Southern Illinois, IL

Travel Guide
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

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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 Gateway Arch or Busch Stadium.

Alorton
Drury Inn & Suites St. Louis O'Fallon, IL
Drury Inn & Suites St. Louis O'Fallon, IL
3 out of 5
1118 Central Park Drive, O'Fallon, IL
The price is ₩148,473 per night from Nov 12 to Nov 13
₩148,473
₩172,203 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 12 - Nov 13
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in O'Fallon. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,002 reviews)
"Good service"

Reviewed on Nov 1, 2024

Drury Inn & Suites St. Louis O'Fallon, IL
Baymont by Wyndham Marion
Baymont by Wyndham Marion
2.5 out of 5
2608 W Main St, Marion, IL
The price is ₩94,270 per night from Nov 17 to Nov 18
₩94,270
₩113,107 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 17 - Nov 18
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Marion. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,008 reviews)
Fa ulouse
"Yes clean"

Reviewed on Nov 4, 2024

Baymont by Wyndham Marion
Drury Inn & Suites Marion
Drury Inn & Suites Marion
3 out of 5
2706 W DeYoung St, Marion, IL
The price is ₩148,833 per night from Nov 24 to Nov 25
₩148,833
₩178,575 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 24 - Nov 25
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Marion. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,006 reviews)
"Plenty of spots to park."

Reviewed on Nov 3, 2024

Drury Inn & Suites Marion
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 center, valet parking (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the ...
9/10 Wonderful! (550 reviews)
"Love the location and the amenities"

Reviewed on Nov 3, 2024

Sentral Michigan Avenue
Sonder Market Hall
Sonder Market Hall
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 center, and concierge services. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (180 reviews)
"Amazing and cant wait to stay here again!!"

Reviewed on Nov 3, 2024

Sonder Market Hall
Sonder South Wabash
Sonder South Wabash
3.5 out of 5
1419 South Wabash Avenue, Chicago, IL
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Chicago. Enjoy a fitness center, concierge services, and in-room washers/dryers. Popular attractions Soldier Field and Grant ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (368 reviews)
"Clean and well located. We had access to the green and red line trains a few stops away from the loop. Entering the building was easy and convenient. Apartment was clean and spacious!!"

Reviewed on Oct 8, 2024

Sonder South Wabash
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