Illinois: Attractions
American Fluorite Museum: Discover the Illinois State Mineral — Fluorspar. Hardin County was the largest fluorspar producing area in the U.S. Located on Main Street in Rosiclare. Telephone: (618) 285-3513.
Buel House: Built in 1837, this log house is the only Illinois structure liked to the tragic Cherokee Trail of Tears. Located on Columbia Street in Golconda. Telephone: (618) 683-9702.
Cairo Custom House Museum: A rare example of Romanesque architecture, this structure houses the flagpole from Gen. Grant's flagship that carried Grant into the Battle of Shiloh in 1862. Located at 1400 Washington Avenue, Cairo. Telephone: (618) 734-1019.
Cave-in-Rock State Park: Once the headquarters to outlaw gangs of river pirates. Visitors can enjoy lodging, trails, picnic facilities, and a ferry across the river. Located on State Route 1 in Hardin County. Telephone: (618) 289-4325.
Chocolate Factory: More than 50 different chocolates plus ice cream, and sugar-free sweets. Hwy. 146, Golconda. Telephone: (618) 949-3822.
Cypress Creek National Wildlife Refuge: Observe wildife in natural habitats and 1,000 year-old cypress-tupelo trees or try hiking, canoeing, or fishing. Take the Shawnee College Road exit at I-57. Telephone: (618) 634-2231.
Duncan Cannon: In 1864, the Confederacy seized this cannon to protect southern commerce. Union forces. Recaptured it at Ft. Morgan, AL in August, 1864. 1400 Washington Ave. Cairo.
Fort Defiance Park: Located right on the byway. Stop and view the confluence of the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers, an area the fort once guarded. Telephone: (618) 524-9321.
Fort Massac State Park: The museum, believed to be used by Hernando de Soto, houses a scale replica of the French fort and original artifacts. Located at 1308 East 5th St., Metropolis. Telephone: (618) 524-4712.
Garden of the Gods Wilderness Area: North of Cave-in-Rock State Park, you can stop by Garden of the Gods Wilderness Area in the Shawnee National Forest to explore rock formations and cliffs, including Camel Rock, Anvil Rock, and Devil's Smokestack. Enjoy the hiking trails and picnic tables. Telephone: (800) 699-6637.
Harrah's Metropolis Casino: Gaming rooms, restaurants, entertainment. On the Ohio Riverfront, Metropois. Telephone: (618) 524-5518.
Hogg Hollow Winery: Glendale. From Hwy 147, go south ½ mile on Rt. 145 to Glendale, ¼ mile east of Rt. 145. Telephone: (618) 695-WINE.
John Marshall House Museum: Known as the first bank in Illinois Territory and the third oldest brick building in the state. This 2-story museum, only steps away from the Ohio River, displays pioneer furnishings, documents, photos and historic memorabilia. Open as a museum Friday-Sunday starting Mother’s Day weekend to the end of October. First St., Old Shawneetown. Telephone: (618) 272-7038 or (618) 559-9040.
Mound City National Cemetery: Started in 1864, this cemetery is one of 12 orignal natioanl cemeteries. Located at the junction of Hwys. 37 and 51 in Mound City, Confederate and Union soldiers are buried side by side here. Telephone: (800) 248-4373.
Shawnee Queen River Taxi: Get a real feel for the river, offering scenic trips along the Ohio River, with stops at river towns of Golconda, Elizabethtown, Cave-in-Rock and Rosiclare. Open May 8 – November 1, Tuesday-Saturday. Rosiclare. Telephone: (618) 285-3342 or (877) 667-6123.
Shawneetown Bank: The Greek Revival structure is the oldest bank in Illinois, built in 1840 during the town's commercial heyday. Located on Main Street in Old Shawneetown. Telephone: (618) 269-3303.
Shawnee National Forest: Explore the Ozark Hills, rock formations, trails, recreational opportunities and more. Located in southern Illinois off Hwy. 50. Telephone: (800) MY-WOODS.
Superman Museum & Statue: Visit the museum, see the statue commemorating Metropolis' favorite, self-proclaimed son and check their annual celebration. Located at 517 Market Street, Metropolis. Telephone (618) 524-5518. A riverside casino also is located in Metropolis.
Tecumseh Bronze Statue: See the great Shawnee chief who tried to unite the tribe. The park offers a lake, hiking, and camping. Saline County Conservation Area, 85 Glen Jones Road, Equality. Telephone: (618) 252-6789.
The Cave: Looks onto the Ohio River and is reached at the Cave in Rock State Park. This cavern of crime is steeped in history and has a lodge and restaurant on the premise. New State Park Rd., Cave-In-Rock. Telephone: (618) 289-4545.
Underground at Cave In Rock State Park
It's a bird, it's a plane, well, no, it's
Superman in downtown Metropolis
Fort Massac
Garden of the Gods Wilderness Area
The Caretaker's house at
Mound City National Cemetery
The Shawnee Queen at the docks in Golconda
Customs House: Historic museum in Cairo