Skip to Content

13 Best and Fun Things To Do In Southern Illinois


TouristWire Editors

Explore the abundant history and culture of Southern Illinois, immersed in pioneering towns and authentic charm against breathtaking landscapes.

Southern Illinois is often overlooked by visitors heading to Chicago, but it is a magical place filled with historic towns, scenic escapes, and contemporary attractions. Roam the woodland areas and serene rivers of this inviting region and allow the old-world character to transcend to peace. An abundance of historical sites telling the stories of the first settlers riddle this region, and you will certainly never have a lack of delicious wines and beers to sample with the array of vineyards and breweries that made Southern Illinois their home. The magnificent forest is the ideal place to breathe out all the worries of the day and simply enjoy the raw nature of the region.

Southern Illinois is a hotspot for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike and has something to keep everyone entertained. Browse through the exhaustive list of attractions below and head out to experience the mystical atmosphere of Southern Illinois.

The 13 Most Popular Things To Do In Southern Illinois

13. Big Rocky Hollow Trail

5.0 ★★★★★ (1 review)

12. Round Bluff Nature Preserve

4.9 ★★★★★ (8 reviews)

Af1qipovuryk0vzaxj2 ovdr0nailayqv3s71 ykw9cm=w296-h202-n-k-no

Credit: Bob Mcmanus, Google Maps

Location: Goreville IL

11. Bork Falls

4.7 ★★★★★ (35 reviews)

Af1qipprvzsvbqggacqvwtqnqu7y0rea5o90q38p2i4r=w296-h202-n-k-no

Credit: Colin Underwood, Google Maps

Location: Regent Ln Goreville IL

10. Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center

4.7 ★★★★★ (152 reviews)

Af1qippfahunbbwn3ij5akrwjbvwrwncqimwh2fbnvnu=w296-h202-n-k-no

Credit: Jim Avery, Google Maps

Location: 8588 IL 148 Marion IL

Tel:  618 997 3344

Web Address:   https://fws.gov/refuge/crab-orchard

9. Lake of Egypt

4.4 ★★★★☆ (39 reviews)

7680667048 5588b3d287 h

Credit: steeleman204, License, Flickr

8. Lake of Egypt

4.7 ★★★★★ (50 reviews)

7680667048 5588b3d287 h

Credit: steeleman204, License, Flickr

7. Devils Kitchen Lake

4.6 ★★★★★ (54 reviews)

800px-il - devils kitchen lake%2c crab orchard national wildlife refuge %287256123918%29

Credit: U.S. Fish Wildlife, License, Wikimedia commons

6. Feather Hills Vineyard and Winery

4.8 ★★★★★ (75 reviews)

Af1qipndd97nyoubvicjqfytrkdl3xdjoumqggedfamb=w296-h202-n-k-no

Credit: Feather Hills Vineyard and Winery, Google Maps

Location: 410 Thorn Ln Makanda IL

Tel:  618 713 1350

Web Address:   https://featherhillsvineyard.com/

5. Crab Orchard Recreation Park

4.8 ★★★★★ (114 reviews)

Location: Carterville IL

4. Rocky Bluff Trail

4.6 ★★★★★ (118 reviews)

741px-long %26 carey %26 lea geographical%2c statistical and historical map of arkansas territory 1822 uta

Credit: Henry Charles Carey, License, Wikimedia commons

Location: Tacoma Lake Road Makanda IL

Web Address:   https://allparx.com/places/rocky-bluff-trail/

3. Shawnee Bluffs Canopy Tour

4.9 ★★★★★ (214 reviews)

Af1qipm6xupgtw0gat ezz3hzyzuzzrpa8znhqyytdfz=w296-h202-n-k-no

Credit: Shawnee Bluffs Canopy Tour, Google Maps

Location: 635 Robinson Hill Road Makanda IL

Tel:  855 386 9477

Web Address:   http://shawneezip.com/

2. Blue Sky Vineyard

4.6 ★★★★★ (376 reviews)

Location: 3150 S Rocky Comfort Road Makanda IL

Tel:  618 995 9463

Web Address:   https://blueskyvineyard.com/

1. Ferne Clyffe State Park

4.8 ★★★★★ (1,445 reviews)

3679867613 58da4b2206 b

Credit: Anthony George, License, Flickr

Location: 90 Goreville Road Goreville IL

Tel:  618 995 2411

Web Address:   https://www2.illinois.gov/dnr/Parks/Pages/FerneClyffe.aspx

Final Words:

Thank you for reading our list of the best things to do in Southern Illinois! We hope it helped you plan the perfect itinerary for your next trip to this fantastic destination. Happy travels!

Join the TouristWire community

At TouristWire, our team works tirelessly to bring you the most comprehensive itineraries and reviews to help you plan your next trip. Don’t miss out, join our mailing list and our reviews delivered directly to your mailbox!