2021 ILLINOISouth Visitors Guide

2021

Beall Woods State Park Wabash County

Download the ILLINOISOUTH TOURISM APP on Apple or Android to help plan your trip!

FIND YOUR OUTDOOR ADVENTURE!

TABLE OF CONTENTS Welcome.................................... 1 Outdoor Adventures................ 2 ILLINOISouth YouTube............. 5 Road Trips.................................. 6 BIG Attractions........................ 10 Agritourism.............................. 14 Wine & Beer Trails................... 18 Food......................................... 22 Shopping................................. 26 Art & Culture............................ 28 History/Museums.................... 32 Sports....................................... 36 Events....................................... 38 Western Region Trip............... 42 Central Region Trip................. 46 Eastern Region Trip................ 50 Bicentennial Birthdays........... 53 Meeting/Event Space............. 56 Made in ILLINOISouth............ 58 Accommodations................... 60

Sunset at Carlyle Lake Photo Credit: @kblanquart

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hether you’re driving through or planning to make a special trip – we sincerely thank you for your interest in ILLINOISouth. Our territory is comprised of 22 counties stretching the width of the state, from the Mississippi River bordering Missouri – all the way to the Wabash River bordering Indiana.

ILLINOISouth covers over 100 thousand square miles of the state, accounting for hundreds of cities and villages that offer countless opportunities for outdoor adventure, foodie fun, and unique events just to name a few.

communities, events and more! Look up ILLINOISouth Tourism on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube for informative posts and in-depth videos that will give you an idea of what to expect when visiting our area.

From all of us here at ILLINOISouth Tourism, we hope you have a great time visiting our neck of the woods. Take A LOT of pictures and share your stories with us on social media, we love to hear from you!

It goes without stating that the recent pandemic has effected quite a few things in terms of travel and tourism, so as you get a few ideas while you’re reading our guide – we highly encourage you to do a quick Internet or social media search to get all of the details possible in regards to what you’re interested in. That said, ILLINOISouth offers a TON of socially distant opportunities that are a simple road trip away.

Aside from this guide, which can also be found on illinoisouth.org – we offer several other ways for you to get information on our attractions,

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

STAFF

BOND COUNTY Dennis Potthast Jes Adam

EDWARDS COUNTY Debbie Fearn Dennis Turpin

MARION COUNTY Sonya Germann Ben Stratemeyer

WABASH COUNTY Jim Pfeister Brenda Bobbitt

CLARK COUNTY Baily Maulding Norma Calvert

FAYETTE COUNTY Mayor Ricky Gottman Jessica Hampton

MONROE COUNTY Clyde Heller Jim Hill

CLAY COUNTY Amy Allen Doug Spitzner

HAMILTON COUNTY Monica Tucker Jerry Prince

PERRY COUNTY Judy Smid Carrie Gilliam

CLINTON COUNTY Jim Sullivan Sandy Timmermann

JASPER COUNTY Mindy Hartke Jane Casey

RANDOLPH COUNTY Emily Lyons Ronnie White

CRAWFORD COUNTY Lisa Schaefer Penny Shaw

LAWRENCE COUNTY Tom Robinson Paige Harvey

RICHLAND COUNTY Belinda Henton Karen Bell

WASHINGTON COUNTY Darlene Chapman Marvin Steinkamp Finance Director/ Doris Povolish President & CEO dchapman@illinoisouth.org WAYNE COUNTY Gary Sloan Christine Orr Royce Carter Sales & Marketing Manager corr@illinoisouth.org WHITE COUNTY Cindy Conley Andy Waterman Kelly Northcott Communications Director awaterman@illinoisouth.org

CUMBERLAND COUNTY Billie Chambers Tania Craig

MADISON COUNTY Rosemarie Brown Mallord Hubbard

ST. CLAIR COUNTY Cathleen Lindauer John West

Elaine Byrd Office Manager ebyrd@illinoisouth.org

Download the ILLINOISOUTH TOURISM APP on Apple or Android to help plan your trip!

Katerina Engle Graphic Designer/ Social Media Specialist kengle@illinoisouth.org Tamber Wade Ad Designer

We make every effort to verify the information contained in the Visitors Guide; however, we suggest that you call to confirm the hours of operation, rates and reservation requirements before visiting. © Copyright 2021 – ILLINOISouth Tourism ILLINOISouth Tourism Guide 2021

WELCOME

WELCOME TO ILLINOISOUTH!

Welcome

Cover photo taken by Mitch McPherson at Beall Woods State Park in Wabash County

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DISTANCE FOR DAYS

For a more advanced trail, Fults Hill Prairie Nature Preserve starts out with a nice long jaunt up the bluff – but once you get to the top, the views of the river bottoms are WELL worth the effort!

Photo Credit: Chris Cooley

Photo Credit:adventure Bryan Hadley Visit ILLINOISouth.org/Outdoor-Recreation for more outdoor travel ideas!

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Outdoor Adventures

ILLINOISouth Tourism Guide 2021

OUTDOOR ADVENTURES

When it comes to great scenery with good accessibility for wheelchairs and strollers, look no further than Arlington Wetlands in Madison County. This short trail features a boardwalk that allows visitors to walk right through the wetlands and get an up-close experience of this amazing ecosystem.

Carlyle Lake: There are also beaches and several recreation areas to spend time with the whole family.

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here is no question that travel and tourism trends have changed recently, making outdoor adventures VERY popular, and a natural place to be socially distant. ILLINOISouth is home to everything from wetlands and ravines, to lakes and nature preserves that are great for visitors of all ages!

If you’re a true outdoor enthusiast that enjoys everything from camping, hiking and biking to fishing and even sailing; then Carlyle Lake is the spot for

you! Carlyle Lake is the largest man-made lake in Illinois accounting for 25,000 acres.

If you’re looking for a hiking trip to last a full day or even a weekend, Monroe County is THE place to get away from it all. Paul Wightman Subterranean Nature Preserve is one of the easiest hikes, with a wide trail loop that is only about a mile long – but offers great views of wildflowers and more. Further north in Monroe County lies Salt Lick Point Land and Water Reserve, which is ▶

PhotoCredit: Chris Cooley @cooleyfamphotos

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OUTDOOR ADVENTURES

comprised of three different trails. The observation point from the Salt Lick trail provides you a birds-eye view of everything within miles – you can even see the St. Louis Arch from here! ☐

Photo Credit: Brianna Johnson @briannajohnson01

Tucked away in southeast Randolph County lies Piney Creek Ravine, Ravine one of the true hidden gems in southern Illinois to take a hike. Amazing views of bluffs, creeks and canyons here are enough to take your breath away – but the icing on the cake is the rock art. Piney Creek Ravine is home to the largest collection of prehistoric petroglyphs and pictographs of anywhere in Illinois – landing Piney Creek Ravine on the National Register of Historic Places!

Photo Credit: @kalilynnmusic

Picture Perfect: For one of the most picturesque scenes of summer, visit Sam Parr State Fish and Wildlife Area in Jasper County. One of the best times to go is late July to early August when seemingly endless fields of sunflowers are in bloom. As you may imagine, this is a VERY popular spot for family pictures and Instagram enthusiasts alike!

Located on the banks of the Wabash River in southeastern Illinois, Beall Woods State Park in Wabash County attracts visitors from around the world who are interested in experiencing one of the few remaining tracts of virgin timber east of the Mississippi River. At Beall Woods, visitors can see trees 120 feet tall and more than 3 feet in diameter.

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Photo Credit: @phillipsfamilyadventureteam

Visit ILLINOISouth.org/Outdoor-Recreation for more outdoor adventure travel ideas!

ILLINOISouth Tourism Guide 2021

When it comes to planning a trip, it is second nature to do a quick internet search and watch a few videos of the place you plan to visit. Travelers love to have an idea of what to expect when arriving to their destination, and at ILLINOISouth we couldn’t agree more.

We take videos of all of our travels and have posted over 160 videos to our YouTube channel! So if you’re curious about food to eat, places to shop, and things to see while in our neck of the woods – just search

ILLINOISOUTH YOUTUBE

WATCH BEFORE YOU WANDER

ILLINOISouth Tourism on YouTube or check out our video library at ILLINOISouth.org/Video-Library. ☐

FIND US ON

ILLINOISouth Tourism Guide 2021

ILLINOISouth YouTube

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ROADS TO

RO

I

LLINOISouth is crossed by SO MANY scenic byways, and each route is full of unique stories and attractions to visit. Route 66, the Kaskaskia Cahokia Trail and the Great River Road all travel north and south through our territory, while the Historic National Road travels east and west. No matter which road you take, you’ll find something that will make you say “I didn’t know that was in Illinois!”

The stretch of Route 66 that cuts through ILLINOISouth has a few notable stops that will make you whip out your camera. On the alignment of the Mother Road that connected Pontoon Beach and Granite City sits the Luna Café,

"...EACH ROUTE IS FULL OF UNIQUE STORIES AND ATTRACTIONS TO VISIT."

where their fantastic neon sign is an Instagram celebrity. Once you get to Granite City, make sure to make a stop at O’Brien Tire & Auto to take a selfie in front of their HUGE Route 66 branded tire! The last stop is on a once temporary alignment of Route 66 in Venice, which is home to the very large Salute to Steel Sculpture! For more info visit illinoisroute66.org.

Two of our great road trip routes intermingle with one another – the Kaskaskia-Cahokia Trail and the Great River Road. Also known as “Illinois’ First Road,” the Kaskaskia-Cahokia Trail dates back to 11,000 BC. Kaskaskia was the first state capital in 1818 and is home to ‘The Liberty Bell of the West.’ A notable stop along the Kaskaskia-Cahokia Trail is Fort de Chartres, Chartres which was built in 1720, and is home to the oldest building in the state!

As previously mentioned, the Great River Road overlaps the ▶ 6

Road Trips

ILLINOISouth Tourism Guide 2021

ROAD TRIPS

OAM The most scenic drive of the KC Trail is along Bluff Road, which is especially beautiful in the fall.

Photo Credit: Curt Simshauser Photo Cinema ILLINOISouth Tourism Guide 2021

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ROAD TRIPS

The next closest stop along Route 66 is the iconic Chain of Rocks Bridge.

Bridge While it’s not open to drive across, it is an awesome pedestrian bridge to take in wonderful views of the Mississippi River.

Photo Credit: @jenniifer7

Marshall is home to the National Historic Road Welcome Center in Harlan Hall; along with 25 beautiful murals scattered throughout town.

KC Trail through ILLINOISouth – also known as Route 3. For one of the best views in ILLINOISouth be sure to check out Fort Kaskaskia, where there is a great overlook to view the confluence of the Kaskaskia and Mississippi Rivers.

Running from east to west through ILLINOISouth is the Historic National Road – also known as “The Road That Built The Nation.” After exploring Marshall, the next town west is Casey, which is home to several HUGE things – including many 8

Guinness World Record holders (we’ll have more on that in just a couple pages).

Greenup is a fantastic stop for history buffs with several museums, and a beautiful covered bridge to snap a few pictures of. Further west lies Vandalia, where the National Road Interpretive Center is located. Greenville is not far down the National Road from Vandalia, and has several worthy spots to visit including the American Farm Heritage Museum, Rolling Lawns Farms “The Milk House,” and Marcoot Jersey Creamery. For some of

the best food (especially dessert) along the National Road, look no further than Madison County. The pie at Blue Springs Café is famous for being ‘foot-hi,’ then you have the barks, clusters and truffles at The Chocolate Affair in Highland. No matter what kind of trip you’re looking for, the road is waiting in ILLINOISouth! ☐ For more road trip ideas, visit ILLINOISouth.org.

ILLINOISouth Tourism Guide 2021

See Centralia

www.marshall-il.com

THRU THE YEARS WITH PRIDE

Annual Events • Locust Street Historic Festival • Balloon Fest • Celebrate Centralia • Halloween Parade & Fall Festival • Powerboat Races and many more...

