Century21 House of Realty

Recreation

Like to hike or bike, swim or water ski, hunt, fish, horseback ride, camp or golf? Graced by the Shawnee National Forest, Crab Orchard National Wild Life Refuge, numerous State Parks, an abundance of lakes and beautiful golf courses, you will find plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities in this region. Among the many beautiful golf courses in Southern Illinois are the following:

Benton Country Club, Benton, 618-435-2701.
Cherry Creek Golf Center, Mount Vernon, 618-246-9502.
Colonial Hills Golf Course, Marion, 618-997-1140.
Crab Orchard Golf Club, Carterville, 618-985-8011.
Crooked Creek Golf Links, near Mount Vernon, 618-735-2445.
Egyptian Country Club, Mounds, 618-745-6412.
Fairfield Country Club, Fairfield, 618-847-7222.
Franklin County Country Club, West Frankfort, 618-932-3144.
Flying M Ranch Golf Course, Centralia, 618-532-8602.
Gambit Golf Course, Vienna, 618-658-6022.
Governor’s Run Golf Course, Carlyle, 618-594-4585.
Green Acres Golf Club, Energy, 618-942-6816.
Green Hills Golf Club, Mount Vernon, 618-244-3961.
Greenview Golf Course, Centralia, 618-532-7395.
Hardin County Golf Club, 618-289-4587.
Hickory Ridge Golf Course, Carbondale, 618-529-4386.
Indian Hills Golf Course, Mount Vernon, 618-244-9697.
Jackson Country Club, Carbondale, 618-684-2774.
Kokopelli Golf Club, Marion, 618-997-5656.
McLeansboro Golf Club, McLeansboro, 618-643-2400.
Meadow Woods Country Club, Centralia, 618-532-1121.
Metropolis Country Club, Metropolis, 618-524-4414.
Midland Hills Golf Course, Carbondale, 618-529-3698.
Nashville Municipal Golf Course, Nashville, 618-327-3821.
North Woods Golf Club, Mount Vernon, 618-242-5015.
Red Hawk Country Club, near DuQuoin, 618-357-8712.
Rend Lake Golf Course, near Whittington, 618-629-2353.
Roland Meadows Golf Course, near Johnston City, 618-983-8334.
Saline County Country Club, Eldorado, 618-273-9002.
Shawnee Hills Country Club, Harrisburg, 618-253-7294.
Stardust Golf & Country Club, Johnston City, 618-983-8822.
Spring Valley Golf Club, Okawville, 618-243-6610.
Stone Creek Golf Course, Makanda, 618-457-5455.
Summertime Nine Golf Course, Salem, 618-822-6242.
Union County Country Club, Anna, 618-833-7912.

Points of Interest in Southern Illinois:

