Southwest 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

Explore a “natural city” of trees, enjoy incredible hilltop views, marvel at geological wonders and hop between small towns in this beautiful region.

Those who love hiking, biking, swimming and all things outdoors are in for a treat in Southwest Illinois, where swaying wheat fields, vast tracts of forest and a miniature Grand Canyon await. Camp in gorgeous protected areas or appreciate the warm welcome that awaits you in the region’s many towns and urban pockets.

Belleville is the area’s most populous city, but it is relatively small, with about 42,000 residents. Start your journey around Southwest Illinois with urban conveniences and rural attractions such as Eckert’s Belleville Farm and the Braeutigam Orchards.

Head south to discover some of Illinois’ most beautiful countryside. Camp in Giant City State Park, a 4,000-acre (1,600-hectare) green space. Hike the many miles of trails that weave through the forests and along the limestone crags of this nature-rich protected area. Look for the park’s simple but lovely 1930s stone lodge, known for its delicious home-cooked food and welcoming staff.

See Illinois’ treetops from above by climbing LaRue Pine Hills. The lookout here, poetically named Inspiration Point, offers incredible vistas that include the Mississippi River. Try to spot signs of the diverse wildlife that flourishes in the surrounding wetlands. Afterward, make your way south to the Trail of Tears State Forest, another nature preserve filled with fascinating plants and animals.

To the east of the Big Muddy River lies the Little Grand Canyon. Bring your camera when you hike to this scenic place, as this red sandstone valley offers a glimpse of the same natural splendor that has made the Grand Canyon so internationally famous.

Rent a car to get to Southwest Illinois from ChicagoOpens in a new window. The region is ideally placed for a road trip, as the interstate highway brings you most of the way here. As you drive, striking views will open up on all sides, as the sparsely populated, flat prairieland of this area stretches all the way to the horizon.

Where to stay in Southwest Illinois

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Eastport

While visiting Eastport, you might make a stop by sights like Gateway Conference Center and Splash City Family Waterpark.

Eastport
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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 Frank Holten State Recreation Area or Arsenal BG Ballpark.

Alorton
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Uptown

If you're spending some time in Uptown, World's Largest Catsup Bottle and Kruta Bakery are top sights worth seeing.

Uptown
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Historic Downtown Collinsville

Though Historic Downtown Collinsville may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like World's Largest Catsup Bottle and Gateway Conference Center.

Historic Downtown Collinsville
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Mulberry Hills

Though Mulberry Hills may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like World's Largest Catsup Bottle and Gateway Conference Center.

Mulberry Hills
Super 8 by Wyndham O'Fallon

Super 8 by Wyndham O'Fallon

2 out of 5
1100 Eastgate Dr, O'Fallon, IL
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$92 per night from 29 Sept to 30 Sept
AU$92
29 Sept - 30 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in O'Fallon. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
7.2/10 Good! (1,013 reviews)
"Amazing"

Reviewed on 17 Sept 2025

Super 8 by Wyndham O'Fallon
Drury Inn & Suites St. Louis Fairview Heights

Drury Inn & Suites St. Louis Fairview Heights

3 out of 5
12 Ludwig Dr, Fairview Heights, IL
The price is AU$160 per night from 28 Sept to 29 Sept
AU$160
28 Sept - 29 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Fairview Heights. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,020 reviews)
Housekeeping problem
"They need to teach the housekeeping staff to not park their carts in the middle of the hallway. This makes it really hard to navigate the hallway with luggage."

Reviewed on 18 Sept 2025

Drury Inn & Suites St. Louis Fairview Heights
Drury Plaza Hotel Mt. Vernon

Drury Plaza Hotel Mt. Vernon

3 out of 5
145 North 44th Street , Mount Vernon, IL
The price is AU$161 per night from 28 Sept to 29 Sept
AU$161
28 Sept - 29 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Mount Vernon. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,465 reviews)
"Outstandingly clean facility staffed by people who almost felt like family. They took pride and where they worked and made me feel like I was coming home."

Reviewed on 22 Sept 2025

Drury Plaza Hotel Mt. Vernon
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.
Secluded Rental Cabin on Southern Illinois Wine Trail, Private Hot Tub

Secluded Rental Cabin on Southern Illinois Wine Trail, Private Hot Tub

Buncombe
Stay at this cabin in Buncombe. Enjoy patios, an in-room coffeemaker, and in-room fireplaces. Our guests praise the property condition in our reviews. Popular ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (306 reviews)
"The outside of the cabin was beautiful - just what we were looking for in a secluded cabin. But the inside blew us away. Incredible detail making it very modern but with a rustic flair. The hot tub was wonderful. We loved sipping wine and relaxing late at night in the hot tub! We will definitely ..."

Reviewed on 8 Sept 2025

Secluded Rental Cabin on Southern Illinois Wine Trail, Private Hot Tub
Stones Throw from Giant City Park, Wineries, Hiking, Biking, Hunting and more.

Stones Throw from Giant City Park, Wineries, Hiking, Biking, Hunting and more.

Makanda
Stay at this cabin in Makanda. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and patios. Popular attractions Stone Creek Golf Club and Resort and Makanda Boardwalk are located ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (61 reviews)
"Pictures didn't do it justice. Owner answer questions very quickly. The only thing I wish is it had a full kitchen. Would definitely stay again"

Reviewed on 7 Sept 2025

Stones Throw from Giant City Park, Wineries, Hiking, Biking, Hunting and more.
Minutes from Giant City - SIU - Shawnee Winetrail - Cedar Lake - Shawnee Forest!

Minutes from Giant City - SIU - Shawnee Winetrail - Cedar Lake - Shawnee Forest!

Makanda
Stay at this cabin in Makanda. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and patios. Popular attractions Stone Creek Golf Club and Resort and Makanda Boardwalk are located ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (39 reviews)
"Thank you Steve for hosting us at the cabin. What beautiful & peaceful location! We always enjoy our time around the wine trail and orchards! We have never been disappointed when we have stayed any of your properties. We also appreciate you letting us do a late checkout today."

Reviewed on 8 Sept 2025

Minutes from Giant City - SIU - Shawnee Winetrail - Cedar Lake - Shawnee Forest!
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 Southwest Illinois

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