Southern Illinois Travel Guide

Explore the culturally rich and naturally scenic Southern Illinois with our comprehensive travel guide. From hiking/biking routes to local culture and custom, we have everything covered.


Introduction to Southern Illinois

Southern Illinois, also known as “Little Egypt,” is a gem in the Midwest region of the United States of America. It is known for its rolling hills, lush forests, and the mighty Mississippi River that runs alongside it. Southern Illinois boasts of its culturally rich history, natural beauty, and abundance of outdoor activities that attract visitors from all around the world.

In this comprehensive tour guide, we will cover everything you need to know to plan your trip to Southern Illinois. From culturally important attractions to the best hiking/biking routes and local cuisine, we have you covered!

List of Places to Visit in Southern Illinois

Here is a quick list of must-visit places in Southern Illinois:

  • Giant City State Park
  • Shawnee National Forest
  • Little Grand Canyon
  • Cache River State Natural Area
  • Garden of the Gods
  • Wine Trail in Shawnee Hills

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Southern Illinois has a rich cultural history, and you can explore it by visiting some of the museums and historical places in the region. Here are some places worth a visit:

  • Lincoln-Herndon Law Offices in Springfield
  • Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site
  • The General John A. Logan Museum in Murphysboro
  • The National Quilt Museum in Paducah
  • The Delta Interpretive Center in Cairo

Natural Attractions of Southern Illinois: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Southern Illinois is famous for its natural beauty and abundance of outdoor activities. Here are some natural attractions that are a must-visit:

  • Garden of Gods Recreation Area
  • Little Grand Canyon Trail
  • Indian Kitchen Trail
  • Pomona Natural Bridge
  • Giant City Nature Trail

Hiking/Biking Routes of Southern Illinois

Southern Illinois has some of the best hiking and biking trails in the Midwest region. Here are some notable trails:

  • River to River Trail
  • Tunnel Hill State Trail
  • Rim Rock Trail
  • Garden of the Gods Trail
  • Cedar Bluff Trail

Best Things to Do in Southern Illinois: Activities and Tours

Apart from hiking and biking, there are several other fun activities you can enjoy while visiting Southern Illinois, including:

  • Southern Illinois Wine Trail Tour
  • Visit the local farmer markets
  • Go Fishing/Hunting
  • Enjoy a paddleboat on Lake Shelbyville
  • Go horse riding at the Giant City Stables

Week-Long Itinerary for Southern Illinois

Here’s a suggested itinerary for a week-long trip to Southern Illinois:

Day Activity
1 Explore Giant City State Park
2 Visit Shawnee National Forest and Little Grand Canyon
3 Take a Southern Illinois Wine Trail Tour
4 Visit the National Quilt Museum in Paducah
5 Explore the Cache River State Natural Area
6 Visit the Lincoln-Herndon Law Offices in Springfield
7 Relax at Garden of the Gods in the morning and drive back in the afternoon

Food and Drink Scene of Southern Illinois

Southern Illinois has a unique and diverse cuisine that holds something special for everyone. Don’t leave without trying these local dishes:

Must-Try Dishes

  • The famous Italian Beef Sandwich
  • Fish Fry
  • Light Beer
  • Fried Chicken
  • Butterscotch Pie

Local Beverages

  • The Southern Illinois Wine Trail
  • Southern Illinois Brewery Trail
  • White Russian made with local vodka & dairy

Where to Stay in Southern Illinois: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Whether you are looking for a luxurious or budget-friendly option, Southern Illinois has everything to offer. Here are some recommended places to stay:

  • Giant City Lodge in Makanda
  • Jackson Rose Bed & Breakfast in Murphysboro
  • Harrington House Bed & Breakfast in Cairo
  • The Davie School Inn in Anna
  • Super 8 by Wyndham Marion in Marion

What to Buy in Southern Illinois: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Here are some must-buy souvenirs and local products that you can take home from Southern Illinois:

  • Local wines
  • Hand-woven baskets
  • Ceramics and pottery
  • Handcrafted quilts
  • Local craft beers

Local Culture and Customs of Southern Illinois

Southern Illinois is known for its friendly, welcoming, and inclusive culture. It’s good to keep in mind the following customs:

  • Be respectful of Southern Illinois locals and communities.
  • Don’t hesitate to ask about the town’s traditional practices and customs.

Best Time to Visit Southern Illinois

The best time to visit Southern Illinois is in the fall when the region is ablaze with the colors of autumn trees and the temperature is still warm enough to have outdoor fun.

Do’s and Don’ts of Southern Illinois

Do:

  • Try the local cuisine and beverages.
  • Explore the Southern Illinois Wine Trail and Southern Illinois Brewery Trail.
  • Respect the environment and local cultural practices.

Don’t:

  • Litter in natural areas.
  • Disrespect the locals and their culture.

Safety and Health

Safety in Southern Illinois

Southern Illinois is generally a safe place to visit. However, It is always good to follow basic safety practices while traveling such as locking your car and keeping valuables safe, especially when hiking.

Health in Southern Illinois

Tick-borne illnesses are a concern in Southern Illinois, especially in wooded areas of Southern Illinois. Make sure to take the necessary precautions like using a tick repellent spray and checking yourself after hikes.

Getting to Southern Illinois: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Southern Illinois

  • Williamson County Regional Airport in Marion, IL
  • Barkley Regional Airport in Paducah, KY
  • Lambert-St. Louis International Airport in St. Louis, MO

Bus Stations Near Southern Illinois

  • Greyhound Bus Station in Marion, IL
  • Greyhound Bus Station in Carbondale, IL

Other Options

  • Car rentals
  • Amtrak train service

How to Get Around in Southern Illinois

One of the best ways to explore Southern Illinois is driving. However, many of the sites offer a few parking spots, so plan accordingly. Bikes or walk/hikes are ideal for exploring some trails in Southern Illinois.

Where to Go Next from Southern Illinois: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Southern Illinois is surrounded by many other popular destinations. Here are some places you can visit once you are done with Southern Illinois:

  • St. Louis, Missouri
  • Memphis, Tennessee
  • Nashville, Tennessee
  • Indianapolis, Indiana

Conclusion

Southern Illinois is a must-visit region in the Midwest if you are looking for a place that offers both natural beauty and cultural richness. With our comprehensive travel guide, you are ready to explore and enjoy your time in Southern Illinois to the fullest.

State of Illinois State of Illinois


    Cairo
    Carbondale
    Marion
    Shawnee National Forest
    Staunton