Dowell IllinoisATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Dowell, Illinois.
1. Pyramid State Park
OUTDOOR RECREATION PARADISE
Pyramid State Park offers visitors a pristine natural environment for outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. The park features diverse ecosystems and scenic landscapes that showcase the natural beauty of Southern Illinois. Visitors can enjoy a peaceful retreat while exploring the park's trails and recreational areas.
2. Scratch Brewing
CRAFT BEER EXPERIENCE
Scratch Brewing provides beer enthusiasts with a unique farm-to-glass experience in a rustic setting. The brewery specializes in creating distinctive craft beers using locally sourced and foraged ingredients that reflect the flavors of Southern Illinois. Visitors can sample a variety of innovative brews while enjoying the charming atmosphere.
3. Walker Bluff Winery
VINEYARD AND TASTING ROOM
Walker Bluff Winery welcomes wine lovers to experience their exceptional wines in a picturesque setting with stunning views. The winery offers tastings of their award-winning wines produced from locally grown grapes that thrive in the unique Southern Illinois terroir. Visitors can relax on the patio while enjoying fine wines paired with delicious food offerings.
4. Big Muddy Brewing
LOCAL CRAFT BEER
Big Muddy Brewing invites beer aficionados to discover their selection of handcrafted ales and lagers in a friendly, laid-back environment. The brewery takes pride in producing quality beers using traditional brewing methods and locally sourced ingredients whenever possible. Visitors can tour the facility to learn about the brewing process while sampling their distinctive beer offerings.
5. Perry County Jail Museum
HISTORIC LAW ENFORCEMENT
Perry County Jail Museum preserves the history of local law enforcement in a fascinating historical building. The museum features exhibits showcasing artifacts, photographs, and stories that document the evolution of policing and incarceration in the region. Visitors can step back in time while exploring the well-preserved jail cells and learning about notable cases from the area's past.
6. Millennium Park
URBAN PARK EXPERIENCE
Millennium Park stands as one of Chicago's most iconic public spaces, featuring world-famous attractions like Cloud Gate (The Bean) and Crown Fountain. The park hosts numerous cultural events, concerts, and art installations throughout the year, making it a vibrant center for entertainment and recreation. Visitors can enjoy beautiful gardens, interactive art, and spectacular views of the Chicago skyline while exploring this urban oasis.
7. DuSable Bridge
HISTORIC RIVER CROSSING
DuSable Bridge showcases magnificent Art Deco design elements including fluted piers and stylized reliefs depicting Native American figures. The bridge features four large bronze sculptures designed by artist James Earle Fraser, representing allegorical themes related to Chicago's history and culture. Visitors can admire the architectural details while enjoying stunning views of the Chicago River and city skyline from this iconic landmark.
8. Field Museum
NATURAL HISTORY WONDER
Field Museum houses an extraordinary collection of natural history exhibits, including the famous T. Rex skeleton known as Sue. The museum was established by Marshall Field and features specimens from the World's Columbian Exposition in its historic building designed by architects Daniel Burnham and Charles Atwood. Visitors can explore diverse exhibits covering anthropology, geology, botany, and zoology while learning about the natural wonders of our world.
9. Shoal Creek Conservation Area
NATURAL WILDLIFE HAVEN
Shoal Creek Conservation Area encompasses 266 acres of towering Oak and Hickory trees that provide habitat for an incredible diversity of plant and animal species. The preserve is home to an estimated 700 plant species, 70 butterfly species, and more than 70 types of birds making it a paradise for nature enthusiasts. Visitors can explore hiking trails of varying difficulty while enjoying this natural sanctuary at no cost for admission or parking.
10. Lake Lou Yaeger
RECREATIONAL WATER PARADISE
Lake Lou Yaeger offers outdoor enthusiasts a 1,357-acre human-made reservoir perfect for boating, fishing, and water recreation. The lake is renowned among anglers seeking crappie, bass, catfish, and bluegill in its abundant waters. During summer months, visitors can enjoy a sandy beach for sunbathing along with nearby trails for biking and horseback riding.
11. Lincoln Log Cabin
PRESIDENTIAL FAMILY HISTORY
Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site preserves a replica of the home where Thomas Lincoln, father of President Abraham Lincoln, once lived. The two-room saddlebag-style log cabin features main rooms and a loft space accessed by ladder where up to 18 family members resided at times. Though the original cabin was lost after being exhibited at the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago, this faithful recreation allows visitors to experience an important piece of presidential family history.
12. Cumberland County Covered Bridge
HISTORIC WOODEN STRUCTURE
Cumberland County Covered Bridge stands as a charming example of historic wooden bridge architecture that once dotted the Illinois landscape. The bridge features traditional construction techniques with its wooden truss design and protective roof covering that helped extend the lifespan of such structures. Visitors can walk through this picturesque bridge while appreciating both its practical engineering and nostalgic aesthetic appeal.
13. Route 66 Stretch
HISTORIC AMERICAN HIGHWAY
Route 66 Stretch in Southern Illinois represents a preserved section of the iconic highway that once served as America's main thoroughfare from Chicago to Los Angeles. The road features vintage roadside attractions, retro diners, and historic markers that celebrate the golden age of automobile travel. Visitors can drive this nostalgic route while experiencing a living piece of Americana and the freedom of the open road.
14. Cahokia Mounds
ANCIENT NATIVE AMERICAN CITY
Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site preserves the remains of the largest pre-Columbian Native American city north of Mexico, which flourished around 1050-1350 CE. The site features massive earthen mounds including Monks Mound, the largest prehistoric earthwork in the Americas, built by the sophisticated Mississippian culture. Visitors can explore the interpretive center and walk among these ancient structures while contemplating the remarkable achievements of this early American civilization.
15. Shawnee National Forest
WILDERNESS ADVENTURE DESTINATION
Shawnee National Forest encompasses 280,000 acres of spectacular natural beauty featuring dramatic rock formations, lush woodlands, and diverse ecosystems. The forest is home to iconic destinations like Garden of the Gods and Little Grand Canyon that showcase unique geological features formed over millions of years. Visitors can enjoy hiking, camping, rock climbing, and horseback riding while experiencing the breathtaking landscapes of this natural treasure in Southern Illinois.