5 minute read
Take it Outside
It goes without saying that folks have rediscovered their love for the great outdoors over the last couple of years. That’s a great thing for local businesses and communities in Downstate Illinois, because the outdoor recreation opportunities are endless. We have everything from traditional golf to disc golf, as well as sunflower fields, orchards, bluff trails, caverns, kayak rentals and airboat rides. Whether you’re traveling solo, with a friend, or with the whole family, it’s easy to fall in love with all of the outdoor adventures that Downstate Illinois has to offer.
Eckert’s, Belleville & Millstadt
Since 1862, the Eckert family has had their roots in Southern Illinois. In 1890, the first fruit trees were planted in Belleville and have since become a staple to the community. Enjoy picking fresh fruit in the orchard and warm apple cider donuts at their country store in Belleville. And be sure to take the kids to the Fun Farm in Millstadt for camel rides, pig races, a corn maze, and much more!
Governors Run Golf Course, Carlyle
Whether you’re an amateur or Phil Mickelson, this course is perfect to test your long and short game. This championship course includes 18 holes, 13 lakes, 5 sets of tees, and a par of 72.
The Governors Run Golf Course is perfect for all levels.
Credit: Governor's Run Golf Course
Gateway National Golf Links, Madison
This 71-par, links-style course is coined as the most challenging public course in the area. Only a 10-minute drive from St. Louis, venture to Madison and experience a top-notch course and see why it is the official golf course of the St. Louis Cardinals.
Dahnke Family Farms, Martinsville
Start a new family tradition and visit with live reindeer after finding the perfect Christmas tree! Do pay a visit in the fall as well to load up on gourds and pumpkins!
Goshen Bike Trail, O’Fallon
This 19.5 mile trail begins on the north side of O’Fallon and is entirely paved and rarely crosses roads. Feel free to venture the entirety of the trail or turn back at any point! The trail is also welcome to walkers/ runners and is dog friendly.
Test your skills in the Dahnke Family Farms corn maze!
Credit: Dahnke Family Farms
The Goshen Bike Trail is one of the best ways to explore Downstate Illinois!
Credit: Metro East Parks & Recreation District
Country Kids Pumpkin Patch, Hoyleton
Make unforgettable memories in Hoyleton this fall with the whole family! From picking out pumpkins and mums to having fun petting goats, playing a life-sized Candy Land game, racing pedal go-karts, sliding down a 30-foot slide, and way more!
MetroBikeLink, St. Clair County
Building started in 2018 with the Orchard Loop in Belleville and in 2022, two more additions were made along Old Collinsville Road in Belleville and Swansea. With over 14 miles of trail, there is much to discover by foot or bike!
The MetroBikeLink has over 14 miles of trail suitable for walking or biking.
Credit: SCCTD
Clinton Hills Disc Golf Course, Swansea
A par-58 course with turf tees that tests your dynamic ability. While mostly a clear and open course, each hole uses distance and elevation changes to its advantage.
Sam Parr State Park, Newton
For outdoor enthusiasts, this park has it all from hiking and equestrian trails, to camping, hunting, fishing, and boating. August is one of the best times to visit so that you can experiences acres and acres of beautiful sunflowers.
Sam Parr State Park is best visited in August when the sunflowers are in full bloom!
Fox Prairie Disc Golf Course, McLeansboro
This par-59 course is heavily wooded and moderately hilly, which will test your skills on each throw. Built in 2022, this free course has a short and long concrete tee.
Monroe County
From hundreds of feet in the air to hundreds of feet underground, Monroe County has tons of natural wonder. Test out your hiking boots on the Salt Lick Trail in Valmeyer, or at Fults Hill Prairie. Both trails are moderate in difficulty and reach over 380 feet in elevation. For those who like the dark, visit our friends at the Illinois Caverns in Waterloo. While it is free, application permits are needed before entering the cave.
Salt Lick Point
Credit: Andy Burns
Duck Island Airboats, Keyesport
The only airboat service in Illinois is located here in Downstate Illinois! Experience beautiful Carlyle Lake like never before with up to five friends! Check them out on Facebook for updated pricing and ride information.
River Rat Kayaking & Rental, Mount Carmel
Discover the beauty of the Wabash River on a guided group kayak trip! At $30 a person, their 8-hour trips are a great way to spend those summer days!
Kayaking the Wabash River is a great summer activity.
Duck Island Airboats sure is a thrill!
For more outdoor activities throughout our region, go to downstateil.org/Play/Outdoor-Recreation
