Scenic Southern Illinois
Region: Southern

Illinois's farmlands give way to green rolling hills in scenic Southern Illinois. Here you can spend your days exploring the awesome Shawnee National Forest, sampling some of the state's best wineries, and even visit Superman's adopted hometown.

Start the morning with a pontoon boat ride on Carlyle Lake in Carlyle, the largest manmade lake in Illinois. Eldon Hazlet State Park, nestled on the shores of Carlyle Lake, features hiking trails and extensive nature programs. Next, roam the 90 acres of the lovely Cedarhurst Center for the Arts in Mt. Vernon. Here you'll find the sprawling Cedarhurst Sculpture Park and Mitchell Museum, showcasing contemporary artworks. Don't miss the well-regarded Cedarhurst Craft Fair, held annually in September. Afterwards, stop for a tasting of the award-winning wines at GenKota Winery in Mt. Vernon. The wraparound covered deck of the Amish-built winery encourages sitting and sipping. For lunch, try the down-home barbecue dishes at Triple E Bar-B-Q in Mt. Vernon. Then get ready to do some shopping at the Southern Illinois Art & Artisans Center at Rend Lake in Whittington, where fine artwork and traditional crafts made by Illinois artists are sold. Take time to peruse the rotating exhibits at the on-site Southern Illinois Art Gallery. Afterwards, head for Pheasant Hollow Winery, situated on the eastern shore of Rend Lake in Whittington. Enjoy a glass of fruit wine on the deck overlooking five acres of rustic woodlands. Pheasant Hollow regularly hosts a murder mystery dinner theater and live musical entertainment. In the evening, enjoy dinner with a sweeping lakeside view at Windows Restaurant, located at Rend Lake Resort in Whittington.

Hop on the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail, made up of eight Carbondale-area wineries in Jackson and Union counties located along a scenic 25-mile drive through the Shawnee National Forest. Be sure to make a stop at Alto Vineyards in Alto Pass, the largest (at 10 acres) and oldest winery in southern Illinois. Alto’s collection of wines have won more than 300 medals. Blue Sky Vineyard in Makanda is a Tuscan-themed winery featuring a beautiful mural and a gift shop. StarView Vineyards in Cobden is the newest addition to the Trail. Many of the wineries plan special events in honor of Illinois Wine Month, which is celebrated across the state in September. Next, make a trek up to Bald Knob Cross in Alto Pass, a 111-foot steel-and-porcelain white cross built as a monument to peace that stands as a beacon atop Bald Knob Mountain (the highest point in Southern Illinois) in the Shawnee National Forest. Then raise a frosty mug of root beer at the Northwest Passage Root Beer Saloon in Alto Pass. This unique spot serves micro-brewed draft root beers and gourmet sandwiches in a kitschy atmosphere. After lunch, put on your hiking shoes and make tracks to Giant City State Park in Makanda, named for its sheer sandstone walls that create the feel of soaring city streets that a giant could comfortably walk through. The Giant City Lodge is locally famous for its tasty fried chicken. Artists' shops and galleries populate the charming Makanda Boardwalk, near Giant City State Park. Located in the tiny town of Makanda, the shopping district features an actual boardwalk for strolling and browsing. In the evening, catch a live concert at the Copper Dragon Brewing Company in Carbondale while sampling the club's own house-brewed beers.

Drive along the Ohio River Scenic Route and take in the lush beauty of the Shawnee National Forest, which comprises more than 277,000 acres that span the southern tip of the state. Head for Fort Massac State Park & Museum in Metropolis, which features a replica of the original 1700s fort as it appeared during the French and Indian War. The museum displays items used under the French rule, as well as Native American artifacts. Then stop for a photo op with the 15-foot-tall Superman Statue in downtown Metropolis, the official adopted “Home of Superman.” Across the street is the Super Museum, featuring amazing Superman memorabilia, movie props and a gift shop stocked with super souvenirs. The popular Superman Celebration, held every June in Metropolis, features superhero-themed entertainment and celebrity appearances. Have lunch at Cave-in-Rock Restaurant, located within Cave-in-Rock State Park (named for its waterfront cave). The restaurant is known for its homey Southern-style dishes, including fried catfish. Afterwards, discover unusual rock formations (including Camel Rock and the Devil's Smokestack) and explore scenic bluffs at the aptly named Garden of the Gods within the Shawnee National Forest, near Harrisburg. Be sure to hike the Observation Trail that leads to a stunning cliff-top panorama.