Southern 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

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

Eastport

While visiting Eastport, you might make a stop by sights like Gateway Conference Center and Splash City Family Waterpark.

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

Though Historic Downtown Collinsville may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like World's Largest Catsup Bottle and Gateway Conference Center.

Historic Downtown Collinsville
Default Image

Mulberry Hills

Though Mulberry Hills may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like World's Largest Catsup Bottle and Gateway Conference Center.

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 ₹8,090 per night from 10 Aug to 11 Aug
₹8,090
₹9,151 total
10 Aug - 11 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Mount Vernon. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,389 reviews)
"This location may have some of the kindest employees I have ever run into while traveling. It makes coming back and easy “yes”!"

Reviewed on 16 Jul 2025

Drury Plaza Hotel Mt. Vernon
Best Western Plus Pontoon Beach

Best Western Plus Pontoon Beach

3 out of 5
4 Regency Pkwy, Granite City, IL
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ₹8,121 per night from 27 Jul to 28 Jul
₹8,121
₹9,013 total
27 Jul - 28 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Granite City. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (707 reviews)
"N/A"

Reviewed on 17 Jul 2025

Best Western Plus Pontoon Beach
Super 8 by Wyndham O'Fallon

Super 8 by Wyndham O'Fallon

2 out of 5
1100 Eastgate Dr, O'Fallon, IL
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ₹4,383 per night from 27 Jul to 28 Jul
₹4,383
₹5,040 total
27 Jul - 28 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in O'Fallon. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
7.4/10 Good! (1,003 reviews)
"Its great overall"

Reviewed on 14 Jul 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.
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 ...
9/10 Wonderful! (824 reviews)
"The pool was so good."

Reviewed on 14 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! (323 reviews)
"Sonder By Marriott Was In A Great Location, Near Many Walkable Stores & Restaurants In The West Loop. The Studio Was Spacious With A Fully Functional Kitchen Space With Full Fridge. The Only Downside To The Space Was During A 3 Day Get Away The Elevator Was Out Of Service The Entire Time. This Wouldn’t ..."

Reviewed on 10 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! (326 reviews)
"Aparthotel. Like renting a condo downtown. Perfect for longer stays."

Reviewed on 5 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.

Popular places to visit

Cities near Southern Illinois