2013 Travel Guide
Enjoy Illinois App
Showing 1-96 of 235 items
Garden of the Gods
Explore the dramatic rock formations, cliffs and trails of the most visited site in the Shawnee National Forest. Millions of years in the making, the Garden of the Gods provides spectacular views unlike anywhere in the Midwest. See Camel Rock, Anvil Rock, Devil's Smoke Stack and other magnificent rock formations in this hiker’s and photographer’s wonderland.
CITY: Karbers Ridge
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
Tunnel Hill State Trail
This scenic 45-mile-long hiking and biking trail runs along a converted rail bed through farmland, hills/bluffs and bottomland areas.The trail passes through the Shawnee National Forest and Cache River State Natural Area, with railroad trestles and an old train tunnel as picturesque markers along the way.
CITY: Vienna
Mermet Springs
Scuba dive at this unique spring-fed stone quarry and marvel at underwater treasures such as a submerged airplane (actually used in the movie U.S. Marshals) and a cement petting zoo. Mermet Springs offers on-site instruction and equipment rental.
CITY: Belknap
Cache River State Natural Area
Nationally renowned for its ancient cypress-tupelo swamp, this natural area contains 100 threatened or endangered plant and animal species, and 11 state champion trees. Visitors enjoy birding, hunting, wildlife watching, and hiking. Bikers can access the Cache River via the Tunnel Hill State Trail.
CITY: Belknap
Egyptian Hills Resort
Egyptian Hills Resort is your passport to the Ultimate outdoor family vacation. Whether you are into waterskiing, wakeboarding, tubing, sport fishing, or pleasure boating; the Lake of Egypt is a boater’s paradise. All within a stone’s throw of your cabin. Within minutes of your cabin, your family can enjoy guided expeditions such as; horseback riding, rock climbing, mountain biking, kayaking, geo-caching, wildlife photography and many other outdoor activities. Whether planning a single activity or multiple activities for your group, we at Egyptian Hills are your personal concierge in planning your ultimate outdoor family vacation. Whether onsite or through one of our partner guides, all activities are tailored for all ages and experience levels.
CITY: Creal Springs
Southern Illinois Wine Trail
Illinois' newest wine trail connects six wineries dotted throughout the southeast corner of the state. Visitors can enjoy both breathtaking vistas and friendly rural communities, all while sampling excellent red and white wines.
CITY: Vienna
Cedar Rock Cabins
Fully furnished cabins in the Shawnee National Forest. Wooded paths wind up and down the hills past rock formations. Enjoy the screened in porch at dusk and view area wildlife. Relax in the hot tub under the stars.
CITY: Goreville
Cache River Wetlands Center
The Wetlands Center provides a one-stop shop for information about the Cache River Wetlands and its recreational and educational opportunities. The center has an extensive natural and cultural history exhibit, wildlife viewing, trails and a video.
CITY: Cypress
Arrowhead Lake and Campground
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. Pedal boat rentals are available from July-September.
CITY: Johnston City
10
Cache River Nature Festival
Enjoy the area’s rich bird life and wetland habitat. A 12-minute orientation film gives a wonderful overview and introduction of the watershed, explaining the unique bio-diversity of the flora and fauna that can be experienced here. Visitors can also acquaint themselves with the area by exploring an interactive diorama of a bald cypress-water tupelo swamp, area state champion tree information and changing landscape displays. Activities include guided field trips, canoe tours, live bird demonstrations and various exhibits from 8am to 4pm.
CITY: Cypress
Willowbrook Cabins
Nestled in the heart of the Shawnee National Forest. Excellent deer and turkey hunting. Only 6 miles to the Ohio River and Golconda Marina, but still tucked away in the forest. Just above Lusk Creek. Come visit our little piece of heaven in the Shawnee.
CITY: Golconda
Apr 1
Bald Eagle Watching in the Cache River Wetlands
The Cache River Wetlands offers great opportunities for eagle watching, as well as spotting other birds. The Cache River Wetland Center provides resource and identification materials to help you spot eagles and other birds in the area and along the rivers. They will provide maps and directions to the viewing station for the nest just off Illinois Route 37 off Perks road and south of the visitor's center.
