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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 22 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. 

Bent Oak Golf Course

 Breese, Illinois
Bent Oak Golf Course is a 9 Hole Course, including a putting green, lighted driving range and irrigated fairways.&n...more!

Boulder Marina

 Carlyle, Illinois
The Marina is on the east side of Carlyle Lake adjacent to the Boulder Recreation Area. It has modern concrete dock...more!

Breese Historical Park & Garden

 Breese, Illinois
Peruse Breese's history in photographs, memorials and on the granite pyramid in this neighborhood park. Benches...more!

Breese Northside Park

 Breese, Illinois
Swimming pool, ball diamonds, tennis courts, shelters, multiple playgrounds, stage for plays and performances. Stay...more!

Carlyle Lake

 Carlyle, Illinois
The largest man-made lake in Illinois (26,000 acres), Carlyle Lake is a premier location for outdoor sports. Well k...more!

Carlyle Lake Golf Club

 Carlyle, Illinois
It's a great course for all skill levels! With seven tee choices, beginners can golf with experienced golfers a...more!

Carlyle Lake Prairie View Trail

 Carlyle, Illinois
The trail runs from the Carlyle Lake Visitor's Center (Trailhead) east for 10 miles across the Carlyle Lake/Kas...more!

Carlyle Sailing Association

 Carlyle, Illinois
Located in Eldon Hazlet State Park, the marina offers launching facilities, a clubhouse and other amenities for you...more!

Duck Island Airboat Services

 Keyesport, Illinois
Hour long Airboat tours of Carlyle Lake. $60 per person, and the boat can hold 5 people.    ...more!

Eldon Hazlet State Park

 Carlyle, Illinois
3,000 acres with 328 sites on the west side of Carlyle Lake; camping, boating, fishing, hunting, picnicking, bird w...more!

Eversgerd Civil War Fort

 Germantown, Illinois
This Civil War replica fort was built over the span of 4 decades and is open year-round.  Bobby Eversgerd&r...more!

Governor's Run Golf & Country Club

 Carlyle, Illinois
Governors Run hosts 18 holes of championship golf, a full service Pro Shop and the Gov Run Bar & Grille. T...more!

Henkel's Hook & Arrow

 Carlyle, Illinois
Hunting and fishing store offering supplies and tackle, plus snacks and minnows....more!

Hickory Shores Resort LLC

 Carlyle, Illinois
Hickory Shores has been active for more than 25 years! Make Hickory Shores Resort a yearly destination for your fam...more!

Lakeside Orchard

 Carlyle, Illinois
Located next to Carlyle Lake, the orchard is open in the summer for peaches that are hand-picked at maturity for ul...more!

Northland Nature Preserve

 Trenton, Illinois
Northland Nature Preserve in Trenton, IL features a 0.6-mile walking trail and is open year-round....more!

South Shore State Park

 Carlyle, Illinois
The park is currently closed for renovation. Call for reopening dates....more!

Taphorn Orchard

 Beckemeyer, Illinois
Visit this family-owned orchard in Beckemeyer, IL for apples, pumpkins and other seasonal pickings!...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

22 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 22 counties have to offer — from family fun to outdoor adventures and shopping sprees. 
Check out our calendar of events!
Du Quoin Concerts in the Park

Du Quoin Concerts in the Park

 July 16, 2025 @ 12:00 PM - 12:00 PM
Keyes Park | Du Quoin, IL
Mattoon Bagelfest

Mattoon Bagelfest

 July 16, 2025 - July 19, 2025 @ 3:00 AM - 3:00 AM
Downtown | Mattoon, IL
Highland Thursday Night Live Concert Series

Highland Thursday Night Live Concert Series

 July 17, 2025 @ 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Downtown Square | Highland, IL

View Entire Events Calendar

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