Photo Complements of Trisha Mifflin

HISTORIC LANDMARKS

21 HISTORIC MURALS

FRIDAY NIGHT CONCERTS

BOATING/CAMPING/FISHING/HUNTING

Recreation Complex • Historical Society Museum Carillon • Veterans & Miners Memorials Railroad Village at Fairview Park Dining • Lodging • Parks & Lakes Bike & Walking Trails • Disc Golf Antique Stores • Aircraft Displays

SeeCentralia.com • 618.533.7623 X SeeCentralia ILLINOISouth Tourism Guide 2021

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LIVIN’

LARG

ADVENTURE IS B IN ILLINOISOUT

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hen it comes to living large, ILLINOSouth is all about it. Our area is home to MANY of the largest things in the world, as well as some of the largest things in the state.

For those who are outdoor enthusiasts, ILLINOISouth is home to the LARGEST state recreation area in Illinois. Pyramid State Recreation Area in Perry County contains 19,701 acres – which includes 24 separate lakes and bodies

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BIG Attractions

ILLINOISouth Tourism Guide 2021

Photo Credit: @dataddict42

BIG ATTRACTIONS

GE

World’s Largest Rocking Chair in Casey, IL

Photo Credit: @visitcaseyil

BIGGER

TH!

of water, which are mostly used for fishing and kayaking. If hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding are more your speed – Pyramid State Recreation area boasts over 16 miles worth of trails.

The Illinois DNR manages sections of the park for the hunting of deer, doves, pheasants, wild turkeys and water-fowl as well.

Nobody does BIGGER better than the folks in Clark County. Scattered throughout the county you’ll find a HUGE horseshoe and anvil in Martinsville, and the World’s Largest Gavel at the Clark County Courthouse in Marshall. ▶ ILLINOISouth Tourism Guide 2021

The largest collection of BIG things can be found in Casey, which has taken the nickname ‘Big Things in a Small Town.’ Here you’ll find over two dozen big attractions; including a functioning wooden top, a birdcage, a rocking horse, and a mouse trap among others. There are also 11 Guinness World Record holders in Casey including the World’s Largest Rocking Chair, the World’s Largest Truck Key, and the World’s Largest Mailbox. The great thing is, Casey keeps adding to their collection of BIG things so you never know what giant attraction will pop up next!

If you’re looking for one of the largest instruments in the world, head to Centralia! The Centralia Carillon is a bell tower, comprised of 65 bells with a total weight of over 61 thousand pounds!

The Centralia Carillon ranks in the top ten of all carillons worldwide in terms of size. There are frequently musical programs for folks to enjoy depending on the season – so enjoy the sights AND sounds of the Centralia Carillon!

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BIG ATTRACTIONS

World’s Largest Golf Club in Casey, IL

Another LARGE attraction in ILLINOISouth sits in St. Clair County.

Malcolm W. Martin Memorial Park is positioned right next to Casino Queen and is home to the Gateway Geyser - the tallest water fountain in the United States, and the third tallest

in the world! The Geyser can reach up to 630 feet in the air, which is the height of the Gateway Arch directly across the river in St. Louis. The Gateway Geyser erupts at noon each day, from the spring through the fall. Take in the fountain in all of its glory from a covered gazebo, or climb up the 43

foot tall observation deck near the river for more of a ‘birds-eye’ view! ☐ For more travel and tourism ideas, visit ILLINOISouth.org.

Malcolm W. Martin Memorial Park in St. Clair County Photo Credit: Justin Barr @stl_from_above

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ILLINOISouth Tourism Guide 2021

Belleville / St. Louis Las Vegas Myrtle Beach Phoenix / Mesa

Charleston Savannah / Hilton Head Destin / Ft. Walton Beach

Jacksonville

Tampa / St. Pete Sarasota / Bradenton Ft. Myers / Punta Gorda

Orlando / Sanford Fort Lauderdale

Incredible stories. Breathtaking views.

Experience Saint Louis from 630 feet above.

GET YOUR TICKETS TO THE TOP AT GATEWAYARCH.COM

ILLINOISouth Tourism Guide 2021

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FANTASTIC

FARMS FIND YOUR

AGRITOURISM ADVENTURE! Grissom’s Lost Creek Orchard outside of Greenup offers up peaches as well, but they’re famous for their pumpkins, apples and apple cider!

Photo Credit: @kyra_carlen

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ne of the fastest growing areas of tourism in the last twenty years is agriculture-based tourism. Folks love to visit places where they can get outdoors and pick their own produce, cut down a family Christmas tree, or walk through a corn maze. ILLINOISouth is full of farms that are ready to welcome you!

For a truly unique and up-close experience with animals – Rainbow Ranch Petting Zoo in rural Washington County is definitely worth a trip. Aside from traditional farm animals like pigs, donkeys 14

and horses – Rainbow Ranch also has SEVERAL exotic animals for your family to experience. Everything from zebras and camels to a macaw and even kangaroos!

The springtime is when they officially open up their season, and also when they host ‘baby bonanza’ – allowing visitors to bottle feed all of the new baby animals the farm has!

Cows are the crown jewel at Marcoot Jersey Creamery as well as Rolling Lawns Farms, both located in Greenville.

Marcoot provides area grocery stores and Agritourism

restaurants with delicious cheese products, as well as ice cream – and folks can visit their farm for those fresh products as well.

Rolling Lawns is all about milk products but prepare yourself for a wide variety, including flavors of milk you may have never heard of. Not only do they supply the typical whole milk and two percent, but Rolling Lawns also has chocolate, strawberry, and cappuccino flavor varieties.

Their egg nog is a huge hit around the Holidays as well – stop by their Milk House in Greenville to take some home!

ILLINOISouth Tourism Guide 2021

AGRITOURISM

If fruit is more what you’re looking for – there are so many farms to choose from. In Jasper County, Bigard’s Strawberry Patch and Peach Orchard draws folks from several surrounding counties for fresh fruit. Schwartz Orchard in Centralia has won several state and national awards for their apple cider – but even more delicious are their apple cider donuts. In Belleville, there are two farms within a mile of each other that offer many pick-your-own fruits and vegetables. Braeutigam Orchards opens on June 1st, and offers everything from cherries and blackberries to peaches and pumpkins. They also have a bakery on-site that has become a fan-favorite for apple cider slushies! A stone’s throw from Braeutigam sits Eckert’s – arguably the most well-known farm in ILLINOISouth. Eckert’s Belleville location is open year round, with so many u-pick opportunities – everything from berries and apples to pumpkins and Christmas trees. Their Country Store is also full of deliciousness, including locally made products from other farms and makers. In the fall, Eckert’s opens up their Fun Farm location in Millstadt – which features a ton of family-fun activities, including a pumpkin cannon.

"FOLKS LOVE TO VISIT PLACES WHERE THEY CAN GET OUTDOORS AND PICK THEIR OWN PRODUCE, CUT DOWN A FAMILY CHRISTMAS TREE, OR WALK THROUGH A CORN MAZE."

Speaking of pumpkins, there are some farms that focus solely on the fall season.

Relleke Pumpkin Patch near Pontoon Beach is open from mid-September through the end of October, and offers up much more than just pumpkin picking. There are activities for all ages, from a Haunted Barn to barrel train rides! In Randolph County, Schoenbeck Ranch has fields of pumpkins as far as the eye can see. Visitors can also enjoy a corn maze, pony rides, a petting zoo and more. Possum Patch Farms near Olney is home to many different varieties of pumpkins and gourds, and features a great general store to purchase food and crafts from! There are also hayrides available, along with flashlight pumpkin picking for something unique. Not far outside of Hoyleton in Washington County sits another farm with acres and acres of pumpkins – Country Kids Pumpkin Patch. Country Kids features pig races, pedal go-karts and a 30 foot slide to have fun on!

Eckert's has a sunflower trail for your family to walk through and have a photo op with!

Of course, directly following fall is the Holiday season – and there are so many families who take pride in going out to a farm to cut down their own tree. Two of ▶

Photo Credit: @joymm3 ILLINOISouth Tourism Guide 2021

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AGRITOURISM

Schwartz Orchard offers a GREAT pickyour-own apple experience to visitors each fall.

Photo Credit: Macie Sanders @maciesanders

Agritourism Page 3

Cows are the crown jewel at Marcoot Jersey Creamery, located in Greenville.

Not far north of Greenville lies Randy’s Country Barn, which offers eight different varieties of trees – as well as a country store with many unique gifts to buy. You may find Santa strolling around the grounds on any given weekend!

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the most iconic tree farms in ILLINOISouth are located in Bond County. Daniken Tree Farm is located just outside of Pocahontas, and has 70 scenic acres with over 45,000 trees to choose from! Visitors can also purchase wreaths and other Christmas items from Daniken’s gift shop. There’s also Dahnke Family Farms just east of Martinsville in Clark County, and while trees are their specialty – they are VERY well-known for their reindeer. Dahnke Farms has seven reindeer with a reindeer school for folks to attend, as well as many different activities for families including bonfires and a snowball arena. ☐ For more travel and tourism ideas, visit ILLINOISouth.org.

ILLINOISouth Tourism Guide 2021

Your New Hometown is

EXCITING EVENTS

Each summer and fall, our streets are filled with celebrations! Classic car shows & cruise-ins, Bond County Fair, FourthFest, ArtWalk & Harvest Festival, Farm Heritage Days, Paws In The Park, Hill's Fort Rendezvous, Come Home for Christmas, and so much more!

FASCINATING ATTRACTIONS

Greenville is home to many fine museums, interesting businesses, thrilling adventures, unique shopping, and more! The DeMoulin Museum, Richard W. Bock Sculpture Museum, American Farm Heritage Museum, Piety's Gallery, Marcoot Jersey Creamery, Evergreen Plant Company, The Milk House, and many more

MADE IN GREENVILLE

Greenville is home to many creative and enthusiastic entrepreneurs.

From cheese to rubber roofing, many fine products are created in Greenville everyday! Visit some of our local agri-tourism hotspots like Marcoot Jersey Creamery or Rolling Lawn Farm's THE MILK HOUSE. See the creations of local artists and makers at Piety's Art Gallery.

PRESERVATION & REMEMBRANCE

Greenville has connections all over the world and far into the past. From famous visitors like Presidents Obama, Reagan, and Lincoln to the fascinating historical worlds of Greenville University and Hill's Fort, we cherish our history and support many museums and sites dedicated to honoring our past and educating our future. See history for yourself at The DeMoulin Museum, American Farm Heritage Museum, Hill's Fort, and more

For more information:

G RE EN V I L L EI LL I N O I S . C O M 6 18 - 6 6 4 - 16 44

ILLINOISouth Tourism Guide 2021

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k & n i Dr y r r e M Be

T OA S IN IL

Wabash Valley Wine Trail

Carlyle Lake Wine Trail

WINE

I

f wine is more your speed, there are two different wine trails in our territory; the Carlyle Lake Wine Trail in our Central Region and the Wabash Valley Wine Trail in our Eastern Region.

HIDDEN LAKE WINERY

Aviston

BRETZ WILDLIFE LODGE AND WINERY

BERRYVILLE VINEYARDS

Claremont

FOX CREEK VINEYARDS

Olney

HOMESTEAD VINEYARDS

Carlyle

West Salem

TWELVE OAKS VINEYARD

IRENE’S VINEYARD

Carlyle

Oblong

CROOKED CREEK WINERY

LASATA WINES

Centralia

Lawrenceville

There are also several other wineries in ILLINOISouth that are must visits but aren’t associated with a wine trail.

JO-AL WINERY

Mascoutah

THE POUR VINEYARD

Red Bud

THE WEINGARTEN

Belleville

COPPER DOCK

Pocahontas

CAMEO VINEYARDS

Greenup

BELLA VISTA WINERY Maryville

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Wine & Beer Trails

ILLINOISouth Tourism Guide 2021

BEER

F

ans of beer have no shortage of breweries to visit in our 22-county area. Many of those breweries can be found on the Southern Illinois Beer Trail, which spans as far north as Madison County – all the way down to Union County.

Ten of those breweries fall in ILLINOISouth’s territory.

EXCEL BREWING

WINE & BEER TRAILS

S E M I T D O O G O T ST !

