Southwest 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

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

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Eastport

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

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

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
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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 ₹8,133 per night from 27 Jul to 28 Jul
₹8,133
₹9,027 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 ₹4,390 per night from 27 Jul to 28 Jul
₹4,390
₹5,048 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 Southwest Illinois