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Southwestern Illinois Group Tours

Gas prices got you down? We  invite you to spend a day, a weekend or a week enjoying Southwestern Illinois. Each of these tours can be adapted as a one day outing with friends or family or a multi-day trip for a group. The tours are clustered geographically to minimize travel time and maximize the fun.

Small Town Specialties

in Lebanon & Mascoutah

(I-64 at IL 4)

Day One

Climb aboard the trolley for a tour of Mascoutah. Stops along the way include several fun stores like Patchwork Corner Crafts, Bee Hollow Market (coffee, tea, spices and wine tasting), Granny’s Nook (unusual gifts & outdoor items), Flowers, Balloons, Etc. and the Mascoutah Heritage Museum.

Have lunch at The Gathering Place (tearoom), Skooters, Tony’s Place, El Sombrero Mexican Restaurant, or the new Roemer Topf German Restaurant. Group reservations are available, but the trolley stops near all these places if the group chooses to split up.

Ask about arranging a concert at the Espenscheid Chapel for a reasonable fee. No charge for the trolley. Maps are provided. With advance notice, shops and restaurants offer special discounts and/or gifts for motorcoach tours. Contact: Spring Ramsey at Mascoutah Main Street, 618-566-2244 or Mascoutah.com.

Day Two

Spend the day in Lebanon beginning with a tour of the historic homes and buildings. The Historical Tour includes a stop at the Mermaid House, where Charles Dickens stayed, and at McKendree University where Bothwell Chapel and the new Hett Theatre are must-sees. Tours are available Wednesday through Saturday. Fees: a step-on guide is $25, and the Mermaid House appreciates donations.

A number of antique and specialty shops line Lebanon’s brick-paved St. Louis Street. Pick up a brochure at the Visitor Center for a list of all the stores and restaurants. Groups can make lunch reservations at The Tapestry Room, St. Louis St. Café or Dr. Jazz Soda Fountain & Grill. From February – November, the Looking Glass Playhouse has wonderful live performances. Contact: Jo Turk 618-537-8420 or lebanonil.org. For the theatres’ schedules, lookingglassplayhouse.com or mckendree.edu and click on The Hett.

Accommodations: Holiday Inn Express, Shiloh or Comfort Inn, O’Fallon are about a 15 minute drive from Mascoutah and Lebanon. Motorcoach parking is available in both communities. There are also two bed & breakfasts in Lebanon: the Landmark on Madison and Lebanon’s Queen Anne. Call 800-442-1488.

Shop Fairview Heights!

(I-64 at Hwy 159)

Put on your “shopping shoes” and dust off your wallet for a trip to Fairview Heights. St. Clair Square, the largest mall south of Chicago, has just added a new upscale area, the Shoppes at St. Clair. Now, in addition to Macy’s, J.C. Penney’s, Sears, Dillards and lots of specialty stores in the mall, shoppers can find Chico’s, Ann Taylor Loft, Jos. A. Banks, Coldwater Creek and more. Not a mall shopper? Travel along Illinois Street to Old Navy, Kohl’s, Marshall’s, Bed, Bath & Beyond, Border’s Bookstore and more. All of this is within a few miles of the hotels and motels, so it’s easy to make a group happy.

Fairview Heights also has two championship golf courses, lovely parks and 75+ chain and locally owned restaurants. Pick just about any kind of cuisine, and find it here. Many restaurants cater to groups.

Accommodations: Ramada, Four Points by Sheraton, Hampton Inn, Fairfield Inn, Best Western, Comfort Suites, Drury Inn & Suites and Super 8. For more information or group reservations, 800-442-1488 or www.cofh.org.

Spa Getaway and Historic Tour

Okawville

(I-64 at IL 177)

Day One

A getaway to Okawville is a journey from the nineteenth century to the twenty-first. Visit the three properties that make up the Heritage House Museum: the Frank Schlosser Home, Joseph Schlosser House and Dr. Poos Home. All three are unrestored and look exactly as they did when the owners lived there. When you stay at the Original Springs Hotel and Bath, the past really meets the present. The hotel opened in 1867 and catered to customers “taking the waters” of the mineral springs. Today, the Bath House has been updated and renovated and offers spa services including massage, facials, manicures and pedicures along with the mineral springs bath. An indoor pool and full service restaurant and bar complete the hotel’s amenities.