Bald Knob Cross. 618-893-2344. Near Alto Pass stands North America’s tallest Christian Monument, the Bald Knob Cross. The 111-foot tall structure can be seen for miles.
Cave-In-Rock. P.O. Box 338, Cave-In-Rock, Il 62919, 618-289-4325. Cave-In-Rock State Park is located on the Ohio River in Hardin County near the town of Cave-In-Rock. The Cave tunnels for 200 feet into the bluff making its mouth a natural landmark for boatmen.
Civil War Memorial-Public Square-Vienna. Located on the lawn of the stately Johnson County Courthouse, the Rebellion Memorial pays tribute to the 1364 volunteers who took part in the conflict from 1861-65.
Dixon Springs State Park. 618-695-2670. Dixon Springs State Park is about 10 miles west of Golconda and Route 146 near the junction of Route 145. It is one of three state parks in the Illinois extension of the Ozarks.
Ferne Clyffe State Park. 618-995-2411. Ferne Clyffe State Park is a mile south of Goreville on Route 37. The park offers fishing, scenic trails, shaded picnic area, playgrounds and camping. Hawk’s Cave, a sheltered bluff of stone with excellent acoustics, is a major attraction.
Fluorspar Museum. 800-342-3100. The Fluorspar Museum is located in Rosiclare. This rather rare, but useful, mineral is mined in Hardin County from 900-foot deep shafts. Fluorspar is a multicolored mineral which is second only to uranium for its strategic value. Today half of the nation’s total reserves are found in Hardin County. Be sure to call ahead for more information.
Fort de Chartres. 618-284-7230. This massive fortress, begun in 1753, was once the formidable center of French power throughout the entire Mississippi Valley. Take Illinois 155 through Prairie du Rocher. Follow the highway west ending at the fort.
Fort Massac State Park-Metropolis. 618-524-9321. Fort Massac State Park has a reconstructed stockade from the period when the French and British ruled the area. The annual Fort Massac ’76, held in October, features military musters and exhibits from the 1700’s. The park is located on I-24 between Metropolis and Brookport. Metropolis is also the “Home of Superman,” and holds a Superman Celebration each year in June. During each celebration, there is a mock bank robbery complete with rescue by the Man of Steel.
Garden of the Gods. 618-253-7114. Located east of Herod and northwest of Karbers Ridge, Garden of the Gods is one of the special attractions of Shawnee National Forest. The rock formations, formed about 200 million years ago, are fascinating.
Giant City State Park. 618-457-4836. Giant City State Park is located near Makanda about 12 miles south of Carbondale off U.S. Route 51. The entire park is part of the Illinois extension of the Little Ozark Mountains. A striking feature of the park is the massive lodge, built of multi-hued stone and log balconies.
Heron Pond/Wildcat Bluff State Natural Area. South of Vienna, west on Belknap Road. One of Illinois’ most unusual treasures, this swampy area provides a natural habitat for the Great Blue Heron and Bird Voiced Tree Frog and is dominated by old cypress and tupelo trees.
Little Black Slough/State Natural Area. South of Vienna located on the upper Cache River, boasts uncommon terrain for this region and some of the oldest living trees east of the Mississippi River. Named because of dark murky water that covers much of the area.
Mound City National Cemetery. 800-248-4373. The Mound City National Cemetery is the final resting place of over 4,800 Union and Confederate soldiers. During the Civil War, Mound City was a busy and important town. A United States Naval Shipyard and Hospital were located here.
Old Rose Hotel. Sitting atop a hill overlooking the Ohio River at Elizabethtown is the Old Rose Hotel. This building is the oldest of its kind in the state. The hotel began operation in 1812 and was in continuous operation until a few years ago.
Paul Powell Home. 618-658-5241. Home of one of Illinois’ most famous politicians, this completely furnished home located at Rt. 146 & Vine in Vienna, features a historical museum.
Pomona Natural Bridge & Little Grand Canyon. 800-526-1500. Pomona Natural Bridge is located south of Murphysboro on Route 127 near Pomona. It measures 90 feet in length, is six feet wide and nine feet thick at its narrowest point. Near the Pomona Natural Bridge is the Grand Canyon of Illinois and the Little Canyon.
Pyramid State Park. 618-357-2547. Pyramid State Park is located west of U.S. 51 on Illinois 152. This state park is unique because it is mostly made up of old strip mine lakes. Primitive camping and picnic area with tables and camp stoves are available.
Shawneetown. 618-269-3303. The first chartered bank in Illinois was in Shawneetown. Legend has it that the early Shawneetown bankers, rich from the river and salt trades, turned down a loan request from the tiny village in the northern part of the state, on the grounds that Chicago would never prosper enough to be able to repay the loan. Today, two early banks have been restored and tours are available. Another first was the United States Post Office which was established in 1808.
Trail of Tears Forest. 800-248-4373. Located in scenic Union County, five miles northwest of Jonesboro and 20 miles south of Carbondale, the area is readily accessible by Route 127 on the east side of the forest and Route 3 on the west. Unique features include a Fire Tower and the 222 acre Ozark Hill Nature Preserve.
Vienna Community Park. Rte. 146, Vienna. Home of a totem pole carved from a 100 year old cedar tree. Faces on the pole represent 7 different clans of the Cherokee Nation.

Following are some of Southern Illinois' favorite Recreation and Leisure Sites:

