Carbondale puts you at the crossroads of campus energy and forest adventure.
Southern Illinois University infuses the town with added youthful energy, filling downtown with music venues, galleries, and restaurants serving everything from deep-dish pizza to Vietnamese pho. The university also brings a few special touches like world-class performances at Shryock Auditorium and public art dotted around campus.
Step off campus and you're minutes from Giant City State Park's sandstone bluffs or Cedar Lake's quiet beaches. You'll find yourself hiking forest trails in the morning, browsing independent bookstores after lunch, then catching live music downtown—all part of Carbondale's laid-back rhythm.
Things to do in Carbondale
Start your outdoor adventures at Giant City State Park's sandstone playground or paddle Cedar Lake's secluded waters. Hike the Little Grand Canyon trail and you'll be rewarded with some dramatic views. On campus, explore SIU's natural history museum and stroll the landscaped Green Earth Trails, and check out the films and concerts on offer at The Varsity Center year-round. Browse downtown galleries and bookstores between adventures, visit the African American Museum of Southern Illinois, or take kids to the Science Center.
Spark your curiosity
The Science Center The Science Center
Take a ride through history
Old Illinois Passenger Depot Railroad Museum Old Illinois Passenger Depot Railroad Museum
Climb into a fantasy world
Boo Castle Park Boo Castle Park
Shop, stroll, and discover local
Historic Town Square & Downtown Carbondale Historic Town Square & Downtown Carbondale
Explore powerful local stories
The African American Museum of Southern Illinois The African American Museum of Southern Illinois
Swim, paddle, or hike
Cedar Lake Cedar Lake
Where to Eat and Drink in Carbondale
Try Quatro's legendary deep-dish pizza, with thick crusts and college-town atmosphere all part of the deal. Thai Taste serves generous portions of fresh pad thai and curries. Vegetarians love Longbranch Café's comfort food, and Harbaugh's Café owns the breakfast scene. Load up on hearty Tex-Mex and margaritas in a lively atmosphere at Tres Hombres, or catch live music at Hangar 9 over craft drinks. Grab cookies at Mary Lou's Grill, pastries at Cristaudo's Bakery, or fresh produce at the weekly farmers market.
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Cristaudo's Cafe & Bakery + 6Pence
Cristaudo's is a full service caterer offering fresh cookies and pastries daily. They also take special orders for cakes and other baked goods, and have a… Read more about Cristaudo's Cafe & Bakery + 6Pence -
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Harbaugh's Cafe'
Hearty plates of classic breakfast & lunch fare are served at this busy cafe with eclectic decor. We've got the breakfast you're looking for and we… Read more about Harbaugh's Cafe' -
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Quatro's Pizza
Straightforward fixture for Chicago-style & thin-crust pizzas, pasta, sandwiches & salads. Read more about Quatro's Pizza -
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Tres Hombres
Relaxed, collegial fixture with Mexican eats & drink specials, plus live music and an outdoor patio. Read more about Tres Hombres -
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Italian Village
Longtime wood-paneled eatery with a salad bar, pizzas, red-sauce Italian favorites & video games. Read more about Italian Village -
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Global Gourmet
Located in the pulsing heart of downtown Carbondale, on a cobblestone street on the north side of the historic town square, we're a casual, energetic, affordable… Read more about Global Gourmet -
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Pagliai's Pizza & Pasta
Discover the authentic taste of tradition at Pagliai’s Pizza, a Carbondale landmark proudly serving Southern Illinois for over 55 years. Family-owned casual Italian restaurant serving pizza,… Read more about Pagliai's Pizza & Pasta -
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Mary Lou's Grill
Popular, cash-only fixture whipping up classic diner fare for breakfast & lunch since 1962. Read more about Mary Lou's Grill -
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Underground Public House
Our menu constantly evolves to reflect the seasonal bounty brought to us by the local farmers we support. Read more about Underground Public House