Day Two

Shop at the specialty and antique stores, play a round of golf at Roland Barkau Memorial Golf Course or visit nearby Black Diamond Vineyards (618-336-5700).  For families, it’s a short drive to Rainbow Ranch Petting Zoo where everyone can meet the collection of farm and exotic animals (618-424-7979).

Reservations recommended for tours & spa services, 618-243-5694, okawvillecc.com. Guided tours available any time except Sunday morning. Suggested donation to Museum $2/person.

Accommodations: Okawville: Original Springs Hotel; Super 8 Motel; McIlwain House Bed & Breakfast; Nashville: Best Western/U.S. Inn, The Derrick Motel, Nashville Motel

Clinton County & Carlyle

(south of I-64 off Hwy 50)

Day One

A wide mix of activities is available in Clinton County and Carlyle from the largest manmade lake in Illinois to small towns with unique attractions. Spend the day at Carlyle Lake in any season. Summer activities include sailing, boating, swimming, fishing, jet skiing and more. Fall and winter are prime time for bird watching (over 200 species of migratory birds) and nature walks through the woods. Two golf courses, antique and specialty shops, the Historical Society Museum and locally owned restaurants offer something for everyone. Call 618-594-4015 or www.playandstaycarlyle.com.

Day Two

Visit an authentic re-creation of a Civil War fort at Bob Eversgerd’s in Germantown. Drive the country roads through small towns with historic churches, great parks, interesting shops and a variety of good restaurants. Visit Hidden Lake Winery in Aviston or Crooked Creek Winery in Centralia.

Accommodations: Microtel Inn & Suites (with 5 cabins); Super 8 Motel; Lakefront Cottages at Eldon Hazlet State Park; Knotty Pine Motel; Timmermann House Bed & Breakfast; Old Farm House B&B. Call the Tourism Bureau, 800-442-1488 or www.clintonco.org.

Tour Collinsville

(I-55/70 at Hwy 157 or Hwy 159)

Day One

Your path through downtown Collinsville on the Historic Walking Tour takes you along three major streets: Church, Main and Clay. Pick up a Walking Tour brochure at the Downtown Collinsville office in City Hall and follow the map. Behind the Library on Main Street is the new Collinsville Historical Museum, which is a repository for historic artifacts dating to 1767. Admission is free, but donations are appreciated.

Along the Walking Tour route are several restaurants including Oatman House Tea Room and Peking Gardens, and shops like Debbie’s Beads & Beyond, Dizzy Dugout and Sheila’s Interior Motives to round out your day. Be sure to pick up a World’s Largest Catsup Bottle souvenir at Ashmann’s Pharmacy & Gifts.

Day Two

Cahokia Mounds State Historic and World Heritage Site is the location of an Indian civilization that dates back over 1,000 years. The world-class Interpretive Center tells the story of the Mississippian people, also known as the Mounds builders, in a 17 minute orientation film and numerous exhibits.

Seasonal guided tours are offered on the grounds at 1:30 p.m. Saturdays & Sundays in April, May, September & October; and at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Monday – Saturday from June through August. Self guided tours for three trails can be done at any time by borrowing a tape recorder or purchasing ($1) a guidebook. Admission to Cahokia Mounds is free, but suggested donations of $2/adults or $1/children are appreciated. There is ample parking for motorcoaches and cars. Contact: Guided tours: Bill Iseminger, 618-346-5160 or www.cahokiamounds.com.

Collinsville is also home to Splash City Waterpark (open Memorial Day thru Labor Day) and Gateway Fun Park if there are children in your group. These attractions are located near area hotels and the Gateway Convention Center. Sportsmen will enjoy the Fairmount Race Track, just east of Cahokia Mounds, with horse racing during the year. Both Route 66 and the Historic National Road Scenic Byways go through Collinsville and are well marked.

Accommodations: Best Western, Comfort Inn, Days Inn, Drury Inn & Suites, Extended Stay Suites, Fairfield Inn, Hampton Inn, Holiday Inn and Super 8 Motel; Loucinda’s Bed of Roses and Maggie’s Bed & Breakfast. Several major chain restaurants are located near the hotels at Collinsville Crossing. Contact 618-346-5200, ext 140 or 618-344-2884 or www.discovercollinsville.com.

