Southern Illinois, an unspoiled region that in many respects would still be familiar to the explorers and traders who journeyed here in the 19th century (and familiar, as well, to the Native Americans who inhabited the land), thousands of years ago.

The Illinois Ozarks that cover much of the region is a hilly country that was left untouched by glaciers that leveled the northern and central areas of Illinois. Hills, streams, forests, lakes, and rivers provide Southern Illinois with outstanding recreational opportunities. And, over the last half of the 20th century, facilities were established to allow for year-round enjoyment by outdoor enthusiasts.

Franklin County

Located at the geographic center of Southern Illinois, Franklin County is, naturally, surrounded by recreational facilities.

Rend Lake, managed by the U.S. Corps of Engineers, is the second largest man-made lake in the state, encompassing 19,000 acres with 162 miles of shoreline.

Activities at Rend Lake - and the adjacent 3,300-acre Wayne Fitzgerrell State Park - include camping, hunting, hiking, biking, horseback riding, swimming, golfing, water skiing, sight-seeing, and, of course, fishing. Rend Lake is known for some of the best crappie fishing in Illinois while anglers will also find large-mouth bass, white bass, bluegill, and a variety of catfish.

Rend Lake
Rend Lake Resort and Conference Center
Rend Lake Recreation Complex - Golf Course, Shooting Complex, Hunting Preserve

For further information contact the Franklin County Tourism Bureau by writing or visiting at 209 W. Main St., Benton, IL 62812. Or, call 800-661-9998.

Southern Illinois

The jewel of Southern Illinois? The question should stir little debate. The Shawnee National Forest is a national treasure, though one yet to be discovered by vacationers.

Shawnee National Forest is the place to discover prehistoric life. It is believed Native Americans lived in the region 10,000 years ago. Millstone Bluff, inhabited around 1500, is on the National Register of Historic Places. While the location is restricted due to its sensitive nature, much of the forest welcomes visitors who enjoy biking, camping, climbing, fishing, gathering, hiking, horseback riding, hunting, and swimming.

Golfers find themselves almost always within a chip shot of a Southern Illinois fairway. The landscape is filled with almost 40 golf courses and three - the Franklin County Country Club, Benton Country Club, and Rend Lake Golf Course - are in Franklin County.

While the Shawnee National Forest was put together in the 1930s and Rend Lake in the 1960s, development of the area's recreation facilities continues in the 21st century. The World Shooting and Recreational Complex, a $30 million facility in Sparta, opened in 2006 and attracts shooters from around the country.

Southern Illinois Camping
Southern Illinois Hiking
Shawnee National Forest
Giant City State Park
Southern Illinois Golf
Southern Illinois Golf Association
World Shooting and Recreational Complex

For further information contact the Southern Illinois Tourism Development Office by writing or visiting at 14967 Gun Creek Trail, Whittington, IL 62897. Or, call 888-998-9397 or (618) 629-1819.