Southeast Illinois, IL

Travel Guide

A walking path sign, a small cabin, and a forested area.
A statue of a soldier on a pedestal by a river.
A gazebo with a tiled roof and brick pillars, surrounded by grass and trees.
A bridge over a river at sunset with industrial chimneys in the background.
A statue of Abraham Lincoln and Stephen A. Douglas in a park with a commemorative plaque.

Experience the natural beauty and local history of Southeast Illinois through parks, vineyards, and recreational areas.

Southeast Illinois is a destination suited for those who appreciate outdoor scenery. Nearby, you can explore the Jasper County Museum, which offers insights into local history, or visit Sam Parr State Fish and Wildlife Area, a national park ideal for nature enthusiasts. For a more urban experience, Gassmann Park provides a space for relaxation and recreation. Additionally, if you're seeking activities, Miller's Grove is a recreational area, while the Effingham Performance Center hosts various theater productions. You might also want to check out Homestead Vineyards for wine tasting or enjoy a round at the Deer Run Mary Heath Memorial Golf Course.

You can also explore the nearby areas of Southeast Illinois, each known for distinct outdoor experiences. Newton and Effingham are both recognized for their scenery; Effingham features landmarks like the modern Effingham County Courthouse and the Cross at the Crossroads. Bliss Park in Effingham offers an urban park setting for visitors. Additionally, Ste. Marie presents opportunities for outdoor activities and local exploration. These nearby places enhance your visit by showcasing the natural beauty of the region.

Baymont by Wyndham Effingham

Baymont by Wyndham Effingham

2.5 out of 5
1811 W Fayette Avenue Effingham IL
$73 nightly
The price is $81 total per night from Dec 6 to Dec 7
$81 total
Dec 6 - Dec 7
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Effingham. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
Baymont by Wyndham Effingham
Best Western Delta Inn

Best Western Delta Inn

2.5 out of 5
1509 Hampton Dr Effingham IL
$83 nightly
The price is $93 total per night from Nov 29 to Nov 30
$93 total
Nov 29 - Nov 30
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Effingham. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,000 reviews)
"Place was amazing. breakfast in the morning, very quiet, impeccably clean"

Reviewed on Nov 11, 2026

Best Western Delta Inn
Quality Inn & Suites Metropolis I-24

Quality Inn & Suites Metropolis I-24

2.5 out of 5
2118 E 5th St Metropolis IL
$59 nightly
The price is $65 total per night from Nov 22 to Nov 23
$65 total
Nov 22 - Nov 23
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this hotel in Metropolis. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
Quality Inn & Suites Metropolis I-24
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.
Cabin in the middle of the ShawneeNational Forest. WiFi, ac, full kitchen.

Cabin in the middle of the ShawneeNational Forest. WiFi, ac, full kitchen.

Golconda IL
Stay at this cabin in Golconda. Enjoy air conditioning.
9.2/10 Wonderful! (25 reviews)
"The host responded within a reasonable amount of time, cell service was very spotty. There were no coffee filters when we made coffee and Jack was there within an hour with coffee filters. We loved the front porch! Not sure but they may have been updating the cabin as there weren't any pictures on ..."

Reviewed on Nov 2, 2026

Cabin in the middle of the ShawneeNational Forest. WiFi, ac, full kitchen.
Standard Suite - Bungalow overlooking the River

Standard Suite - Bungalow overlooking the River

Golconda IL
Stay at this cabin in Golconda. Enjoy an in-room coffeemaker and air conditioning. Popular attractions Rosiclare Memorial Public Library and Bill Cook Memorial ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (52 reviews)
"This is the second time I've stayed here. I started off saying that this is a cabin, The rooms are worn, but clean. I find them very comfortable. They have full baths, not half baths like a lot of the other cabins in the area offer. It's location is great too. Alot of what you want a see is not a ..."

Reviewed on Oct 29, 2026

Standard Suite - Bungalow overlooking the River
Beautiful custom built cabin near Garden of the Gods

Beautiful custom built cabin near Garden of the Gods

Herod IL
Stay at this cabin in Hardin County. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Illinois Iron Furnace and Garden of the Gods Recreation ...
9/10 Wonderful! (36 reviews)
"Check-in was stressful when the provided passkey to get in did not work and hosts didn’t answer either available phone number. Eventually I had enough signal to get online and contact them through VRBO and we worked it out.Definitely not airtight between rooms and floors and extremely steep stairs.Location ..."

Reviewed on Oct 29, 2026

Beautiful custom built cabin near Garden of the Gods
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.

Stay near popular Southeast Illinois attractions

Cities near Southeast Illinois

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