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Outdoor Recreation

Outdoor Recreation

Get Outside in Downstate Illinois

There's so much to discover when it comes to the outdoors in Downstate Illinois! From hiking and biking to berry picking and golfing, there's something for everyone. As you’ve probably noticed by now, we cover 21 counties in Downstate Illinois. That makes us the largest tourism bureau in the state, but it also makes us one of the most diverse regions because each community has something unique that they’re known for. Let us shine a spotlight on each county that makes up this wonderful area. 

Baldwin Lake

 Baldwin, Illinois
Baldwin Lake is home to dozens of fish species, including Black Crappie and Channel Catfish, which make it perfect ...more!

Barnside Flower Farm

 Red Bud, Illinois
Locally grown cut and potted flowers such as mums, sunflowers, dahlias, cosmos, zinnias, snapdragons, and many more...more!

Chester Country Club (semi-private)

 Chester, Illinois
Whether it's your way of working out stress, enjoying a day with friends or completing a business deal, we know...more!

Cole Memorial Park

 Chester, Illinois
Shelters, picnic areas, swimming pool, playgrounds and tennis courts are laid out within the forested park....more!

Fults Hill Prairie Natural Preserve

 Chester, Illinois
Upland forest, savanna, hill prairie, limestone glade, limestone cliff and sink hole ponds. The area is rich in pla...more!

G & C Meyer Farm

 Steeleville, Illinois
Find berries, green beans, okra, potatoes and other veggies, seasonal flowers and bedding plants....more!

Illinois Country Harvest

 Prairie du Rocher, Illinois
We are a sustainable, small, diverse farm located in southwestern Illinois. We proudly grow heirloom and nativ...more!

Kaskaskia River Project

 Modoc, Illinois
Camping (15 sites), fishing, picnic shelter, grill, boat ramps, Visitors Center, tours of Kaskaskia Lock and Dam at...more!

Kaskaskia River State Fish & Wildlife Area

 Baldwin, Illinois
The Kaskaskia River State Fish & Wildlife Area is one of the largest state-owned and managed sites in Illinois....more!

Kaskaskia-Cahokia Trail Coalition

 Prairie du Rocher, Illinois
King Louis XV of France, that is! French colonists gave this name to the Kaskaskia-Cahokia Trail (KCT) in the early...more!

North County Country Club

 Red Bud, Illinois
NCCC is a 9 hole golf course with zoysia fairways and tee boxes. Sand traps and two lakes provide a challenging, ye...more!

Piney Creek Ravine Nature Preserve

 Chester, Illinois
The 2.2 mile loop trail features a waterfall and is rated as moderate. It winds through secretive canyons that hide...more!

Pumpkin Blossom Hill

 Red Bud, Illinois
Shop for pumpkins, gourds, mums, crafts and antiques from September thru December. Mini corn maze and pumpkin picki...more!

Pyramid Oaks II Golf Course

 Percy, Illinois
Beautiful Golf Course and Lighted Driving Range!...more!

Randolph County State Recreation Area

 Chester, Illinois
Randolph County State Recreation Area is a mecca for outdoor recreational activities. Fishing, hiking, picnicking, ...more!

Ratz Memorial City Park

 Red Bud, Illinois
Both parks have picnic shelters, and plenty of playground equipment....more!

Red Bud Sports Complex

 Red Bud, Illinois
...more!

Schoenbeck Ranch

 Ellis Grove, Illinois
Offering - Pony rides, Covered Wagon rides, Corn Maze, Straw Maze, Barrel Car Train , Petting Zoo, Photo Ops , and ...more!

Sparta Country Club (semi-private)

 Sparta, Illinois
Where members and the community can come together! Pro Shop now available for private parties! Please call 618...more!

Steeleville City Park

 Steeleville, Illinois
Veteran's memorial, benches, seasonal plants...more!

World Shooting & Recreational Complex

 Sparta, Illinois
The State of Illinois and the Department of Natural Resources proudly boast the premiere 1,600 acre World Shoo...more!

Downstate Illinois Events

Downstate Illinois Events

Explore Our Event Calendar
Whether you’re looking for a festival, marathon or something family-friendly to bring the kids to, Downstate Illinois has something for everyone. The region hosts over 900 events each year, and we pride ourselves on providing the most accurate event information so that you don’t miss a thing.
Travel Ideas

Travel Ideas

Check Out Our Blog
From outdoor recreation and adventure to foodies and family fun, we have the trip ideas to plan the perfect vacation.
Road Trip Itineraries

Road Trip Itineraries

21 Counties made for Road Trips
Downstate Illinois was made for road trips! With the help of our road trip itineraries, you can discover all that our 21 counties have to offer — from family fun to outdoor adventures and shopping sprees. 
Check out our calendar of events!
Money Shoot

Money Shoot

 February 3, 2025 - August 29, 2025 @ 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM
North American Outfitters | Highland, IL
Budding Naturalist

Budding Naturalist

 February 7, 2025 @ 10:00 AM - 10:45 AM
Douglas-Hart Nature Center | Mattoon, IL
Valentine's Day Gift & Craft Show

Valentine's Day Gift & Craft Show

 February 7, 2025 - February 9, 2025 @ 12:00 PM - 12:00 PM
Cross County Mall | Mattoon, IL

View Entire Events Calendar

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