Southern Illinois, around Shawnee National Forest, is a beautiful place with seven wilderness areas and nine state parks. It’s perfect for relaxing and enjoying nature.
Southern Illinois has so many things to do! You can hike, bike, go zip-lining, or boating. There’s lots of amazing nature to see here, and a lot of activities for kids too. There really is something for everyone to enjoy here.
Today, In this article, I’ll tell you the best fun things to do in Southern Illinois.
Outdoor Recreation.
01 Giant City State Park.
This lovely park is right next to the Makanda Inn. The park is called Giant City because the rocks there are shaped like city streets and the walls are huge rocks that look like houses. There are tracks that range from 0.5 miles to 12 miles long, making it a great place for hiking.
You can also rent horses at Giant City Stables and ride them around the park. There are lots of rocky hills, and the Trillium Trail leads to the Fern Rock Nature Preserve..
The park is open 7:00am-10:00pm daily.
The Visitor’s Center is open 8:00am-3:30pm.
02 Ferne Clyffe State Park.
People who love the outdoors and wildlife have long been visiting Fern Cliff. People know this park for its unique natural features, lots of ferns, and a variety of plants. People can come here to see some of the natural beauty of Illinois. Those who walk the paths can enjoy the beauty of the woods, see interesting rock formations, and see views that will inspire them.
03 Cave in Rock State Park.
Cave-in-Rock State Park is a great place for families to have experiences that will last a lifetime. It is located in the hills above the Ohio River in southern Illinois. Cave-in-Rock is one of the most interesting caves in the area and that is the main reason people come here. Camping, eating, playing, hiking, fishing, and water sports can all be done at the park. Apart from the sports, Cave-in-Rock has beautiful views and fun hikes, all located along the charming waterfront. The place is full of history and is well worth a visit.
04 Kinkaid Lake.
In Murphysboro, Illinois, you will find the serene Kinkaid Lake. The Kinkaid Lake is a lovely, tranquil spot, perfect for those who love waterfalls or seek a cool place to relax in the summer.
This lake covers 2750 acres and allows all types of boat motors. The deepest part of the lake reaches 80 feet.
Boating and picnicking are popular activities here, with four boat ramps and a full-service marina to make your visit easy and enjoyable.
Read Also: 10 Amazing Waterfalls In Southern Illinois
05 Biking Tunnel Hill.
I love finding new bike trails because they allow me to see more of the area. Tunnel Hill State Trail is a must see! Some of the trestles on this trail cross rivers and rocky canyons. There is also a train tunnel. Tunnel Hill State Trail is 45 miles long and was once a train line. It passes through woods, rivers, and canyons.
06 Garden of the Gods.
Garden of the Gods is a beloved spot in the Shawnee National Forest. It is one of the most visited places in the forest and one of the most photographed in the state.
The views are breathtaking, and there are many wonderful hikes, both short and easy, as well as longer and more challenging for experienced hikers.
Visiting Garden of the Gods is truly one of the most remarkable things to do in Southern Illinois.
Indoor Activities in Southern Illinois.
01 Visit The Super Museum.
Metropolis is known as the “Home of Superman,” so the Super Museum is the perfect place to show off its vast collection of Superman toys, media, promotional materials, costumes and more.
These items are part of the museum’s tribute to the different times and ways Superman has been portrayed. Metropolis, the city where Superman lives, throws a party every year for fans from around the world.
02 Shopping at the Makanda Boardwalk.
While you’re in Southern Illinois, you may enjoy spending some time shopping and looking around. There are many local landmarks along the boardwalk, such as art studios and artist-run shops.
One of these places is the Vision Art Gallery, which displays the work of local artists in a variety of genres, such as painting, stained glass, and ceramics.
At Makanda Java, kids will love eating ice cream. The coffee shop also serves great coffee and deli meals.
03 Visit The Science Center.
The Science Center of Southern Illinois promises a fun time for your kids! Families can visit from Thursday to Sunday, or you can send your child to one of their exciting day camp programs, held from Monday to Wednesday.
The friendly and experienced staff members make sure each visit is unique, sparked by the curiosity of your children. Whether your child loves arts and crafts, exploring the ocean, or doing science experiments, The Science Center has a day camp program they will enjoy.
04 Dupage Children’s Museum.
This delightful children’s museum in northern Illinois lets your children learn through play with their unique toys, blocks, and building areas. There is also a cafe on site that serves fresh, healthy snacks every day. It is one of the best places to visit with your family in Naperville, Illinois, and it is clear why.
The museum offers special toys that help your children explore and understand the world through play.
Conclusion.
Southern Illinois is a great place to enjoy a family vacation. There is something for everyone; whether you are a kid or an adult, Southern Illinois will not disappoint you.
I hope this article will help you plan your trip. Let us know by commenting on the place you liked the most in this article.
FAQ’s
01 Why is Southern Illinois called Little Egypt?
Southern Illinois is called Little Egypt because early settlers thought the fertile land and river area reminded them of Egypt’s Nile Valley. Some towns there also have names from Egypt, like Cairo and Thebes.
02 What is Southern Illinois known for?
Southern Illinois is known for its natural beauty, including the Shawnee National Forest with its rock formations, forests, and hiking trails. The area also has historical sites, wineries, and is home to Southern Illinois University.
03 Is it cold in Southern Illinois?
In summer, Southern Illinois is warm, with temperatures often between 70-90°F (21-32°C). In winter, it can be cold, with temperatures sometimes dropping below freezing, around 20-40°F (-6 to 4°C). It can also snow in winter.
04 Is South Illinois a good place to live?
South Illinois can be a nice place to live if you like small towns and nature. It has friendly people, affordable housing, and beautiful parks. However, job opportunities can be limited, and it may lack big city amenities.
05 What is unique about Southern Illinois?
The region has unique rock formations, historic sites, and small towns with a friendly, welcoming feel. It’s a great place for outdoor adventures and relaxation.
06 What is the quality of life in Southern Illinois?
The quality of life in Southern Illinois is good. People enjoy a slower pace, friendly communities, and affordable living. There are natural attractions like forests and parks. However, job opportunities can be limited, and some areas might lack amenities found in larger cities.