Southern Illinois Information

It’s free to explore the great outdoors, including Garden of the Gods Recreation Area, Giant City State Park and the cave at Cave-in-Rock State Park. And there’s no charge to snap a picture for your photo album in front of the Superman statue in Metropolis. The Super Museum across the street often offers discount admission coupons, and children age five and under are always free. Get your free dose of culture at the Cedarhurst Center for the Arts in Mt. Vernon and the South- ern Illinois Art & Artisans Center at Rend Lake.

SEASONAL FAVES

Although golfers can hit the links here nearly year-round, spring is the perfect time to putt your way along the Southern Illinois Golf Trail. Stone Creek Golf Club in

Makanda, Gambit Golf Club in East Vienna and Hickory Ridge Golf Center in Carbon- dale offer challenging layouts open to the public. In summer, spend a day on the water at Rend Lake or pick fresh peaches on the Shawnee Hills Orchard Trail. Dur- ing fall, sip your way along the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail. In winter, get in the spirit of the season at the Du Quoin Holiday Lights Fair.

CAN’T MISS

Outdoor adventures are the name of the game in Southern Illinois. Hike among the awesome sandstone formations of the Garden of the Gods. Bike the Tunnel Hill State Trail in the Shawnee National Forest, which follows a scenic old rail- road route. Go scuba diving in Mermet Springs or rock climbing in Giant City State Park. Explore a limestone cave that was once a hideout for river pirates at Cave-in-Rock State Park. Sip vino at 12 different wineries on the 25-mile-long Shawnee Hills Wine Trail. And make a stop in Metropolis, the official adopted hometown of Superman.

Produced in association with Illinois Travel Guide 2010