H T U O S I O LLI N LIEFERBRAU BREWERY

Breese

Red Bud

PEEL BREWING COMPANY

WHITE ROOSTER FARMHOUSE BREWERY

O’Fallon

4204 MAIN STREET BREWING IN BELLEVILLE Belleville

MILLPOND BREWING AND INCUBATOR

Millstadt

STUBBORN GERMAN BREWING COMPANY

Sparta

ST. NICHOLAS BREWING COMPANY

Du Quoin

ST. NICHOLAS LANDMARK

Chester

Waterloo

HOPSKELLER BREWING COMPANY

Waterloo

ILLINOISouth Tourism Guide 2021

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DISTILLERIES

MASTERMIND VODKA

Pontoon Beach

STUMPY’S SPIRITS

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WINE & BEER TRAILS

hile there aren’t near as many distilleries as wineries or breweries, the four that call ILLINOISouth home are all top notch! Stumpy’s and Witness make both vodka and whiskey, while Mastermind specializes in solely vodka, and Schomaker features some tasty moonshine. Cheers!

Columbia

WITNESS DISTILLERY

Vandalia

SCHOMAKER DISTILLERY

Nashville (limited hours)

For more information on the best places to grab a drink, visit ILLINOISouth.org/ Wineries-and-Breweries

Witness Distillery in Vandalia, IL

Wine & Beer Trails Page 3

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ILLINOISouth Tourism Guide 2021

ACTIVITIES AT THE COMPLEX Illinois Department of Natural Resources

Trapshooting

Skeet Shooting

Camping

Restaurant Dining

Sporting Clays

Youth Pheasant Hunt

Fishing

Conference Rooms

Rifle/Pistol Events

Shooting Clinics

Field Trials

Weddings & More

1 Main Event Lane Sparta, IL 618-295-2700 Follow us on Facebook

ILLINOISouth Tourism Guide 2021

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BRING AN APPETITE There is an up and coming food truck that will serve a 25 patty smashburger if you ask for it. Two Farmers Burgers and Beignets is out of Mt. Carmel, but they vend everywhere from Fairfield and Olney to Albion and more – attracting folks from miles around!

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here are SO many GREAT places to eat in our region of the state. While we don’t have the space to mention them all, we do have a few fanfavorites broken up into categories.

QUICK BITES We’ll start in Waterloo, home of Shorty’s Smokehouse. While they have your typical menu Smokehouse options like pulled pork and ribs, their new brisket gyro and brisket Philly have folks raving! We’ll move to our Central Region, where Kahuna’s Burgers in Greenville offers up an interesting take on the traditional hamburger. The Sunset Burger comes complete with sweet chili cream cheese and grilled pineapple – whoever thought that burger up needs an award! In Carmi, there’s a long-time staple in the community complete with carhop service.

Yesterday’s Drive-In is perfect for a trip back in

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time to enjoy an old-fashioned cheeseburger and onion rings, and for those short on cash five bucks will get you five cheeseburgers!

SIT & ENJOY If dining in is more your speed, here are a few places where the food is definitely worth waiting for. If you’re travelling along I-70 through our region – definitely exit around Pocahontas and experience Nuby’s Steakhouse.

Steakhouse If you have never had a horseshoe, it comes HIGHLY recommended, and you can choose hamburger or a pork tenderloin to be covered with fries and cheese sauce! For a place where the cocktails are perhaps even more important than the food, visit Jovalou in downtown Fairfield. Jovalou has well over thirty cocktails available, as well as beer – and with things like maple pecan sweet potato fries ▶ Food

In Red Bud, the Opera House Bistro is an amazing facility with phenomenal steaks, crab cakes, and shrimp scampi.

FOOD

Shimoji Coffee is a drive-thru only experience, offering everything from coffee drinks to whole bean and ground coffee in a variety of flavors and sizes.

on the menu, their food is nothing to scoff at either! If you’re around Lawrenceville, there’s no question Coco’s Café & Wine Bar is a must-stop. The ambiance and atmosphere are second to none, and the food…wow. They have eight specialty salads, chicken pot pie that is out of this world, and a giant plate of delish called ‘Bombarded Fries.’

DESSERT Urban Farmhouse in Highland is a great place for a meal, but their dessert takes the cake…pun intended! Really, it’s the pie at Urban Farmhouse that really sets it over the top. The Snickers Pie is their largest, most decadent offering – you’ll definitely need a glass of milk just by looking at it.

Ice cream is a fantastic dessert option, and one of the best ice cream places in ILLINOISouth is Ice Cream Korner in Iuka.

Point of advice, if you get the banana split (and you should) – prepare to be full the rest of the day! Another place that serves great food, with even better dessert is Covered in Chocolate in Breese. Their case full of goodies changes seasonally, so you’ll never know what you might find – but their cake pops and cupcakes are always a huge hit, no matter the flavor!

If you’re wandering around Casey looking at all the big things, definitely visit Wildflour Bakery and Candy Company. Stepping in here is every child’s dream, there are sweet treats EVERYWHERE. Aside from every day items like cookies and chocolate croissants, Wildflour also concocts some awesome themed cakes!

ILLINOISouth Tourism Guide 2021

COFFEE There is nothing like a REALLY good cup of coffee to start your day, right? In Mascoutah, there’s a joint called St. Louis Coffee World that believes that saying is true, and they offer over two dozen specialty coffee drinks! A couple notable flavors are honey lavender and the Nutty Irishman. In our Central Region, Shimoji Coffee has exploded in popularity since opening in 2016 – they now have locations in both Vandalia and Greenville. Ophelia’s Cup in Olney has been a mainstay in the community since 1992, and features everything from traditional coffee to frappes and cold brew. Ophelia’s also has a slew of seasonal drinks depending on the time of year. Last but not least, we have Colyer Coffee House in Albion.

Located downtown on the square, Colyer treats your taste buds with great food and beverages; a new fan-favorite is the frozen hot chocolate. ☐

For more information on the best places to grab a drink, visit ILLINOISouth.org/Dine.

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VISIT

Home of Excel Bottling Co.!

bREESE

BREESE 526-4321

40 minutes east of St. Louis, MO • 10 minutes from Carlyle Lake TRENTON 224-2222

ANNUAL EVENTS Clinton County Relay for Life Optimist Fall Fest Clinton County Showcase Garage Sale Days Plays in the Park Christmas Parade and Fireworks 5K Runs Mater Dei Holiday Tournament St. Dominic Picnic Avon Theatre

Bent Oaks Golf Course

TWO LOCATIONS!

INSIDE DINING • PATIO DINING • DOUBLE DRIVE THRU

Breese Park

Where Friends Meet Friends!

Largest menu around!

sh fr e e e f % b 1 0 0o u n d gr

PLACES OF INTEREST Knotty Pine Inn & Motel Historic Avon Theatre Bent Oak Golf Club Hannah’s Playground

Everything made your way!

Quality food and drink!

Worth the drive!

SKI Plant Tours Covered N Chocolate Dairy King Wally’s

WWW.BREESE.ORG

BURGERS • SANDWICHES • SOUPS SALADS • ICE CREAM • SMOOTHIES

will have a special display. Salem is the Birthplace of William Jennings Bryan. Also home of the GI Bill of Rights, Little Egypt Festival, Kraft Miracle Whip, and more.

The exhibit is hosted by BryanBennett Library and Marion County Genealogical & Historical Society, 315 S. Maple St, Salem, IL 62881.

Voices & Votes: Democracy in America

Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Examine the leap of faith taken

by American revolutionaries those who built a nation based on power from its citizens and not a monarchy. Voices & Votes invites you to remember America’s democratic system, the right to vote, the electoral process, civic participation, and rights and responsibilities of citizens.

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Aug. 28 - Oct. 2

A companion exhibit, the Illinois Freedom Project, looks at the people, places, and events of Illinois from the 18th through early 20th centuries that wrote the history of slavery, injustice, adversity, and ultimately freedom.

Check www.salemil.us and salembbl.lib.il.us for updates and special emphasis weeks, e.g., Honoring our Heroes, Southern Illinois Heritage, and other educational, patriotic, and recreational opportunities.

For more information call 618-548-3006, ext 2 or email VVexhibit.Salem@gmail.com.

The Salem Area Historical Museum (opening Summer 2021)

ILLINOISouth Tourism Guide 2021

Get to know

MNPV @KnowColumbia

Columbiaillinois.com

ANNUAL FAVORITES CITY WIDE YARD SALE March 26 & 27

SONGS4SOLDIERS September 17 & 18

ADULT ROTTEN EGG HUNT April 9

FESTIFALL October 3

MUSIC AT METTER June-August

SCARECROW CRAWL October 7 - 31

4TH OF JULY CELEBRATION & BIKE PARADE

WITCHES GHOULISH NIGHT OUT October 14

TASTE OF COLUMBIA ARTS & ARTISANS ON MAIN August 7 COLUMBIA DAYS & PARADE August 20 & 21

BRIGHT NIGHT CHRISTMAS PARADE December 4

VISIT OUR

POP-UP SHOP! YOU NEVER KNOW WHAT STORE WILL POP-UP NEXT! FIND THE POP-UP SHOP SCHEDULE OR BECOME A VENDOR:

PopUpShopColumbiaIllinois.com @PopUpShopColumbiaIL

M ILLINOISouth Tourism Guide 2021

25

SHOPPING SCENE O

ne of the top tourism activities no matter where you travel is shopping.

People love to buy something from their travels to remind them where they have been, whether it’s something to spruce up a home or a wardrobe. There are hundreds of places to shop in ILLINOISouth – some may take a couple hours, others could be enjoyed in an entire day!

One-Of-A-Kind Shopping For an ever-changing assortment of vintage, rustic, shabby chic home goods, check out Warehouse 300 in Trenton.

Items sold here are made by a rotating group of local artisans! For a really unique shopping experience check out Ten Pin

Antique Mall in Carlyle. Ten Pin is a former bowling alley that still features everything from the floors to the scoring monitors, not to mention they have nearly A MILLION items to browse! If shopping for local foods is more your speed, Higginson Farms in McLeansboro is THE place to go.

They offer all-natural farm-raised beef in bulk or by the pound; and they also keep their store stocked with dozens of goodies and food items like honey and cheese, made by other local farms and makers. Not far north of Higginson lies The Country Closet in Flora, which features clothing for the entire family as well as books, shoes, purses and more! Another very popular place to buy women’s and children’s clothing is Wild Rose Boutique

If you’re in the mood to shop in eclectic antique and boutique shops, give Market Street in Mt. Carmel a try. You’ll also find a jeweler, and some consignment stores that will likely have something that tickles your fancy.

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Shopping

in Robinson. Wild Rose features ‘trendy’ clothing from Sherpas to boots, if you’re looking to spice up your wardrobe.

Whippoorwill Antique Mall is our last stop on this portion of the shopping journey, and this shop may take all day to peruse. Whippoorwill has over 100 dealers selling thousands of items in a 12,000 square foot space. You could leave with almost anything!

Cluster Shopping There are several communities in ILLINOISouth that have many different shops within walking distance of each The Rusty Nail in Salem is another favorite shopping place among ladies.

You can find everything from crafts and candles to antiques and an array of seasonal items.

ILLINOISouth Tourism Guide 2021

other, where someone could take a day and do some serious ‘cluster shopping.’

Columbia is one such community where you can hit up a few different boutiques, gift shops, a bike shop, a quilt shop and their one room schoolhouse in town turned POP-UP Shop Columbia! Pinckneyville is another such town where you can visit boutique after boutique and shop from several different styles, and wrap up your day with some wine and food at the Twisted Vine. Fairview Heights is a very well-known shopping town, with St. Clair Square Mall and several other shopping For more information on the best places to shop, visit ILLINOISouth.org/Shop.

centers; folks travel from counties away to spend a day here. If you’ve never been on Belleville’s Main Street, that is most definitely a great place to do some cluster shopping. We’re talking everything from candy stores and flower shops to jewelers and eateries! Much like Belleville, The Downtown District in O’Fallon offers up some great niche shopping that you won’t find many other places in southern Illinois!

There’s a pet boutique and a couple of different bakeries, along with Vine Street Market at O’Fallon Station to purchase locally made goods! Just east of O’Fallon is

SHOPPING

BUY YOUR NEXT FAVORITE THING IN ILLINOISOUTH!

You can purchase locally grown and made goods at O'Fallon Station's Vine Street Market.

Lebanon, where some amazing treasures can be found, from art and boutiques, to coffee and antiques. We’ll wrap up with a complete hidden gem when it comes to shopping - tucked away in Crawford County is the small town of Oblong. There are a handful of shops just within steps of one another including Vault Antiques – which is located inside the former Oil Belt National Bank building. We hope you find what you’re shopping for - and maybe a few other unexpected gifts too! ☐

If you go to Chester to visit all the Popeye statues, you need a Popeye souvenir… right? Head to Spinach Can Collectibles, the only Popeye Shop and Museum in the World. They have everything from t-shirts and comic books to figurines.