CITY: Cypress
River to River Trail
From Grand Tower on the Mississippi River to Battery Rock on the Ohio River, this 160-mile trail passes through wondrous landscapes, massive rock formations, wetlands, prairie grass, woodlands and creeks. Along the way view native wildlife, birds and rare plants.
CITY: Karbers Ridge
Marion Cultural and Civic Center
The Marion Cultural and Civic Center serves Southern Illinois as an outlet for cultural and artistic opportunities of all types. MCCC is a 1094 seat performing arts center located in the historic town square of Marion, IL. In addition to providing a state-of-the-art theatrical facility at a low rental cost, MCCC also provides a portion of the lobby to display paintings and artwork from Southern Illinois artists.
CITY: Marion
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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
34 Ranch Horseman's Campground
34 Ranch offers the largest privately-owned horseman's campground in Southern Illinois. Located in Hardin and Pope Counties in the midst of the beautiful Shawnee National Forest. Open year round. One cabin is primitive without plumbing. The other two have both baths and kitchens. The ranch also has 250 modern campsites and can accommodate RV's. Rents out cabins and one trailer. Owner: Tom Luchies.
CITY: Herod
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
Bear Branch Lodging
Features 5 cabins and a lodging facility on the highest hilltop in Pope County, overlooking and literally surrounded by the beautiful Shawnee National Forest. Most cabins have private baths, kitchenettes and charcoal grills outside.
CITY: Eddyville
Egyptian Hills Marina Lodging
Egyptian Hills Resort is your passport to the Ultimate outdoor family vacation. Whether you are into waterskiing, wakeboarding, tubing, sport fishing, or pleasure boating; the Lake of Egypt is a boater’s paradise. All within a stone’s throw of your cabin. Our cabins and chalets sit next to soothing, running streams and waterfalls – with breathtaking lake front views. Each cabin/chalet features a full kitchen, living room, large deck, full bedroom, 2 loft bedrooms and full bath.
CITY: Creal Springs
Walkers Bluff Winery
Local winery with a General Store, 5 star cuisine at Legends Restaurant, wine cave, open air pavilion, gazebo and much more. Enjoy a glass of wine while listening to live entertainment. Boasts a large childrens play area, large handcarved sculptures, and even a full service gas station at the general store. You must visit to see the magnitude of this destination.
CITY: Carterville
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
Cedar Sunset Cabin
Two bedroom log cabin offers a private setting with full kitchen and a hot tub to soak in while you enjoy the amazing sunset views. The spectacular views at Cedar Sunset Cabin are just one of the amazing amenities. The cabin provides you with top notch accommodations on the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail and on the edge of the Shawnee National Forest. Or you may opt for an evening in by the fireside or a soak in the hot tub.
CITY: Buncombe
Southern Illinois Miners League All Star Games
Minor League Professional baseball team, the Southern Illinois Miners are a member of the West Division of the Frontier League, which is not affiliated with Major League Baseball. From the 2007 season to the present, the Miners have played their home games at Rent One Park. The "Miners" name refers to the Southern Illinois region's history of coal mining.[1]
CITY: Marion
Super 8 - Harrisburg
Hot tub- suites available free continental breakfast- non smoking & handicapped rooms available.
CITY: Harrisburg
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
SI Miners
Frontier League Baseball. 48 home baseball games per year. May through September.
CITY: Marion
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
Gambit Golf Course
This championship par 71 golf course, designed by Richard Osborne, snakes through meadows and woodlands. The Gambit features the area's only indoor practice center, with two state-of-the-art golf simulators and a nine-hole practice green.
CITY: Vienna
Barren Creek Cottages
Located at Bay City, at the Smithland Pool on the Ohio River. Boat launch, hook-ups and floating docks. Completely furnished.
CITY: Golconda
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
Paula Switzer Lodging
2 bedrooms with sleeping accomodations for 5, a full size, and 2 twin beds and a rollaway. A stocked kitchen
CITY: Golconda
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
Lock & Dam 51 Houses-Golconda
Four Historic Lock-keepers houses, recently renovated for overnight rentals overlooking the Ohio River. Period furnishings, fully equipped kitchens, front & back porches, TVs and phones.
