Southeast Illinois Travel Guide

Tourist 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

Take a drive through beautiful prairieland, where open plains are interrupted by wineries, lakes, characterful towns and lush protected woodland. 

Southeast Illinois is a wonderful, and sometimes overlooked, place to go on vacation. Follow the road and discover wide-open spaces, gorgeous forest and many small towns where community is strong and local traditions are preserved. Fish or swim in sparkling lakes, camp beneath the stars and stop at plenty of wineries during your trip.

One of the area’s major attractions is Shawnee National Forest, a gorgeous protected natural area covering a vast 280,000 acres (110,000 hectares). This scenic place is ideal for outdoorsy travelers. Bring a tent and find a good spot to camp overnight. Swim in the bodies of water sprinkled around the forest and hike trails leading past hidden waterfalls and along rocky peaks.

Southwest of the forest find Mermet Springs, another unmissable open-air attraction. Go diving in this truly unique pool in a quarry to find a weird and wonderful array of objects deep beneath the water. Look for sunken airplanes and a fire truck, along with water-dwelling animals.

The area around Shawnee National Forest is also a great place to pick up outstanding local wine from picturesque wineries. Follow the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail, which includes many welcoming independent wineries, such as Owl Creek Vineyard, Blue Sky Vineyard and Hickory Ridge Vineyard.

Taste local produce at the thriving farmers markets held regularly in towns such as Albion, Mount Carmel, Fairfield and many others. Good food and local gatherings are important here. Specifically “chowders” offer another chance to enjoy these crucial ingredients of Southeast Illinois life. In this part of the world, chowders are not just thick soups, but community events at which the soup is prepared in a large cauldron and served to the masses. Chowder season runs through the warmer months.

Follow a ribbon of highway south from ChicagoOpens in a new window toward Southeast Illinois, switching onto smaller roads to reach the most easterly parts. Driving here is a pleasure, with big skies overhead and beautiful farmland and countryside all around.

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Effingham, IL

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Effingham, IL

2.5 out of 5
1200 N Raney, Effingham, IL
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ₹8,943 per night from 27 Jul to 28 Jul
₹8,943
₹9,925 total
27 Jul - 28 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Effingham. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,009 reviews)
"Like: staff friendliness, cleanliness, room accommodations, bed comfort Dislike: Noisy along freeway, hard to locate front entrance"

Reviewed on 24 Jul 2025

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Effingham, IL
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Effingham

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Effingham

3 out of 5
1103 Avenue Of Mid America, Effingham, IL
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ₹8,740 per night from 27 Jul to 28 Jul
₹8,740
₹9,787 total
27 Jul - 28 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Effingham. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,008 reviews)
Great
"Needs some minor updates, but a very pleasant stay, very clean and comfortable. Good breakfast."

Reviewed on 22 Jul 2025

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Effingham
Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Casey

Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Casey

2 out of 5
933 N Route 49, Casey, IL
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ₹6,481 per night from 27 Jul to 28 Jul
₹6,481
₹7,193 total
27 Jul - 28 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Casey. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
7.4/10 Good! (749 reviews)
"Great location and a quite place to stay and relax"

Reviewed on 13 Jul 2025

Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Casey
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.
Sentral Michigan Avenue

Sentral Michigan Avenue

4 out of 5
808 SOUTH MICHIGAN AVENUE, Chicago, IL
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Chicago. Enjoy a fitness centre, valet parking (surcharge) and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (841 reviews)
"Mi experiencia fue excelente, sobre todo en mo que hace a la atenciòn al cliente. El señor que me recibiò la noche que lleguè, tarde, LaShaun, fue muyyy amable, siempre predispuesto y muy calido. Tuve que devolver una compra de amazon y los empleados me Hicieron el gran favor de llevarlo a devoluciones. ..."

Reviewed on 22 Jul 2025

Sentral Michigan Avenue
Sonder by Marriott Bonvoy Market Hall Apartments West Loop

Sonder by Marriott Bonvoy Market Hall Apartments West Loop

3.5 out of 5
1436 West Randolph Street, Chicago, IL
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Chicago. Enjoy a nightclub, a fitness centre and concierge services. Our guests praise the clean rooms in their reviews. ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (328 reviews)
"Place was amazing! Loved the view from the 5th floor. Only suggestion is make sure the elevator works before you book. Would definitely book again and would love my same space. 10/10. Check for elevator though, or pack light."

Reviewed on 20 Jul 2025

Sonder by Marriott Bonvoy Market Hall Apartments West Loop
Level Chicago – Old Town

Level Chicago – Old Town

4 out of 5
1140 North Wells Street, Chicago, IL
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly aparthotel in Chicago. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (331 reviews)
"Nice rooms and amenities, we would stay here again. This was a nice place! We love the location and the fact it was dog friendly. Lots to do for eats/drinks in walking distance and they have a lovely dog area adjacent to the pool on the 8th floor. Nice not to have to go down to the street for potty ..."

Reviewed on 19 Jul 2025

Level Chicago – Old Town
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.

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