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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. 

Bryan Memorial Park

 Salem, Illinois
Family Aquatic Center with waterslide; tennis courts, basketball courts, skateboard park, picnic shelters, bandstag...more!

Centralia Lake

 Centralia, Illinois
Public boat dock, fishing, skiing and boating....more!

Colonial Golf Course

 Sandoval, Illinois
18 hole Public Course, with daily specials. This family friendly venue means someting fun for a group. Great P...more!

Fairview Park

 Centralia, Illinois
45 acres of recreation space include a swimming pool, baseball and softball fields, skateboard park, several picnic...more!

Foundation Park

 Centralia, Illinois
Best known for the annual Balloon Fest, there are also walking trails, nature areas, 36-hole disc golf course and g...more!

Gaetti Sports Academy

 Centralia, Illinois
Gaetti's Sports Academy is the only facility in the country offering curriculum put together by four World Seri...more!

Lake Centralia

 Salem, IL
Lake Centralia covers more than 400 acres. This lake is great for boating and water skiing. Pontoon boats, sailboat...more!

Marion County Fairgrounds

 Salem, Illinois
...more!

Raccoon Lake

 Centralia, Illinois
The park is open for boating, fishing, kayaking and canoeing year round and hosts a major power boat racing event a...more!

Rocky Point Beach

 Kinmundy, Illinois
A beautiful 200-foot sand beach is located at Rocky Point where visitors can enjoy swimming or picnicking at the ta...more!

Salem Country Club

 Salem, Illinois
...more!

Salem Family Aquatic Center

 Salem, Illinois
GENERAL ADMISSION Children 2 & under – No Charge Ages 3 thru 64 – $5.00 Ages 65 & over...more!

Salem Little League

 Salem, IL
The Salem Little League is based in Salem, IL and is a member league of Illinois District 1 of Little League, ...more!

Schwartz Farms

 Centralia, Illinois
You can find berries, apples, peaches, pears and watermelon in season.  ...more!

Stephen A. Forbes State Park

 Kinmundy, Illinois
700 acres, fishing, swimming, hunting, horseback riding, 115 camping sites, picnicking, concession building, and ca...more!

William Jennings Bryan Memorial Park

 Salem, Illinois
...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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