Photo Credit: Matthew Stropnick

ILLINOISouth Tourism Guide 2021

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EXPAND YOUR MIND

For the last twenty years, the Salem Community Theatre and Cultural Center provides visitors the chance to see live performances, music, movies and more in an iconic art deco style venue full of Egyptian architectural details.

T

here are several communities throughout our region of southern Illinois that take great pride in showcasing their take on fine arts, music, and theatre. Many don’t know it, but Belleville is home to the nation’s secondoldest continuously operating philharmonic orchestra. The Belleville Philharmonic Society has been in existence since 1866 and hosts several performances each year. Midwest Salute to the Arts is a long-running art show that can be found in Fairview Heights each August. For over 28

30 years, Midwest Salute to the Arts has showcased all kinds of art from glass and mixed media, to clay and jewelry. Fairfield plays host to the Fairfield PaintOut each year, which brings hundreds of folks to town over several days to paint local subjects to be judged in a show.

For those looking to go on a scavenger hunt for art – look no further than Marshall!

There are over 25 murals and more than 40 beautifully painted lion statues (the town mascot) scattered throughout town.

For fans of live theatre, there are several Art & Culture

opportunities to enjoy a production in ILLINOISouth.

The Alfresco Art Center in Granite City usually puts on a few very notable shows each year, along with several other events that attract folks from miles around. The Hettenhausen Center for the Arts on the campus of McKendree University in Lebanon is another hot spot for arts and culture. Commonly called ‘The Hett’ – this location plays host to everything from live theatre to music, as well as presentations and even movie screenings. Another community theatre that is a staple in Breese is the Clinton County Showcase, which hosts multiple live shows each year at the historic Avon Theatre. Another EXTREMELY popular theater in ILLINOISouth is strictly for movies! The Drive ‘N Theatre in Jasper ILLINOISouth Tourism Guide 2021

IN ILLINOISOUTH! ART & CULTURE

Belleville is very well known for Art on the Square, a juried fine art Square show that features 100 different artists – and is consistently one of the top rated shows in the nation each year!

Some of the most unique art you’ll ever see can be found in Palestine – where S.D. Meadows Folk Art Gallery has their unique pieces showcased not only in their shop, but also throughout town.

Owner Steve Meadows takes pride in repurposing almost anything, and turning it into furnishings, pottery, collectible items and more!

County is one of just a few remaining drive-in movie theaters in southern Illinois, and prides itself on showing new movies and classics to folks from counties around since 1953. ☐ For more information on arts and culture in our region, visit ILLINOISouth.org/Art-and-Theater.

ILLINOISouth Tourism Guide 2021

29

NATURE LOVER'S

Paradise Olney, IL

Home of the White Squirrels

Ad Space

Lovers of nature will feel right at home in Olney, IL. Olney features THREE beautiful lakes, wooded hiking/biking/horseback trails, a bird sanctuary, and plenty of peace and quiet.

Visitors can also enjoy the sites and shops throughout the quaint town, making Olney the ideal destination for a quick day trip or a multi-day retreat.

618-395-7302 • www.CityofOlney.com • 30

X ILLINOISouth Tourism Guide 2021

Randolph County, IL Honoring 318 years of Ancestors by Preserving these Treasures

Liberty Bell of the West Kaskaskia Island - 1741

Fort de Chartres

8-Sided Charter Oak School Schuline - 1873

Roscoe Misselhorn Gallery Sparta - 1907

Prairie du Rocher - 1718-1765

Ad Space

Pierre Menard Home Near Ellis Grove - 1802

Kaskaskia Immaculate Conception Church - 1675

Mississippi & Kaskaskia Rivers Lock & Dam Heritage Confluence Park

RCHS Creole House, Prairie du Rocher - ca 1800 National Register of Historical Places Thomas Mather Plaque

Red Bud Museum 1860

Governor Bond’s Memorial Chester

Mary’s River Covered Bridge Near Chester - 1874

Kaskaskia 1818 - First State Capital For an Interactive Map:

X[\ ILLINOISouth Tourism Guide 2021

Visit us online at tourism.randolphco.org

For Travel Packets

elyons@powrup.net 618-826-5000 ext. 138

George Rogers Clark Historic Marker - 1778 “Covered Bridge”

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HISTORY BUFFS

UNITE!

AMAZING MUSEUMS AWAIT YOU IN ILLINOISOUTH!

T

here are so many pieces of significant history in our 22-county territory of the state, and many of those historical stories are told through a WIDE array of museums.

If learning about several different time periods within one museum is more your speed, then the History Museum of Monroe County is a must-visit. Located in Waterloo, this venue features a variety of permanent displays, along with rotating displays and presentations. A fan-favorite is the Allscheid Rock Shelter Exhibit – which features a scale model of a rock shelter that is located south of Waterloo, and was used by hunter-gatherers 8,000 years go!

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Okawville is home to a cluster of historic homes that make up the Heritage House Museum.

Museum Visitors to Dr. Poos home will find an 1893 World’s Fair Piano, along with historic medical equipment that belonged to the doctor. At the Schlosser Home, folks can get a good feel of how their grandparents and great-grandparents lived and the tools and treasures they used on a daily basis.

The Illinois Rural Heritage Museum in Pinckneyville is laid out on four acres of land, with over 17,000 square feet of exhibit space – making it one of the largest museums in southern Illinois. From farming equipment to an interactive coal mining exhibit, there History/Museums

ILLINOISouth Tourism Guide 2021

Arguably one of the most historic landmarks in ILLINOISouth is tucked away in Randolph County. Fort de Chartres is a French Fortification just outside of Prairie du Rocher, originally built in 1720 as an administrative center for the province. While most of the property has been restored, the original powder magazine still stands and is considered the oldest building in Illinois. The Fort hosts their Rendezvous events each year - drawing thousands of people to take part in several re-enactments and demonstrations.

Photo Credit: Gary Adams

HISTORY / MUSEUMS

is something for folks of all ages to enjoy. The main goal of the Illinois Rural Heritage Museum is to let visitors experience the changing rural lifestyle from 1850 forward.

History buffs that want to spend an entire day soaking in the past can take a trip to Greenup. The Cumberland County History Museum, the Cumberland County Military Museum, and the Greenup Train Depot and Museum are within a block’s walk of each other – but all feature different exhibits and displays that celebrate Cumberland County’s history.

ILLINOISouth Tourism Guide 2021

Many folks do not know it, but Robinson is the birthplace of the iconic Heath Bar! The Heath Museum & Confectionary has over 1,000 Heath artifacts on display including a candy store and soda fountain. The best part…visitors can buy souvenir bags of Heath Bars by the pound!

Another unique museum can be found in Casey. While you’re in town checking out all of the BIG THINGS, head to Fairview Park and walk through the USA Softball of Illinois Hall of Fame Museum. Visitors from 49 states and 15 different countries have come to experience all things softball from the state of Illinois! ▶ 33

HISTORY / MUSEUMS

One look around Vandalia, and you’ll find a lot of history pertaining to politics and Abraham Lincoln. The Vandalia State House (also known as the Old State Capitol), is the oldest surviving capitol building in the state and is significant for its association with Lincoln – who served in the House of Representatives here.

Visitors can walk through the State House on their own, or set up a tour depending on the time and season!

One of the quirkiest, most fun museums you’ll probably ever visit can be found in Greenville. The DeMoulin Museum showcases a large collection of marching band uniforms, made by DeMoulin Brothers and Company out of Greenville, but the unique lodge initiation devices are what have attracted people from over 30 different states. Visitors can experience a Bucking Goat, an Invisible Paddle Machine, a Knife Throwing Wall and much more!

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For more information on history and museums in ILLINOISouth, visit ILLINOISouth.org/History-and-Culture.

Fans of trains should head to the Historic Flora Train Depot! While there is a museum portion with many different things to see, the main attraction is a 23 foot-long model train display, running through a replica of Flora. There is a camera attached to one of the trains, which transmits to a 70 inch screen – giving folks a great view of the inside of the display!

The Illinois Oil Field Museum in Oblong does a fantastic job of using pictures and artifacts to bring the history of southern Illinois’ oil fields to life. ☐

ILLINOISouth Tourism Guide 2021

ILLINOISouth Tourism Guide 2021

35

GET OUT AND

PLAY!

ILLINOISOUTH SHOWCASES SPORTS VENUES OF ALL KINDS

Newton Lake has some of the best largemouth bass fishing you’ll find.

Photo Credit: Eric Siddiqi @siddiqi_fishing

I

n ILLINOISouth, it doesn’t matter if you are a spectator or a competitor – there are PLENTY of opportunities to find your next sports adventure.

Baseball fans can catch a Minor League ballgame at GCS Ballpark, home of the Gateway Grizzlies.

Grizzlies Athletes interested in training for baseball and softball will find beautiful, brand-new amenities 36

at the Gaetti Sports Academy in Centralia. If playing a sport is more your speed, there are plenty of fields that host tournaments – but few are more popular than the O’Fallon Family Sports Park.

Park This complex features lighted soccer fields, baseball and softball fields, as well as a running path, and a free splash pad for families to enjoy. Hockey and swimming enthusiasts will enjoy the McKendree Metro Rec Plex in O’Fallon as well – which features a ten-lane competition Sports

pool and two NHL sized hockey rinks that can be used for free skates, hockey games and more. The Rec in Fairview Heights has so many activities to fill a whole day, including “Clip ‘N Climb” equipment and an aquatic center that features a lazy river.

The 1,600 acre World Shooting and Recreational Complex in Sparta is another extremely unique venue, which features the longest trapshooting line in the world!

The WSRC plays hosts to large events, and ILLINOISouth Tourism Guide 2021

also welcomes folks for daily use. Camping, fishing, skeet shooting, sporting clay shooting and much more fun awaits!

When it comes to outdoor sporting activities to partake in, there are a ton of socially distant opportunities. The Madison County Transit trails and the MetroBikeLink System in St. Clair County provide nearly a combined 150 miles of scenic interconnected bikeways.

One of the most popular sporting venues in southern Illinois attracts hundreds of thousands of people each year for an array of different events. World Wide Technology Raceway in Madison hosts NHRA, INDYCAR, and NASCAR Truck Series races each year, along with a multitude of other races. On top of that, the track is also home to the Gateway Kartplex – a premier go-kart racing track that allows visitors to lap the Kartplex at 55 miles an hour!

SPORTS

Disc golf is an up and coming sport in our area, and there are a string of great courses to play right along Route 50. Salem’s Bryan Memorial Park, Flora’s Charley Brown Park, and Olney’s Rotary Park all feature well-manicured 18-hole disc golf courses – and each provide their own challenges to players.

If the traditional style of golf is more your speed, there are literally dozens of courses to choose from in our region. Fans of par three courses should definitely check out Yorktown Golf Course in Shiloh. This 18hole par three venue is completely lighted, so you don’t have to stop at sundown! Last, but certainly not least – Waterloo is home to Annbriar Golf Course; which was rated the #1 golf course in Illinois by Golf Advisor in 2020.

Of course, with all of the lakes throughout ILLINOISouth – fishing opportunities are plentiful. You can stay at the Outdoor Sportsman’s Lodge which is the closest accommodation to Newton Lake! If you’d like a great view of the Gateway Arch while you fish, head to Horseshoe Lake State Park near Pontoon Beach. In our eastern region, Clark County is home to two great fishing spots – Mill Creek Lake and Lincoln Trail State Park Lake. Mill Creek is stocked with eight different species of fish, including muskie and catfish. ☐ For more information on sporting activities, events, and sporting venues visit ILLINOISouth.org.

ILLINOISouth Tourism Guide 2021

Roland Barkau Memorial Golf Course in Okawville is unique for its traditional-style front nine and it’s links style back nine; and they offer an affordable play all day rate.

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LIVE LIKE THE

L

One of the most visually appealing events in ILLINOISouth can be found in Centralia. Balloon Fest awes crowds of thousands of folks that flock to town each August to take in balloon glows at sunset, and balloon flights over Centralia.

