Sightseeing
Garden of the Gods trail is an easy hike for those wanting to see beautiful vistas and interesting rock formations. While atop the cliffs visitors will see the landscape of Southern Illinois and what sets it apart from the rest of Illinois.
60 locals recommend
Garden of the Gods
Garden of the Gods trail is an easy hike for those wanting to see beautiful vistas and interesting rock formations. While atop the cliffs visitors will see the landscape of Southern Illinois and what sets it apart from the rest of Illinois.
On the shore of the Ohio River lies an abandoned pirates den waiting to be explored.
15 locals recommend
Cave-In-Rock
On the shore of the Ohio River lies an abandoned pirates den waiting to be explored.
A moderate hike that will reveal an ancient Native American stronghold and some fascinating rock formations. For those who don’t mind a moderate hike this is a must see.
19 locals recommend
Rim Rock's National Recreation Trail
RR 1 Box 198BA moderate hike that will reveal an ancient Native American stronghold and some fascinating rock formations. For those who don’t mind a moderate hike this is a must see.
A level hike into a bald cypress swamp that resembles the bayou of Louisiana (without the gators).
17 locals recommend
Cache River State Natural Area
930 Sunflower LnA level hike into a bald cypress swamp that resembles the bayou of Louisiana (without the gators).
Bell Smith Springs Scenic Area
Bell Smith Springs RoadHorseback Riding
Lake Glendale Stables & Equestrian Center
165 Lake RdSwimming
A National Forest Park with camping and a large lake with a swimming beach.
Lake Glendale Recreation Area
A National Forest park close to Garden of the Gods with swimming, hiking, picnicking and camping.
12 locals recommend
Pounds Hollow Recreation Area
A National Forest park close to Garden of the Gods with swimming, hiking, picnicking and camping.
Dixon Springs offers some hiking opportunities and a large swimming pool to cool the family on a hot summer day.
19 locals recommend
Dixon Springs State Park
982 Illinois 146Dixon Springs offers some hiking opportunities and a large swimming pool to cool the family on a hot summer day.
Food scene
Everybody’s favorite place to get local river catfish fried to perfection. Just don’t expect “fast food” here, the fish isn’t fried until you order it. Expect long wait times on the weekends.
22 locals recommend
E'Town River Restaurant
100 Front StEverybody’s favorite place to get local river catfish fried to perfection. Just don’t expect “fast food” here, the fish isn’t fried until you order it. Expect long wait times on the weekends.
The local watering hole. Great food on the weekends and many a drink and conversation daily.
16 locals recommend
The Diver Down
219 E Main StThe local watering hole. Great food on the weekends and many a drink and conversation daily.
Shotgun Eddys
510 Straight StLocal hangout with live bands in outdoor pavilion.
Tanny's Grill and Chill
319 E Main StA quaint place in a large horse campground that has a large menu and a Bloody Mary you can make a meal out of.
Trail End Restaurant
5320 Thacker Hollow RoadA quaint place in a large horse campground that has a large menu and a Bloody Mary you can make a meal out of.
Smoke on the Ohio
316 Main StreetLocal Ma and Pa cuisine.
The old time general store like your Grampa used to go to. Not far from Garden of the Gods, this is where on Fridays you can get a fish dinner for old time price. Through the week they have groceries and a deli. Sit down and visit with the locals while eating.
Harbison's Country Market
Illinois 34The old time general store like your Grampa used to go to. Not far from Garden of the Gods, this is where on Fridays you can get a fish dinner for old time price. Through the week they have groceries and a deli. Sit down and visit with the locals while eating.
Golconda’s bar and grill. If you like a good burger this is the place. With many sides to choose from.
Lusk Creek Liquor and Gaming
West Main StreetGolconda’s bar and grill. If you like a good burger this is the place. With many sides to choose from.
Winery
Hogg Hollow Winery
48 E Glendale RdOn the weekends their resteraunt "Wineaux's" serves excellent dishes to go with their wine selection. A must visit when visiting Cache River Preserve.
Cache River Basin Vineyard and Winery
315 Forman LnOn the weekends their resteraunt "Wineaux's" serves excellent dishes to go with their wine selection. A must visit when visiting Cache River Preserve.
Rock climbing
For those who like to rock climb or those who just spectate, eg. myself, Jackson falls offers over 500 named climbing routes and some beautiful scenery. Before going do a little research, it is very remote and very primitive with no signage or on site information.
21 locals recommend
Jackson Falls
For those who like to rock climb or those who just spectate, eg. myself, Jackson falls offers over 500 named climbing routes and some beautiful scenery. Before going do a little research, it is very remote and very primitive with no signage or on site information.
Shopping
Riverside Mercantile
The cutest little ice cream and souvenir shop around.
Chocolate Factory
990 Illinois 146A must for a "chocoholic" or anyone with a sweet tooth.
Yoders Variety Store
Visit the the Amish general store for some really good prices.