Visiting Southern Illinois

Alton kicks off the New Year with the 2013 eagle watching season at the Audubon Center at Riverlands. On Saturday, January 5th, visit the center to see a live bald eagle, learn about eagle watching and get a preview of 2013 eagle watching events. The Audubon Center at Riverlands features two story circular bay windows, overlooking Ellis Bay, a prime nesting spot for eagles. The World Bird Sanctuary will be at the center January 13th and 20th for Audubon Eagle Watches – enjoy the bird viewing with high powered telescopes and experts to answer your questions. Enjoy the holidays and experience the excitement of the New Year in Southern Illinois.

Located between Illinois’ Nashville, and Chester, is the World Shooting and Recreational Complex. Managed by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, the WSC is off Highway 4 near Sparta. Once a month, The Kaskaskia Cowboys Shooting Club shoots at the complex, which also features other events. Gun enthusiasts enjoy cowboy action shooting, skeet shooting, sporting clays and trapshooting, among the activities at the World Shooting Recreational Complex.

Robinson, south of Interstate 70, is the county seat of historic Crawford County in southeast central Illinois. Birthplace of the Heath candy bar, Robinson makes a great stop  to satisfy that sweet tooth. Illinois’ oldest town, Palestine, is located less than 10 miles east of Robinson. Palestine features a charming downtown with the entire business district listed on the National Historic Register – an ideal spot to browse shops and galleries.

Carbondale, located in southern Illinois, is home to Southern Illinois University. Basketball season is here and the SIUC Salukis men’s and women’s teams are heating up the court at the SIU Arena. Men’s 2012 – 2013 Saluki basketball home games run through the end of February, with the women’s 2012 – 2013 season ending in early March. Don your favorite maroon outfit, and watch the Salukis in action, on your next visit to Carbondale.

Holiday travelers along Interstate 70, make a detour through Effingham for Wonderland in Lights. You’ll know you have arrived in Effingham when you see the 198-foot Cross of the Crossroads, at the intersection of I70 and I57. Effingham Community Park comes alive with holiday themed light displays, visible from the comfort of your own car. The 2013 Effingham Community Park Wonderland in Lights drive-thru holiday display runs through Christmas Day.

Effingham is also home to Sculpture on the Avenues, an exceptional collection of outdoor sculpture and art. Sculpture on the Avenues began with Leonardo Nierman’s donation of Flame of Hope, which stands in front of Effingham City Hall, and has become an iconic landmark of the community. Sculpture on the Avenues includes permanent and temporary exhibits of works from a diversity of artists.

Southern Illinois Hotel Map