In contrast to northern and central illinois, southern illinois was primarily settled by southerners from virginia and kentucky, giving it a distinctive upland south culture.

Southern illinois is home to incredible wineries, historic landmarks, and cultural attractions that make it an amazing and often underrated place to visit.

Join travel writer meena thiruvengadam for a road trip across southern illinois, filled with natural landscapes, quirky roadside attractions, historic monuments, and a stretch of route 66.

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Plan your next midwest vacation to one of these best places to visit in southern illinois for families!

We have you covered.

Find things to do in carbondale, makanda, harrisburg, pomona & shawnee national forest.

Take a hike to a hidden gem with natural wonders off the beaten track.

Southern illinois is a region brimming with diverse activities and attractions.

Looking for the best things to do in southern illinois?

Southern illinois isn't the only place for outdoor adventures in illinois.

Southern illinois is a region brimming with diverse activities and attractions.

Looking for the best things to do in southern illinois?

Southern illinois isn't the only place for outdoor adventures in illinois.

Eager to step outside of chicago and experience more creativity in rural illinois?

1 shawnee national forest.

Discover illinois’ natural wonders and best kept secrets.

Are you looking for the best southern illinois towns?

3 shawnee hills wine trail.

Or take a road trip to see natural wonders at your own pace with highlights along illinois scenic byways.

Check out these amazing illinois attractions you shouldn't miss.

From springfield to grafton, decatur, and lake shelbyville, there’s something to please everyone in the southern part of this vast midwestern state.

To get your fill of fall colors and adventure, there’s no match for southern illinois’ striking landscapes.

Discover illinois’ natural wonders and best kept secrets.

Are you looking for the best southern illinois towns?

3 shawnee hills wine trail.

Or take a road trip to see natural wonders at your own pace with highlights along illinois scenic byways.

Check out these amazing illinois attractions you shouldn't miss.

From springfield to grafton, decatur, and lake shelbyville, there’s something to please everyone in the southern part of this vast midwestern state.

To get your fill of fall colors and adventure, there’s no match for southern illinois’ striking landscapes.

Your guide to places and destinations in southern illinois.

2 giant city state park.

Check out these amazing illinois attractions you shouldn't miss.

From springfield to grafton, decatur, and lake shelbyville, there’s something to please everyone in the southern part of this vast midwestern state.

To get your fill of fall colors and adventure, there’s no match for southern illinois’ striking landscapes.

Your guide to places and destinations in southern illinois.

2 giant city state park.

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2 giant city state park.