Highland Fling

(I-70 at Hwy 160)

Day One

The Wicks family began building pipe organs in the early 1900s. Today, visitors to Wicks Pipe Organ Company in Highland see the painstaking process these true artisans follow when creating their instruments. The tour takes you through each step of the journey and finishes with a wonderful concert. Reservations required; $5/person. Lunch can be arranged at any of the locally owned restaurants including House of Plenty, Farmer’s Restaurant & Bakery, Michael’s Restaurant and Blue Springs Café (home of foot-hi pie). After lunch visit the Square near downtown.

Day Two

In 1885, Louis Latzer started the Helvetia Milk Condensing Company (now Pet Milk). In 1901, Latzer built a large, modern and very comfortable home for his wife and seven children. The house had one of the first telephones in the community and was one of the first homes with running water indoors. See if you can find all the other very modern features that were unique at the time. Visitors can see the working miniature Pet Milk Factory housed on the property. Tours are arranged Monday-Friday. Guides are available. Cost: $3/person. Contact 618-654-3721 www.highlandillinois.com.

Accommodations: Michael’s Swiss Inn, Holiday Inn Express, Cardinal Inn, Tibbetts House Bed & Breakfast

French & German Heritage in Monroe County

(I-255 to IL 3)

Day One

Many of the early settlers in Waterloo and Maeystown were French and German immigrants, and their legacy lives on in Monroe County. In Waterloo, visitors can see the Bellefontaine House, where Meriweather Lewis is reported to have stayed prior to the Lewis & Clark Expedition. Nearby is the Peterstown House, which is the only stagecoach stop still intact along the 60-mile Kaskaskia-Cahokia Trail. In town, shops and restaurants around the Square tempt visitors to stay a while. Groups can make reservations at Gallagher’s for lunch or dinner. Before leaving Waterloo, stop by Schorr Lake Vineyards for wine tasting.

Day Two

Just a few miles south of Waterloo is the 19th century German village of Maeystown. The entire town is on the National Register of Historic Places. Groups are greeted by a guide at St. John United Church of Christ, given an orientation talk and treated to a Wicks organ concert. The tour continues to the 1859 Schoolhouse, the one-lane stone-arched bridge, the Rock Mill and Museum, specialty gift and sweet shops. The Corner George Inn Bed & Breakfast in the totally restored Victorian Maeystown Hotel & Saloon, includes a General Store, antique-appointed guest rooms, a summer kitchen, two sitting rooms and the original 1880s ballroom. Be sure to go to dinner at Dreamland Palace, just minutes from Maeystown, and enjoy the authentic German food. Tours are given April-December; $7/person (min. $120/group). Options: Organ concert (20 min. program) $1; Mini-breakfast $5; Afternoon Tea & Dessert $6; Lunch at Eschy’s. Contact: David or Marcia Braswell 618-458-6660 www.maeystown.com.

Accommodations: Super 8 Waterloo; Corner George Inn Bed & Breakfast, Maeystown; Senator Rickert Residence, Waterloo; Waterloo Inn Bed & Breakfast

Creole Colonial District

(I-255 at Hwy 157)

Day One

Begin an historic tour of the French Colonial District at the Cahokia State Historic Site which includes the Cahokia Courthouse, Jarrot Mansion and Holy Family Church. In the early 1800s, Cahokia was a larger community than St. Louis, Mo., and was a political and social center. Lewis & Clark figure prominently in the history and stories at these locations. For tour information, call 618-332-1782.

Accommodations: Holiday Inn Express, Cahokia; Jerome Place Bed & Breakfast

Day Two (I-255 south on IL 3)

A guide meets you at the gate at Fort de Chartres near Prairie du Rocher, about an hour south of Cahokia, Your guide will share the history of this French fort that was built in the 1750s and abandoned in 1771. The tour continues through the various buildings and offices that have been rebuilt and renovated, including the Chapel, Priest’s Quarters, Commander’s Quarters, Ammunition Room and more.  Take as long as you like to roam through the museum, trading post and fort grounds.

