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20 Things to Do Under $20

20 Things to Do Under $20

There are plenty of spots in Downstate Illinois where you don't have to spend a lot of money to have fun. Frankly, sometimes the best things to pass the time are free, or close to it. Here are 20 awesome things to do that won't break the bank while you're in our region. 

Download a printable version to take with you on the road.

Carlyle Lake

 Carlyle, Illinois
The largest man-made lake in Illinois (26,000 acres), Carlyle Lake is a premier location for outdoor sports. Well k...more!

Casey KOA Journey

 Casey, Illinois
Looking for a place to take a break from your travel schedule? Casey KOA Journey is the place for you! Make Casey K...more!

Centralia Carillon

 Centralia, Illinois
The Centralia Carillon ranks among the top 10 largest in the world, standing at 160 feet with 65 bells cast in Anne...more!

The DeMoulin Museum

 Greenville, Illinois
See lodge initiation devices and related paraphernalia from the early 1900s like the low-down buck goat, lung teste...more!

Drive'NTheatre

 Newton, Illinois
Pull up to the speakers at one of the few drive-in theaters left in the country. Go and enjoy the nostalgic trip....more!

The EDGE

 Belleville, Illinois
Home of the World's Largest Laser Tag Arena at The EDGE in Belleville, IL! 14,000+ square ft. arena and can pla...more!

Eversgerd Civil War Fort

 Germantown, Illinois
This Civil War replica fort was built over the span of 4 decades and is open year-round. ...more!

Excel Bottling & Brewing Co.

 Breese, Illinois
Book a tour of Excel Bottling & Brewing Co. on your upcoming Downstate Illinois adventure in Breese, IL! Excel ...more!

Gateway Grizzlies Minor League Baseball

 Sauget, Illinois
Cheer on the home team at GCS Stadium as the Gateway Grizzlies play. Games include theme nights, 7th Inning Stretch...more!

Heath Museum and Confectionary

 Robinson, Illinois
This museum is located on the West Side of the Square in Robinson. Enjoy ice cream and sodas from an old-fashioned ...more!

Illinois Country Harvest

 Prairie du Rocher, Illinois
We are a sustainable, small, diverse farm located in southwestern Illinois. We proudly grow heirloom and nativ...more!

Illinois Rural Heritage Museum

 Pinckneyville, Illinois
Visitors enjoy exhibits depicting life in rural areas complete with authentic items from the period. The highlight ...more!

Little Toot Railroad

 Flora, Illinois
With a puff of steam, the clickety-clack of steel on steel and the lonely whistle, Little Toot rolls through the sc...more!

Piney Creek Ravine Nature Preserve

 Chester, Illinois
The 2.2 mile loop trail features a waterfall and is rated as moderate. It winds through secretive canyons that hide...more!

Rainbow Ranch Petting Zoo

 Nashville, Illinois
Want to give your kids or group a personal tour of an exotic petting zoo? Looking for a beautiful farm wedding venu...more!

Ste. Genevieve/Modoc Ferry

 Modoc, Illinois
Nine vehicle (max) transport across Mississippi River to Missouri....more!

Wabash Cannonball Bridge

 St. Francisville, Illinois
This bridge is a most unusual historic bridge, both because this large, multi-span structure is composed of spans f...more!

Walldogs Murals

 Olney, Illinois
Explore murals through-out the city of Olney! ...more!

The Woodlands

 Martinsville, Illinois
A newly opened park in Martinsville, IL.     ...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!
“Who is Buried in the Moore/Bellefontaine Cemetery?” by Tom Smith

“Who is Buried in the Moore/Bellefontaine Cemetery?” by Tom Smith

 November 14, 2024 @ 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
History Museum of Monroe County | Waterloo, IL
Night of Lights SBLHC

Night of Lights SBLHC

 November 14, 2024 @ 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
SBL Campus | Mattoon, IL
Lightworks 2024 Walk Through

Lightworks 2024 Walk Through

November 14, 2024 @ 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Peterson Park | Mattoon, IL

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