Southernmost Illinois Tourism Bureau

09/21/2024

🎶 𝗧𝗛𝗘𝗬'𝗥𝗘 𝗦𝗛𝗨𝗧𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗗𝗢𝗪𝗡 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗦𝗧𝗥𝗜𝗣! 🎶

On October 11th, Illinois Avenue from College to Elm Street in Carbondale will be closed to host a special SIU Homecoming concert for long-time local legends, Jungle Dogs.

This concert is free and open to the public, just bring a chair, some drinks, and good energy! Music runs from 7:00-10:00 pm.

09/20/2024

Already planning the perfect Fall gathering for friends and family? Put a tour of the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail on the itinerary! 🍷✨

Enjoy diverse wineries with delicious, local flavors as you explore the rolling hills and lush vineyards throughout Southernmost Illinois.

Learn more at https://www.shawneewinetrail.com/

09/19/2024

Whether you are looking for a hike, meal, horseback riding, or sightseeing, Giant City State Park is the place to go!

Learn more about the park and all the opportunities for adventure by visiting: https://dnr.illinois.gov/parks/park.giantcity.html

09/18/2024

Jackson Falls trail takes you through lush forest leading to beautiful seasonal waterfalls and rock formations. Perfect for those looking for a more challenging hike. 🥾

Get directions, maps, and more information by visiting: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/shawnee/recarea/?recid=32359

09/17/2024

The quiet hills and river towns that make up the Eastern Region of Southernmost Illinois beckon visitors for a different kind of getaway. Get a sample of all the area has to offer with this full-day adventure itinerary!

Get ready to enjoy natural beauty unequaled anywhere else in the state:

Take a driving/walking/sampling tour of the Eastern side of the Shawnee National Forest.

09/16/2024

Here is just a selection of upcoming events in Southernmost Illinois this week.

Check out https://southernmostillinois.com/events/month/2024-09/ to see more and share details for your event in the comments too!

🛶 Harvest Moon Paddle on the Cache
https://southernmostillinois.com/event/harvest-moon-paddle/

🍖 Praise the Lard BBQ Cook-Off
https://17bbq.com/cook-off/

🎶 Breaking Free the Musical
https://southernmostillinois.com/event/anna-arts-center-2/

🦙 Alpaca Farm Days
https://southernmostillinois.com/event/alpaca-farm/

🔔 Frontier Day at Cave-in-Rock
https://southernmostillinois.com/event/frontier-day/

🪨 Rocky Ledges 5k/10k at Touch of Nature
https://southernmostillinois.com/event/rocky-ledges-5k-10k/

09/13/2024

What local shops are your favorite to visit? Here are a few stops in Southernmost Illinois to add to your trip next time you're out shopping and having fun!

Anna:
📍 Kiki's Coffeehouse
📍 Annabelle Market
📍 Davis Pastry

Vienna:
📍 Milkmaid Creations and Antiques
📍 Holy Grounds Coffee Shop
📍 Miranda's Delight Bakery
📍 Art Gallery Off the Square
📍 Ned's Shed Hamburgers

Metropolis:
📍 Sissy's Metropolis
📍 Silver Collections
📍 Friends & Company
📍 Cordavino's

09/12/2024

Stop and smell the flowers! Take an adventure to local farms and orchards to experience local crops and animals.

For a chance to have your photos featured on our page, be sure to tag us Illinois Tourism Bureau and use !

Get the full itinerary here:

Stop and smell the roses, or in this case, the zinnias, sunflowers, lavender, and peonies and enjoy the summer and fall harvests along the way!

09/11/2024

Bell Smith Springs offers a mix of rugged terrain and beautiful natural features, including rock formations, waterfalls, and clear streams.

Explore all that Bell Smith Springs has to offer by visiting: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/shawnee/recarea/?recid=13020

📸 puremichiganguy (IG)

09/10/2024

Ring the bell, alert your neighbors! The Constitution Week Celebration is nearly here! 🔔✨

On Saturday, September 14th, Lincoln Memorial Park will be transported back in time to celebrate the signing of the Constitution and the 116th anniversary of the Lincoln Douglas Debates.

This event is free and open to the public!

09/09/2024

What are you up to this week? Attending any of these events?

🍎 Murphysboro Apple Festival
https://murphysboroapplefestival.org/
🎤 Open Mic at the Anna Art Center
https://southernmostillinois.com/event/anna-arts-center/
🩺 Women's Health Conference
https://southernmostillinois.com/event/womens-health-conference/

Visit https://southernmostillinois.com/events/month/2024-09/ to see more!

