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Recreation
...Situated in the Middle of God's Country!

Call of the Wild

Carbondale sits just north of Illinois' largest continuous expanse of wooded land, the Shawnee National Forest . Its boundaries stretch from the Mississippi River on the west and east to the Ohio River offering an abundance of recreation areas, wilderness areas, archaeological sites and natural wonders.

Waterfalls, natural bridges, towering rock formations, lakes, streams and hiking and horseback trails are found throughout the area. It is said that all roads lead to trails. If so, then take any road south of Carbondale and you'll soon hear the call of the wild.

The names of some of the places are as intriguing as the sites themselves. Garden of the Gods, a wilderness area of breathtaking beauty; "The Little Grand Canyon," with a trail along a streambed and a panoramic overlook of Southern Illinois' rolling hills; and "Tower Rock," with its imposing rock formations, are all found within the forest.

Of particular interest is Crab Orchard Wildlife Refuge , winter home to as many as 300,000 Canadian geese. There's also the Cache River Wetlands area where you can see surprising and diverse flora and fauna, including cypress swamps. Camping is abundant, with most campgrounds in the forest improved. There are also horseback trails through much of the area.

Gone Fishin'

This land between the Mississippi and Ohio rivers is also a sportsman's paradise. There are great fishing lakes a-plenty near Carbondale, including Crab Orchard Lake a few miles east, with Little Grassy Lake, Cedar Lake, Ferne Clyffe Lake and Kinkaid Lake within a few minutes' drive. Whether its bass, crappie, trout, catfish, walleye or bluegill you want to hook, this is the area to do it. It is also the place to hunt. Southern Illinois is the state's most popular place for deer, duck and geese. Hunting clubs offer access to migratory waterfowl, while deer abound throughout the many available hunting areas.

Tee it Up

For those who prefer their recreation on the links, Carbondale offers the Hickory Ridge Public Golf Center . This 18-hole championship – caliber course plays more than 6,800 yards and is home of the Nitro Senior Series. It is considered one of Southern Illinois' most challenging — but rewarding, even for the occasional player. The course has a 137 slope rating and features 50 river sand bunkers, grass mounds and zoysia fairways.

The Midland Hills Golf Course, just south of Carbondale, is the other public course, and Southern Illinois' oldest. It features nine holes measuring more than 3,000 yards.

Finally, private memberships are available at the Jackson County Country Club, a fully watered 18-hole course.

Follow the Wine Trail

Over the past few decades, a wine trail has been quietly paved in Southern Illinois. There are now five vineyards around Carbondale that are open for free tours and wine tastings. Several of the vintages have received high awards in international competitions. The Carbondale Convention and Visitor's Bureau offers a wine trail map. Call 1-800-526-1500 for yours, then hit the road.