Photo Credit: Christine Litteken @gospeedygo55

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Events

ILLINOISouth Tourism Guide 2021

ILLINOISOUTH OFFERS UNIQUE ANNUAL EVENTS

LOCALS L to R: American Thresherman Association, McLeansboro Fall Festival, Centralia Ballon Fest Tweety & Sylvester Balloons (Photo Credit: Christine Litteken @gospeedygo55), Popeye & Mounds, McLeansboro Derby Cars, Lebanon Victorian Holiday

Food is the star of the show for events like Albion Chowder and Midwest Wingfest in Fairview Heights; if you leave hungry… that’s on you!

Live music is also very popular in ILLINOISouth – events like Wabash Roots ‘N’ Que in Mount Carmel and the McLeansboro Fall Festival attract thousands of folks to each community to listen to popular acts perform everything from rock and roll to country music. The Downhill Derby is also a site to behold when you’re in McLeansboro for the Fall Festival.

For a true, small town Americana sort of vibe – we highly recommend attending celebrations that folks have looked forward to for decades on end. Events like Corn Days in Carmi, Grayville Days, the Mascoutah Homecoming, and the Wheat Festival in Okawville have each ILLINOISouth Tourism Guide 2021

been time-honored traditions in their respective communities – with everything from parades to carnival rides.

Fruehlingsfest (also known as Spring Fest) in the quaint, historic town of Maeystown has become one of the best and most highly anticipated antique shows in the Midwest. It takes place rain or shine on the first Sunday of May every year.

Of course, there are spectator related events in ILLINOISouth that really know how to please a crowd. The Pioneer City Rodeo has been a staple in Palestine for over four decades – the event often sells out to a crowd of nearly 7,000 people each year.

There are also events that pride themselves on honoring the past. The Grand Levee in Vandalia is a celebration of the grand receptions held during the 1800s to honor government dignitaries and important visitors. Visitors can experience musical performances, food vendors, period demonstrations and more! In Pinckneyville each August, the American Thresherman Association hosts an event that showcases over 100 years of farming history in four days. There are tractors everywhere, including impressive steam engines that go

EVENTS

D

ue to the pandemic in 2020, many of our beloved events in ILLINOISouth either had to cancel – or change drastically for safety reasons. While many of those events may look different in 2021, there are thousands of folks who mark dates on their calendars to visit various events in southern Illinois.

into the fields and demonstrate how they operated in the good old days!

Fans of Popeye The Sailor Man should mark September on their calendars to make a trip to Chester for their annual Popeye Picnic! One of the traditions of this event is to unveil a new Popeye character statue that folks can go on a scavenger hunt for while in town. Of course, Popeye, Olive Oyl and more of their friends are always in attendance to snap pictures with folks.

Holiday-themed events are also very popular in ILLINOISouth, and a couple notable celebrations are the Du Quoin Holiday Lights Fair, and Lebanon’s Victorian Holiday. The Holiday Lights Fair is hosted at the Du Quoin State Fairgrounds each year, and features over three miles worth of lighted displays for visitors to enjoy. Victorian Holiday in Lebanon is the perfect event to get you in the Christmas spirit. There is Ole Lamplighter who goes up and down brick street and shops small businesses, as well as carolers and madrigals! ☐ For more information on events throughout the year, visit our calendar of events at ILLINOISouth.org/Events.

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Come for a visit and enjoy...

Monthly

Shopping

Municipal Summer Band Concerts Every Tuesday (June - August)

Lodging

Recreation

Ad Space

Annual Events

Dining

Downtown Concert Series

Every Second Sunday (June – September)

Explore Waterloo Merchant Events

May

• Beer-B-Que

June

• Porta Westfalica Fest • Optimist Club Car Show

July

• Monroe County Fair

August

• Waterloo Homecoming • Night at the Museums

September

• Blue Army Bullriding Bash

October

• Haunted Trail • PumpkinFest • Witches & Warlocks Night Out

November

• Christmas on the Square • GLOW Lighted Holiday Parade

Events subject to COVID restrictions, please check the Community Calendar on the City of Waterloo website for updates and details.

Contact us for your Welcome Guide 618-939-8600 • www.Waterloo.il.us 40

ILLINOISouth Tourism Guide 2021

VISIT

Discover

Museums & Historic Sites • Parks & Lakes Restaurants & Shopping • Downtown Square

SEPTEMBER 11 & 12, 2021* The 51th Annual Fort de Chartres Rendezvous/300th Anniversary of Fort de Chartres Rescheduled from June 5 & 6, 2021

*

2021 Annual Events Peanut Butter & Jam Festival Schweizerfest Fireworks Madison County Fair Kirchenfest Flügel Fest

OCTOBER 9 &10, 2021 French & Indian War Encampment

Homestead Harvest Days Street Art Festival Art in the Park Trick or Treat Trail Lighted Christmas Parade

NOVEMBER 6 & 7, 2021 Winter Rendezvous & Woodswalk DECEMBER 31ST, 2021 La Guiannée at Fort de Chartres Kelly Adams Photography LLC

highlandil.gov | 618-654-9891 | !

ILLINOISouth Tourism Guide 2021

1350 State Route 155, Prairie du Rocher, IL 62277 www.fortdechartres.us

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Mary's River Covered Bridge in Randolph County

WESTERN REGION

FOUR DAYS IN SOUTHWESTERN ILLINOIS! Enjoy History, the Arts, and Outdoor Adventure

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Western Region Trip

ILLINOISouth Tourism Guide 2021

Art & Design District Swing in Granite City, IL

WESTERN REGION TRIP

Silver Creek Preserve in Mascoutah, IL

Photo Credit: Midwest Nomad Family

DAY 1:

DAY 2:

DAY 3:

Start out the day by exploring Granite City’s Art and Design District. It features an interactive 10-person swing, gardens, and exhibitions. When you’re finished, head east to Highland. One of the best baked goods you’ll ever have can be found at Patty Cakes; a small business that was featured on TLC’s “Ultimate Cake Off.” For a nice way to burn off the cupcake calories, head to Highland’s Silver Lake where you can hike nearly five miles worth of trails and enjoy a climbing wall. Wrap up the night in Lebanon by taking in a performance at the Looking Glass Playhouse, followed by a late dinner and drinks at Cobblestone Eatery and Drinkery on Historic Brick Street.

Begin the day with an easy hike around Silver Creek Preserve in Mascoutah. The one-mile paved loop offers a great walk or run around scenic marshland. A short ten-minute drive west will take you to O’Fallon where folks can test their wits at Code Rulers Escape Room. There are multiple rooms for people to try to escape a certain situation before time runs out. Enjoy some of the biggest food portions you will ever eat at Lotawata Creek in Fairview Heights; which attracts over half a million hungry diners each year. A short drive south, but still in Fairview Heights sits Centerfield Park – the perfect venue to wrap up a day. Centerfield Park offers bumper boats, go karts, batting cages, mini-golf and more!

There is so much to do in Belleville, you can spend a whole day taking in the sights and sounds of Illinois’ largest city south of Springfield. A unique piece of American history can be found at the September 11th Memorial Walkway of Southern Illinois.

Take a walk downtown and snap a picture in front of several vibrant murals, then head to Hicks BBQ, home of the seven and a half pound BBQ Nacho challenge! Spend some time walking around the grounds of The National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows, with many sacred spaces like Lourdes Grotto and the Millenium Spire. Finish the day by taking in a movie at Skyview Drive In – one of the few remaining drive-in movie theatres in southern Illinois.

ILLINOISouth Tourism Guide 2021

43

Belleville Mural in Belleville, IL

WESTERN REGION TRIP

Photo Credit: Belleville Mural Project

Maeystown Bridge in Monroe County, IL

The National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows Ampitheatre in Belleville, IL

DAY 4: Take a trip down the Great River Road and start off at the Cahokia Courthouse. This historic venue was built in 1740 and is the oldest courthouse in the state. Explore the charming village of Maeystown – which is tucked away in Monroe County. A trip here is like going back to the 1800’s, as 60 significant buildings still exist from the beginning of the village in 1852. The entire village itself is listed on the 44

National Register of Historic Places. Heading further south to Randolph County, take a walk across Mary’s Covered Bridge. This iconic landmark was built in 1854 and is a very popular spot for photographers. End the trip by taking a scavenger hunt on the Popeye Character Trail in Chester – which features 20 different character statues to find around town! ☐

For more information on things to do in ILLINOISouth visit ILLINOISouth.org.

Download the ILLINOISOUTH TOURISM APP on Apple or Android to help plan your trip!

ILLINOISouth Tourism Guide 2021

Shiloh, IL

THE PLACE TO BE! Shopping • Lodging • Dining

20 Miles East of St. Louis • I-64 16 & 19

Mascoutah, Illinois Historic Downtown • Parks Dining • Lodging • Heritage Museum Antique & Specialty Shopping

Leagues forming for men, women, couples and seniors Summer Camps & Leagues forYouth Great Daily Rates Memberships Available Military, Senior & Youth Discounts

18 Hole • Par 3

Driving Range • Putting Green Club House

Homecoming

One of the Largest Festivals in Southwestern, IL

- Annual Events Springfest - May July 4th Celebration Homecoming - August Fall Fest, Chili Cook Off, & Car Show - October Lighted Christmas Parade - December For More Information & Event Dates:

www.Mascoutah.org 618-566-2694

618.233.2000

618-632-1022 www.shilohil.org shiloh@shilohil.org

Just 5 minutes from Scott Air Force Base

Less than 30 minutes from Downtown St. Louis

I-64 Exit 23

ILLINOISouth Tourism Guide 2021

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American Farm Heritage Museum in Greenville, IL

CENTRAL REGION

FOUR DAYS IN SOUTH CENTRAL ILLINOIS! Where History, Shopping, and Culture Go Hand in Hand

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Central Region Trip

ILLINOISouth Tourism Guide 2021

Salem Family Aquatic Center Play Area in Salem, IL

CENTRAL REGION TRIP

Excel Bottling Company in Breese, IL

DAY 1:

DAY 2:

DAY 3:

Begin the day by exploring Pocahontas, which features SEVERAL antique shops as well as a barn quilt trail that will take you all throughout town looking for these beautiful works of art. Enjoy some pizza for lunch at Mario’s in Greenville before heading to the American Farm Heritage Museum. There is so much to see and do here, including the opportunity to ride the American Heritage Railroad onsite!

A short drive east on Interstate 70 will lead to the Kaskaskia Dragon in Vandalia. Head to the nearby hardware store to pick up a few tokens, slip them in the box next to the dragon, and watch it breathe fire! Finish the day with a delicious meal from The Copper Penny or Gallatin Street Grille – you can’t go wrong!

Kick the morning off with a little history and visit the Kinmundy Log Cabin Village in Marion County. There are a dozen cabins as well as a stable, all of which were moved to this venue from other parts of the state – many of these cabins were built in the mid-1800s. After that, put on your swimsuit and head to the Salem Family Aquatic Center – one of the best swimming areas in southern Illinois. This is a great spot for families, that features everything from a water slide to several different play stations, including a lily pad walk. After pool time, a trip to Excel Botting in Breese is just what the doctor ordered for some tasty beverages. Ski is the headliner here in terms of soda, and Excel is the only returnable bottling line remaining in Illinois.

One of the best kept secrets of ILLINOISouth awaits you on the outskirts of Germantown in Clinton County. Eversgerd’s Civil War Fort is a replica of a Civil War era fort; with 10-foot tall limestone walls, cabins, and a handmade Civil War Era cannon! Not a far drive south lies Nashville, the Washington County seat.

Nashville is home to the State Theater, the only movie theater remaining in the county.

The theater has been a staple of the community for over seventy years and stays current on new release movies! After the movie is finished, call it a night at the Original Springs Hotel in Okawville. Dating back to 1893, this historic location offers was a full-service restaurant, mineral spring spa, indoor heated pool!

ILLINOISouth Tourism Guide 2021

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Kaskaskia Dragon in Vandalia, IL

Original Springs Hotel in Okawville, IL

CENTRAL REGION TRIP

Photo Credit: @braincontour

Du Quoin State Fair in Du Quoin, IL

DAY 4: Book an early tee time to start your day at Red Hawk Country Club, just outside of Pinckneyville in Perry County. This 18-hole, par 70 course features several water hazards and a world of character. Visit the Perry County Jail Museum for an up close and personal look at how criminals spent their time in Pinckneyville. Go inside a handful of jail cells and experience art and drawings still on the 48

walls from past inmates, and you may as well take a picture while you’re in there! Head to Du Quoin and grab a bite to eat at Alongi’s, a crowd favorite in the area since 1933. Cap off the day with a trip to the Du Quoin State Fair, which is slated for August 27th through September 6th in 2021. There is something for everyone at the Du Quoin State Fair, from rides and carnival games to live concerts! ☐

For more information on things to do in ILLINOISouth visit ILLINOISouth.org.

