Schmidt Art Center and Gallery
Over 350 permanent works, including a beautifully landscaped and sculptured garden, are on display.
CITY: Belleville
Belleville Philharmonic Society
The nation's second oldest continuously performing symphony orchestra (1867-2005) gives concerts throughout the year.
CITY: Belleville
Lincoln Theatre
The historic theatre features first-run movies, organ concerts, puppet shows, and other special events. Tours are available by appointment.
CITY: Belleville
American Legion Post 58 Freedom Farm
40 sites, recreation building, lake swimming and fishing, boating, tent camping, handicap access.
CITY: Freeburg
Maeystown
The entire 150-year-old German settlement is on the National Historic Register. Restoration includes a church from 1867, a one-lane stone arched bridge, Corner George Inn, general store, sweet shops, museum, and a visitor's center.
CITY: Maeystown
Antique House Restaurant
Antique House offers delicious cuisine and drinks at a great price.
CITY: Belleville
Hy-Ho Cafe
Hy-Ho offers great food, affordable prices, and excellent service in a cozy atmosphere.
CITY: Belleville
Kaskaskia River Marina Campground
100 sites, recreation building, cable TV, swimming, fishing, tent camping, handicap access.
CITY: New Athens
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
King's Point Sports Club
This sports club offers resistance training, aerobics classes, cycling, tennis courts and aquatics.
CITY: Belleville
The Pie Pantry
The Pie Pantry offers a great selection of soups, salads, and burgers, and of course delicious pies, by the slice or as a whole.
CITY: Belleville
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
Roland Barkau Memorial Golf Course
This 18-hole golf course was designed by Robert Garard and Gary Hoelcher.
CITY: Okawville
Krause Elk Farm
Tour this farm where the elk roam on 55 acres of the 600-acre spread.
CITY: Evansville
Riding Center
Stop in or make a reservation to ride the trails. Lessons are also available.
CITY: Freeburg
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
