Southern Illinois, IL

Travel Guide
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

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 Gateway Arch or Busch Stadium.

Alorton
Drury Inn & Suites St. Louis O'Fallon, IL
Drury Inn & Suites St. Louis O'Fallon, IL
3 out of 5
1118 Central Park Drive, O'Fallon, IL
The price is ¥16,444 per night from Dec 1 to Dec 2
¥16,444
¥19,072 total
includes taxes & fees
Dec 1 - Dec 2
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in O'Fallon. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,002 reviews)
"Good service"

Reviewed on Nov 1, 2024

Drury Inn & Suites St. Louis O'Fallon, IL
Baymont by Wyndham Marion
Baymont by Wyndham Marion
2.5 out of 5
2608 W Main St, Marion, IL
The price is ¥10,415 per night from Nov 17 to Nov 18
¥10,415
¥12,495 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 17 - Nov 18
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Marion. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,008 reviews)
Fa ulouse
"Yes clean"

Reviewed on Nov 4, 2024

Baymont by Wyndham Marion
Drury Inn & Suites Marion
Drury Inn & Suites Marion
3 out of 5
2706 W DeYoung St, Marion, IL
The price is ¥17,212 per night from Nov 10 to Nov 11
¥17,212
¥20,650 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 10 - Nov 11
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Marion. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,006 reviews)
"Plenty of spots to park."

Reviewed on Nov 3, 2024

Drury Inn & Suites Marion
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.
Brand new cabin in the woods with hot tub  1/2 mile from Starview Winery
Brand new cabin in the woods with hot tub 1/2 mile from Starview Winery
Cobden
Stay at this cabin in Anna. Enjoy patios, an in-room coffeemaker, and in-room fireplaces. Popular attractions StarView Vineyards and King Neptune Memorial are ...
Lovely cabin in the woods
"I enjoyed the setting…it was peaceful and secluded but also reasonably close to many things to do. Hot tub was excellent!"

Reviewed on Oct 16, 2024

Brand new cabin in the woods with hot tub 1/2 mile from Starview Winery
New cabin in the woods with private hot tub
New cabin in the woods with private hot tub
Cobden
Stay at this cabin in Anna. Enjoy patios, an in-room coffeemaker, and air conditioning. Popular attractions StarView Vineyards and King Neptune Memorial are ...
10/10 Exceptional! (90 reviews)
Peaceful weekend
"It was very clean, cute, and peaceful! We enjoyed hitting the nearby wineries during the day and then coming back to relax in the hot tub. We would definitely stay here again!"

Reviewed on Oct 13, 2024

New cabin in the woods with private hot tub
Rest, Relax and Renew. Our log cabin experience awaits your arrival.
Rest, Relax and Renew. Our log cabin experience awaits your arrival.
Anna
Stay at this cabin in Anna. Enjoy a garden, patios, and cable/satellite TV service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition in our reviews. ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (363 reviews)
Very nice small cabin.
"This was a very nice small cabin close to the wineries."

Reviewed on Oct 28, 2024

Rest, Relax and Renew. Our log cabin experience awaits your arrival.
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