Download the ILLINOISOUTH TOURISM APP on Apple or Android to help plan your trip!

ILLINOISouth Tourism Guide 2021

Du Quoin IT’S HAPPENING HERE

ILLINOIS

DU QUOIN FAIRGROUNDS Visit our picturesque, 1,600 acre Fairgrounds featuring hiking, fishing, picnicking and more than 1,500 camping hook-ups.

Home of the Southern Illinois Center.

EVENTS AT KEYES PARK Don’t miss the Summer Concert Series and the Fall Festival located in Keyes Park.

HOLIDAY LIGHTS FAIR

Southern Illinois’ Largest Winter Wonderland with over One Million Twinkling Lights!

Thanksgiving Night through December 30

2021 EVENTS

Annual Chicken & Beer Dance February TBA Volunteer of the Year Banquet March TBA

FAIRGROUNDS ANNUAL EVENTS Memorial Day Weekend Events A.M.A. Motocross Racing Street Machine Nationals Nubability Athletics Foundation Camp National Federation of Professional Bull Riders Flea Market 1st Sunday of Each Month

Fireworks on July 3 RV Convention Special Olympic Events

VISIT DU QUOIN!

Du Quoin Tourism Commission 618.542.8338 duquointourism.org ILLINOISouth Tourism Guide 2021

Spring Madness Sale April TBA

Rainbow Ranch Petting Zoo

Farmers Market May 6 - Nov 11 Annual Maifest May TBA

Washington County Recreation Area

Fireworks at Memorial Park July 4

Memorial Golf Course

Washington Co. Fair July TBA

Memorial Park

Annual Fall Festival September 24 - 25

Washington Co. Historical Museum

Moonlight Madness Sale November 5

Restored L & N Railroad Depot

Santa Comes To Town November 27

Unique Shops • Dining • Lodging

Shop Local Small Business Saturday November 27

Find us on Facebook!

Nashville IL Chamber of Commerce

Hometown Christmas TBA

Nashville Chamber of Commerce NashvilleILChamber.com 618-327-3700

Call for Nashville Dollars & Gift Cards The perfect gift for EVERYONE!

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White Squirrels in Olney, IL

EASTERN REGION

FOUR DAYS IN SOUTHEASTERN ILLINOIS! Hidden Gems Await in These Twelve Counties

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Eastern Region Trip

ILLINOISouth Tourism Guide 2021

Little Toot Trestle in Flora, IL

EASTERN REGION TRIP

Pelican Cove Splash Pad in Robinson, IL

DAY 1:

DAY 2:

DAY 3:

Take a drive across the Cumberland County Covered Bridge, on the way to the Moonshine Store in rural Clark County. This mom-and-pop restaurant has been featured on CBS Sunday Morning, along with Midwest Living and numerous other media outlets. Crowds and crowds of people line up for a taste of their famous half-pound burgers. From there, enjoy some time by the pool in Robinson.

Widely regarded as one of the best aquatic areas in southern Illinois, the Robinson City Park has a huge pool area that features waterslides, and a splash pad complete with a pirate ship! To wrap up the day with even more amazing food, head to Casey’s Greathouse of Pizza – consistently rated one of the top-ten Chicago-style pizzas in the state.

After all that pizza, check in at the Eighty-Ninety Sleepover for some shut-eye.

Fans of old-school country music will want to check out the Jasper County Museum in Newton – home of music legend Burl Ives. Visit their informative exhibit, and take a picture next to a life-size statue of Burl playing a guitar!

South of Newton lies Flora, which is popular with train enthusiasts thanks to the Little Toot Railroad. Generations of folks have enjoyed the quarter-scale train rides around Charley Brown Park. For a chance to get a glimpse of the rare but ever-popular ‘white squirrel’ – head to Olney!

This community has REALLY embraced the white squirrel – with murals, statues, and even a White Squirrel Shoppe to buy souvenirs from. The best time to catch a peek of one is early in the morning, out at Miller Grove Park!

Start the day with a little history by paying a visit to the Lincoln Trail State Memorial in Lawrence County. The monument marks the location where, according to tradition, Abraham Lincoln entered Illinois with his family in 1830. Take a hike in Wabash County at Beall Woods State Park, then follow it up with a trip to Edwards County where barn quilts rank supreme! The Edwards County Barn Quilt Trail is comprised of over thirty barn quilts scattered throughout Albion and other communities in the county. Experience the ‘old west’ at Grayville/I-64 KOA, a venue that isn’t a typical campground. New in 2018, this westernthemed recreation facility features everything from a restaurant and bar to an electronic shooting gallery. Of course, there are camping sites including cabins to rest your head.

ILLINOISouth Tourism Guide 2021

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Beall Woods State Park in Wabash County

EASTERN REGION TRIP

Burl Ives Statue & Heritage Information Center in Jasper County

Grayville/I64 KOA in White County

DAY 4: Tee off the morning at the Carmi Country Club in White County. This nine-hole course will take under two hours to finish, and it only runs eight bucks for a round with a cart!

A short drive east sits McLeansboro, home to some of the best chicken wings around.

Deep South BBQ smokes AND flash fries 52

For more information on things to do in ILLINOISouth visit ILLINOISouth.org. their wings; so it’s a no-brainer to pick some up and head out to Dolan Lake for a picnic.

Later that evening, catch a race at Wayne County Speedway and when the fun is over – call it a night and get a fantastic night’s sleep at the Victorian on Main in Fairfield.

Happy travels! ☐

Download the ILLINOISOUTH TOURISM APP on Apple or Android to help plan your trip!

ILLINOISouth Tourism Guide 2021

HAPPY 200 BIRTHDAY!

BICENTENNIAL BIRTHDAYS

TH

THREE ILLINOISOUTH COUNTIES CELEBRATE THEIR BICENTENNIAL IN 2021 LAWRENCE COUNTY

HAMILTON COUNTY

FAYETTE COUNTY

The history of Lawrence County touches almost every historical era. George Rogers Clark marched through here during the Revolution, Tecumseh traveled through its forests, Abe Lincoln was a regular visitor, and Lawrence County is home to the first men to enlist for duty when Lincoln called for recruits during the Civil War.

Hamilton County was formed out of White County in 1821. It is named for Alexander Hamilton, Revolutionary War hero and the first United States Secretary of the Treasury. McLeansboro is the county seat, and is the hometown of the late NBA Hall of Famer Jerry Sloan.

Vandalia is bursting with history and is the seat of Fayette County. Vandalia was actually established two years before the county itself. Fayette County was formed in 1821 out of Clark, Bond, and Crawford Counties. It is named for Marquis de LaFayette, French hero of the American Revolutionary War.

ILLINOISouth Tourism Guide 2021

Bicentennial Birthdays

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j The Place to Be

JASPER COUNTY Great Outdoor Sports Excellent Accommodations Fine Selection of Restaurants Several Specialty Shops EMBARRAS RIVER TOURISM COUNCIL FOLLOW US ON M

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ILLINOISouth Tourism Guide 2021

Discover

Lawrence County

Bring the family for camp outdoor fun!

Bring the family!

Visit Burrell Park’s modern camping facilities, dog park, picnic shelters, learning and hiking trails, events and fishing pond.

Carmi is golf cart friendly and makes a great base for all southern Illinois has to offer.

Visit the new playground on Main Street with the kids and have a stroll downtown.

New dog park & playground!

Visit Carmi!

Lincoln Heritage Trail State Monument

www.cityofcarmi.com

Upcoming 2021 Events: May 28-31

Lasata Winery

Red Hills State Park

Red Hills State Park Lawrence County Country Club Unique Shops & Eateries Pick-Your-Own Orchards The Finishing Touch Art Gallery Two Lodging Facilities Lasata Winery Annual Festivals & Other Events

Find More Information at

www.LawrenceCountyIllinois.com ILLINOISouth Tourism Guide 2021

Memorial Day Flag Display

July 21-31

The Edwards County Fair

Sept. 26

Albion Paint Out

Oct. 9

City of Albion Chowder #Sma llTow nBig

Dream

Albion...

Nov. 10-12

s

Veterans Day Flag Display

the heart of Edwards County.

Rich with history, shopping and fun!

X

Find us on

Facebook 55

THE REGENCY TUSCANY BALLROOM

BIG RED BARN

Be Our Guest

THE FOUNTAINS CONFERENCE CENTER

THE REGENCY CONFERENCE CENTER

Fairview Heights

O’Fallon

This venue is attached to the Four Points

by Sheraton and features nearly 10,000 square feet of flexible function space.

The main ballroom can seat up to 500 people with a dance floor, and there are four other conference rooms that accommodate 40-60 people each.

The 20,000 square foot convention center here can be used as a whole, or broken down into smaller spaces to meet your specific needs. The main meeting space can comfortably sit 700 guests for dinner and up to 1,000 guests for a reception.

There are also four other areas that can be used for cocktail hours, breakout rooms, and more!

Download the ILLINOISOUTH TOURISM APP on Apple or Android to help plan your trip!

56

Meeting/Event Space

MAIN STREET ABBEY

MEETING & SPEC BIG RED BARN McLeansboro

There is a lovely country atmosphere and rustic charm that is perfect for reunions, weddings, banquets, and other events. There are indoor and outdoor meeting spaces, for seating up to 250 guests.

CASTLE RIDGE Centralia

This amazing lakefront facility is opening in phases, with weddings booked for 2021. When it’s all said and done, this venue will feature 3 on-site restaurants, which feature outdoor and rooftop dining. Castle Ridge can host virtually any event from weddings and receptions to corporate events and meetings!

ILLINOISouth Tourism Guide 2021

IAL EVENT SPACES

THE FALLS

THE BARN AT NEW LEAF

MEETING / EVENT SPACE

OLDE WICKS FACTORY

Find Your Perfect Event Venue in ILLINOISouth

MAIN STREET ABBEY

OLDE WICKS FACTORY

THE BARN AT NEW LEAF

Columbia

Highland

Lawrenceville

The Abbey has been a staple of historic Main Street in Columbia for 130 years.

This facility has been beautifully renovated and hosts all celebrations of love, along with parties and private events as well as corporate gatherings.

This amazing event space was originally the Wicks Pipe Organ Company, making it a very unique venue. There are three different halls, a wonderful cocktail area, and suites for brides and grooms, as well as a very large patio!

MARINER’S VILLAGE BANQUET & CONFERENCE CENTER

THE FALLS RECEPTION & CONFERENCE CENTER

From the hardwood beams to wine bottle chandeliers, The Barn at New Leaf is an elegant and rustic setting that is great for many events – including parties, receptions, and art shows. The inside seats 150 folks, but there is a phenomenal outdoor area as well.

Carlyle

Columbia

Sparta

Located just steps away from Carlyle Lake, and right across the street from a resort – this venue is great for reunions, receptions and more – with seating up to 400.

Very popular for weddings, The Falls features a 25-foot cascading waterfall that is the perfect backdrop for the big day! There are multiple reception area options that can accommodate up to 500 guests.

Located on the grounds of the World Shooting and Recreational Complex, the Seasons Event Center hosts wedding receptions, rehearsal dinners, luncheons, conferences, meetings, and catered breakfasts.

ILLINOISouth Tourism Guide 2021

SEASONS EVENT CENTER

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E

conomic development and supporting local are two VERY popular phrases used during the recent pandemic. It’s important to note that while visiting a destination it’s always nice to experience one-of-a-kind goods that are specific to a certain area; items that you can’t find just anywhere are what make the journey special.

of expertise and knowledge. For example, Sunflower Broom Shop in Crossville uses 19th century machines without electricity to craft homemade brooms!

ILLINOISouth is home to dozens of locally made products that are made with decades

For fans of hand-dipped deliciousness, The Chocolate Affair in Highland makes TONS

Kaleidoscope Craft Brew Coffee out of Belleville uses specific roasting methods to deliver the best tasting cup (or can) of joe around.

