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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. 

Belleville City Parks

 Belleville, Illinois
Belleville, IL is home to 200+ acres of ball diamonds, batting cages, concessions, grandstand seating, playgrounds ...more!

Belleville Skateboard Park

 Belleville, Illinois
Skateboarders from beginners to advanced enjoy this specialty park....more!

Bicentennial Park

 Belleville, Illinois
Bicentennial Park, Belleville's newest community park, consists of 43 beautiful wooded acres and a number ...more!

Braeutigam's Orchards

 Belleville, Illinois
Blackberries, peaches, apples, pumpkins, tomatoes and eggplant are specialties....more!

Centennial Park

 Swansea, Illinois
A relaxing walking trail winds around the turtle filled pond through the tall shady trees and across rustic bridges...more!

Citizens Park

 Belleville, Illinois
This 45-acre park offers ball diamonds, bike ramps, a disc-golf course, and picnic facilities!...more!

Dupo Community Park

 Dupo, Illinois
Beautiful 14 acres of family park fun with 2 restrooms, 7 pavilions, 2 playgrounds, a splash pad, walking paths, pi...more!

Eckert's Country Store & Farms

 Belleville, Illinois
Open year-round, with activities all four seasons of the year, Eckert’s Belleville Farm offers seasonally available...more!

Eckert's Millstadt Family Fun Farm

 Millstadt, Illinois
Escape to the country and have the time of your life at Eckert’s Millstadt Fun Farm. Visiting their working f...more!

Elmwood Golf Club

 Belleville, Illinois
Elmwood Golf Club. Three thousand plus yards of downhill lies and uphill climbs since 1959....more!

Far Oaks Golf Club

 Caseyville, Illinois
Far Oaks Golf Club is a championship golf course that is playable for all players. Our motto is "A Championshi...more!

Frank Holten State Recreation Area

 Centreville, Illinois
1,080-acre park features the 18-hole Grand Marais Golf Course, fishing and picnicking facilities. Frank Holten S...more!

Freeburg Recreation Park

 Freeburg, Illinois
Bring your Family to the Park for a great day of fun and relaxation. There are 4 pavilions to hold your family reun...more!

Gateway Kartplex

 Madison, Illinois
The Gateway Kartplex is a purpose-built karting facility inside the oval track at World Wide Technology Raceway. In...more!

Gateway National Golf Links

 Madison, Illinois
Tall grasses, lakes, wood-tie bunkers, and occasional giant cottonwoods complete the landscape.With a maginificent ...more!

Goshen Bike Trail

 O'Fallon, Illinois
This 7-mile asphalt trail features 10 tunnels and a 175-foot bridge. It connects to six other trails and begins at ...more!

Grand Marais Golf Course

 Centreville, Illinois
Grand Marais is committed to building lasting relationships with our members through our high standards as well as ...more!

The Henry White Experimental Farm

 Belleville, Illinois
The Henry White Farm was donated to the Illinois Department of Agriculture in 1988. Here visitors can see examples ...more!

Hesse Park

 O'Fallon, Illinois
Four ball diamonds (one lighted), soccer fields, basketball courts, in-line skating rink, picnic shelters, playgrou...more!

Horner Park

 Lebanon, Illinois
Enjoy the natural beauty of Lebanon, IL at Horner Park. This gorgeous park offers a fishing lake, baseball and soft...more!

Hough Park

 Belleville, Illinois
Hough Park is Belleville's "Picnic Headquarters!" The park features a large hexagon shaped shelter in...more!

Indian Mounds Golf Course

 Fairmont City, Illinois
Indian Mounds Golf Course is located in Fairmont City, Illinois. It is an Executive golf course featuring five par ...more!

Kaskaskia Marina & Park

 New Athens, Illinois
Site of drag races in September, full marina services, batting cages, ball fields, roller hockey....more!

Knobeloch Woods Nature Preserve

 Freeburg, Western
Knobeloch Woods contains dry-mesic upland and wet floodplain forest communities representative of the Effingham Pla...more!

Malcolm W. Martin Memorial Park

 East St. Louis, Illinois
43 ft. Mississippi River overlook platform, picnic area, paved walkways, view of the Gateway Geyser.  ...more!

