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Outdoor Recreation

Outdoor Recreation

Get Outside in Downstate Illinois

There's so much to discover when it comes to the outdoors in Downstate Illinois! From hiking and biking to berry picking and golfing, there's something for everyone. As you’ve probably noticed by now, we cover 21 counties in Downstate Illinois. That makes us the largest tourism bureau in the state, but it also makes us one of the most diverse regions because each community has something unique that they’re known for. Let us shine a spotlight on each county that makes up this wonderful area. 

Acorns Golf Links

 Waterloo, Illinois
Enjoy 6,701 yards of golf at Acorns Golf Links in Waterloo, IL. Here, you'll find a scenic nature course with a...more!

Annbriar Golf Course

 Waterloo, Illinois
Rated one Golf Digest's Top 500 Places to Play, Annbriar Golf Course is Waterloo, IL's hidden gem. The...more!

Bolm-Schuhkraft Park

 Columbia, Illinois
Bolm-Schuhkraft Park (also know as City Park) is a 44.5 acre park located at 1200 Evergreen Lane....more!

Borsch Memorial Park

 Valmeyer, Illinois
Ball diamonds, playgrounds, pavilions with running water and electricity, and a sand volleyball court....more!

Columbia Bridges Golf Club

 Columbia, Illinois
...more!

Columbia Golf Club

 Columbia, Illinois
Located in the St. Louis metro area in Columbia, IL, the Columbia Golf Club offers two 18-hole golf courses open fo...more!

Illinois Caverns

 Waterloo, Illinois
Please refer to the IDNR site for more information on opening hours, location, requirements, and more. ...more!

Konarcik Park

 Waterloo, Illinois
Take a stroll on the walking trail, play ball, wet a line or swing around the playground. New to Konarcik Park - a ...more!

Lakeview Park - Waterloo

 Waterloo, Illinois
Paved walking trail, playground, three large fishing lakes, pavilions with running water, electricity, and barbecue...more!

Metter Memorial Park

 Columbia, Illinois
Spend the afternoon in Metter Memorial Park, an outdoor oasis in Columbia, IL! The park includes walking trails, ha...more!

Mystic Oak Golf Course

 Waterloo, Illinois
Mystic Oak Golf Course and the Black Swan Restaurant are open to the public. Mystic Oak Golf Course gives the golfe...more!

River Lakes Golf Course

 Columbia, Illinois
Make River Lakes Golf Course part of your golfing adventure in Downstate Illinois! The 18-hole course features Berm...more!

Salt Lick Point Land and Water Reserve

 Valmeyer, Illinois
Three trails make up the Salt Lick system: The Johnson Trail is 1.3 miles along the base of the bluff and is an eas...more!

Stemler Cave Woods Nature Preserve

 Columbia, Illinois
Take a walk along this old growth forest remnant set in the sinkhole plain between Millstadt, IL and Columbia. The ...more!

Waterloo Country Club

 Waterloo, Illinois
...more!

Waterloo Sportsman's Club

 Waterloo, Illinois
Enjoy 200 acres of idyllic nature at Waterloo Sportsman's Club in Waterloo, IL. The club features 7 pavilions f...more!

Downstate Illinois Events

Downstate Illinois Events

Explore Our Event Calendar
Whether you’re looking for a festival, marathon or something family-friendly to bring the kids to, Downstate Illinois has something for everyone. The region hosts over 900 events each year, and we pride ourselves on providing the most accurate event information so that you don’t miss a thing.
Travel Ideas

Travel Ideas

Check Out Our Blog
From outdoor recreation and adventure to foodies and family fun, we have the trip ideas to plan the perfect vacation.
Road Trip Itineraries

Road Trip Itineraries

21 Counties made for Road Trips
Downstate Illinois was made for road trips! With the help of our road trip itineraries, you can discover all that our 21 counties have to offer — from family fun to outdoor adventures and shopping sprees. 
Check out our calendar of events!
New Genesis Wrestling presents: Endless Winter

New Genesis Wrestling presents: Endless Winter

January 18, 2025 @ 9:30 PM - 7:00 PM
Leu Civic Center | Mascoutah, IL
Belleville Flea Market

Belleville Flea Market

 January 18, 2025 - January 19, 2025 @ 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Belle-Clair Fairgrounds & Expo Center | Belleville, IL
Grand Allusion: A Tribute to Styx at the Hett

Grand Allusion: A Tribute to Styx at the Hett

 January 24, 2025 @ 7:30 PM - 10:00 PM
Russel E. and Fern M. Hettenhausen Center for the Arts | Lebanon, IL

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