09/07/2024

The Shawnee Challenge was recently featured on a segment of Around Town with Studio STL!

Hear from Pat Jones as he shares why the Shawnee Challenge is perfect for new AND experienced outdoor enthusiasts looking to connect with the beautiful environment that makes up Southernmost Illinois. ⬇️

https://fox2now.com/studiostl/keepin-it-local/like-a-good-outdoor-challenge-try-the-shawnee-national-forest-challenge/

09/06/2024

Five new selfie signs have been installed at picture-worthy spots throughout the Shawnee National Forest! These signs have cell phone holders to place your phone in—just set a timer, set up your phone, and strike a pose! 📸

The signs were made through a special grant program facilitated by the U of I Extension Service. Be sure to tag your photos with so we can share them on our page!

How many selfie stations can you find this weekend? Here's where they are located, get out and explore!
📍 Lincoln Memorial Park, Jonesboro
📍 McGee Hill in LaRue Pine Hills
📍 Trigg Tower
📍 Dutchman Lake
📍 Sexton Creek

09/05/2024

Celebrate International Talk Like a Pirate Day with this swashbuckling adventure around Southern Illinois. 🏴‍☠️

Join the VIP party bus and cruise around in delightful debauchery on Saturday, September 21st for the Pirate Pub Crawl! Or, steer your own course and meet up with us at one or more locations in Muprhysboro, Carbondale and Herrin. Either way you'll get a B***y Bag full of loot, plus games, prizes and shanty sing-a-longs.

Costumes HIGHLY encouraged, but not required. Tickets $5-55. Proceeds benefit The Southern Illinois Performing Arts Incubator.

Get your tickets today: https://www.facebook.com/events/carbondale-il/2024-pirate-pub-crawl/825034999679418/

09/05/2024

From breathtaking natural wonders and scenic trails to historic towns and local wineries, there's something for everyone to enjoy in Shawnee Forest Country! All seasons bring a different experience.

Plan your getaway and uncover hidden gems in our vibrant region by visiting southernmostillinois.com. Adventure awaits you!

From breathtaking natural wonders and scenic trails to historic towns and local wineries, there's something for everyone to enjoy in Shawnee Forest Country! ...

09/04/2024

It all started in 1984 when Guy Renzaglia established Alto Vineyards by planting 5 acres of then-unheard-of grape varieties that are now widely accepted by Midwestern wine drinkers...

The Shawnee Hills Wine Trail was recently featured in the Illinois Partners magazine! Read on to discover how the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail proves fine wines and the great outdoors are the perfect pairing. ❤️

In the southernmost stretch of Illinois, the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail proves fine wines and the great outdoors are the perfect pairing.

09/02/2024

Lots of fun stuff this week in Southernmost Illinois!

🎷 Annual Heritage Blues & Gospel Festival
https://southernmostillinois.com/event/cairo/
🎆 Harvest Festival and Fireworks at Alto Vineyards
https://southernmostillinois.com/event/alto-vineyards/
Super City Brew Fest
🍺 https://www.metropolistourism.com/supercitybrewfest

Share details of your event in the comments or visit https://southernmostillinois.com/events/month/2024-09/ to see more upcoming gatherings!

08/31/2024

Cradled between the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers, Southernmost Illinois is home to the Shawnee National Forest—a diverse and epic landscape.

Explore miles of trails, flourishing wetlands, lush canyons, and countless natural wonders! What will you explore in Shawnee Forest Country?

Plan your adventure today by visiting: https://southernmostillinois.com/

08/30/2024

Looking forward to letting loose this Labor Day weekend? Here's an adventure that might interest you! 🍻

Our Southern Illinois Beer Here adventure takes you to 5 different breweries in the western region of Southernmost Illinois. Get hoppy!

View the full itinerary:

Well, want to have a beer? Fancy a pint, a stein, or a mug? Explore your options in craft breweries in Shawnee Forest Country of Southernmost Illinois. Hop to it, and explore the tastes of the region.

08/29/2024

Now is the time to sign up for the Shawnee Challenge! It's FREE and FUN motivation to get outside and explore as the weather finally begins to cool down.

Download your mobile passport and visit checkpoints at your own pace. Each check-in earns you points to redeem prizes!

