Southeast Illinois, IL

Travel Guide
Lincoln Monument featuring a garden
Take a drive through beautiful prairieland, where open plains are interrupted by wineries, lakes, characterful towns and lush protected woodland.

Southeast Illinois is a wonderful, and sometimes overlooked, place to go on vacation. Follow the road and discover wide-open spaces, gorgeous forest and many small towns where community is strong and local traditions are preserved. Fish or swim in sparkling lakes, camp beneath the stars and stop at plenty of wineries during your trip.

One of the area’s major attractions is Shawnee National Forest, a gorgeous protected natural area covering a vast 280,000 acres (110,000 hectares). This scenic place is ideal for outdoorsy travelers. Bring a tent and find a good spot to camp overnight. Swim in the bodies of water sprinkled around the forest and hike trails leading past hidden waterfalls and along rocky peaks.

Southwest of the forest find Mermet Springs, another unmissable open-air attraction. Go diving in this truly unique pool in a quarry to find a weird and wonderful array of objects deep beneath the water. Look for sunken airplanes and a fire truck, along with water-dwelling animals.

The area around Shawnee National Forest is also a great place to pick up outstanding local wine from picturesque wineries. Follow the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail, which includes many welcoming independent wineries, such as Owl Creek Vineyard, Blue Sky Vineyard and Hickory Ridge Vineyard.

Taste local produce at the thriving farmers markets held regularly in towns such as Albion, Mount Carmel, Fairfield and many others. Good food and local gatherings are important here. Specifically “chowders” offer another chance to enjoy these crucial ingredients of Southeast Illinois life. In this part of the world, chowders are not just thick soups, but community events at which the soup is prepared in a large cauldron and served to the masses. Chowder season runs through the warmer months.

Follow a ribbon of highway south from Chicago toward Southeast Illinois, switching onto smaller roads to reach the most easterly parts. Driving here is a pleasure, with big skies overhead and beautiful farmland and countryside all around.

Ramada by Wyndham Effingham
Ramada by Wyndham Effingham
3 out of 5
1606 W Fayette Avenue, Effingham, IL
The price is $61 per night from Oct 9 to Oct 10
$61
per night
Oct 9 - Oct 10
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Effingham. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Lake Sara and Cross at the Crossroads ...
7.8/10 Good! (573 reviews)
"Friendly staff"

Reviewed on Sep 9, 2023

Ramada by Wyndham Effingham
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Effingham
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Effingham
2.5 out of 5
1103 Avenue Of Mid America, Effingham, IL
The price is $110 per night from Oct 22 to Oct 23
$110
per night
Oct 22 - Oct 23
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Effingham. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the property condition in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,004 reviews)
"Room spacious , clean would recommend"

Reviewed on Sep 24, 2023

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Effingham
Harrah's Metropolis Hotel & Casino
Harrah's Metropolis Hotel & Casino
3.5 out of 5
100 E Front St, Metropolis, IL
The price is $89 per night from Sep 26 to Sep 27
$89
per night
Sep 26 - Sep 27
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Metropolis. Enjoy free parking, 2 restaurants, and a casino. Popular attractions Harrah's Metropolis and Americana Hollywood Museum ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,001 reviews)
"The Casino was in a great location. However. the Casino Casino needs some work with their building. It is so unattractive, uninviting and the paint job is so ugly. Needs more lights to bring attention to the Casino. The indoor decor in the rooms and hallways need work as well."

Reviewed on Sep 13, 2023

Harrah's Metropolis Hotel & Casino
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.
Peaceful Retreat with a View
Peaceful Retreat with a View
Golconda
Stay at this aparthotel in Golconda. Enjoy free WiFi, onsite parking, and a porch. Popular attraction Golconda Marina State Recreation Area is located nearby. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (60 reviews)
Secluded getaway
"This property is tucked away with the most peaceful views! The cabins are very clean, with everything provided. The host was easy to communicate with. Perfect place to unwind and unplug!"

Reviewed on Sep 15, 2023

Peaceful Retreat with a View
Family Home on Lake Sara
Family Home on Lake Sara
Effingham
Stay at this vacation home in Effingham. Enjoy free WiFi, onsite parking, and an in-room DVD player. Our guests praise the property condition in our reviews. ...
10/10 Exceptional! (94 reviews)
Two thumbs up for Bunkhouse stay!
"Beautiful place! Very homey. Wonderful location for a large group. Kitchen well stocked with everything thing you need to prepare meals. Will definitely book again!"

Reviewed on Sep 6, 2023

Family Home on Lake Sara
The Redbud Cottage--Beach & Quiet. Lake Sara Waterfront & Wood Fires.
The Redbud Cottage--Beach & Quiet. Lake Sara Waterfront & Wood Fires.
Effingham
Stay at this family-friendly cottage in Effingham. Enjoy free WiFi, onsite parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Cardinal Golf Course and Effingham Performance ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (334 reviews)
Fun few days
"House was beautifully located, and had everything we could need. Host was very easy to access, and helpful. Very nice property. Peaceful and relaxing."

Reviewed on Sep 16, 2023

The Redbud Cottage--Beach & Quiet. Lake Sara Waterfront & Wood Fires.
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.

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Cities near Southeast Illinois