Southern Illinois

Travel Guide

Photo provided by Southernmost Illinois Tourism Bureau
Photo provided by Southernmost Illinois Tourism Bureau
Photo provided by Southernmost Illinois Tourism Bureau
Photo provided by Southernmost Illinois Tourism Bureau
Photo provided by Southernmost Illinois Tourism Bureau
Discover the culture and history of this region shaped by indigenous and pioneering communities and spend time in its peaceful, picturesque landscapes.

Southern Illinois is often missed by travelers heading straight to Chicago in the north. Yet the lower region is full of charm and character, offering historic towns, pop-culture attractions and scenic escapes. Soak up the atmosphere of its old-world settlements before heading out to roam along the rivers and through the woods of this quiet and welcoming region.

The Kincaid Mounds State Historic Site provides insight into the ancient history of Illinois. Read about the first humans that lived in the region over 1,000 years ago. Other attractions scattered throughout the area, such as Saline Creek Pioneer Village and Museum and the Illinois Rural Heritage Museum, trace the story of the European settlers who forged a life here in the early 1800s.

Wander around the center of Historic Maeystown, which transports visitors back to the 19th-century. Explore the German-style buildings that host traditional candy and antique stores with period storefront designs.

Meet superheroes in the city of Metropolis, the official home of Superman. Stand beneath a 15-foot (4.6-meter) statue of the Man of Steel and visit a museum dedicated to the celebrated comic-book character.

Southern Illinois today makes the most of its fertile landscape and the region produces several popular wines and beers. Travel along the Heartland Rivers Wine Trail and stop by multiple vineyards to sample their delicious products.

Take a break from city life to the tranquility of Shawnee National Forest, where you can follow several walking trails that wind through hills and woods. Make your way to Garden of the Gods Wilderness, a section of the forest with stunning rock formations and panoramic views of the landscape.

The woods in Southern Illinois come with the promise of adventure. Clamber up rock faces and zip line through canopies for a day of dizzying thrills.

Fly into St. Louis, in neighboring Missouri, then drive to your destination in Southern Illinois. Seasons in Illinois move between extremes. Prepare for hot weather if you are visiting in summer and pack warm clothing for a winter trip to this beautiful part of the state.

Where to stay in Southern Illinois

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Eastport

If you're spending some time in Eastport, Gateway Conference Center and Splash City Family Waterpark are top sights worth seeing.

Eastport
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Alorton

Alorton is well-liked for its restaurants. If you'd like to do some sightseeing in the greater East St. Louis area, you might plan a trip to Frank Holten State Recreation Area or GCS Ballpark.

Alorton
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Uptown

If you're spending some time in Uptown, Kruta Bakery and World's Largest Catsup Bottle are top sights worth seeing.

Uptown
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Mulberry Hills

While Mulberry Hills isn't home to many top sights, World's Largest Catsup Bottle and Kruta Bakery are some notable places to visit nearby.

Mulberry Hills
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Historic Downtown Collinsville

While Historic Downtown Collinsville isn't home to many top sights, World's Largest Catsup Bottle and Kruta Bakery are some notable places to visit nearby.

Historic Downtown Collinsville
Drury Plaza Hotel Mt. Vernon
Drury Plaza Hotel Mt. Vernon
3 out of 5
145 North 44th Street , Mount Vernon, IL
The price is CA $143 per night from May 4 to May 5
CA $143
CA $162 total
includes taxes & fees
May 4 - May 5
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Mount Vernon. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,296 reviews)
"So friendly and helpful"

Reviewed on Apr. 24, 2025

Drury Plaza Hotel Mt. Vernon
Super 8 by Wyndham O'Fallon
Super 8 by Wyndham O'Fallon
2 out of 5
1100 Eastgate Dr, O'Fallon, IL
The price is CA $74 per night from May 4 to May 5
CA $74
CA $85 total
includes taxes & fees
May 4 - May 5
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in O'Fallon. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,002 reviews)
"Not as horrible as expected"

Reviewed on Apr. 19, 2025

Super 8 by Wyndham O'Fallon
Quality Inn & Suites near St. Louis and I-255
Quality Inn & Suites near St. Louis and I-255
2.5 out of 5
1607 Pontiac Dr, East St. Louis, IL
The price is CA $93 per night from May 18 to May 19
CA $93
CA $105 total
includes taxes & fees
May 18 - May 19
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in East St. Louis. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
7.4/10 Good! (999 reviews)
"Weight room was kinda limited. The pool Was nice!"

Reviewed on Apr. 18, 2025

Quality Inn & Suites near St. Louis and I-255
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Secluded Rental Cabin on Southern Illinois Wine Trail, Private Hot Tub
Secluded Rental Cabin on Southern Illinois Wine Trail, Private Hot Tub
Buncombe
Stay at this cabin in Buncombe. Enjoy patios, an in-room coffeemaker, and in-room fireplaces. Our guests praise the property condition in our reviews. Popular ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (291 reviews)
Peaceful Getaway
"Amazing views with cattle and evening deer. Secluded and private hot tub to unwind and relax. Perfect cabin!"

Reviewed on Apr. 1, 2025

Secluded Rental Cabin on Southern Illinois Wine Trail, Private Hot Tub
HOT TUB! Fishermans  lake house retreat
HOT TUB! Fishermans lake house retreat
Pontoon Beach
Stay at this vacation home in Granite City. Enjoy a garden, balconies, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Horseshoe Lake State Park and Splash City ...
10/10 Exceptional! (1 review)
Was just as described in the ad very beautiful
"Was just as described in the ad very beautiful"

Reviewed on Apr. 14, 2025

HOT TUB! Fishermans lake house retreat
Cozy Retreat on Gypsy Cove!
Cozy Retreat on Gypsy Cove!
Effingham
Stay at this cabin in Effingham. Enjoy free WiFi, patios, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Cardinal Golf Course and Effingham Performance Center ...
9/10 Wonderful! (27 reviews)
Family vaca
"We had a great week there. Only issues/complaints is pathway/dock are in need of some repair (can't use ladder). We would stay here again!"

Reviewed on Jul. 30, 2024

Cozy Retreat on Gypsy Cove!
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Cities near Southern Illinois