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Play.
So many ways to play!
Southern Illinois in a nutshell: fresh air, rolling hills, fine wine, and southern comforts. Your first time to Southern Illinois and you will be in awe of the landscape and charmed by the feeling of stepping out of time. Your second time, you will feel the stress run off your shoulders the closer you get. And all the time, you will be surprised by the many hidden treasures you find as you go along.
The Shawnee National Forest provides a vibrant background for the variety of activities. From a wild hike in the forest, to historical landmarks, to shows and concerts, to dining and sipping, Southern Illinois has what you need to relax and enjoy yourself.
Discover all the ways to play in Southern Illinois!
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This Weekend in Southern Illinois |
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| For quick access to hot weekend events, look for the "This Weekend in Southern Illinois " icon on this page. Click here for more information. |
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A Multitude of Choices
You can also visit one of the many tourism bureaus for inspiration. Local tourism bureaus and convention and visitors bureaus provide a wealth of information about the latest and greatest in Southern Illinois.
Southern Illinois Tourism Development Office
Southernmost Illinois Tourism Bureau
Southeastern Illinois Visitors Bureaus
Carbondale Convention and Tourism Bureau
Williamson County Tourism Bureau
Sponsored by:
Entertainment Guide of the Southern Illinoisian
Venues and Festivals
Southern Illinois University in Carbondale offers a number of theatrical and musical productions throughout the year.
Southern Illinois Symphony Orchestra
Events at Shryock Auditorium
McLeod Theater
Performances at the Kleinau Theater
Sponsored by:
Featured Venues
Southern Illinois Symphony Orchestra
For over one hundred years, the Southern Illinois Symphony Orchestra, composed of faculty and students of Southern Illinois University Carbondale, as well as talented community members and area professionals, has brought outstanding music to Southern Illinois.
Marion Cultural and Civic Center
The Marion Cultural and Civic Center has a long and impassioned history, and a hopeful future with plans for an impressive new facility. For information about the theater, its player and schedule of events, visit the link above.
Local Festivals
There are a variety of festivals in Southern Illinois, from farmers markets to world-reknowned events.
Featured Festivals
Mt. Vernon's Cedarhurst Craft Fair
The Cedarhurst Center for the Arts in Mt. Vernon hosts an annual craft fair event. Approximately 15,000 individuals annually attend the festival, which features 160 artisans, entertainment, craft activities in the children's area, and plenty of food.
Antique Power Days
Tractors on display, a flea market, and even tractor pulls!
28th Annual Big Muddy Film Festival
The Big Muddy Film Festival is one of the oldest student/community-run film festivals in the country. Created to bring films not typically available to the community, the first Big Muddy Film Festival was held in late March of 1979
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Southern Illinois Night Life
In Southern Illinois, you will have no problem finding a way to pass the evening hours. Check out Nightlife: Southern Illinois's Independent Weekly Alternative for guides and listings of nightly local entertainment.
Featured Nightspots
Harrah's Casino in Metropolis
For the hottest gaming action, the best giveaways and the finest foods in the area, we're the #1 choice for hot casino action! Located in beautiful Southern Illinois on the Ohio River, Harrah's Metropolis brings the pulse-pounding Las Vegas atmosphere straight to you.
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Parks and Recreation
Southern Illinois equals paradise for the avid outdoorsperson.
State Parks and National Forest
Shawnee National Forest
The Shawnee National Forest consists of more than 268,400 acres. Its seven designated Wilderness areas are Bald Knob, Burden Falls, Garden of the Gods, Panther Den, Bay Creek, Clear Springs, and Lusk Creek. Ripple Hollow is conditionally recommended for wilderness study.
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Cave in Rock State Park
Sitting atop the high bluffs overlooking the scenic Ohio River, the heavily wooded park is named for the 55-foot-wide cave that was carved out of the limestone rock by water thousands of years ago.
Fort Massac State Park
Fort Massac is a captivating reminder of days gone by, a fascinating excursion through the entire course of American history, and the perfect place to relax in soothing natural surroundings and explore life as it was lived when our country was young.
Featured City Parks
The Arboretum dates back to 1939 when a young William Marberry purchased a 25-acre tract about two miles south of Carbondale.
Sponsored by:
Outdoor Activities
Featured Outdoor Activities
Bear Branch Horse Resort
Centrally located in the Shawnee National Forest, the resort features picturesque trails as well as a restaurant, tack shop, campsite, and horse lodging.
Timber Oaks Hunting
Hunting in Southern Illinois: Land of Big Racks and Long Beards
Crab Orchard Lake Sailing Association
The 6,985-acre Crab Orchard Lake provides plenty of space for on-water activities, races and moonlight sails.
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Cedarhurst Center for the Arts presents its Mother's Day Tea in Mt. Vernon! |
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Golf Courses and Clubs
Check out the Southern Illinoisian for information about golf courses in Southern Illinois.
Featured Golf Courses
Rend Lake Golf Course
Host of the 1998 Illinois State Amateur Championship the Rend Lake Golf Course has been rated as one of the best public courses in the Midwest.
Stone Creek Golf Club and Resort
Stone Creek Golf Club is without a doubt the most scenic golf course in Southern Illinois.
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The Shawnee Hills Wine Trail
The Shawnee Hills Wine Trail
Seven award-winning wineries amid the rolling hills of Southern Illinois
Enjoy seven unique and different wineries on a day trip or spread out over a long weekend. Also find information about the bed and breakfasts along the way.
For more information on individual wineries:
Alto Vineyards
Blue Sky Vineyards
Hedman Orchard and Vineyards
Inheritance Valley Vineyards
Owl Creek Vineyards
Von Jakob Vineyard
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Lodge and Catering
Local Attractions
Art and Antiques
The Art Trail of Southern Illinois
Southern Illinois is home to over 600 artists who live in over 93 cities and towns.
Southern Illinois Artisans Shop and Art Gallery
The Southern Illinois Artisans Shop features the fine craft of over 850 juried Illinois artisans. Here visitors can find the best selection of Illinois craft. The Shop is also a venue for artisan workshops,demonstrations and seasonal festivals.
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Tantalize Your Taste Buds
There's barbecue, and there's pizza, and there's lots of it. But don't worry, there's still enough variety in Southern Illinois to satisfy any appetite.
Featured Restaurants
Tres Hombres Mexican Restaurant in Carbondale
In all of Southern Illinois you will find no better place for Mexican beer and food and great times.
Unique Lodging Options
Featured Lodging Options
Cabin on the Hill
If you’re looking for a peaceful and private retreat look no further than Cabin On The Hill. Our log cabin rental has so much to offer.
Visit and maybe join our Cabin on the Hill Group in the new Regional Social Networking service.
Mariner's Village Microtel Inn & Suites
At Carlyle Lake in Carlyle, with 65 rooms and suites, and rustic cabins, for business or pleasure.
Spectator Sports
For fast-paced college sports action, check out the SIU Salukis sports teams.
Get more information on the Saluki Athletics web page.
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