Southern Illinois, IL

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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Uptown

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

Uptown
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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 Arsenal BG Ballpark.

Alorton
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Historic Downtown Collinsville

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

Historic Downtown Collinsville
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Mulberry Hills

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

Mulberry Hills
Drury Plaza Hotel Mt. Vernon

Drury Plaza Hotel Mt. Vernon

3 out of 5
145 North 44th Street , Mount Vernon, IL
The price is ¥14,075 per night from Oct 5 to Oct 6
¥14,075
¥15,921 total
Oct 5 - Oct 6
includes taxes & fees
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! (1,468 reviews)
"Clean room… friendly staff… pool looks amazing and so does the hot tub… food is close by …"

Reviewed on Sep 25, 2025

Drury Plaza Hotel Mt. Vernon
Drury Inn & Suites St. Louis Fairview Heights

Drury Inn & Suites St. Louis Fairview Heights

3 out of 5
12 Ludwig Dr, Fairview Heights, IL
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ¥14,000 per night from Sep 30 to Oct 1
¥14,000
¥15,816 total
Sep 30 - Oct 1
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Fairview Heights. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,020 reviews)
Housekeeping problem
"They need to teach the housekeeping staff to not park their carts in the middle of the hallway. This makes it really hard to navigate the hallway with luggage."

Reviewed on Sep 18, 2025

Drury Inn & Suites St. Louis Fairview Heights
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 ¥7,637 per night from Oct 5 to Oct 6
¥7,637
¥8,781 total
Oct 5 - Oct 6
includes taxes & fees
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 ...
7.2/10 Good! (1,001 reviews)
"Amazing"

Reviewed on Sep 17, 2025

Super 8 by Wyndham O'Fallon
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! (307 reviews)
"The outside of the cabin was beautiful - just what we were looking for in a secluded cabin. But the inside blew us away. Incredible detail making it very modern but with a rustic flair. The hot tub was wonderful. We loved sipping wine and relaxing late at night in the hot tub! We will definitely ..."

Reviewed on Sep 8, 2025

Secluded Rental Cabin on Southern Illinois Wine Trail, Private Hot Tub
Minutes from Giant City - SIU - Shawnee Winetrail - Cedar Lake - Shawnee Forest!

Minutes from Giant City - SIU - Shawnee Winetrail - Cedar Lake - Shawnee Forest!

Makanda
Stay at this cabin in Makanda. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and patios. Popular attractions Stone Creek Golf Club and Resort and Makanda Boardwalk are located ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (39 reviews)
"Thank you Steve for hosting us at the cabin. What beautiful & peaceful location! We always enjoy our time around the wine trail and orchards! We have never been disappointed when we have stayed any of your properties. We also appreciate you letting us do a late checkout today."

Reviewed on Sep 8, 2025

Minutes from Giant City - SIU - Shawnee Winetrail - Cedar Lake - Shawnee Forest!
Stones Throw from Giant City Park, Wineries, Hiking, Biking, Hunting and more.

Stones Throw from Giant City Park, Wineries, Hiking, Biking, Hunting and more.

Makanda
Stay at this cabin in Makanda. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and patios. Popular attractions Stone Creek Golf Club and Resort and Makanda Boardwalk are located ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (61 reviews)
"Pictures didn't do it justice. Owner answer questions very quickly. The only thing I wish is it had a full kitchen. Would definitely stay again"

Reviewed on Sep 7, 2025

Stones Throw from Giant City Park, Wineries, Hiking, Biking, Hunting and more.
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