Tourism Bureau Southwestern Illinois
25th Anniversary Top Spots
Richard W. Bock Museum
The museum features hundreds of sculptural pieces by Richard Bock, best known for his work with architect Frank Lloyd Wright.
Greenville College Campus
315 E. College Ave., Greenville
618-664-6724
American Farm Heritage Museum
Farm implements, tractors and other equipment dating back 100 years are featured in this museum open Saturdays, April through October and for special events.
I-70 at Hwy. 127, Greenville
618-664-3050
Carlyle Lake
The largest man-made lake in Illinois (26,000 acres) is a premier location for outdoor sports. Well known to sailers, it is one of the best and most challenging for sailboats. There is also boating, fishing, hunting, bird watching, sand beaches and camping areas. Hotels, cabins and golf courses make the area a true outdoor lover's playground.
801 Lake Rd., Carlyle
618-594-5253
J~H Bison Ranch
Tours of this family-run bison ranch include: baby bison feeding, herd tours, photos with baby bison, llamas and horses.
10802 Sunnyside School Rd., Trenton
618-934-3029
National Road Interpretive Center
This center shares the history of travel and transportation in te early days of our country, and how the Road helped to open the West.
106 S. Fifth St., Vandalia
618-283-2728
Vandalia Statehouse State Historic Site
The oldest Illinois State Capitol is built in Federal-style architecture. At the top of the staircase are the Senate and House of Representatives chambers where Abraham Lincoln began his political career.
315 W. Gallatin St., Vandalia
618-283-1161
Centralia Carillon
The 65-bell instrument rings out three times a week and for special events. The park also features a museum and tours of the 165 ft. tower.
114 N. Elm St., Centralia
618-533-4381
Richard Pollard's Yard Art
Take a self-guided tour anytime through the unusual artwork made from "found" objects. Don’t miss the giant ladybug, crashed airplane, “bumper crop” and much more.
1870 Broadway, Salem
618-548-1830
Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site & Interpretive Center
This is the largest prehistoric Indian city north of Mexico. Climb Monk's Mound, see the film and lifesize village. Don't miss annual events that focus on Native American culture.
30 Ramey Dr., Collinsville
618-346-5160
Gateway International Raceway
Racing fans fill the stands for the NHRA, NASCAR Camping World Truck Series and NASCAR Nationwide Series. Racing season is March through October.
700 Raceway Blvd., Madison
866-35-SPEED
The Children's Museum
Toddlers to age 12 can explore the unique hands-on environment. They provide interactive exhibits, educational programs, parties, seasonal events, field trips and outreach programs.
722 Holyoake Rd., Edwardsville
618-692-2094
Village of Maeystown
The entire 158-year-old German settlement is on the National Register of Historic Places. Restoration includes a church from 1867 and the one-lane stone arched bridge. The Corner George Inn, general store, coffee house, restaurant, sweet shoppe, museum and visitors center are open on weekends.
Corner George Inn, Maeystown
618-458-6660
History Museum of Monroe County
The collection is anchored by Col. Edd Kueker’s extensive amount of Western memorabilia including a stagecoach, wagons, saddles, bridles and more. The museum also features antiques and historical artifacts donated by county residents.
724 Elaine Dr.
618-939-5008
Perry County Jail Museum
Built in 1871, this was the county’s third jail. The Sheriff and his family lived upstairs where women prisoners were kept in locked rooms. Downstairs, a jail cell is still there along with most of the museum collection.
108 W. Jackson St.
618-357-2225
Dixie's Cup Cafe, Pinckneyville
A tinkling bell announces your arrival at Dixie’s Cup Café in Pinckneyville. The local folks look up and smile a welcome to newcomers. Find a seat – not at the counter – there’s only one stool, and the “regulars” rotate that spot throughout the day! Check out the menu board for the specials or order your favorite homecooked meal. We guarantee you’ll have good food, hot coffee and the best pie in town!
705 S. Main, Pinckneyville
618-357-8013
Fort de Chartres
The 1790s fort is being rebuilt atop the original stone foundations. The chapel, priest's room, commander's office, and ammunition storage room have been restored. Every year, the Winter and Summer Rendezvous draw thousands of visitors.
1260 State Rt. 155, Prairie du Rocher
618-284-7230
Spinach Can Collectibles
Located in the 1875 Opera House, this is the home of the official Popeye Fan Club that displays memorabilia dating back to the early 20th century.
1001 State St., Chester
618-826-4567
World Shooting & Recreational Complex
At the largest American shooting facility, find 120 trap fields along a 3.5 mile shooting line. There are 24 skeet fields, archery, single action cowboy shooting, 1,000 campsites, fishing lakes, an events center building, vendor mall and picnic shelters.
One Main Event Ln., Sparta
618-295-2700
Eckert's Country Store & Farm
Home of the largest pick-your-own orchard in the United States, Eckert’s extensive greenhouse, restaurant and country store offer something for the entire family.
951 S. Greenmount Rd., Belleville
618-233-0513
GCS Ballpark - Gateway Grizzlies
This 5,000 seat stadium has reserved box seats, lawn seats, party suites and a hot tub. It’s home to the Gateway Grizzlies Frontier League baseball team.
2301 Grizzlie Bear Blvd., Sauget
618-337-3000
Historic Lebanon
The small town of Lebanon looms large as a destination for shopping, wonderful events and diverse history. Various guided and walking tours of the buildings and historic homes take place year round, including a Haunted Lebanon tour. Brick paved St. Louis St. is lined with antique and specialty shops, a variety of eateries and the Looking Glass Playhouse. The event calendar offers unique activities like Witches Night Out, Fall Festival, Victorian Holiday and the Winter Wonderland of Lights.
618-537-8420
National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows
The Shrine has 200 beautifully landscaped acres of gardens and devotional areas. There’s an Outdoor Amphitheatre, Shrine Church, Lourdes Grotto, Stations of the Cross, Millennium Spire, Visitors Center with a restaurant & gift shop and the Shrine Hotel.
442 S. De Mazenod Dr., Belleville
618-397-6700
Original Springs Hotel & Bath House
The hotel was established in 1867 and was completely rebuilt after a fire in 1893. From the beginning, the mineral springs baths were a big attraction. Today, the renovated bath house and spa, indoor pool, game room area, 36 guest rooms and onsite restaurant draw visitors from all over.
506 Hanover St., Okawville
618-243-5694
Rainbow Ranch Petting Zoo
This is a real working farm with donkeys, sheep, goats, cows, horses, fallow deer, pigs, chickens, ducks, swans, geese, rabbits, llamas, camels and even two zebras.
9906 State Rt. 15, Nashville
618-424-7979
Heartland Rivers Wine Trail
Traveling the Heartland Rivers Wine Trail is an endless adventure through Southwestern Illinois. Enjoy the extraordinary flavors of the wineries – from their sophisticated dry reds to the popular sweet country wines. Each winery offers a unique and often surprising experience. The trail’s twelve wineries follow a tradition of fine winemaking established by early settlers of Illinois who broght their expertise from Europe. Each winery is different. Small to medium in size, all are proud of their well-crafted reds and whites that range from dry to dessert sweet.
heartlandrivers.org