Sunflower Broom Shop

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Made in ILLINOISouth

of small batch goodies that are always dipped by hand, never by a machine.

When it comes to salad dressing, there is a VERY loyal following for Mullens – which is made in Palestine. Mullens is famous for its imitation French Dressing, which has been a fan-favorite since 1927!

Bow hunting and archery enthusiasts should look into Twisted Ditch Bows out of Hamilton County. These bows are all

Twisted Ditch Bows

HIGHLIGHTING OUR LOCAL CRAFTERS, MAKERS, AND ARTISANS! Mullen's Salad Dressing

made by hand in three different styles, and can be made by exotic or domestic woods of your choice!

The Chocolate Affair

ILLINOISouth Tourism Guide 2021

MADE IN ILLINOISOUTH

For in depth feature stories on several of our local artisans, head to the ILLINOISouth YouTube page and look for the Made in ILLINOISouth playlist on our channel!

We are always looking to feature the next great maker in our region of the state, so stay tuned to YouTube and our social channels for new stories each month! ☐

Kaleidoscope Craft Brew Coffee

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WESTERN REGION BED & BREAKFAST BELLEVILLE Garfield Inn

620 Garfield Street 314.550.5940............................... 1 Room

Silverstein Suite

208 E. Main Street 618.910.8622............................... 1 Room

LEBANON Dr. Jazz Luxury Suite

230 W. St. Louis Street 618.537.2200............................... 1 Room

Memory Make Inn

424 W. St. Louis Street 618.972.0405..............................4 Rooms

MAEYSTOWN Corner George Inn

1101 Main Street 618.580.5875..............................6 Rooms

MITCHELL Along the Way Bed & Breakfast

152 Central Avenue 618.931.1537...............................3 Rooms

PRAIRIE DU ROCHER The Conner House Bed & Breakfast

315 Main Street 618.284.8752..............................4 Rooms

WATERLOO Senator Rickert Residence Bed & Breakfast

CAHOKIA Cahokia RV Parque

4060 Mississippi Avenue 618.332.7700............................. 119 Sites

CHESTER Randolph County State Recreation Area 4301 S Lake Drive 618.826.2706...............................45 Sites

EAST ST. LOUIS Casino Queen RV Park

200 S. Front Street 800.777.0777.............................144 Sites

ELLIS GROVE Fort Kaskaskia State Historic Site

4372 Park Road 618.859.3741...............................50 Sites

FAIRMONT CITY Safari RV Park

5110 Collinsville Road 618.271.0955...............................45 Sites

FREEBURG American Legion Post 58 Freedom Farm

BALDWIN K-River Motel & Campground

7797 IL Route 154 618.785.2564............ 10 Rooms & 32 Sites

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WATERLOO Freedom Lake RV Park

5329 Sportsman Road 618.458.6628..........................................

Timberwolf Cabin

603 N. Market Street 814.221.0755............................... 1 Cabin

Waterloo Sportsman's Club 4903 Sportsman's Road 618.458.9927

HOTELS & MOTELS BELLEVILLE Belleville Inn & Suites

Best Royal Inn

3321 Hwy. 111 618.931.0270...............................30 Sites

KOA Granite City

MGM Lakeside Campground

10303 Oaks Road 618.488.7927...............................70 Sites

One Main Event Lane 618.295.27000........................1,000 Sites

GRANITE CITY Horseshoe Lake Recreation Area

The SeeMore Inn

ALHAMBRA Bur Oaks Campground

World Shooting & Recreational Complex

931 South Belt West 618.233.4551............................16 Rooms

3157 W Chain of Rocks Road 618.931.5160...............................70 Sites

CABINS, LODGES & CAMPGROUNDS

8636 County Line Road 618.443.4009.............. 32 Sites & 3 Cabins

6355 Hilgard Memorial Drive 618.539.6095...............................40 Sites

216 E. 3rd Street 618.939.8242..............................3 Rooms 4505 HH Road 618.939.6650..............................4 Rooms

SPARTA County Line Cabins

3133 W Chain of Rocks Road 618.797.2820...............................45 Sites

Sleepy Hollow Motel

601 S. Belt West 618.233.8680............................25 Rooms

Shrine Guesthouse

451 S. De Mazenod Drive 618.397.1162.............................39 Rooms

Super 8 by Wyndham - Belleville

600 E. Main Street 618.234.9670............................40 Rooms

MILLSTADT Lodge at Pine Lake

5953 Roachtown Road 618.476.1858................................ 1 Cabin

MODOC Kaskaskia River Project

4800 Lock and Dam Road 618.284.7160...............................15 Sites

PERCY Lake Camp-A-Lot

13520 Community Lake Road 618.497.2942...............................90 Sites

The Hunt Club

1438 Centreville Avenue 618.233.7410............................16 Rooms

6004 Myers Lane 618.497.2526..............................3 Rooms

Terrace Motel

First Western Inn - Caseyville

8787 Sasak Place 618.398.5484............................32 Rooms

Motel 6 - Caseyville

2431 Old Country Inn Drive 618.397.8867.......................... 120 Rooms

Quality Inn & Suites - Caseyville

2180 Patricia Court 618.398.6745............................60 Rooms

CHESTER Best Western - Chester

2150 State Street (150 E) 618.826.3034............................46 Rooms

COLUMBIA Hampton Inn by Hilton - Columbia

165 Admiral Trost Drive 618.281.9000............................77 Rooms

EAST ST. LOUIS Casino Queen Hotel

200 S. Front Street 800.777.0777.......................... 150 Rooms

FAIRMONT CITY First Western Inn - Fairmont City

1941 Collinsville Road 618.482.3088............................32 Rooms

FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS Comfort Suites - Fairview Heights

137 Ludwig Drive 618.394.0202............................71 Rooms

Country Inn Suites by Radisson Fairview Heights

140 Ludwig Drive 618.213.8540............................63 Rooms

Drury Inn & Suites - Fairview Heights

12 Ludwig Drive 618.398.8530.......................... 136 Rooms

Econo Lodge Inn & Suites - Fairview Heights

747 S. Belt West 618.234.1505............................28 Rooms

305 Salem Place 618.624.3636............................52 Rooms

CAHOKIA Quality Inn and Suites - Cahokia

Four Points by Sheraton Hotel & The Fountains Conference Center

1607 Pontiac Drive 618.332.2000............................70 Rooms

CASEYVILLE Days Inn - Caseyville

2423 Old Country Inn Drive 618.397.3300............................82 Rooms

FairBridge Inn

8950 Tucker Drive 618.397.4200............................54 Rooms

Accommodations

319 Fountains Parkway 618.622.9500.......................... 120 Rooms

Hampton Inn - Fairview Heights

150 Ludwig Drive 618.397.9705............................61 Rooms

Holiday Inn - St.Louis/Fairview Heights 313 Salem Place 618.212.1300............................88 Rooms

Super 8 by Wyndham - Fairview Heights 45 Ludwig Drive 618.398.8338............................81 Rooms ILLINOISouth Tourism Guide 2021

CENTRAL REGION GRANITE CITY EconoLodge Inn & Suites - Granite City

3236 W. Chain of Rocks Road 618.797.9835............................46 Rooms

Relax Inn Motel

1100 Niedringhaus Avenue 618.877.7100............................38 Rooms

HIGHLAND Baymont by Wyndham - Highland

20 Central Boulevard 618.651.1100.............................66 Rooms

MASCOUTAH Best Western Plus MidAmerica Hotel- Mascoutah

TownePlace Suites by Mariott

455 Regency Park 618.624.4900............................89 Rooms

Welcome Suites

148 Regency Park Drive 618.589.3696............................89 Rooms

PONTOON BEACH Best Western Plus - Pontoon Beach

4 Regency Parkway 618.512.1314.............................66 Rooms

O’FALLON Baymont Inn & Suites - O'Fallon

1332 Park Plaza Drive 618.622.9555............................79 Rooms

Best Western - O'Fallon

Drury Inn & Suites - O'Fallon

1118 Central Park Drive 618.624.2211.......................... 180 Rooms

Motel 6 - Pontoon Beach

1240 E. Chain of Rocks Road 618.931.2262............................53 Rooms

Super 8 by Wyndham - Pontoon Beach

Extended Stay America

1617 S. Main Street 618.282.4444............................30 Rooms

Fairfield Inn & Suites

SHILOH Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites - O'Fallon/Shiloh

154 Regency Park Drive 618.624.1757.............................89 Rooms 1188 Central Park Drive 618.206.8869.......................... 106 Rooms

Hampton Inn

430 Regency Park 855.605.0317.......................... 100 Rooms

Hilton Garden Inn & The Regency Conference Center

360 Regency Park 618.624.4499.......................... 128 Rooms

La Quinta Inn & Suites

136 Regency Park 618.726.2323............................63 Rooms

Quality Inn

1409 W. Highway 50 618.628.8895............................ 74 Rooms

Sleep Inn

140 Venita Drive 618.589.3999............................71 Rooms

Super 8 by Wyndham - O'Fallon

1100 Eastgate Drive 618.624.6060............................96 Rooms ILLINOISouth Tourism Guide 2021

Hickory Shores Resort LLC

210 S. Maple Street 618.339.2125..............................4 Rooms

DU QUOIN Francie's Inn Bed & Breakfast

104 S. Line Street 618.542.6686..............................5 Rooms

PINCKNEYVILLE Oxbow Bed & Breakfast

3967 State Route 13/127 618.357.9839..............................5 Rooms

4141 Timberlake Drive 618.931.8808............................58 Rooms

RED BUD Red Bud Country Inn

3396 Green Mount Crossing Drive 618.632.0400............................80 Rooms

SPARTA Briarwood Inn of Sparta

1755 N. Market Street 618.443.4526............................28 Rooms

Budget Inn Motel

402 E. Broadway Street 618.443.3187............................32 Rooms

Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites - Sparta

1301 N. Market Street 618.443.6020............................ 74 Rooms

WATERLOO Sunset Motel

206 S. Market Street, Waterloo 618.939.7503............................ 11 Rooms

Super 8 by Wyndham - Waterloo

112 Warren Drive 618.939.2020............................45 Rooms

20100 Hazlet Park Road 618.594.3015.............................328 Sites 20750 Hazlet Park Road 618.594.8702............................ 20 Cabins 21925 Dove Lane 618.749.5288..............................7 Cabins

Persimmon Lodge

15334 Lake Road 618.795.9788..............................5 Rooms

DU BOIS Du Bois Center

2651 Quarry Road 618.787.2202...........4 Cottages, 8 Cabins, ..............................& 1 Lodge (11 Rooms)

McNair Camping

13160 McNair Campground Road ...................................................31 Sites

DU QUOIN Du Quoin State Fairgrounds

655 Executive Drive 618.542.1515........................... 1,200 Sites

CABINS, LODGES & CAMPGROUNDS AVISTON Silent Forest Retreat Cabins at Hidden Lake Winery

10580 County Rd 400 E 618.228.9111............................ 10 Cabins

BROWNSTOWN Okaw Valley Kampground

1341 E. 1650 Avenue 888.470.3968...............................54 Sites

CARLYLE Boulder Recreation Area

25501 Boulder Access Road 618.226.3586...............................82 Sites

Carlyle Lake Lodge

19942 Harbor Drive 719.231.0950..............................3 Rooms

Coles Creek

16265 Coles Creek Road 618.226.3211.............................148 Sites

Dam East Spillway Campground

13160 McNair Campground Road ...................................................15 Sites

MorMad Lodging & Farms

1600 Holly Road 866-708-0419.............................6 Cabins

Twisted Pair Lodging

30 W. Main Street 618.305.0669..............................2 Rooms

KEYESPORT Greenacres Camp Ground

512 Washington 618.749.5626 or 5359...................50 Sites

Hide-A-Way Campground

42 Hummingbird Lane 618.749.5369...............................95 Sites

Keyesport Cabins

203 Whig Street 618.749.5413...............................6 Cabins

Lakeside Camping

512 Washington 618.749.5626..........................................

Stone's Throw Cottages

314 Co Hwy 2 618.210.2188............................1 Cottage

MULBERRY GROVE Cedarbrook RV Park & Campground 1109 Mulberry Grove Road 618.326.8865...............................15 Sites

