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Plan Your Visit
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Trip Ideas
Trip Ideas
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Events
Events
Find out what's on in Illinois and Chicago with your guide to events, festivals, markets, music, theater, sports and more.
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Road Trip
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Getting Here & Getting Around
Getting Here & Getting Around
Find out how to get to Illinois by plane, train, bus and driving. Getting around Chicago and Illinois is easy with our guide to ways to travel around the state.
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My Favorites
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Around Illinois by Amtrak
Around Illinois by Amtrak
Step back in time to the golden age of train travel and settle in for a peaceful ride to discover some of Illinois’ most charming towns and hidden treasures.
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Things to Do
Places to Go
Places to Stay
Explore Our Past
Trip Ideas
Events
Road Trip
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Maps & Visitor Guides
Getting Here & Getting Around
My FavoritesSouthernmost Illinois
Trails to Adventure
Experience the beautiful scenery in the southernmost region of Illinois and Shawnee Forest Country. See it all as you hike, golf, and sip wine in quaint towns, state parks, and wineries.
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Cyclists ride the Tunnel Hill Rail Trail, Shawnee National Forest, Illinois. Cyclists ride the Tunnel Hill Rail Trail, Shawnee National Forest, Illinois.
Highlights
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Southernmost Illinois
Carbondale
Home to Southern Illinois University, Carbondale’s busy historic district bustles with shops and restaurants, while you’re tempted with nearby parks, year-round golf and the popular Shawnee Hills Wine Trail.Things to do near Carbondale -
Southernmost Illinois
Makanda
Home to a small artist colony, shops and local art fill the town’s one-block boardwalk. After you’ve made the rounds, hit the trails for hiking at Giant City State Park. Golfers will find solace in a scenic course that skirts the Shawnee National Forest.Things to do near Makanda -
Southernmost Illinois
Harrisburg
Lace up your boots and head nearby to Garden of the Gods for breathtaking views atop ancient rock formations, explore the popular River to River Trail or hike deep into the Shawnee National Forest.Things to do near Harrisburg -
Southernmost Illinois
Pomona, Alto Pass & Cobden
After a day of hiking Little Grand Canyon, you’ll be greeted by a winery known for fruit vintages, nestled into the woods. Follow the wine trail to nearby Alto Pass and Cobden to taste more local terroir.Things to do near Pomona
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