Carlinville Travel Guide
Get all the information you need for your Carlinville trip including top attractions, things to do, food and drink scene, where to stay, and more.
- Carlinville Travel Guide - Explore the Heart of Central Illinois
- List of Places to Visit in Carlinville
- Hiking/Biking Routes of Carlinville
- Best Things to Do in Carlinville: Activities and Tours
- Week-Long Itinerary for Carlinville
- Food and Drink Scene of Carlinville
- Where to Stay in Carlinville: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- What to Buy in Carlinville: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Local Culture and Customs of Carlinville
- Best Time to Visit Carlinville
- Do’s and Don’ts of Carlinville
- Safety and Health
- Getting to Carlinville: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in Carlinville
- Where to Go Next from Carlinville: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Conclusion
Carlinville Travel Guide - Explore the Heart of Central Illinois
Carlinville is a quaint, charming town located in the heart of Central Illinois. Surrounded by natural beauty, this town has something for everyone - from outdoor activities to museums and historical landmarks, to delicious restaurants and unique shopping experiences.
If you’re planning on visiting Carlinville, here’s everything you need to know.
List of Places to Visit in Carlinville
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
- Macoupin County Historical Society
- Sears Roebuck Catalog House
- Million Dollar Courthouse
- Macoupin County War Memorial
Natural Attractions of Carlinville: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
- Lake Carlinville
- Beaver Dam State Park
- Blackburn College Woods
- Piney Creek Ravine Nature Preserve
Hiking/Biking Routes of Carlinville
Carlinville is home to some of the most scenic hiking and biking routes in Central Illinois. Here are some of our favorites:
- The Carlinville Macoupin County Trail
- The Litchfield Trail
- The Beaver Dam Trail
Best Things to Do in Carlinville: Activities and Tours
- The Carlinville Farmer’s Market
- The Black Madonna Shrine and Grotto
- The Carlinville Area Veterans Monument
- The Macoupin County Fall Festival
Week-Long Itinerary for Carlinville
| Day | Activity |
|---|---|
| 1 | Visit the Macoupin County Historical Society and Sears Roebuck Catalog House |
| 2 | Spend the day at Beaver Dam State Park |
| 3 | Visit the Million Dollar Courthouse and Macoupin County War Memorial |
| 4 | Hike in Blackburn College Woods and Piney Creek Ravine Nature Preserve |
| 5 | Take a city tour and explore the local shops and restaurants |
| 6 | Spend the day fishing and kayaking at Lake Carlinville |
| 7 | Visit the Black Madonna Shrine and Grotto |
Food and Drink Scene of Carlinville
Must-Try Dishes
- The famous “Burger of the Gods” from Jack’s Place
- French toast and homemade biscuits at Joe’s Pizza and Pasta
- Fish fry at Boente Shell
Local Beverages
- Handcrafted beer at the Route 66 Brewery
- Wine tasting at West of Wise Winery
Where to Stay in Carlinville: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- Red Carpet Inn
- Super 8 by Wyndham Carlinville
- Carlin Villa Motel
- Beaver Dam Lodge
What to Buy in Carlinville: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Unique antiques and vintage items from The Third Floor
- Local crafts and jewelry from Artisans at the Depot
- Fresh produce and handmade goods from the Carlinville Farmer’s Market
Local Culture and Customs of Carlinville
Carlinville is a friendly and welcoming community, with a deep appreciation of its local history and cultural traditions.
Best Time to Visit Carlinville
The best time to visit Carlinville is during the fall season - from September to November - when the weather is mild, and the foliage is at its peak.
Do’s and Don’ts of Carlinville
Do:
- Take a scenic drive on historic Route 66
- Visit the local farmer’s market for fresh produce and handmade goods
- Take a hike in one of the many scenic parks and nature preserves
Don’t:
- Litter in public spaces or natural areas
- Enter private property without permission
- Disrespect local culture and traditions
Safety and Health
Safety in Carlinville
Carlinville is generally a safe town, but as with any travel destination, it’s important to take precautions. Always be aware of your surroundings, avoid carrying large amounts of cash, and lock your doors and windows when leaving your accommodations.
Health in Carlinville
There are several medical facilities in Carlinville, including the Carlinville Area Hospital, which offers emergency services and general medical care.
Getting to Carlinville: Transportation Options and Logistics
Airports Near Carlinville
- Lambert-St. Louis International Airport (STL): 70 miles
- Springfield-Branson National Airport (SGF): 70 miles
- Central Illinois Regional Airport (BMI): 80 miles
Bus Stations Near Carlinville
- Greyhound Bus Lines: Located in Litchfield, 15 miles from Carlinville
Other Options
- Amtrak train station in Springfield, IL (60 miles)
How to Get Around in Carlinville
Carlinville is a small town, and many attractions are within walking distance of each other. However, if you need transportation, there are several options:
- Car rentals are available from the nearby cities of Springfield, St. Louis, and Litchfield.
- Taxis and Uber/Lyft services are also available.
Where to Go Next from Carlinville: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- The City of St. Louis, MO (70 miles)
- The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum in Springfield, IL (60 miles)
- The historic Route 66 towns of Litchfield and Edwardsville (15-30 miles)
Conclusion
Carlinville is a hidden gem in the heart of the Midwest, offering a unique blend of natural beauty, history, culture, and adventure. We hope this guide has provided you with all the information you need to plan your perfect Carlinville vacation.
