Local Recreation

The Lake of Egypt isn’t the only hotspot for fishing enthusiasts! Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, you’ll find fantastic fishing at nearby lakes like Crab Orchard Refuge, Kinkaid Lake, Horseshoe Lake, Rend Lake, and Cedar Lake. Plus, we’re just a stone’s throw from the famous Ohio and Mississippi rivers. Get ready for a reel good time at these diverse fishing destinations!

Hop on your bike and explore the Tunnel Hill State Trail, where trains once thundered! This 45-mile stretch from Harrisburg to Karnak, features a thrilling 543-foot tunnel and a towering 450-foot bridge.  The trail’s smooth surface is great for any bike, with convenient parking along the way. Ready for an adventure? Click here to discover more about this scenic Illinois gem!

Get ready for some of the most exhilarating experiences of your life hiking the trails of Southern Illinois! Conveniently located at the heart of it all, the Resort is your gateway to these incredible hiking adventures. Explore, unwind, and make unforgettable memories amidst nature’s wonders!  Popular trails include Garden of the Gods, Little Grand Canyon, Dixon Springs State Park, Piney Creek Ravine, Cache River Natural Area, Ferne Clyffe, Giant City State Park, Mermet Lake, and Trail of Tears State Forest.

Horseback riding in Southern Illinois is an unforgettable adventure!  Join Giant City Stables for a journey through Giant City State Park.  Their experienced wranglers will guide you through approximately a one-hour trek through their private trails where you will experience the wildlife and natural beauty of the Shawnee National Forest. Suitable for both beginners and experienced riders, the stunning scenery is best enjoyed from the saddle of a well-trained horse.

Rock climbing in Shawnee National Forest offers an exhilarating experience for climbers of all levels. The forest’s unique geological features, including rugged bluffs and intricate rock formations, provide a diverse range of climbing opportunities. Popular spots like Jackson Falls and Giant City State Park are well-known for their sandstone cliffs, offering both challenging routes for experienced climbers and easier climbs for beginners. The scenic beauty of the forest, with its lush vegetation and wildlife, adds to the allure of climbing here.

Experience Illinois’ first tree-based, eco-friendly zip line adventure at Shawnee Bluffs Canopy Tour, nestled in 83 wooded acres next to Shawnee National Forest. This thrilling tour features eight zip lines (the longest over 1,100 feet), zig-zagging across bluffs and valleys, 11 tree-top platforms, three sky-high suspension bridges (with one stretching 180 feet), and a couple of brief ground hikes. It’s an exhilarating way to discover the area’s natural beauty, wildlife, and history, all while having loads of fun on zip lines and aerial bridges!

Get ready for a grape-tastic adventure on the Shawnee Wine Trail in Illinois! It’s like a treasure hunt for wine lovers, linking together super cute boutique wineries. Each spot has its own special vibe and yummy wines that show off what Southern Illinois’ grapes can do. Sip on some delicious wines, chill out, and take in the gorgeous views – it’s like a mini-vacation in every glass! Whether you’re a wine expert or just like a nice glass, this trail is all about fun, tasty discoveries, and stunning scenery. So, grab your friends and get ready to raise a glass to good times on the Shawnee Wine Trail!

Rolling Oak Alpaca Ranch in Southern Illinois is a super fun spot where you can hang out with some of the fluffiest and friendliest alpacas around! This family-owned ranch is a cozy place to learn cool stuff about these cuddly creatures. You can feed them, pet their soft fur, and even see how their fleece is turned into yarn. It’s a great place for a family day out, animal lovers, or anyone who wants to chill with some chill alpacas in the beautiful countryside. Get ready for some fluffy fun at Rolling Oak!

Dive into a splashy adventure at Mermet Springs!  It’s an underwater playground where you can scuba dive and explore like a real-life adventurer. Imagine swimming around cool sunken treasures like an airplane, a train car, and even a school bus – all underwater! Whether you’re looking for a scuba training facility or a dive site that you and the entire family can enjoy, Mermet Springs is the perfect place for you.

Get ready for a treasure hunt through time in Southern Illinois, where antiquing is a blast!  Search through shelves packed with vintage gems and quirky, cool finds at nearby stores like the Countree Peddler, Whitecotton Antique Mall, Warehouse Antique Mall, and Packrats Paradise.  Each shop has its own unique vibe and hidden treasures waiting to be discovered.

With a lineup of awesome courses, there’s something for everyone. Check out Lake of Egypt Country Club for a chill vibe by the lake, or swing by Kokopelli Golf Club for a more upscale feel. Crab Orchard Golf Club is perfect for those who love a scenic backdrop, while Stardust Golf Course offers a laid-back, friendly atmosphere. And don’t forget Hickory Ridge Golf, great for golfers of all skill levels. Each course has its own unique charm, making sure you’ll have a tee-rific time, no matter where you play.

Live It Up! all in one place. Walker’s Bluff Casino has a big gaming area with plenty of space to explore and pick your favorite games. You can find slot machines of every kind and for every budget, so everyone can find something they like. More into card and table games? There’s Blackjack, craps, roulette, baccarat, Texas hold’em, and others waiting for you.

From large concerts, like Brandley Gilbert and Luke Combs, to community events, like PBR Bull Riding, Nitro Circus, and the Colt World Series, Mtn Dew Park has hosted some exciting events in Southern Illinois.  Mtn Dew Park is also home to the Thrillville Thrillbillies. This Prospect League is a collegiate summer baseball league comprising teams of college players from North America and beyond. All players in the league must have NCAA eligibility remaining in order to participate.