2013 Travel Guide
Enjoy Illinois App
Showing 1-96 of 163 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
American Legion Post 58 Freedom Farm
40 sites, recreation building, lake swimming and fishing, boating, tent camping, handicap access.
CITY: Freeburg
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
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
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
Fort Kaskaskia State Historic Site (Ellis Grove)
Open year round with 50 camp sites
CITY: Ellis Grove
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
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
Rieso Farm Museum & Antiques
There is a large collection of machinery and primitives dating back to the 1800s.
CITY: New Athens
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
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
Spinach Can Collectibles Museum
A museum inside the 1875 Opera House is full of Popeye merchandise and memorabilia.
CITY: Chester
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
Kaskaskia River Marina/Campground (New Athens)
100 sites available year round, recreation building, cable TV, swimming, fishing, tent camping, handicap access
CITY: New Athens
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
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
Sharp Rock Falls
This campground on Kinkaid Lake is open year round. There are 81 permanent sites available for annual rental. There are 20 sites with electricity, water, and sewer, plus 40 tent sites. There is also a snack bar.
CITY: Ava
The Bluffs Vineyard & Winery
Buttermilk Hill is home to this vineyard & winery, the location and view are quite unique and allow all who visit to truly feel like they are back to nature. The grounds are large enough to have a picnic or a private conversations over a glass of wine. And at the same time, the winery is accommodating to larger groups. The wine list has several whites and reds made with local grapes.
CITY: Ava
American Legion Post 58 Freedom Farm
40 sites, recreation building, lake swimming and fishing, boating, tent camping, handicap access.
CITY: Freeburg
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
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
Krause Elk Farm
Tour this farm where the elk roam on 55 acres of the 600-acre spread.
CITY: Evansville
Roland Barkau Memorial Golf Course
This 18-hole golf course was designed by Robert Garard and Gary Hoelcher.
CITY: Okawville
Kaskaskia River Marina
The marina on the Kaskaskia River is the site of drag boat races in September. Next to the marina, enjoy batting cages, ball fields, and roller hockey in the park.
CITY: New Athens
Randolph County State Recreational Area
96 sites, electricity available, dump station.
CITY: Chester
Cohen House
This beautifully restored home has cobalt blue windows. Tours by appointment and open for special events.
CITY: Chester
Riding Center
Stop in or make a reservation to ride the trails. Lessons are also available.
CITY: Freeburg
Marissa Antique Station, Inc.
Marissa Antique Station, Inc. has over 100 dealers and offers almost everything and anything you could want.
CITY: Marissa
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Annual Fort de Chartres Rendezvous
The Rendezvous is a re-creation of the traditional French trappers' holiday of the Eighteenth Century, and is one of the oldest and largest events of its kind in the United States. Join with the buckskinners, militiamen, artisans, and entertainer as they celebrate life in the shadows of the great fortress known as Fort de Chartres.
CITY: Prairie du Rocher
Lau-Nae Winery
This family-owned winery offers fruit wines and a shop selling homemade quilts, crafts and gifts.
CITY: Red Bud
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
In The Heat Of The Night - Misselhorn Art Gallery
A respected Philadelphia homicide detective is mistakenly accused of murder in a racist southern town, and is then hired to help the local sheriff with the investigation. The movie town's name was changed to Sparta so that signs in the Illinois community where the flick was filmed would not have to be changed. The railroad station used in the film is now the Misselhorn Art Gallery, which features a permanent exhibit dedicated to the movie.
CITY: Sparta
Marissa Recreation Area
Two lakes, a nine-hole golf course, a camping area, a cottage/residence area, as well as picnic shelters, are features of this great park.
CITY: Marissa
St. Genevieve Modoc Ferry
Ride the ferry across the Mighty Mississippi the next time you visit historic St. Genevieve and Randolph County. The ferry travels between St. Genevieve, Missouri and Modoc Illinois, and holds approximately nine vehicles.
CITY: Modoc
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American Thresherman Show
The evening events for this five day steam and antique tractor show will feature a horse pull, antique tractor pull and, on Friday and Saturday nights, Illinois Tractor Pulling Associating pulls. Thursday night, head uptown for the big parade. The day events include plowing with horses, steam engine and tractors and a pedal tractor pull. There will also be demonstrations on sawmills, veneer mills, shingle mills and blacksmiths.
CITY: Pinckneyville
Gift Box Boutique
Extreme Events offers party supplies and rentals to make your next party a success.
CITY: Sparta
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
Randolph County Conservation Area
Amid rolling hills and abundant game cover, this area is a hunter's paradise offering quail, deer (archery only), squirrel, dove, and rabbit hunting. Bass and channel catfish are found in its 69-acre lake. Equestrian trails, picnicking, and camping.
CITY: Chester
The Ol' Farmhouse Cafe
The Ol' Farmhouse Cafe has wonderful food in a casual atmosphere, also on site is a small gift shop and bakery.