In early June, don’t miss out on the Summer Rendezvous at Fort de Chartres. More than 400 camps recreating the traditional French fur trapper’s holiday of the eighteenth century are set up. The camps, crafts, games and competitions are authentic to the period. A smaller Winter Rendezvous is held in early November. Call Dennis, Darrell or Linda at 618-284-7230. www.ftdechartres.com  Hours: 9am – 5pm; suggested donation of $2/adults

When you leave the Fort, tour the Pierre Menard Home and Fort Kaskaskia State Park. Both are included in the Creole Colonial District. For a self-guided tour of the entire District (which includes sites in Missouri), request a brochure from Fort de Chartres or the Tourism Bureau at 800-442-1488.

Accommodations: Best Western, Chester; The Stone House Bed & Breakfast, Chester; La Maison du Rocher B&B, Prairie du Rocher. Restaurants: Lisa’s Bar & Restaurant, Prairie du Rocher; Reid’s Harvest House, Chester

Randolph County “Where Illinois Began”

(IL 3 Great River Road or Hwy 159 south of IL 15)

One or Two Days

The earliest days of Illinois are celebrated in Randolph County. Customized tours can be arranged to include Fort de Chartres, the Pierre Menard Home/Fort Kaskaskia, Chester “Home of Popeye” (including the new Character Trail), the World Shooting & Recreational Complex, the Liberty Bell of the West on Kaskaskia Island, two wineries, local museums, historic sites and homes, Mary’s River Covered Bridge and the Charter Oak (8-sided) Schoolhouse. Several restaurants in the County take group reservations. A step-on guide is available (donations accepted). Contact Randolph County Tourism Committee at 618-826-5000, ext 221. www.randolphco.org/gov

Accommodations:  Sparta: Best Western; Budget Inn; Sparta Motel; Holiday Inn Express & Suites; Cozy Corner B&B; Moody Manor B&B; Chester: Reids’ Inn Best Western; The Stone House B&B; Hi 3 Motel; Red Bud: Red Bud Country Inn, Magnolia Place Bed & Breakfast; Baldwin: Kaskaskia River Motel; Percy: Hahn House B&B; The Hunt Club B&B; Rockwood: Country Cabins; Prairie du Rocher: La Maison du Rocher B&B

National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows

(IL 15 east of I-255)

Day One

Guided tours of the devotional areas take about 90 minutes. Mass, a candlelight Rosary at the Shrine Grotto, Stations of the Cross and private devotional time are part of your stay. Groups should contact Mary Kay Way at 800-682-2879, ext 6451 or visit www.snows.org. Shrine Hotel & Restaurant

While in the area, visit  the Cahokia State Historic Site (see Creole Colonial District tour) or Belleville.

Belleville

(IL 15 east of I-255)

One Day or Day Two (with Shrine)

Tours of Belleville begin downtown where the beautiful streetscape welcomes visitors. Tour the 1852 Gothic Revival Cathedral of St. Peter; the Emma Kunz House Museum located in the historic district; and the Lincoln Theatre, built in 1920, that is once again offering live vaudeville acts, silent movies and pipe organ concerts. Nearby are the Victorian House Museum, built by German immigrants in the 19th century and the Labor & Industry Museum, which houses industry exhibits from casting and machining to glass-making and brewing. Main Street is lined with shops and restaurants to satisfy any taste. A great way to end the day – for children of all ages – is with a game of laser tag at The EDGE. This is the largest laser tag arena in the United States and features an Enchanted Forest and animatronic characters. Have dinner at d.s.vespers on site or play a round of mini-golf.