Bell Smith Springs Shawnee National Forest. Northwest of Eddyville, miles of scenic trails take you near sheer cliffs and boulders, into a winding canyon with several caves, creeks and ponds past a natural stone bridge.
Camp Ondessonk. 10 miles north of I 24, 618-695-2489. Located in the heart of the Shawnee National Forest, it is one of the largest campgrounds in the Midwest.
Cedar Lake. Lake Superintendent, 618-549-8441. Annually, this 1,750 acre lake is rated by state fisheries’ biologists as one of the hot spots in Illinois for largemouth bass, crappies, channel catfish and big walleyes. Since no marinas are situated in the reservoir, fishermen must remember to bring their own boats, gas and other provisions before launching. Cedar Lake is located about 10 miles south of Murphysboro, east of Illinois Route 127 or approximately six miles south of Carbondale and west of Illinois Route 51.
Crab Orchard Lake & Campground. Carterville, Il., 618-985-4983. Crab Orchard Lake is one of three lakes located within the Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge. About 7,000 acres in size, it has been one of the popular “fish bowls” of southern Illinois. Crab Orchard is located three miles east of Carbondale along U.S. Highway 13. The main entrance is about five miles west of Interstate 57 as it passes through Marion. Campgrounds offer 312 sites with hookups available. Picnic spots, a swimming beach and sightseeing areas also have been established around the lake. About a dozen launch ramps are situated at various spots on the lake. The east half of the lake is closed from October 1 to March 15 so wintering waterfowl will not be disturbed.
Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge. Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge illustrates a positive land use interaction between people and wildlife. Located between Carbondale and Marion, Illinois, the Refuge covers approximately 43,500 acres of forest, wetlands and grasslands. Crab Orchard is managed by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service with four broad management objectives to provide wildlife management, agricultural development, recreational use and industrial operations. The harmony of these elements fashion this Refuge as one of the most unique in the National Wildlife Refuge System.
Devil’s Kitchen. Devil’s Kitchen Boat Dock, Carbondale, Il 62901, 618-457-5004. Located within the boundaries of the Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge, near Carbondale, Devil’s Kitchen is home to a variety of fish. Rainbow Trout were stocked here in 1976 and have survived in its cool depths. Devil’s Kitchen is situated about 12 miles southeast of Carbondale in the southeast corner of the Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge. There are two ways to reach the lake, from the north by taking the country road south about nine miles off U.S. Highway 13 and via Grassy Road from the east and Giant City Road from the west. Three launch ramps are situated on the lake, one near the concession and marina on the north and near the dam, and two others located across from each other farther south on the lake. A marine is located near the north entrance and offers rental fishing boats as well as paddle boats and canoes, bait and tackle. Gas is located near the marina with space for 51 units. Picnic areas also are found around the lake. Biking, hiking and horseback riding trails are nearby. Outboard motors are restricted to a maximum of 10 horsepower.
Dutchman Lake. Highway 45 North, Vienna, Il 62995, 618-658-2111. Tucked deep in the Shawnee National Forest in Johnson County three miles southeast of Goreville, Dutchman Lake is a “Sleeper” in an area blessed with a lot of fishing water. It holds good bass, channel catfish, bluegill and redear sunfish populations. Only electric trolling motors can be used and there are no facilities except a launching ramp.
High Meadows Stable. East of I 24 off Rte. 146, 618-658-7681. Quality instruction, teaching and training for hunters and jumpers as well as boarding.
Horseshoe Lake. Route 1, Box 85, Miller City, Il 62962, 618-776-5689. Horseshoe Lake, 2400 acres, is located 15 miles northwest of Cairo and about 1 mile south of Olive Branch. It has six launching ramps that are conveniently located around the lake. Nine boat docks accommodate either rental or private boats. The Department of Conservation operates a campground, with electrical hookups on the southern portion of the 7,900 acre area. It can accommodate about 50 tents and 100 trailers and can be reached from either Promised Land Road off Route 3 or County Highway 2 south of Olive Branch. Four picnic areas are scattered around the lake with convenient parking. The outboard motor limit is 10 horsepower and no motors are allowed on the lake from October 15 to March 1.
Kaskaskia River Marina Campgrounds. New Athens, Il 66264, 618-475-2223. Located off Illinois Route 13, the Kaskaskia River State Fish and Wildlife Area features many activities. There is a 50 horsepower limit for boat motors and plenty of fishing, boating and picnicking opportunities. Hunting is also allowed in the wildlife area.
