Southeast Illinois Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Photo provided by Southernmost Illinois Tourism Bureau
Photo provided by Southernmost Illinois Tourism Bureau
Photo provided by Southernmost Illinois Tourism Bureau
Photo provided by Southernmost Illinois Tourism Bureau
Photo provided by Southernmost Illinois Tourism Bureau

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 holiday. 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 travellers. 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 ChicagoOpens in a new window 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.

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Effingham, IL

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Effingham, IL

2.5 out of 5
1200 N Raney, Effingham, IL
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is £85 per night from 24 Aug to 25 Aug
£85
24 Aug - 25 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Effingham. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,006 reviews)
"Room was perfect! Bed was comfortable and just what we needed."

Reviewed on 18 Aug 2025

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Effingham, IL
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Effingham

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Effingham

3 out of 5
1103 Avenue Of Mid America, Effingham, IL
The price is £81 per night from 1 Sept to 2 Sept
£81
1 Sept - 2 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Effingham. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,008 reviews)
"Love staying here for work. The only hotel in the area I’ll stay at"

Reviewed on 20 Aug 2025

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Effingham
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Effingham by IHG

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Effingham by IHG

2.5 out of 5
1604 West Fayette Avenue, Effingham, IL
The price is £95 per night from 1 Sept to 2 Sept
£95
1 Sept - 2 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Effingham. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,001 reviews)
"Always nice! We stay here every time we’re on our way to Syracuse."

Reviewed on 20 Aug 2025

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Effingham by IHG
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.
Deluxe Suite w/ Full Kitchen in the Shawnee National Forest

Deluxe Suite w/ Full Kitchen in the Shawnee National Forest

2 out of 5
Stone Church Precinct, IL
Stay at this holiday home in Golconda. Enjoy a garden, a pool table and an in-room coffee maker. Popular attractions Rosiclare Memorial Public Library and Bill ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (21 reviews)
"We had a great stay. The place was very clean and comfortable. The beds were so nice. Our favorite was sitting out on the deck overlooking the river. It was a peaceful getaway. We were even able to take a short trail down to the river. I highly recommend a stay here."

Reviewed on 16 Jul 2025

Deluxe Suite w/ Full Kitchen in the Shawnee National Forest
The Redbud Cottage--Beach & Quiet. Lake Sara Waterfront & Wood Fires.

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

Effingham, IL
Stay at this family-friendly cottage in Effingham. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a garden and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Cardinal Golf Course and Effingham ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (416 reviews)
"David was a great host. The space catered to a large array of ages and was just what we needed. Right on Lake Sara with beautiful views and the ability to use their kayaks for exploring. Had a wonderful time and will book again."

Reviewed on 18 Aug 2025

The Redbud Cottage--Beach & Quiet. Lake Sara Waterfront & Wood Fires.
Charming cabin near Garden of the Gods

Charming cabin near Garden of the Gods

Herod, IL
Stay at this holiday home in Hardin County. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a garden and in-room fireplaces. Popular attractions Illinois Iron Furnace and Garden of the Gods ...
"Awesome place to get away"

Reviewed on 24 Jul 2025

Charming 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.

Popular places to visit

Cities near Southeast Illinois