Southwest 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

Explore a “natural city” of trees, enjoy incredible hilltop views, marvel at geological wonders and hop between small towns in this beautiful region. 

Those who love hiking, biking, swimming and all things outdoors are in for a treat in Southwest Illinois, where swaying wheat fields, vast tracts of forest and a miniature Grand Canyon await. Camp in gorgeous protected areas or appreciate the warm welcome that awaits you in the region’s many towns and urban pockets.

Belleville is the area’s most populous city, but it is relatively small, with about 42,000 residents. Start your journey around Southwest Illinois with urban conveniences and rural attractions such as Eckert’s Belleville Farm and the Braeutigam Orchards.

Head south to discover some of Illinois’ most beautiful countryside. Camp in Giant City State Park, a 4,000-acre (1,600-hectare) green space. Hike the many miles of trails that weave through the forests and along the limestone crags of this nature-rich protected area. Look for the park’s simple but lovely 1930s stone lodge, known for its delicious home-cooked food and welcoming staff.

See Illinois’ treetops from above by climbing LaRue Pine Hills. The lookout here, poetically named Inspiration Point, offers incredible vistas that include the Mississippi River. Try to spot signs of the diverse wildlife that flourishes in the surrounding wetlands. Afterward, make your way south to the Trail of Tears State Forest, another nature preserve filled with fascinating plants and animals.

To the east of the Big Muddy River lies the Little Grand Canyon. Bring your camera when you hike to this scenic place, as this red sandstone valley offers a glimpse of the same natural splendor that has made the Grand Canyon so internationally famous.

Rent a car to get to Southwest Illinois from ChicagoOpens in a new window. The region is ideally placed for a road trip, as the interstate highway brings you most of the way here. As you drive, striking views will open up on all sides, as the sparsely populated, flat prairieland of this area stretches all the way to the horizon.

Where to stay in Southwest Illinois

Default Image

Eastport

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

Eastport
Default Image

Uptown

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

Uptown
Default Image

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
Default Image

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
Default Image

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
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 ¥7,781 per night from Oct 7 to Oct 8
¥7,781
¥8,946 total
Oct 7 - Oct 8
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! (1,011 reviews)
"Amazing"

Reviewed on Sep 17, 2025

Super 8 by Wyndham O'Fallon
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 ¥13,800 per night from Sep 29 to Sep 30
¥13,800
¥15,591 total
Sep 29 - Sep 30
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! (1,015 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
Drury Plaza Hotel Mt. Vernon

Drury Plaza Hotel Mt. Vernon

3 out of 5
145 North 44th Street , Mount Vernon, IL
The price is ¥14,021 per night from Sep 28 to Sep 29
¥14,021
¥15,856 total
Sep 28 - Sep 29
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! (1,461 reviews)
"Friendly staff. Clean rooms."

Reviewed on Sep 19, 2025

Drury Plaza Hotel Mt. Vernon
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! (305 reviews)
"Absolutely beautiful little cabin. Host were great to communicate with!! Very clean, secluded, and a great little getaway for just the two of us."

Reviewed on Sep 1, 2025

Secluded Rental Cabin on Southern Illinois Wine Trail, Private Hot Tub
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)
"Nice place!"

Reviewed on Sep 4, 2025

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

Things to do

Cities near Southwest Illinois