Carbondale IllinoisATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Carbondale, Illinois.
1. Boo Rochman Memorial Park
MEDIEVAL CASTLE ADVENTURE
Boo Rochman Memorial Park offers visitors a unique medieval castle experience in the heart of Carbondale. Photographers will find endless opportunities to capture the slightly weird and unusual elements throughout the castle and surrounding grounds. Visitors can wander through the castle for hours, exploring its intricate details and enjoying the medieval atmosphere.
2. Honker Hill Winery
RELAXING WINE EXPERIENCE
Honker Hill Winery is located just south of Highway 13 in Carbondale, offering a delightful wine tasting experience. Visitors can enjoy a relaxing drive to this local establishment for a peaceful afternoon among the vines. The winery provides a tranquil setting for sampling locally produced wines in southern Illinois.
3. The Science Center of Southern Illinois
HANDS-ON CHILDREN'S MUSEUM
The Science Center of Southern Illinois is dedicated to providing hands-on science exploration for children ages 3 to 13 in Carbondale. This interactive children's museum features an array of exhibits designed to engage young minds through experiential learning. Families can spend hours discovering scientific principles through play and guided activities.
4. SIU Arena
PREMIER SPORTS VENUE
SIU Arena serves as Carbondale's premier venue for sporting events and major performances. The facility features a spacious lobby that efficiently accommodates large crowds with convenient access to amenities. Visitors praise the arena for its excellent layout and overall pleasant event experience.
5. Evergreen Park
OUTDOOR RECREATION AREA
Evergreen Park is one of Carbondale's fourteen public parks, offering diverse outdoor recreation opportunities for residents and visitors. The park provides open spaces, walking paths, and recreational facilities for people of all ages to enjoy. Nature enthusiasts can appreciate the green surroundings while participating in various outdoor activities throughout the year.
6. Shawnee Hills Wine Trail
REGIONAL WINE TOUR
The Shawnee Hills Wine Trail is a popular attraction near Carbondale, featuring multiple wineries throughout the scenic southern Illinois region. Visitors can explore the trail at their own pace, sampling distinctive wines produced in the unique climate and soil conditions of the area. The trail offers both wine enthusiasts and casual tourists a delightful experience amid beautiful rural landscapes.
7. Carbondale Historic District
SHOPPING AND DINING HUB
Carbondale's Historic District bustles with shops and restaurants, creating a vibrant atmosphere in the heart of the city. Visitors can explore unique local businesses while experiencing the charm of this historic area. The district showcases Carbondale's cultural heritage while providing modern shopping and dining experiences.
8. Carbondale Farmer's Market
LOCAL PRODUCE SHOWCASE
The Carbondale Farmer's Market brings together local farmers and artisans to offer fresh produce and handcrafted goods to the community. Visitors can browse a variety of seasonal fruits, vegetables, and specialty items in a friendly, open-air environment. The market provides a wonderful opportunity to connect with local producers and experience the agricultural bounty of southern Illinois.
9. Giant City Stables
HORSEBACK RIDING ADVENTURES
Giant City Stables offers horseback riding experiences near Carbondale, allowing visitors to explore scenic trails on guided rides. Riders of various experience levels can enjoy the natural beauty of southern Illinois from the unique vantage point of horseback. The stables provide well-trained horses and knowledgeable guides for a memorable outdoor adventure.
10. Rootbeer Saloon
NOSTALGIC BEVERAGE DESTINATION
The Rootbeer Saloon in Carbondale offers a unique twist on the traditional saloon experience with its focus on rootbeer and specialty sodas. Visitors can sample various rootbeer varieties in a charming, family-friendly atmosphere that harkens back to simpler times. The establishment combines nostalgia and refreshment for a distinctive Carbondale experience.
11. Makanda Boardwalk
ARTISAN SHOPPING DESTINATION
The Makanda Boardwalk features a collection of unique shops and artisan studios in the small village near Carbondale. Visitors can browse handcrafted items, artwork, and specialty goods while enjoying the rustic charm of this historic wooden walkway. The boardwalk captures the creative spirit of southern Illinois in a picturesque setting.
12. Woodlawn Cemetery
HISTORIC BURIAL GROUNDS
Woodlawn Cemetery in Carbondale was designated as a historic landmark in 1994, preserving an important piece of local history. Visitors can explore the grounds to discover gravestones and monuments that tell the stories of Carbondale's past residents. The cemetery offers a peaceful setting for reflection and historical appreciation.
13. SIUC Old Campus
HISTORIC UNIVERSITY ARCHITECTURE
SIUC Old Campus features historic buildings like Altgeld Hall (1896) and Wheeler Hall (1903), showcasing the university's architectural heritage. Wheeler Hall, originally the University library, exemplifies Romanesque style with its round-arched windows and distinctive red brick and sandstone construction. Visitors can admire these well-preserved structures while experiencing the academic atmosphere of Southern Illinois University Carbondale.
14. Old Railroad Passenger Depot
RESTORED HISTORICAL LANDMARK
The Old Railroad Passenger Depot at 111 South Illinois Avenue was built in 1903 by the Illinois Central Railroad and designated as a landmark in 1990. The City of Carbondale carefully restored both the exterior and interior of this significant historical structure in the 1990s. The depot stands as a testament to Carbondale's importance as a railroad hub in southern Illinois.
15. Varsity Center
ART DECO PERFORMANCE SPACE
The Varsity Center, located at 418 South Illinois Avenue, is a distinctive art deco building constructed in 1940 that now serves as a performance venue in Carbondale. Originally a two-tiered auditorium theater, it has historical significance as the site where civil rights activist and former SIU student Dick Gregory helped spark integration efforts in the 1950s. The current owners aim to restore the building to its original 1940s architectural appearance while continuing its legacy as a cultural space for the community.