Southwest Illinois

Travel Guide

Photo provided by Southernmost Illinois Tourism Bureau
Photo provided by Southernmost Illinois Tourism Bureau
Photo provided by Southernmost Illinois Tourism Bureau
Photo provided by Southernmost Illinois Tourism Bureau
Photo provided by Southernmost Illinois Tourism Bureau

Explore a “natural city” of trees, enjoy incredible hilltop views, marvel at geological wonders and hop between small towns in this beautiful region. 

Those who love hiking, biking, swimming and all things outdoors are in for a treat in Southwest Illinois, where swaying wheat fields, vast tracts of forest and a miniature Grand Canyon await. Camp in gorgeous protected areas or appreciate the warm welcome that awaits you in the region’s many towns and urban pockets.

Belleville is the area’s most populous city, but it is relatively small, with about 42,000 residents. Start your journey around Southwest Illinois with urban conveniences and rural attractions such as Eckert’s Belleville Farm and the Braeutigam Orchards.

Head south to discover some of Illinois’ most beautiful countryside. Camp in Giant City State Park, a 4,000-acre (1,600-hectare) green space. Hike the many miles of trails that weave through the forests and along the limestone crags of this nature-rich protected area. Look for the park’s simple but lovely 1930s stone lodge, known for its delicious home-cooked food and welcoming staff.

See Illinois’ treetops from above by climbing LaRue Pine Hills. The lookout here, poetically named Inspiration Point, offers incredible vistas that include the Mississippi River. Try to spot signs of the diverse wildlife that flourishes in the surrounding wetlands. Afterward, make your way south to the Trail of Tears State Forest, another nature preserve filled with fascinating plants and animals.

To the east of the Big Muddy River lies the Little Grand Canyon. Bring your camera when you hike to this scenic place, as this red sandstone valley offers a glimpse of the same natural splendor that has made the Grand Canyon so internationally famous.

Rent a car to get to Southwest Illinois from ChicagoOpens in a new window. The region is ideally placed for a road trip, as the interstate highway brings you most of the way here. As you drive, striking views will open up on all sides, as the sparsely populated, flat prairieland of this area stretches all the way to the horizon.

Where to stay in Southwest Illinois

Default Image

Eastport

While visiting Eastport, you might make a stop by sights like Gateway Conference Center and Splash City Family Waterpark.

Eastport
Default Image

Uptown

If you're spending some time in Uptown, World's Largest Catsup Bottle and Kruta Bakery are top sights worth seeing.

Uptown
Default Image

Alorton

Alorton is well liked for its restaurants. If you'd like to do some sightseeing in the greater East St. Louis area, you might plan a trip to Frank Holten State Recreation Area or Arsenal BG Ballpark.

Alorton
Default Image

Mulberry Hills

Though Mulberry Hills may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like World's Largest Catsup Bottle and Gateway Conference Center.

Mulberry Hills
Default Image

Historic Downtown Collinsville

Though Historic Downtown Collinsville may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like World's Largest Catsup Bottle and Gateway Conference Center.

Historic Downtown Collinsville
Drury Plaza Hotel Mt. Vernon
Drury Plaza Hotel Mt. Vernon
3 out of 5
145 North 44th Street , Mount Vernon, IL
The price is €92 per night from 10 Aug to 11 Aug
€92
10 Aug - 11 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Mount Vernon. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,388 reviews)
"Nice people nice rooms good food"

Reviewed on 8 Jul 2025

Drury Plaza Hotel Mt. Vernon
Best Western Plus Pontoon Beach
Best Western Plus Pontoon Beach
3 out of 5
4 Regency Pkwy, Granite City, IL
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is €90 per night from 27 Jul to 28 Jul
€90
27 Jul - 28 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Granite City. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (692 reviews)
"Nice hotel. Extra large room and bathroom. Very clean. Good location"

Reviewed on 9 Jul 2025

Best Western Plus Pontoon Beach
Super 8 by Wyndham O'Fallon
Super 8 by Wyndham O'Fallon
2 out of 5
1100 Eastgate Dr, O'Fallon, IL
The price is €52 per night from 20 Jul to 21 Jul
€52
20 Jul - 21 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in O'Fallon. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
7.4/10 Good! (1,006 reviews)
"I stay here often. I like the proximity and quite honesty the price. I bring my own cleaning supplies and clean the room when i get here each time. The bed was clean upon arrival and the room smelled on the cleaner side. Floors were definitely not washed but at least its not carpet! The staff is ..."

Reviewed on 10 Jul 2025

Super 8 by Wyndham O'Fallon
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Delightful Cabin near a wildlife refuge, 6 miles to Carbondale Illinois.
Delightful Cabin near a wildlife refuge, 6 miles to Carbondale Illinois.
2 out of 5
Carbondale
Stay at this cabin in Carbondale. Enjoy free WiFi, a water park, and a garden. Popular attractions Spillway Road Ponds Trailhead and Jeremy Rochman Memorial ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (14 reviews)
"Had a great, but too brief of a stay, at Linda and Jon's cabin. Very comfortable. Just wish the vegetable garden was ready for harvest. While the cabin appears isolated at first glance, it is actually very convenient to Kroger, restaurants, etc. Would definitely stay there again, if passing through ..."

Reviewed on 12 Jun 2025

Delightful Cabin near a wildlife refuge, 6 miles to Carbondale Illinois.
Beautiful location in the secluded woods
Beautiful location in the secluded woods
Pomona
Stay at this vacation home in Pomona. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and patios. Popular attractions Pomona Winery and Von Jakob Winery & Brewery are located ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (36 reviews)
Peaceful Location
"The cabin was perfect, neat and clean, it had all we needed for the stay. This will be a perfect place to spend with family away from busy schedule, host was very friendly and kind, replies fast. We stayed three nights, there isnt much to explore around but it was relaxing.!! We went to ponoma natural ..."

Reviewed on 3 Jun 2025

Beautiful location in the secluded woods
Rest, Relax and Renew. Our log cabin experience awaits your arrival.
Rest, Relax and Renew. Our log cabin experience awaits your arrival.
Anna
Stay at this cabin in Anna. Enjoy a garden, patios, and cable/satellite TV service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition in our reviews. ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (389 reviews)
Wine trail
"Quiet cozy cabin with all the amenities needed to enjoy the wine trail or Shawnee forest trails. Very clean and well appointed for a nice relaxing weekend!"

Reviewed on 7 Jul 2025

Rest, Relax and Renew. Our log cabin experience awaits your arrival.
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do