go on an adventure

Your Gateway to Southern Illinois

Discover the places, flavors, and experiences that make Southern Illinois unforgettable.

Adventure Awaits

Johnson Creek Recreation Area Hiking, fishing, boating, and beautiful lake views right near Lost Trail.

Kinkaid Lake & Recreation Area Water activities, hiking, fishing, kayaking, and scenic views.

Piney Creek Ravine Nature Preserve Unique sandstone formations and rugged hiking trails.

Panther Den Wilderness Bluff views, rock formations, and forest trails.

Giant City State Park Famous for towering sandstone formations, hiking, horseback riding, and scenic overlooks.

Garden of the Gods Recreation Area One of Southern Illinois’ most iconic destinations with incredible rock formations and views.


Bell Smith Springs

Johnson Creek Recreation Area / Kinkaid Lake Fishing, boating, kayaking, and shoreline exploring.


Kinkaid Lake Bass, crappie, catfish, and bluegill fishing.

Lake Murphysboro

Crab Orchard Lake

Little Grassy Lake

Devil’s Kitchen Lake

Lake of Egypt

Ava Area Favorites


Scratch Brewing Company Farmhouse brewery known for unique, handcrafted beers inspired by the surrounding forest.

Longbranch Shooting House & Saloon Local bar and gathering spot in Ava.

Gabby’s On Main

Brunzeez Cafe

Crazy Joe’s Fish House

Shawnee Country Store


Worth the Drive


17th Street Barbecue (Murphysboro)

Pat’s BBQ & Catering (Murphysboro)

Southpaw Bar & Grill (Murphysboro)

Route 51 Brewing Company and Banquet Center (Desoto)

Shawnee Hills Wine Trail


Blue Sky Vineyard

Alto Vineyards

Owl Creek Vineyard

StarView Vineyards

Von Jakob Vineyard

Pomona Winery

Feather Hills Vineyard & Winery

Honker Hill Vineyard

Pomona Natural Bridge (approx. 43 minutes)

La Rue-Pine Hills Natural Area (approx. 48 minutes)

Bald Knob Cross of Peace (approx. 50 minutes)

Makanda “Gateway to the Shawnee” (approx. 50 minutes)

Cache River Wetlands (approx. 1 hour 15 minutes)

Cave-In-Rock Historic Site (approx. 2 hours)

Iron Furnace Historic Site (approx. 1 hour 55 minutes)

Murphysboro Historic District

Home of Popeye – Chester, Illinois (approx. 39 minutes)

Sparta World Shooting Complex

Shawnee Bluffs Canopy Tour

Horseback riding

Kayaking & canoeing

Wildlife viewing

Birding

Photography

Stargazing

Seasonal hunting opportunities