CITY: Golconda
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
Cedar Lake Ranch
Cabin rental near Cedar Lake, horse campground, tack store and outdoor recreation
CITY: Vienna
Southern Illinois Miners Rent One Park
The Southern Illinois Miners Rent One Park is the stadium where The Miners baseball team plays from May through September.
CITY: Marion
San Damiano Retreat Center and Shrine
Covering 200 acres of the bluffs of the Ohio river and surrounded by the Shawnee National Forest, this is a place of beauty, quiet and calmness. Private cottages have all the conveniences, plus dining room, conference center, hiking, fishing and chapel.
CITY: Golconda
Southern Illinois Raceway
Watch Outlaw Micro Sprint, Junior Sprint Cars, Non-Winged Outlaw and Restricted Micros race every Saturday night at 7pm.
CITY: Marion
Chocolate Factory
The Chocolate Factory prides itself in offering quality gourmet chocolates in a wide variety of mouth watering flavor, formulated with only the finest ingredients. Our irresistible silky smooth blended chocolates make delicious rich candies for any occasion!
CITY: Golconda
American Fluorite Museum
The American Fluorite museum is located on the site of the Rosiclare Fluorspar and Mining Co., which was once the largest fluorspar mining company in the U.S. It features photographs, ore specimens, mining paraphernalia and colorful dioramas.
CITY: Rosiclare
Little Egypt Arts Association Art Centre
Little Egypt Arts Association is a not for profit artist Co-op that was established in 1995 by approximately 20 local artists and art patrons. It's the largest cooperative art center in Southern Illinois. Offering a gift shop, art classes and workshops.
CITY: Marion
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
Lost Coyote Camp
One room cabin rental near hunting, fishing, biking and horseback riding areas.
CITY: Simpson
Anderson Cabin - Vienna
Cabin sleeps 4, kitchen, bath. Fishing at front door, remote location, joins Goose Pond on North.
CITY: Vienna
Pinnon Lake Cabin
Tucked away in the beautiful rolling hills of Southern Illinois, the cabin location rests on the highly acclaimed Southern Illinois Wine Trail. Pinnon Lake is five minutes from the edge of Shawnee National Forrest. We are only three miles off Interstate 57 at exit 36. Moments from anywhere yet feels like miles from it all. On any given day you may observe deer in the field, geese landing on the lake, a family of wild turkeys at the edge of the woods. In the spring you may even take a peek at our new baby calves, as the property is a third generation working family farm.
CITY: Buncombe
Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge Visitors Center
Wilderness area, wildlife viewing, walking trails, special events, gift shop, campgrounds, fishing, boating, sailing, fishing tournaments; must get a "user pass" at Visitors Center for these lakes.
CITY: Marion
Hogg Hollow Winery
View works by local artists and enjoy free wine tasting at this Golconda winery.
CITY: Golconda
War Bluff Valley Wildlife Sanctuary
Nestled in the uplands of the Shawnee National Forest, supports mature oak-hickory woods, river bottom forests, young forests and old field habitats. More than 530 types of plants, including a rich variety of wildflowers and 20 types of ferns. 10 walking paths give access to the area.
CITY: Golconda
Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge
A wildlife refuge covering approximately 43,500 acres of forest, wetlands, and grasslands. Hunting, fishing & boating available.
CITY: Marion
Marion Campground & RV Park
There are 58 sites to this campground. Some facility amenities include a park, laundry services, broadband internet, and pets are allowed.
CITY: Marion
U.S. Marshals - Mermet Springs
In this flick, the U.S. Marshal character from The Fugitive is on the hunt for a wanted man after he escapes from a prisoner transport plane during a spectacular crash. This action thriller filmed extensively in Southern Illinois, including along the Ohio River near Metropolis and in rural Vienna. The Boeing 727 used in the crash scene is now submerged in Mermet Springs, a spring-fed quarry where you can scuba dive and actually swim through the plane.
CITY: Belknap
Pin Oak Motel and Bar
Bar with drink specials on Wednesdays. There is a jukebox and pool table.
