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| Interesting places to visit in Illinois |
Eckert's Belleville Farm is without a doubt, one of the most popular places to go in southern Illinois with the family.
You can really enjoy a fun day outdoors at the farm with the kids hand picking apples, and pumpkins during the harvest season.
Bald Knob Cross of Peace, Alto Pass
The Bald Knob Cross of Peace is the most iconic landmark in southern Illinois, and the tallest cross ever built to date in the Western Hemisphere. Bald Knob Cross stands over 100ft tall so it’s quite awe-inspiring when viewing it up-close.
Bald Knob Cross is located at 3630 Bald Knob Road, though you can see the cross from anywhere along the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail, though it is definitely worth visiting, not only for the picture opportunity but also for enjoying breathtaking views of the surrounding foothills of the Illinois Ozarks.
Fort Chartres, Fort Chartres State Park
Fort Chartres is one of the most historic places to go in southern Illinois and one of the oldest landmarks in the state of Illinois. Fort Chartres is one of the last 18th century French forts that still remain along the Mississippi River.
The fort has been partially restored to bring it back to its former glory, though much of the fort still remains in its original condition. You can visit the fort all through the week, though one of the best times to visit Fort Chartres has to be during the annual Rendezvous celebration (June) to catch the amazing live reenactment of military men.
Garden of the Gods, Shawnee National Forest
The Garden of the Gods is without question, one of the most picturesque places to go in southern Illinois, and one of the best spots in “Little Egypt” for hiking, rock climbing, and leaf-peeping.
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Cave-in-Rock State Park, Cave-in-Rock
Cave-in-Rock State Park is another of the popular places to go in southern Illinois for recreational pursuits like hiking, picnicking, boating and camping.
Besides being a great spot for outdoor pursuits, Cave-in-Rock State Park is home to the famous “Cave-in-Rock”, which overlooks the Ohio River. Cave-in-Rock is a natural cave that was known to be the hideout for 18th century bandits and river pirates. Today, you can freely walk inside the cave, though the cave itself isn’t very deep so you won’t have to worry about getting lost!
Jarrot Mansion, Cahokia
Jarrot Mansion is another of the places to go in southern Illinois if you’d like to marvel at the oldest-standing brick building in the state of Illinois. The mansion holds many open-house style events throughout the year that you can attend, but otherwise the mansion isn't open to the public. If you do want to tour the house you can arrange a private visit by calling in advance.
See. Places to visit in Peoria IL