Kincaid Marina. Southern Illinois Recreation, Route 4, Murphysboro, Il 62966, 618-687-4914. If Illinois’ lakes would ever be ranked in terms of beauty, Kincaid, with its shoreline of hardwoods and steep rock cliffs, would rate at the top. The lake is located three miles northwest of Murphysboro. Access to the dam and spillway area is off Illinois Route 149. Another prime access spot is at Illinois Route 3 and Ava. Two marinas located on the lake, one on the east side (off Route 149) and the other on the west side (off Route 151). The campground on the east side has 130 sites equipped with electricity. Three ramps are located on the lake and are open March through November.
Lake Glendale Recreation Area. 618-652-2111. Camping Information, 618-949-3807. Lake Glendale Recreation Area is one of Southern Illinois’ more popular camping spots. It is located on State Route 145 between Dixon Springs and Glendale. Activities include swimming, boating, fishing, and hiking.
Lake Murphysboro. 618-684-2867. This 146 acre lake is a good spot for large mouth bass, crappie, redear sunfish and channel catfish action. It is located one mile west of Murphysboro in Jackson County. Campgrounds are equipped with electrical hookups and there are boat rentals and ramps. There is a 10 horsepower outboard motor limit.
Lake of Egypt. 618-997-6311. Lake of Egypt is a 2,300 acre reservoir offering 93 miles of irregular shoreline. Hundreds of bass five pounds and more are pulled from the lake annually, with some 9, 10, and 11 pounders being caught. Lake of Egypt is located nine miles south of Marion. It lies about five miles east of Interstate 57 and can be reached from Illinois Route 37. There are three marinas on the lake. Two are on the northeast portion of the lake and are open year-round. One is a full-service marina and both offer bait and tackle, boat rentals and launching facilities. The third marina is a full-service marina located in the eastern side of the lake. It offers camping, launching, and shower facilities. There is also a restaurant and a campground with water and electricity for 110 units. There is no outboard motor size limit but there is a 35 mile per hour speed limit.
Lake Thunderhawk. Rte. 45, Ozark, 618-777-2886. Adjoining Shawnee National Forest, a 40 acre lake, swimming, fishing, trails for horseback riding, camping and concessions.
Little Grassy Lake. Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge, Rural Route 1, Box 340, Makanda, Il 62958, 618-457-6655. Little Grassy Lake is one of three lakes located within the Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge area and is adjacent to Devil’s Kitchen, located less than two miles to the west. Little Grassy Lake consists of 1,000 acres and is typical of Southern Illinois lakes with wooded shorelines. The lake is located about 7 miles southeast of Carbondale and can be reached from Giant City Road off Old Highway 13, just north of U.S. Route 13 and east of Carbondale. Three concrete launch ramps are located at different areas of the lake. A marina, open March through October, provides live bait and tackle, gas and rented boats, motors and canoes. A campground with 60 sites is located near the marina and spaces include electricity and water. Outboard motors are limited to a maximum of 10 horsepower.
Rend Lake. Corps of Engineers, Rend Lake Management Office, Rural Route 3, Benton, Il 62812 or Wayne Fitzgerrell State Park Department of Conservation 11094 Ranger Rd., Whittington, Il 62897, 618-629-2320. Rend Lake, the state’s second largest inland reservoir, offers a variety of excellent fishing and recreation opportunities to people living and visiting Southern Illinois. Interstate 57 is the main road to Rend Lake and provides the least congested, carefree travel route. The lake lies between Mount Vernon and Benton. Largest single recreational complex is Wayne Fitzgerrell State Park that covers 3,300 acres. It has 265 modern camp units with electricity, 45 primitive tent sites, four picnic shelters, five boat launching ramps and 150 picnic units. Flush toilets, showers and playground equipment are found throughout the area, and a dump station is available for trailer campers. There is no outboard motor size limit on the lake, but there are posted “no wake” areas.
Shawnee National Forest. Explore the Shawnee National Forest. Enjoy the splendors of the varied natural resources of the largest, most diverse natural treasure in Illinois. Major highways lead to the heartland. Find some of the most beautiful scenery in the Midwest. Drive our Shawnee Hills on the Ohio National Scenic Byway and revel in its fall colors. Go birding, horseback riding, hiking, bicycling, picnicking and swimming. Try boating, canoeing, camping, mushroom hinting, berry picking and more. Delight in the abundance of wildlife.
Triple T Cedar Lake Ranch. Six miles north of I 24 on Rte. 45 East. Large ranch offering 180 campsites, grocery store, cabin rentals, dance barn, miles of trails for riding and biking, lake for swimming.
West Frankfort Lake. 618-932-3262. Located a mile southwest of Thompsonville in Franklin County, this 214 acre “new city” lake has a good fish population with panfish (crappie, bluegill and redear sunfish), largemouth bass and channel catfish. There is no motor size limit and one launch site.