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

Little Brick House

Listed on the National Register, it has six restored rooms with china, furniture, engravings, and books that belonged to the settlers when Lincoln attended the legislature.

CITY: Vandalia

Lincoln Park

Located across from the Statehouse in Vandalia, the park features a life-size, bronze statue of Abraham Lincoln. This is a favorite spot for photos with the 16th president.

CITY: Vandalia

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

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

Vandalia State House

Step inside the Illinois’ oldest surviving State Capitol building. Vandalia was the fourth statehouse in Illinois, and is best known for the era when Abraham Lincoln served in the Illinois House of Representatives. Visitors can enjoy guided tours of this restored landmark.

CITY: Vandalia

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

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

Fayette County Museum

Located behind the Statehouse in a century-old church, this museum is full of Lincoln-era memorabilia, including his letter cabinet and an axe carved with his initials.

CITY: Vandalia

Centralia Historical Society Museum

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

CITY: Centralia

Carlyle Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area

As a major stopping point for migrating ducks and geese, this 9,486-acre area offers excellent public waterfowl hunting opportunities.

CITY: Vandalia

National Road Interpretive Center

The National Road Interpretive Center in Vandalia, Illinois tells the story of the surveyors, laborers and travelers of the National Road, sometimes called the Cumberland Road or National Pike. The Interpretive Center is a museum with hands-on activities for children including a Conestoga wagon that the youngsters can load for its journey. Abraham Lincoln’s connection to Illinois National Road towns is also spotlighted. One of the largest artifacts is an original National Road timber dating to the 1830s. Visitors will develop a better understanding of the importance of this road to Illinois and American history as well as an appreciation for the people that were involved in its construction.

CITY: Vandalia

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

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

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

Nu-Bowl Lanes

28-lane bowling facility with snack bar.

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

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

Vandalia Lake Camping

Vandalia Lake provides high quality camping facilities for overnight camping. The campground includes sites with electric outlets, modern shower with flush toilets, and a dump station for recreational vehicles. Campgrounds are open from Memorial weekend through last weekend in September.

CITY: Vandalia

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

AMC Showplace 8

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

CITY: Mount Vernon

Kim's Little Shanty Antiques

Kim's has a wide variety of unique antiques.

CITY: Carlyle

Lakeside Camping

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

CITY: Keyesport

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

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

Rusty Nail

The Rusty Nail has a large selection of great antiques.

CITY: Salem

Carlyle Dam East Spillway Campground

Swimming, fishing, boating.

CITY: Carlyle

Steve's Antiques

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

CITY: Salem

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

Madonna of the Trail Statue

The Madonna is one of 12 statues in the U.S. that honors the pioneer women who traveled along the National Road.

CITY: Vandalia

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

Hawkins-Schwartz Orchards

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

CITY: Dix

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

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

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

Stephen A Forbes-State Recreation Area (Kinmundy)

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

CITY: Kinmundy

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

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

Boulder Recreation Area

Swimming and fishing, boating, tent camping

CITY: Carlyle

Salem Inn

Affordable, clean and comfortable lodging with lounge/bar and restaurant on site. Right off the interstate.

CITY: Salem

Coal Miners Monument

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

CITY: Beckemeyer

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

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

Coles Creek Recreation Area

148 sites, electricity, shower, reservations

CITY: Carlyle

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

Hampton Inn - Mount Vernon

101 rooms located near I-57. Indoor pool, spa and exercise room. Rooms with whirlpool tubs available.

CITY: Mount Vernon

Lincoln Marker

Vandalia, Illinois is where Abraham Lincoln began his historical political career and his life and achievements are commemorated on the marker.

CITY: Vandalia

Veterans Educational Museum

Items on display are from the Civil War, WWI, WWII, Korea, Vietnam, and Desert Storm along with flags from 45 countries.

CITY: Vandalia

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

Vandalia Artworks Gallery

The gallery uses exhibit space in the Fayette County Museum. Special exhibits are scheduled through the year.

CITY: Vandalia

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

Olde Picket Fence

Olde Picket Fence offers a custom line of primitive farmhouse furniture. Each item is handcrafted, one at a time, and every item is unique.

CITY: Farina

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

Glen Carbon Heritage Museum

This museum is located in a beautiful brick building that is a renovated 1914 school located in the "Old Town" section of the Village. The museum has old dolls, weapons, pictures, and much more.

CITY: Vandalia

South Shore State Park

33 sites, fishing, boating, tent camping.

CITY: Carlyle

Times Square Mall

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

CITY: Mount Vernon

Greenview Golf Club

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

CITY: Centralia

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

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

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

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

Coles Creek

148 sites, swimming, fishing, boating, tent camping

CITY: Carlyle

Peebles

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

CITY: Centralia

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

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

Restwell Motel

Low daily, weekly rates, located near fast food, stores, and laundry mat.

CITY: Salem

Continental Motel

25 rooms, pets allowed

CITY: Salem

The Farmers Monument

This impressive black granite piece located on the grounds of Vandalia's Tourist Information Center is a tribute to prairie farmers.

CITY: Vandalia

Boulder Marina

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

CITY: Shattuc

Jerry's Bar and Grill

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

CITY: Centralia

Keyesport Cabins

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

CITY: Keyesport

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

Continental Motel

Spacious, quiet, clean and affordable lodging, with free in-room coffee, free continental breakfast. Enjoy 25" remote color tv-hbo and cable. Just minutes from I-57.

CITY: Salem

Badollet House Bed & Breakfast

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

CITY: Salem

GuestHouse Inn

A Comfortable and Affordable Lodging Experience The Guesthouse Inn & Suites Salem IL hotel offers the convenience of a Denny's Restaurant and Cocktail lounge on site. Our Salem Hotel offers a 24 hour front desk service, free local calls, parking, USA Today Newspaper, coffee, hot chocolate, tea, and complimentary popcorn. We are a pet friendly Salem Inn, pet fee apply.

CITY: Salem

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

Words, Wicks, and Wood

Come explore our wide variety of books or just simply find the book you've been looking for, as you discover the numerous titles available at this fine bookstore.

CITY: Vandalia

White Sands at Governor's Run

American Cusisne

CITY: Carlyle

Carlyle Lake Golf Club

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

CITY: Carlyle

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

Sharon's Cafe

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

CITY: Salem

Comfort Inn & Suites

Conveniently located off Interstate 57 on U.S. Route 50 the hotel is less than 3 miles from Bryan Memorial Park. Carlyle Lake and Forbes Lake are minutes away and offer swimming, hiking, boating, hunting and fishing. Stephen A. Forbes State Park is about 20 minutes from the hotel. The birthplace of Miracle Whip and the GI Bill of Rights, Salem is also the birthplace of William Jennings Bryan, one of the greatest politicians in United States history. This hotel offers many amenities including free breakfast, wifi, 24hour coffee & juice and free local calls. Enjoy the relaxing in the indoor heated pool. Travelers appreciate conveniences like computer hook-ups and copy/fax services. All guest rooms have coffee makers, hair dryers, irons, ironing boards & cable tv. For families, the hotel has special family rooms with three queen beds and separate rooms with a television for mom and dad. Smoking and non-smoking rooms are also offered.

CITY: Salem