Elkville IllinoisATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Elkville, Illinois.
1. Walker Bluff Winery
PREMIUM LOCAL WINE EXPERIENCE
Walker Bluff Winery offers visitors a sophisticated wine tasting experience in a picturesque setting near Elkville. Guests can sample a variety of locally produced wines while enjoying the beautiful views of the surrounding countryside. The winery also features dining options and often hosts special events including live music performances.
2. Big Muddy Brewing
CRAFT BEER DESTINATION
Big Muddy Brewing provides craft beer enthusiasts with a selection of unique, locally brewed beers in a casual taproom environment. Visitors can take brewery tours to learn about the brewing process and the story behind this Southern Illinois craft beer pioneer. The friendly atmosphere makes it an ideal spot to relax and enjoy quality craft beverages with friends.
3. Hickory Ridge Public Golf Center
SCENIC PUBLIC GOLF COURSE
Hickory Ridge Public Golf Center offers golf enthusiasts an 18-hole championship course surrounded by beautiful natural scenery just a short drive from Elkville. The well-maintained fairways and greens provide an enjoyable challenge for golfers of all skill levels. In addition to the course, the center features a driving range, practice facilities, and a pro shop for all golfing needs.
4. Scratch Brewing
FARM-TO-GLASS CRAFT BREWERY
Scratch Brewing is a unique farm-to-glass microbrewery that specializes in creating beers using locally foraged and farmed ingredients from the surrounding area. The rustic brewery is set on a beautiful farm where visitors can enjoy handcrafted beers in a peaceful outdoor setting among gardens and wooded areas. Their innovative approach to brewing has earned them national recognition for creating truly distinctive beers that reflect the local terroir.
5. Shawnee Expeditions
OUTDOOR ADVENTURE GUIDES
Shawnee Expeditions offers guided outdoor adventures throughout the stunning Shawnee National Forest region near Elkville. Their experienced guides lead hiking, kayaking, rock climbing, and other outdoor excursions suitable for various skill levels and interests. These adventures provide visitors with safe access to some of Southern Illinois' most beautiful natural areas while learning about the region's unique ecology and history.
6. Shawnee National Forest
SPECTACULAR NATURAL WILDERNESS
Shawnee National Forest encompasses over 280,000 acres of stunning natural beauty with diverse ecosystems ranging from hardwood forests to dramatic rock formations. Visitors can explore hundreds of miles of hiking trails, including the famous Garden of the Gods and Little Grand Canyon areas featuring breathtaking vistas and unique geological features. The forest also offers camping, horseback riding, fishing, and swimming opportunities throughout its vast wilderness areas.
7. DuQuoin State Fairgrounds
HISTORIC EVENT VENUE
The DuQuoin State Fairgrounds hosts the annual DuQuoin State Fair and numerous other events throughout the year in a historic venue not far from Elkville. The expansive grounds feature exhibition halls, grandstands, and track facilities that have been entertaining visitors since 1923. Beyond the famous fair, the venue hosts horse racing, concerts, car shows, and other community events in a charming small-town setting.
8. AMC University Place 8
MODERN CINEMA EXPERIENCE
AMC University Place 8 offers movie-goers a comfortable, modern cinema experience with the latest films in multiple theaters. The theater features stadium seating, digital projection, and immersive sound systems to enhance the viewing experience. Visitors can enjoy traditional movie snacks and refreshments while catching new releases just a short drive from Elkville.
9. Big Muddy River
SCENIC WATERWAY ADVENTURES
The Big Muddy River winds through Southern Illinois offering scenic paddling routes and fishing opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. Kayakers and canoeists can enjoy peaceful journeys through forested corridors with opportunities to spot wildlife including herons, turtles, and bald eagles. The river's gentle current makes it accessible for beginners while still providing an authentic natural experience away from the bustle of everyday life.
10. Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge
WILDLIFE SANCTUARY AND RECREATION
Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge spans over 44,000 acres with diverse habitats supporting numerous wildlife species including deer, waterfowl, and bald eagles. Visitors can explore several developed recreation areas offering fishing, boating, hiking, and wildlife observation opportunities throughout the year. The refuge also features an auto tour route and visitor center where guests can learn about conservation efforts and the area's natural history.
11. Giant City State Park
ANCIENT ROCK FORMATIONS
Giant City State Park showcases massive sandstone bluffs and unique rock formations created millions of years ago, forming what appears to be streets between towering stone walls. Hikers can explore over 12 miles of marked trails winding through lush forests and dramatic geological features while enjoying abundant wildlife and plant diversity. The park also features a historic lodge built by the Civilian Conservation Corps, picnic areas, camping facilities, and rock climbing opportunities.
12. Southern Illinois University Campus
CULTURAL AND EDUCATIONAL HUB
The Southern Illinois University campus offers visitors beautiful grounds, notable architecture, and various cultural attractions including museums and performance venues. The University Museum features changing art exhibitions and anthropological collections that showcase both regional heritage and global perspectives. Visitors can also enjoy the campus's botanical gardens, sporting events, and various public lectures and performances throughout the year.
13. Rend Lake
RECREATION PARADISE
Rend Lake is a 19,000-acre reservoir offering extensive water recreation opportunities including boating, fishing, swimming, and water sports. The lake is surrounded by parks, beaches, campgrounds, and hiking trails that provide access to beautiful shorelines and wooded areas. Anglers particularly enjoy the lake for its abundant crappie, bass, and catfish populations that make it one of Southern Illinois' premier fishing destinations.
14. Blue Sky Vineyard
TUSCAN-INSPIRED WINE EXPERIENCE
Blue Sky Vineyard offers a taste of Tuscany in Southern Illinois with its Italian-inspired architecture nestled among rolling vineyards. Visitors can sample award-winning wines on a beautiful terrace overlooking the picturesque countryside while enjoying light food pairings. The vineyard frequently hosts special events including live music, festivals, and private celebrations in its elegant setting.
15. Pyramid State Recreation Area
OUTDOOR SPORTSMAN'S PARADISE
Pyramid State Recreation Area is Illinois' largest state recreation area with over 19,000 acres of forests, grasslands, and lakes created from former mining lands. The area features numerous fishing lakes stocked with bass, crappie, and other species, making it a premier destination for anglers. Hunters, hikers, and wildlife photographers also enjoy the diverse habitats that support abundant wildlife populations throughout the seasons.