Bonnie IllinoisATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Bonnie, Illinois.
1. Aquatic Zoo
FAMILY WATER PARK FUN
The Aquatic Zoo is a popular water park offering refreshing entertainment for visitors of all ages in the Mount Vernon area. Families can enjoy various water slides, splash pads, and swimming pools designed for maximum fun during hot Illinois summers. The facility provides a perfect recreational outlet with amenities that cater to both thrill-seekers and those looking for relaxed water activities.
2. Appellate Court
HISTORIC JUDICIAL ARCHITECTURE
The Appellate Court in Mount Vernon stands as an impressive architectural landmark showcasing the region's judicial heritage. The building features remarkable design elements that reflect its historical significance and importance to Illinois' legal system. Visitors can admire the stately structure which continues to serve as a working courthouse while also representing an important piece of local history.
3. Rend Lake
OUTDOOR RECREATION PARADISE
Rend Lake offers a serene natural escape near the Mount Vernon and Bonnie area with over 18,900 acres of water surface. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy fishing, boating, swimming, and camping along its expansive shoreline and wooded surroundings. The lake serves as a central recreational hub for Southern Illinois with numerous access points and facilities catering to year-round visitors.
4. Old Joliet Prison
HISTORIC PENITENTIARY TOURS
The Old Joliet Prison stands as an iconic historic site that was built with the help of inmates at a cost of $75,000 and could accommodate up to 761 inmates. Visitors can explore this fascinating piece of Illinois correctional history through guided tours that reveal stories of its past occupants and significance in the penal system. The prison's imposing limestone architecture and cultural importance have made it a focus of preservation efforts and a unique attraction for those interested in criminal justice history.
5. Centennial Trail
SCENIC RAILWAY CONVERSION PATH
Centennial Trail offers a paved 30-mile bike path that follows a former railway line through beautiful Illinois countryside. Cyclists and pedestrians can enjoy green farmland vistas, creek crossings, and peaceful natural settings along the entire route. The well-maintained trail provides an excellent opportunity for outdoor recreation with convenient access points throughout its length.
6. Jefferson County Historical Village
LIVING HISTORY MUSEUM
Jefferson County Historical Village presents a fascinating glimpse into the region's past through preserved structures and artifacts. Visitors can walk through authentically restored buildings including a schoolhouse, log cabin, and blacksmith shop that showcase daily life from earlier eras. The village offers educational programs and events throughout the year that bring local history to life for guests of all ages.
7. Veterans Memorial Park
PATRIOTIC COMMUNITY TRIBUTE
Veterans Memorial Park honors the service and sacrifice of local military personnel through thoughtful monuments and landscaped grounds. The park provides a peaceful setting for reflection with dedicated memorials representing different branches of service and conflicts. Community events and ceremonies regularly take place at this respected site which serves as an important gathering place for remembrance and appreciation.
8. Cedarhurst Center for the Arts
CULTURAL ARTS COMPLEX
Cedarhurst Center for the Arts encompasses a 90-acre cultural campus featuring multiple galleries, sculpture gardens, and performance spaces. Art enthusiasts can explore rotating exhibitions of both regional and national significance alongside the center's impressive permanent collection. The facility hosts year-round programming including concerts, festivals, and educational workshops that enrich the cultural landscape of Southern Illinois.
9. Wayne Fitzgerrell State Park
LAKESIDE OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
Wayne Fitzgerrell State Park stretches along the eastern shore of Rend Lake offering 3,300 acres of scenic outdoor opportunities. Nature lovers can enjoy hiking, bird watching, picnicking, and fishing amid the park's diverse ecosystems and wildlife habitats. The park's extensive shoreline access and boat launches make it particularly popular for water recreation throughout the warmer months.
10. Hall of Fame Museum
LOCAL SPORTS HERITAGE
The Hall of Fame Museum celebrates the athletic achievements and sporting history of Jefferson County and surrounding areas. Visitors can view memorabilia, photographs, and interactive exhibits highlighting notable local athletes and teams across various sports. The museum preserves the region's recreational legacy while inspiring younger generations through stories of dedication and excellence.
11. Jefferson County Fairgrounds
ANNUAL AGRICULTURAL CELEBRATION
Jefferson County Fairgrounds hosts the beloved county fair and numerous community events throughout the year. Visitors during fair season can experience livestock exhibitions, carnival rides, competitive exhibits, and live entertainment that showcase local culture and agricultural traditions. The spacious grounds serve as an important venue for bringing together residents and visitors for shared experiences and celebrations.
12. Mulch Processing Center
COLORFUL RECYCLING OPERATION
The Mulch Processing Center offers a surprisingly fascinating look at environmental sustainability through its wood recycling operations. Visitors can watch as dead trees are transformed into useful mulch products arranged in colorful mounds throughout the facility. This working industrial site demonstrates practical resource conservation while producing materials that benefit local gardens and landscaping projects.
13. King City Books
INDEPENDENT LITERARY HAVEN
King City Books provides a charming independent bookstore experience in the heart of Mount Vernon. Literary enthusiasts can browse a thoughtfully curated selection of titles spanning genres from local interest to international bestsellers. The store hosts regular author events, book clubs, and community gatherings that foster a love of reading and learning among area residents.
14. Bonnie Historical Museum
SMALL TOWN HERITAGE
The Bonnie Historical Museum preserves the unique story of this small Illinois community through artifacts, photographs, and personal accounts. Visitors can learn about local farming traditions, early settlement patterns, and the evolution of rural life over generations. The volunteer-run facility offers a genuine glimpse into the authentic Midwestern experience that shaped Bonnie and similar communities throughout the region.
15. Downtown Mount Vernon
HISTORIC MAIN STREET DISTRICT
Downtown Mount Vernon features a charming collection of historic buildings housing local businesses, restaurants, and cultural venues. Visitors can enjoy strolling the walkable streets while shopping at unique boutiques and sampling regional cuisine in a traditional Midwestern setting. The area regularly hosts community events, farmers markets, and festivals that showcase local talents and traditions throughout the year.