Get started today: https://southernmostillinois.com/explore/

08/28/2024

Toast to National Red Wine Day! 🍷🍇

Need help finding a favorite local winery? Take a trip along the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail! Learn about the 12 wineries along the trail by visiting: https://www.shawneewinetrail.com/

See other wineries in the area at: https://southernmostillinois.com/home/things-to-do-2/drink/breweries/

📸 Southern Illinois Social Media

08/27/2024

𝗨𝗣𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗘: 𝗚𝗔𝗥𝗗𝗘𝗡 𝗢𝗙 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗚𝗢𝗗𝗦 𝗜𝗦 𝗢𝗣𝗘𝗡🚨‼️
Just in time for Labor Day weekend, Garden of the Gods roads and parking lots are resurfaced and ready for your outdoor adventure.

Learn more about Garden of the Gods and other hiking opportunities in the Shawnee National Forest by visiting: https://www.fs.usda.gov/activity/shawnee/recreation/hiking/?recid=10669&actid=50

8/26/2024- Garden of the Gods Recreation Area is open.

08/27/2024

It's ! ✨🍑🍑🍑✨

Good thing Southernmost Illinois is known for its peaches, there are plenty of orchards to visit and get your fix today. 😋

📍 Dale Bremer Orchard
📍 Flamm Orchards
📍 Mileur Orchard
📍 Rendleman Orchards
📍 Lipe Orchards

What other orchards do you like to visit in Southernmost Illinois? Let us know in the comments!

📸 Savanna Kathleen Photography

08/26/2024

Shawnee Bluffs Canopy Tour was selected to be featured on an upcoming episode of World's Greatest!... on Bloomberg TV!

The television show spotlights the best in business, products, and adventure—it's no surprise Southernmost Illinois' very own Shawnee Bluffs Canopy Tour was chosen to be featured!

The upcoming episode will broadcast on Bloomberg TV on August 31st and September 7th at 1:00 pm CST.
📺 For cable, check your local listings
📺 Dish Network channel 353
📺 DirecTV channel 203

Photo credit: Ed Baumgarten Photography

08/24/2024

Yum! We're 𝗔𝗟𝗪𝗔𝗬𝗦 craving a pink cookie from Davis Pastry! 🤤

📸 DirtRoads HighHeels

08/23/2024

Embark on the 2024 Southern Illinois Coffee Trail! 🚗

Get ready for an adventure through Southern Illinois’ rich coffee culture! The 2024 Coffee Trail is here, featuring 55 unique coffee shops. Explore the region from September 1st to December 31st, enjoy exclusive deals at each stop, and check in with the Coffee Trail mobile app.

Visit 8 or more stops to earn an exclusive prize!

Ready to sip your way through Southern Illinois?
Download the app now - the Southern Illinois Coffee Trail will be found in "Tours" starting August 30th!

iOS users: https://ow.ly/qIbr50T3r2v
Android users: https://ow.ly/nFtH50T3r2s

08/22/2024

A canoe or kayak trip through the Cache River Wetlands leads you on a serene journey among diverse wildlife. 🛶💛

Share your summer adventures with us by tagging Southernmost Illinois Tourism Bureau and !

📸 Cache Bayou Outfitters

08/19/2024

Check out these fun events this weekend in Southernmost Illinois. ⬇️

👟 Shawnee Hills Trail Races
http://www.shawneehills100.com/
🎶 Off the Rails Concert in Carbondale
https://www.explorecarbondale.com/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=2762
🎨 Paint and Sip at Blue Sky Vineyard
https://www.blueskyvineyard.com/paint-sip/

See more events at https://southernmostillinois.com/events/ or drop details about your event in the comments!

08/16/2024

Need a good adrenaline rush before the school year starts? Try ziplining through the Shawnee National Forest with the Shawnee Bluffs Canopy Tour! 🧗‍♂️🌿

Tours consist of 8 zip lines, three aerial bridges, and two short ground hikes—perfect for thrill-seekers and nature lovers alike. Share photos of your summer fun with !

Learn more here: https://shawneezip.com/

08/15/2024

We scream, you scream, all of Southernmost Illinois screams for 𝗜𝗖𝗘 𝗖𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗠! Take this Shawnee Forest Country Ice Cream Road Trip with us 🍦🌳

📍 First stop: Cool Spoons Frozen Yogurt and Treats
📍 Second Stop: Small Town Scoop
📍 Third Stop: Flamm Orchards
📍 Fourth Stop: Chocolate Factory Inc
📍 Fifth Stop: Garden of the God's Outpost

Where is your favorite place to get ice cream in Southernmost Illinois? 😋
southernmostillinois.com