Marissa Recreation Area

 Marissa, Illinois
The Martin-Boismenue House, a traditional one-story French Creole residence built ca. 1790, is considered one of th...more!

McAllister Park

 Lebanon, Illinois
Visit Lebanon, IL's newest park on your next Downstate Illinois adventure! The park is complete with pavilions ...more!

MetroBikeLink Trail

 Belleville, Illinois
The 6.9 mile trail cuts across east Belleville connecting the Swansea and Memorial Hospital MetroLink stations with...more!

Moody Park (Longacre Park)

 Fairview Heights, Illinois
Sand volleyball courts, baseball/softball diamonds, soccer field, a 1.5-mile walking/running path, concession stand...more!

National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows

 Belleville, Illinois
Did you know that Belleville, IL is home to the largest outdoor shrine in North America? The National Shrine o...more!

O'Fallon Community Park

 O'Fallon, Illinois
Katy Cavins Community Center, swimming pool, six ball diamonds (two lighted), four lighted tennis courts, lighted b...more!

Orchards Golf Club

 Belleville, Illinois
The Orchards Golf Club in Belleville, Illinois — located just minutes from St. Louis — offers a pu...more!

Peabody River King State Fish Wildlife Area

 New Athens, Illinois
Boat docks and fishing areas are easily accessed for all skill levels - even special docks for kids....more!

Pleasant Ridge Community Park

 Fairview Heights, Illinois
See the Kinsella Log Home in this 95 acre park which has picnic areas and beautiful woods....more!

Prairie Lake Park

 Mascoutah, Illinois
Come out for the fishing, walking trails and picnic facilities....more!

Richland Creek Greenway Trail

 Swansea, Illinois
This 3.8 mi. asphalt trail has several bridges and picturesque views of Richland Creek. It's ideal for a family or ...more!

Rock Springs Park & Nature Center

 O'Fallon, Illinois
Log cabin, nature hiking/biking trails, picnic areas, a pavilion, children's rock climbing playground, native g...more!

Scheve Park

 Mascoutah, Illinois
The old train depot, a full-size caboose and a train car along with pavilions and ag building can be reserved for g...more!

Schranz Memorial Park

 Swansea, Illinois
Schranz Memorial Park is a beloved gem, drawing families back again and again to its lush, welcoming grounds—...more!

Shiloh Dog Park

 Shiloh, Illinois
Bring your pup to the best dog park in town! With two separate fenced areas for different dog sizes, your furry fri...more!

Silver Creek Preserve

 Mascoutah, Illinois
This jewel and must-visit park is just one of many owned and operated by St. Clair County, IL! Located in Masc...more!

Stonewolf Golf Club & Event Center

Fairview Heights, Illinois
Stonewolf Golf Club & Event Center features an 18-hole Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course. Open to the public ...more!

Swansea Clinton Hills Conservation Park

 Swansea, Illinois
Facilities: Restrooms (owned and operated by the Village of Swansea) are available seasonally at the pavilion ...more!

Tamarack Country Club

 Shiloh, Illinois
The secret is out! Tamarack has the some of the best kept fairways and greens in the St. Louis Metro Area. We belie...more!

Three Springs Park

 Shiloh, Illinois
This multi-purpose facility offers lighted softball/baseball diamonds, tennis courts, soccer fields, basketball/vol...more!

Triple Lakes Golf Club

 Millstadt, Illinois
...more!

White Oak Golf Course

 Marissa, Illinois
Marissa Rec Area & White Oak Golf Course offers a peaceful and scenic setting for outdoor activities. The golf ...more!

Xtreme Paintball Park

 Millstadt, Illinois
Xtreme Paintball Park has paintball, airsoft, and laser tag field for all ages and abilities. There are 11 playing ...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!
White County Fair

White County Fair

 July 5, 2025 - July 12, 2025 @ 12:00 PM - 12:00 PM
White County Fairgrounds | Carmi, IL
Highland Farmer's Market

Highland Farmer's Market

 July 8, 2025 @ 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Highland Square | Highland, IL
Washington County Fair

Washington County Fair

 July 8, 2025 - July 12, 2025 @ 5:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Washington County Fairgrounds | Nashville, IL

View Entire Events Calendar

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