CITY: Carterville
Bay City Cabin
Two Bedroom, two bath, equipped kitchen, large deck with screened porch overlooking the Ohio River at the site of the filming of US Marshal. Boat ramp 1/2 mile.
CITY: Golconda
Pyramid Acres
Marina and campground, boat ramp, bar and beer garden. Located at the northeast side of Lake of Egypt.
CITY: Marion
Vertical Heartland Climbing School and Services
Technical rock climbing instruction for small groups and individuals. Vertical skills training for tactical response teams. Rock climbing experiences for small or large groups. Leasing of our cliff to film and video producers.
CITY: Buncombe
Moon Dog Farm & Vineyard
This farm offers fine Illinois wine-making grapes, organic vegetables and a small selection of fruits.
CITY: Creal Springs
Buel House
Situated at the base of the Ohio River bluffs, this two-story log structure, built in 1840, has been continuously occupied by generations of one family for 146 years. It was listed on the National Registry of Historic Places in 1976.
CITY: Golconda
Cedar Ridge Whitetails, LLC
Trophy whitetail hunts in scenic Southernmost IL. Hunts are offered September 15th through December. The farm consists of mature timber, pine and cedar thickets, thick draws and open area food plots. All hunts are with an experienced guide.
CITY: Karnak
Country Schemes Bed and Breakfast
Relax in a peaceful country setting, take a nature hike, fish and enjoy friendly country hospitality.
CITY: Vienna
Kokopelli Golf Club
This 18-hole course, designed by renowned golf architect Steve Smyers, was named by Travel + Leisure as one of "America's 100 Best Courses for $100 or Less." Kokopelli offers a full-service pro shop, professionals who offer personal golf instruction and an eight-acre practice facility.
CITY: Marion
Harbison's Country Market
Deli sandwiches, burgers, fish on Fridays, groceries and gas. Located on the way to Garden of the Gods. Formerly Shaffer's Country Store.
CITY: Herod
Sheeba - Crab Orchard Lake
This heartwarming family film centers on a city boy from New York City who moves to the country to live with his grandfather and befriends a loyal dog named Sheeba.
CITY: Marion
Cache River Basin Vineyard and Winery
The winery is known for its white wine made from grapes grown in Southern Illinois. The winery and vineyard are located in a scenic setting just south of the Heron Pond turn-off.
CITY: Belknap
Lake Glendale Beach & Campground
Beautiful beach located on the shore of an 80 acres lake in the heart of the Shawnee National Forest. Beach open Memorial Day-Labor Day, 7 days a week. Concessions available
CITY: Glendale
Bella Terra Winery
Bella Terra Winery is nestled in the beautiful surroundings of Johnson County, Illinois. With a scenic view of ponds, trees, and our vineyard we provide the perfect setting for sipping wines or celebrating special occasions. Bella Terra Winery was not created just for wine connoisseurs, we offer food and activities for the whole family. You can play bocce ball, throw a game of washers, watch your favorite team on T.V., or just relax under a tree and enjoy the breeze.The manicured grounds of Bella T Winery combined with beautiful shade trees create a striking backdrop for any occasion.
CITY: Creal Springs
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
Hollywood Tavern
This is a tavern that offers daily drink specials. We serve sandwiches and pizza. We also do fundraisers for charities.
CITY: Herrin
Windy Hill Vineyard & Winery
This family-owned vineyard harvests three acres of grapes each fall. The varieties include Vignoles, Chambourcin, Catawba, Concord, Niagara and Cayuga. Windy Hill is located on the Southern Illinois Wine Trail.
CITY: Creal Springs
Veterans Affairs Medical Center - Marion
Tours are available at this center, built in 1914, that features an Egyptian architectural motif. It has been serving veterans for 50 years.
CITY: Marion
Log Cabin Tavern
Tavern with a jukebox and a pool table. Located in Marion on Court Street.
CITY: Marion
John A. Logan College
Named after Civil War General John A. Logan, the college combines modern architecture and a beautiful park-like setting. Memorabilia of General Logan and his wife, Mary, are on display in the museum and art gallery at the college.