CITY: Chester
Pyramid State Park
Pyramid State Recreation Area consists of heavily forested hills and many lakes and ponds. Total overall acreage is 19,701, making Pyramid the largest State Recreation Area in Illinois. It gets its name from a coal mine that once existed here. Many species of wildlife may be found in the area, including songbirds, deer, squirrels, beavers, rabbits, turkey, bobcat, raccoons, possums, coyotes, weasel, mink, woodchucks and waterfowl. Tent and trailer camping are permitted at designated camping areas only. There are 16.5 miles of foot and horse trails and mountain bike riding. Canoeing is popular because of the rough terrain, and boats with 10-hp motors or less are allowed.
CITY: Pinckneyville
Wicks N Country
Wicks N Country offers candles, stationary, greeting cards, and gifts for every occasion.
CITY: Red Bud
Holiday Inn Express & Suites
Ideally located 2 miles from historic downtown Sparta, our friendly Sparta accommodations offer travelers easy access to a number of local businesses, restaurants and attractions. Just minutes from our hotel near downtown guests can tour the Misselhorn Art Gallery, attend events at the Randolph County Fairgrounds, golf at the Sparta Country Club or watch a tournament at the World Shooting and Recreational Complex. Visitors can also enjoy local restaurants. During your visit to Sparta, enjoy the free, wireless Internet access & complimentary breakfast bar. On-site amenities such as a heated indoor pool & whirlpool, 24-hour Business Center, a well-equipped Fitness Center & 24-hour convenience store are also provided for your convenience. Consider our Sparta hotel's choice amenities and excellent rates as you start planning your trip today.
CITY: Sparta
The Healthy Nut
At Whole Body Health & Gifts, you can get back to basics with natural foods, vitamins, herbs, supplements, beauty aids, gifts, cards, and much more.
CITY: Freeburg
Breadeaux Pizza
What makes Breadeaúx Pizza different? It's the crust, which is chewy and sweet, and reminiscent of fine French Bread. While other pizza places boast about using dough made fresh daily, at Breadeaúx Pizza restaurants, our dough is aged and double-raised, once quickly, and the second time slowly while being chilled. The major difference in our dough preparation creates our distinctive taste and texture. So come on in to Breadeaúx Pizza and taste the difference.
CITY: Freeburg
The Boiler Room Restaurant
The Boiler Room offers delicious food in a clean, casual atmosphere, with banquet and meeting facilities. Located in the Original Springs hotel.
CITY: Okawville
Chickens Country Restaurant
Chickens Country Restaurant offers delicious homestyle cooking in a relaxed and casual environment with live music Tuesday nights.
CITY: St. Libory
Kaskaskia River Motel
7 rooms, Non-smoking rooms, credit cards accepted, and cable television available
CITY: Baldwin
Pistol City Restaurant & Saloon
Pistol City has a great menu full of delicious dishes and large buffet to keep everyone happy, set in a warm, family friendly atmosphere.
CITY: Coulterville
Dynasty Chinese Cuisine
At Dynasty enjoy delicious Chinese cuisine in a clean and friendly environment.
CITY: Sparta
Gary's Restaurant
Gary's has delicious food in a casual, homey atmosphere, and served by a cheerful and friendly staff.
CITY: Freeburg
His Rest Bed and Breakfast
Escape to our exclusive bed and breakfast inn lodging in Freeburg, Illinois. His Rest Bed & Breakfast invites you to visit our quiet country retreat where rusticity and romantic elegance meet. We are easily accessible to the highway, yet far enough away allowing you time to unwind in our bed and breakfast. Our luxuriously rustic log cabin was built in 1977 and provides you with the alluring graces of a cozy weekend hideaway. Embrace the simple pleasures of crackling logs in the fireplace, a country stroll in our culinary herb and flower gardens, relax in the redwood cedar hot tub, or visit our library and gift shop. Upon making a reservation with us, let us know if you would like a romantic candlelight dinner served in the privacy of your room. History comes to life at His Rest Bed & Breakfast. Make our area B&B your preferred inn lodging in Freeburg, Illinois.
CITY: Freeburg
Oxbow Bed & Breakfast (Pinckneyville)
The Oxbow Bed & Breakfast was built in 1929, and the Doughtys purchased the land in 1959. After renovations the large brick veneer home has sixteen rooms for a total of 6900 squre feet of living space on three levels. The Inn sits on ten acres of rural land about one mile south of Pinckneyville, a town of 5,000 people. The house was converted into a Bed and Breakfast and now also includes two barns. The Oxbow Barn Apartment (the Honeymoon Suite) offers the most private quarters available at Oxbow. The Shannon Barn is for the use of all Oxbow guests and includes a hot tub and a roomy loft. The Oxbow house shelters five rooms for rent which are named after the people and events of the Civil War.
CITY: Pinckneyville
China King
China King offers delicious Chinese food in a family friendly atmosphere with affordable prices and excellent service.
CITY: Red Bud
Susie's Restaurant
Susie's has a full menu of delicious items. Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
CITY: Red Bud
Dave's West End Bar & Grill
Dave's West End Bar & Grill is a great place to hang with friends and enjoy a good meal and a great drink. It is mostly a bar, but they have some food such as cheeseburgers.
CITY: St. Libory