A trip to Belleville wouldn’t be complete without a stop at Eckert’s Country Store and Farms to pick-your-own apples, peaches, pumpkins and other fruits and vegetables in season. The City of Belleville offers special events and festivals throughout the year, notably Art on the Square in May. While you’re here, stop in for a wine tasting at Ravissant Winery. To arrange a guided tour, contact Cathleen Lindauer at 800-677-9255 www.belleville.net

Accommodations: Shrine Hotel 618-397-1162; Super 8 Motel 618-234-9670

Eclectic Art & History

Centralia & Salem

(I-57 north of I-64)

Day One

Begin your trip at the Centralia Historical Museum with a Welcome Reception and tour. After the Museum, a Guide will travel with you to the Historic Water Tower, Carnegie Library, Railroad station and the Centralia Recreation Complex. One highlight of your visit will be a concert at the Centralia Carillon. The 65-bell Carillon is one of the best in the nation. Next visit St. Mary’s Church and Fairview Park where Engine 2500, an F105 Fighter Bomber and the Vietnam and Doughboy Memorials are highpoints. After lunch at Centralia House, continue on to Crooked Creek Winery for a tasting.

Day Two (option)

Customize a tour: walking/shopping tour with a “make it and take it” session at the Scrapbook Store; a Scavenger Hunt; golf outing; or special events and festivals; performances at Kaskaskia College or the Illinois Theatre.

Accommodations: America’s Best Bell Tower Inn (driver stays free/group rate). Several restaurants in town have facilities for groups. For tour information or to arrange for a step-on guide, call 1-888-533-2600 or www.centraliail.com.

Day Two (option) or Day Three

A tour of Salem, just 15 minutes from Centralia, must include stopping by Richard Pollard’s yard art. From the single engine plane crashed in the backyard to the “bumper crop” (over 300 car bumpers), this imaginative place is a must-see. The tour continues downtown where historians will enjoy visiting the Courthouse. Groups can make arrangements to tour the William Jennings Bryan Home museum.  On Main Street, visit Steve’s Antiques, one of the largest antique stores in the area, and have lunch at one of several restaurants.

While you’re in the area, visit Lyon’s Fisheries prawn farm in Sandoval, the Civil War era Log Cabin Village at Kinmundy and Orchard View Winery in Alma – all within a few miles of Salem. For tour information, contact 877-668-8661 or www.toursalem.com.

Accommodations: Comfort Inn & Suites, Holiday Inn Express, Super 8 Motel

Looking for Lincoln in Vandalia

(I-70 at Hwy 40)

Day One

Personalized guided tours of Vandalia include a large mix of activities. Start with a tour of Illinois’ Oldest Capitol Building where Abraham Lincoln began his career in the state legislature. On the grounds of the Statehouse is the Madonna of the Trail statue depicting a woman and her children traveling to settle the West. The Old State Cemetery, Little Brick House, Fayette County Museum, Evans Public Library and much more can be incorporated into the day. Nearby attractions include the Mennonite Cabinet Factory and Bear Tracks (wood carving with a chain saw). Several area restaurants offer a variety of dining options and take group reservations.

Day Two

The Walkie-Talkie Tour leads you to the architectural sites throughout the city with the guide narrating as you drive through the area. Stops are made at the Capitol and Museum as requested. Other attractions include the Lincoln Loop, Vandalia Lake and Artworks Gallery. For evening entertainment, try the Dinner Theater, Cemetery Walk, Mystery Theatre and local musicians.

Accommodations: Days Inn, Holiday Inn Express, Ramada, Travelodge, Jay’s Inn To arrange your custom tour, contact Vandalia Tourism at 618-283-2728 or www.vandaliaillinois.com

Extras

Loosest Slots in Town on the Mississippi Riverfront

Buses to the Casino Queen Hotel & Casino pick up guests every Tuesday or Wednesday (schedule below). There is a driver fee. Each bus is greeted by a Casino Queen representative who gives each rider a $5 Matchplay coupon redeemable with a valid I.D. and Queen’s Club card. While at the Queen, visit the Market Street Buffet, Gateway Café or Deli & Chips. Call 800-225-3708 for bus reservations.

Tuesdays – pick up in Salem (WalMart) at 10am

                   pick up in Nashville (Lil’ Nashville) at 11am

Wednesdays – Vandalia (WalMart) at 8:30am

The Casino Queen Hotel and RV Park are adjacent to the Casino. Motorcoach parking is available. Call 800-777-0777 or visitwww.casinoqueen.com.

Gateway International Raceway

Give your busload of passengers a treat and take a spin around the oval at Gateway International Raceway. There is a 15% grade on the track, so it’s safe for buses. Make arrangements by calling 618-482-2400 or www.gatewayraceway.com

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