Community Activities

Walker's Bluff Tasting Room and Winery

Carterville, IL

Since it's inception, guests have been drawn to Walker's Bluff for its tranquility, style, unmistakable romance and fun family activities. Always the consummate hosts, they welcomed the steady stream of visitors enjoying their vista, and the positive feedback and community support gave way to the idea of creating an entertainment complex unequaled in the Midwest.

Keller's Crossing at Stone Creek

Makanda, IL

Keller's Crossing is Southern Illinois Wine Country's Premier Bermuda Grass golf resort. This 18 hole championship designed course sprawls though the hills, cliffs, and forests of the Shawnee National Forest and Giant City State Park. The course sits on 235 acres without a single hole running parallel to another, creating a uniquely immersive golfing experience. From the forward tees the course will play gently by removing forced carries and providing clear access to a favorable fairway shot. From the Tips, the course will challenge even the most experienced of golfer. Forcing one to control tee shots both left and right, crating multiple ways to approach each hole. Course management and accuracy are rewarded with scoring opportunities. The layout of the course will demand the use of every club in your bag while providing a different challenge with each round.

Kokopelli Golf Club

Marion, IL

"Golf Week Magazine's America's Best Places You Can Play."

This 18-hole course, designed by renowned golf architect Steve Smyers, was named by Travel + Leisure as one of "America's 100 Best Courses for $100 or Less." Kokopelli offers a full-service pro shop, professionals who offer personal golf instruction and an eight-acre practice facility.

With our full service pro shop, members area, and newly renovated event center Kokopelli has something for everyone.

Crab Orchard Golf Club

Carterville, IL

Crab Orchard Golf Club is an 18 hole semi private golf course that is an enjoyable place to play no matter your skill level or age. The par 70 course boasts water on nine holes, large oak trees throughout, and lush fairways of Myers Zoysia and Westwood Bermuda. Bentgrass greens allow for year-round play for the avid golfer. The golf course plays dramatically different depending on which of the 5 tees that are chosen. The average player can have fun playing from the middle and forward tees, but the golf course becomes much more demanding from the Championship markers.

Crab Orchard National Wild Life Refuge

Carterville, IL

Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge was established on August 5, 1947. The refuge is made up of 44,000 acres of land with a great diversity of flora and fauna. The major habitats on the refuge include oak hickory upland forest, bottomland hardwood forest, cropland, grazing units, brushland, prairie, wetlands and lakes. The refuge also includes a 4,050 acre congressionally designated wilderness area.

Shawnee Hills Wine Trail

Carterville, IL

In the Summer of 1995, the owners of the first three wineries in Southern Illinois, Alto Vineyards, Pomona Winery, and Owl Creek Vineyard recognized that their wineries had untapped tourism potential. With this in mind, they worked together with Debbie Moore, executive director of the Carbondale Convention & Tourism Bureau and Cindy Benefield of Southernmost Illinois Tourism Bureau, and the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail was born. It was the first wine trail in the state of Illinois.

Southern Illinois Beer Trail

Cobden, IL

A variety of quality craft beer from Alton to Cobden, Illinois

Shawnee National Forest Garden of the Gods

Herod, IL

Looking for spectacular views with a short hike among some of the most unique rock formations in the United States? Look no further than Garden of the Gods in Southern Illinois. The most popular hike in the Shawnee National Forest, Garden of the Gods gives tourists amazing insight into the geologic structure of Southern Illinois and a view that stretches for miles high over the pristine hills of Shawnee Forest

Giant City State Park

Makanda, IL

With its breathtaking natural beauty and unlimited opportunities for outdoor recreation, a trip to Giant City State Park near Carbondale is sure to delight visitors of all ages. From camping and horseback riding to fishing and rappelling, it's an outdoor lover's paradise. Visitors will marvel at the many hiking trails. Especially popular is the Giant City Nature Trail, home of the "Giant City Streets" - huge bluffs of sandstone formed 12,000 years ago.

Lake Murphysboro State Park

Murphysboro, IL

Beautiful rolling hills and woods surround star-shaped Lake Murphysboro and provide a wonderful backdrop for boating, fishing, picnicking, camping and hiking. Located in Jackson County about 1 mile west of Murphysboro off Route 149, the 1,022 acre state park is the perfect place to enjoy the great outdoors.

Bald Knob Cross

Union County, IL

Bald Knob Cross is an awe-inspiring spiritual monument where people of all ages, cultures and backgrounds can experience hope, joy, peace and faith. Whoever you are and wherever you've been, you're welcome to join us to connect, be inspired and feel a genuine sense of belonging.