Downstate Illinois may not be the first place that comes to mind when brainstorming ideas for adventures full of beautiful landscapes and aesthetically pleasing attractions, but it is filled to the brim with locations that manage to check those boxes without hesitation. From soothing lakeside scenes to architectural elegance, there is an abundance of sites to fit every aesthetic. Get out and explore how appealing the area can be to not only your eyes but to your camera lens as well.

Starting with attractions that will provide the perfect photo shoot for visitors. The first part of this list is dedicated to the most photogenic man-made backdrops the Downstate region has to offer.

Downtown Casey

There are so many interesting photo ops in Casey, that we decided to just include the whole town on this list. The focal point of it all is their quaint downtown area, which is home to most of their world-famous “big things”. With nine of the twelve world record-holding objects downtown, your camera roll is sure to be full by the end of your trip.

Though the list of big things is extensive, there are a few that the team over here at Discover Downstate thinks will really help our readers step their social media game up. First being the World’s Largest Teeter Totter, which allows visitors to actually walk on to and be a part of the action. Just down the street from there is the World’s Largest Mailbox, where visitors can walk a story up and look out from the balcony integrated into the structure. Possibly the best photo op in town is the World’s Largest Windchime, whose lumbering metal pillars can provide some truly awesome backgrounds for any amateur photographer to utilize.

Cumberland Covered Bridge – Greenup

You read that right, covered bridges aren’t just a New England thing! This modern take on a timeless look is the perfect setting for those who are trying to capture the aesthetic of the Northeast without having to venture away from beautiful Downstate Illinois. Built in 2000 on the same site where a 19th-century covered wooden bridge once stood, this reimagining of the structure can withstand the weight of a fully loaded semi-truck! Our best suggestion is to don your best cable-knit sweater and head out when the leaves change in the fall for a classic autumn photo shoot, however, it truly is a beautiful location that can be used to add life to your social media posts any time of year.

Old State House – Vandalia

If you like to geek out about historical architecture but also want to get some great flics to show off on social media, then the Vandalia Old State House is a must-see stop on your way through the Downstate region. What was once the home of Illinois’ state legislature, is now a museum and State Historical Site that offers a wealth of both historical education and photo opportunities. The Greek revival columns of the State House work in conjunction with the well-manicured and tree-filled lawn to produce a world of opportunities for any aesthetically focused traveler. Vertical shots will thrive at this location, with the State House steps offering a great backdrop full of long, crisp lines for photographers to incorporate. The building’s white exterior also makes it the perfect blank canvas for colorful outfits to pop out against, so dress brightly!

Third Street Market – Centralia

Why not make your house social media-worthy as well? With over 60 vendors selling antiques that cover nearly every design style you can think of, Third Street Market in Centralia is the place to go for unique furniture and old-school conversation pieces. The individual merchants’ stalls are carefully curated stalls will prove to be great spots to snap a few candid photos while you peruse the aisles for the perfect diamond in the rough. Rain, shine, sleet, or snow, this wonderful world of treasures is a great place to find photo ops regardless of the weather outside!

Cedarhurst Center for the Arts – Mount Vernon

Spread out across 80 acres, the Cedarhurst Center for the Arts in Mount Vernon is rife with opportunities for the aesthetically concerned traveler. Not only can you spend the day taking in the beauty of the various art installations on their campus, but you can also physically interact with the numerous sculptures scattered about the property as well. We suggest striking a pose while posted up next to one of the sculptures on the lawn or using the exterior of the majestic Mitchell House as a backdrop. Any spot on the property will add some pizzazz to your social media page, but be sure to ask permission before photographing in the interior galleries!

Mary’s River Covered Bridge – Chester

In keeping with the covered bridge theme, Mary’s River Covered Bridge in Chester will also provide the aesthetic adventurer with outstanding opportunities to get unique photos. Unlike Cumberland Bridge, Mary’s River Bridge is still standing in its’ original form dating back to the mid-1800s! Around the site, there are several interesting spots to capture the aesthetic you’re aiming for. We suggest using one of the most underrated backdrops on the site, the original stone footings on either bank, for your photo ops when you visit.

Eagle Cliff-Miles Cemetery – Waterloo

For our readers who have a penchant for the macabre, this historical cemetery will serve as the perfect spooky setting for your next photo shoot. Situated on a bluff overlooking the picturesque American Bottoms, photos from Eagle Cliff-Miles will surely be a great addition to your feed. While the whole site offers ample scenery for your photo shoot, the 19th-century marble mausoleum buried in the hillside is the star of the show. The interior of the structure is great for artsy close-ups, and the exterior offers seemingly endless sightlines for landscape shots. For a great example of how this site can be used as the centerpiece of your next shoot, check out the cover of our 2024 Spring/Summer Tourism Times publication!

 

The second portion of this list will include some of the most aesthetically pleasing natural wonders that the Downstate Region has to offer. If you love the outdoors and are shooting for a more granola vibe on your social media accounts, then these are essential spots to visit. So, pack those hiking boots and take full advantage of these gorgeous backdrops while the weather is nice.

Beall Woods State Park – Mount Carmel

With almost 700 acres of wilderness to explore, Beall Woods State Park is one of the best places in the region for outdoors lovers to visit. The park’s claim to fame is its nearly 350 acres of undisturbed old-growth forest, which provides visitors with break-taking backdrops during any season. Just over six miles of hiking trails make the best photo ops easy to take advantage of and the small campground ensures that time crunches aren’t a concern. Grab your tent and extra batteries and get out to some of the most awe-inspiring wilderness that Downstate has to offer. Our favorite spot to grab a few quick pictures is the shores of the small lake contained within the park. It provides photographers with excellent sightlines and a blank canvas upon which to create beautiful shots upon.

Pyramid State Recreation Area – Pinckneyville

Wander off the beaten path to Perry County and discover the largest State Recreation area in the state of Illinois. Well-maintained hiking trails, beautiful blue-green lakes, and over 19,000 acres of woodlands make this park a playground for amateur photographers. Probably our favorite spot in the whole park to grab some cool pics is Lost Lake, which sits conveniently close to the main campsite at the Northern entrance.  You can use the stunning foliage lining the shore as your backdrop, or employ the floating dock near the road as a prop to add an air of summer fun to your social media pages. With such a large mass of land at your disposal, we highly suggest camping for a weekend and filling up your camera roll with as many shots as possible.

Stemler Cave Woods Preserve – Columbia

Though Stemler Cave itself does not lie within the boundaries of this park, much of the upstream watershed that feeds it does. The carefully pruned trails that encompass the property take you past abundant wildflower prairies, sinkholes, and acres of old-growth forest, which make this spot great for candid photos and planned shoots alike. Be sure to be respectful of the native flora and fauna in this area as more than a few endangered species within Stemler Cave rely on the preserve for their survival. Also, practice caution around the sinkholes near the trail. While they can provide unique backdrops for photos, they are also dangerous and should be treated with the necessary respect. Be safe and enjoy your time in this gorgeous area just outside of St. Louis!

 

As the weather warms up and the leaves turn green again, there is no time like the present to get out and enjoy the beauty of Downstate Illinois. While you’re out exploring these spots and more, make sure to tag us @DownstateIL so we can share your aesthetic adventure with other travelers in the region!