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ACCOMMODATIONS

116 Regency Park Drive 618.622.8600............................66 Rooms

14 Regency Parkway 618.797.1200.............................65 Rooms

Eldon Hazlet State Park

BROWNSTOWN Brazle Haus Bed and Breakfast

Fairfield Inn & Suites - Pontoon Beach

La Quinta Inn & Suites - Pontoon Beach

14440 Lake Road 618.594.4410............................. 113 Sites

Hazlet Cottages on Carlyle Lake

CENTRALIA Centralia Garden Estates Bed & Breakfast

5105 IL-111 618.797.2727............................59 Rooms

Dam West Campground

6130 Old US Highway 50 618.228.7068..............................2 Rooms

Days Inn & Suites - Pontoon Beach

5224 Commerce Parkway 618.709.7933............................81 Rooms

Candlewood Suites

AVISTON Timmermann House Bed & Breakfast

2311 N. 1450th St. 618.347.2207................................ 1 Suite

9730 Hayden Drive 618.808.0280............................85 Rooms

1320 Park Plaza Drive 618.628.9700............................54 Rooms

BED & BREAKFAST

CENTRAL REGION Bear Grove Cabins

25 E. 1675 Avenue 618.267.9006.............................. 1 House

NASHVILLE Washington County State Recreation Area

18500 Conservation Drive 618.327.3137................................50 Sites

PINCKNEYVILLE Northtown RV Park

5481 IL-127 618.977.0324................................31 Sites

Pyramid State Park

1562 Pyramid Park Road 618.357.2574...............................48 Sites

POCAHONTAS Tomahawk Camp Ground

119 Tomakawk Drive 618.669.2781............................. 142 Sites

RAMSEY Ramsey Lake State Park

Ramsey Lake Road 618.423.2215.............................160 Sites

SALEM Marion County Fairgrounds ACCOMMODATIONS

Route 37 South 618.548.1251...............................40 Sites

CENTRALIA Best Western Plus - Centralia

8145 Jolliff Bridge Road 618.918.2559............................61 Rooms

DU QUOIN Budget Inn

1266 S. Washington Street 618.542.5014............................24 Rooms

Fairgrounds Inn

1520 S Washington Street 618.542.5000............................59 Rooms

Tahoe Motel

106 Johnson Street 618.669.2404............................ 12 Rooms

SALEM Continental Motel

1600 E. Main Street 618.548.3090............................25 Rooms

Days Inn

1812 W. Main Street 618.548.4212............................93 Rooms

Midwest Inn

Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites - Salem

423 W. Main Street 618.542.2108...............................37 Sites

102 Holiday Lane 618.740.0913............................86 Rooms

Super 8 by Wyndham - Du Quoin

Quality Inn & Suites - Salem

1010 S. Jefferson Avenue 618.542.4335............................38 Rooms

1800 W. Main Street 618.548.2177............................65 Rooms

GREENVILLE Comfort Inn & Suites - Greenville

Super 8 by Wyndham - Salem

2265 Illinois Route 127 618.664.9700............................66 Rooms

Red Carpet Inn - Greenville

118 Woods Lane 618.548.5882............................58 Rooms

VANDALIA Economy Inn

1525 South State Route 127 618.664.1950............................39 Rooms

1500 N. 6th Street 618.283.2363............................44 Rooms

Super 8 by Wyndham - Greenville

Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites - Vandalia

1700 South State Route 127 618.664.0800 / 43 Rooms

21 Mattes Avenue 618.283.0010............................70 Rooms

VANDALIA Kaskaskia Dragon RV Park

SureStay Hotel by Best Western Greenville

1325 N. Rock Island 618.283.9700..........................................

1731 S. State Route 127 618.664.3030............................77 Rooms

1920 N. Kennedy Boulevard 618.283.4400............................79 Rooms

Vandalia Lake

NASHVILLE Best Western/U.S. Inn - Nashville

Ramada Inn - Vandalia

Route 185 618.283.4770...............................24 Sites

HOTELS & MOTELS BREESE Knotty Pine Motel

215 N. 4th Street 618.526.4556............................10 Rooms

CARLYLE Centerstone Inn & Suites

1371 William Road 618.594.8888............................42 Rooms

Mariner's Village at Carlyle Lake

1 Resort Drive 618.594.7666........... 68 Rooms & 5 Cabins

I-64 & State Route 127 618.478.5341............................48 Rooms

OKAWVILLE Original Springs Hotel & Bath House

506 N. Hanover Street 618.243.5458............................37 Rooms

Super 8 by Wyndham - Okawville

812 Hen House Road 618.243.3046............................39 Rooms

PINCKNEYVILLE Americas Best Value Inn

5700 State Route 154 618.357.5600............................47 Rooms

POCAHONTAS Lighthouse Lodge

401 Johnson Street 618.669.2293............................21 Rooms

Quality Inn & Suites - Vandalia

2707 Veterans Avenue 618.283.1400............................60 Rooms

BED & BREAKFAST CARMI The Social House Inn

311 West Main Street 812.250.3851............................10 Rooms

FAIRFIELD The Victorian on Main Bed & Breakfast

209 West Main Street 618.919.0208..............................6 Rooms

LAWRENCEVILLE Cloud Nine Bed & Breakfast

1207 12th Street 618.943.5900..............................3 Rooms

ROBINSON The Cobalt House

402 South Cross Street 618.469.1053..............................5 Rooms

CABINS, LODGING & CAMPGROUNDS CARMI Burrell Woods Park & Campground

RR 3, Carmi 618.382.2693...............................30 Sites

CASEY Eighteen-Ninety Sleepover

14 S. Central Avenue 217.232.2959...........................12 Studios

Fairview Park Campground

598 SE 6th Street 217.932.2700...............................60 Sites

KOA Campground Casey

1248 E 1250th Road 217.932.5319................................78 Sites

ENFIELD Hamilton County State Fish and Wildlife Area

8 miles southeast of McLeansboro off Route 14 618.773.4340.............. 5 Cabins & 70 Sites

GRAYVILLE Hilltop Campgrounds

Memorial Park Drive 618.375.3671...............................20 Sites

Powhatan Motel

4051 State Street 618.669.2233............................ 12 Rooms

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ILLINOISouth Tourism Guide 2021

EASTERN REGION Westwood Recreation, Inc.

200 Koehler Street 618.375.0310........ Tent Sites, 50 RV Sites, .............................................& 10 Cabins

GREENUP Cumberland Road Guesthouse

Greenup ..............................................1 Bedroom

INGRAHAM Kuhl's Kozy Kampground

1023 N. 500th Street 618.752.5473.............................100 Sites

LAWRENCEVILLE River Park

618.943.2116............................10+ Sites

MARSHALL Buck Valley Wildlife

7598 1540th Street 217.279.3585..........................................

Lincoln Trail State Park

Sam Parr State Fish & Wildlife Area 13225 IL-33 618.783.2661..........................................

Sparks Lazy Acres Campground

5641 E. 400th Avenue 618.783.2638...............................28 Sites

The Outdoor Sportsman's Lodge

2635 N. 250th Street 618.752.5075..............................6 Cabins

NOBLE Buckhorn Wildlife Preserve & Lodge

1643 Higginswitch Road 618.723.2361............................. 2 Lodges

OBLONG The Village Stitchery Quilt Shop and Retreat Center

108 E. Main Street 618-592-4134.............................4 Rooms

OLNEY Hahn's Lake Retreat

HOTELS & MOTELS

MOUNT CARMEL Shamrock Motel

CASEY Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham - Casey

Super 8 by Wyndham - Mount Carmel

933 North State Hwy. 49 217.932.2212.............................52 Rooms

FAIRFIELD Briarwood Inn of Fairfield

116 Market Avenue 618.842.3667............................27 Rooms

FLORA Best Western Lorson Inn

201 Hagen Drive 618.662.3054............................41 Rooms

Flora Motel

8290 Old Hwy. 50 618.662.2153............................ 19 Rooms

Roadway Inn

16985 E. 1350th Road 217.826.2222.............................204 Sites

3324 N. Van Road 618.395.7146..............................9 Rooms

900 N. Olive Street 618.662.2181............................44 Rooms

Mill Creek Cabins

Lakeside RV Park & Campground

GRAYVILLE Quality Inn

20482 N. Park Entrance 217.889.3901..............................7 Cabins

13699 North 550th Street 812.264.2549...............................85 Sites

MCLEANSBORO Rogers-Dewitt Park

7542 Golf Course Road 618.643.2723..........................................

MOUNT CARMEL Beall Woods State Park

9285 Beall Woods Avenue 618.298.2442...............................16 Sites

Mount Carmerriel RV Park

Golden Aces Way 618.263.2517.................................8 Sites

Swift Sanctuary

226 E. 5th Street 618.262.5797............................. 2 Houses

NEOGA Lake Mattoon Campgrounds (East & West) & Marina

1290 County Road 217.254.6680...............................50 Sites

NEWTON Illinois Wildlife Connections

13998 N 1425th Street 618.562.2770..............................7 Rooms

Point Comfort

5302 N. Honeysuckle Road 618.395.3810.............................. 1 House

Shady Timbers Lodge

4560 E. Miller Grove Lane 618.393.4900............................... 1 Cabin

Taylor Lake Campground

6152 IL-130 618.392.2800...............................10 Sites

ROBINSON Whispering Oaks Campground

7556 E. 141 5th Avenue 618.569.3600..........................................

ST. FRANCISVILLE Riverside Campground

2200 S. Court Street 618.375.7930............................60 Rooms

Super 8 by Wyndham - Grayville

2060 County Rd 2450 N 618.375.7288............................55 Rooms

GREENUP Budget Host Inn

716 E. Elizabeth Street 217.923.3176.............................28 Rooms

Greenup Inn

400 S. Haughton Highway 217.923.5512.............................30 Rooms

NEWTON Cobblestone Hotel & Suites

100 Gregory Drive 618.783.5550............................37 Rooms

River Park Motel

10024 N. State Hwy 130 618.204.1151............................16 Rooms

OLNEY Best Western Plus Parkside Inn & Suites - Olney

367 N. West Street 618.429.9360............................60 Rooms

Super 8 by Wyndham - Olney

425 S. West Street 618.392.7888............................40 Rooms

The Holiday Motel & Restaurant

1300 S. West Street 618.395.2121............................50 Rooms

Travelers Inn Motel

1801 East Main Street 618.393.2186............................16 Rooms

ROBINSON Baymont by Wyndham - Robinson

1500 W. Main Street 618.544.8448...........................65 Rooms

Country View Inn & Suites

100 Abraham Lincoln Drive 618.544.4222............................63 Rooms

LAWRENCEVILLE Gas Lite Motel

8927 State Route 1 618.943.2374............................20 Rooms

Main Street 618.948.2335.................................5 Sites

MARSHALL Lincoln Suites

SUMNER Red Hills State Park

Relax Inn

3571 Ranger Lane 618.936.2469.............................105 Sites

937 Enterprise Lane 618.262.4800............................43 Rooms

ACCOMMODATIONS

MARTINSVILLE 21 Guns Campground

5238 N. Silver Road 618.393.4352...............................60 Sites

1303 N. Cherry Street 618.262.4169............................ 13 Rooms

105 West Trefz Drive 217.826.6535............................34 Rooms 107 E. Trefz Drive 217.826.3031............................40 Rooms

Super 8 by Wyndham - Marshall

106 E. Trefz Drive 217.826.8043............................39 Rooms

= BED & BREAKFAST = HOTELS & MOTELS = CABINS, LODGING, & CAMPGROUNDS

ILLINOISouth Tourism Guide 2021

63

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ILLINOISouth Tourism Guide 2021

Rainbow Ranch - Nashville, IL

Swansea Clinton Hills Photo Credit: Midwest Nomad Family

This publication would not have been possible without the support and resiliency that all of our members have shown over the last year.

A GIANT THANK YOU

Eckert’s Photo Credit: @mommyandmoon

goes out to all of our community and attraction partners that have continued to support tourism efforts in our wonderful

Heath Museum and Confectionery Robinson, IL

region of the state!

Horseshoe Lake State Park Photo Credit: @snapbackglenn

Flora Train Mural Photo Credit: Midwest Nomad Family

4387 N. Illinois St. Ste. 200 Swansea, IL 62226

(70M, 3/21)