CITY: Carterville
Little Lusk Trail Lodge & Campground
Centrally located in the Shawnee National forest, campgrounds have all the hookups; lodge has 6 rooms; beach, fishing, horseback riding at its best; box stalls for horses; hunters welcome; great hiking & mountain biking.
CITY: Stonefort
Illinois Iron Furnace
Step back to Civil War days when "pig iron" was smelted at this, the first coal-fired iron furnace in Illinois, now on the National Register of Historic Places. Restored structure is in a beautiful park with fishing, hiking, and picnicking available.
CITY: Vienna
Court Street Antiques
Located in one of the city's oldest structures. Vendors of great variety: Hand-painted furniture, array of clocks, Fenton Collection, vintage kitchenware and much more. Open Tues-Sat 10am-5pm.
CITY: Marion
Wineaux's Restaurant
Located at Cache River Basin Vineyard and Winery, Wineaux's offers American cuisine, including certified Angus Beef steaks and burgers, ribs and seafood. Specializing in food cooked with wine!
CITY: Belknap
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
Illinois Star Centre Mall
Shopping mall featuring Dillards, Sears, Target and the area's most unique specialty stores.
CITY: Marion
Dixon Springs State Park
Dixon Springs State Park is one of several state parks in the Illinois Shawnee Hills. Park visitors may enjoy the varied wildlife, take a swim in the outdoor pool or simply soak up the relaxing atmosphere of the moss-covered boulders, craggy overhangs, and rushing brook.
CITY: Golconda
Grand Chain Lodge & Campground
The lodge offers four spacious suites, each furnished with two queen-sized beds, a Jacuzzi bath tub, and access to the Observation Deck with a spectacular view of the Ohio River. If you want even more privacy or have a larger group. you can stay in one of our two fully equipped cabins that also offer Jacuzzi tubs, private decks overlooking the river as well as full kitchens and a loft bedroom. Each cabin sleeps six and offers, not only a beautiful panorama of the Ohio, but close up observation of an area teaming with wildlife.
CITY: Grand Chain
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
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
Pip's II
On west Boyton street in Marion. This bar has DJs, drink specials, karaoke, and we do birthday parties. We have a pool table and a jukebox.
CITY: Marion
Shawnee Homeplace
Shawnee Homeplace is a two-bedroom brick home with modern comforts in the middle of 450 acres along the Ohio River three miles southwest of Rosiclare. Enjoy the trails, Ohio River frontage, abundant wildlife or the peace and quiet of the porch. Owner: Laura Lamar. Mailing address PO Box 329, Elizabethtown, IL 62931 Opening: April 2009 (1 rental ).
CITY: Rosiclare
Connie's at the Gambit
Located at the Gambit Golf Club, this casual restaurant features dishes such as the grilled rib eye with red wine glaze and sautéed flounder with swiss chard. For a group, reserve the large banquet room.
CITY: Vienna
The Refuge
1500 sq. ft. 2 bedroom, 1 bath, full kitchen, large living room. 4 twin beds, 1 king and 1 full bed. 1/2 block off Main St in Golconda. Boat parking available. All are welcome.
CITY: Golconda
Ferne Clyffe State Park
Features fascinating plants and geologic formations of the scenic Shawnee Hills. Trails wind past interesting sites such as intermittent waterfalls and the largest shelter bluff in southern Illinois.
CITY: Goreville
The Limited Inn
Continental breakfast, indoor pool, kids stay free, cable TV. Hotel accepts all major credit cards.
CITY: Vienna
The Shawnee Grill
Casual dining offering salads, sandwiches, steaks, chicken, seafood & pasta for lunch & dinner. We seat 100 people.
CITY: Vienna
Little Lusk Trail Lodge
6 lodge rooms with full baths, fireplace and big screen TV with satellite dish.
CITY: Eddyville
Tequilas Mexican Restaurant Harrisburg
Authentic Mexican food; the best in Saline County.
CITY: Harrisburg
Stardust Golf and Country Club
9 holes, par 36, winter golf, club and cart rental, snack bar.
CITY: Johnston City
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
