Equality IllinoisATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Equality, Illinois.
1. Crenshaw House
HISTORIC SLAVERY ERA SITE
Crenshaw House stands as one of the most significant historical sites in Equality, with a complex past tied to the era of slavery in Illinois. Visitors can explore this preserved structure and learn about its controversial history as a site allegedly connected to kidnapping free Black Americans into slavery. The house offers a sobering glimpse into a dark chapter of American history that many find educational despite its disturbing legacy.
2. Ohio River Visitors Center
RIVER HISTORY AND INFORMATION
The Ohio River Visitors Center provides comprehensive information about the historic waterway that shaped the development of the region. Visitors can discover exhibits detailing river commerce, ecological systems, and the cultural significance of this major American waterway. The center serves as an excellent starting point for exploring the Ohio River Valley area.
3. Garden of the Gods Recreation Area
STUNNING NATURAL ROCK FORMATIONS
Garden of the Gods Recreation Area features spectacular sandstone formations sculpted by wind and water over millions of years. Visitors can explore several well-marked hiking trails that wind through dramatic rock structures and offer panoramic views of the Shawnee National Forest. This natural wonder draws photographers and outdoor enthusiasts year-round with its breathtaking vistas and unique geological features.
4. 276 Art Exchange
LOCAL ARTISTS SHOWCASE GALLERY
The 276 Art Exchange opened in January 2020 as a vibrant hub for artistic expression in Equality, showcasing works from approximately 70 southern Illinois artists. Visitors can browse and purchase unique pieces representing the creative spirit of the region across various mediums and styles. The gallery has been recognized by the Smithsonian Institution's Spark! Places of Innovation exhibition for its cultural contribution to the community.
5. The Red Onion
LOCAL CULINARY DESTINATION
The Red Onion serves as a popular culinary attraction that draws visitors to Equality with its distinctive dining experience. Travelers can enjoy local flavors in a setting that reflects the charm and hospitality of southern Illinois. This establishment represents an important part of the local hospitality industry that helps define the character of Equality.
6. Harrisburg Township Park District
COMMUNITY RECREATION CENTER
Harrisburg Township Park District offers a variety of recreational facilities for visitors and locals alike to enjoy outdoor activities. Families can take advantage of playgrounds, sports fields, picnic areas, and seasonal events throughout the year. The well-maintained grounds provide a pleasant setting for relaxation and community gatherings just a short drive from Equality.
7. Shawneetown Bank State Historic Site
IMPRESSIVE HISTORIC ARCHITECTURE
The Shawneetown Bank State Historic Site preserves a magnificent Greek Revival structure built in the 1830s when Shawneetown was a major financial center. Visitors can admire the imposing columns and classical design of what was once the most expensive building in Illinois, representing the economic ambitions of the early frontier. The site offers a fascinating window into the financial history of Illinois during its formative years.
8. Garden of the Gods Trailhead
GATEWAY TO SCENIC HIKES
Garden of the Gods Trailhead serves as the primary entry point for exploring the magnificent rock formations and wilderness areas of the Shawnee National Forest. Hikers can access several trails of varying difficulty, including the popular Observation Trail that leads to spectacular overlooks and unique geological features. The well-maintained facilities include informational displays, restrooms, and parking areas that prepare visitors for their wilderness adventure.
9. Saline County Tourism Board
LOCAL TRAVEL INFORMATION HUB
The Saline County Tourism Board provides comprehensive information about attractions throughout the region, including Equality and surrounding communities. Visitors can gather maps, brochures, event calendars, and personalized recommendations for exploring the natural and cultural highlights of the area. This resource helps travelers create meaningful itineraries that showcase the best of southern Illinois.
10. Gallatin County Historical Museum
LOCAL HISTORY COLLECTION
The Gallatin County Historical Museum houses artifacts and exhibits chronicling the rich history of Equality and surrounding communities in Gallatin County. Visitors can explore displays featuring pioneer life, salt mining, river commerce, and other significant aspects of local heritage. The museum preserves the stories and objects that illuminate the development of this historically significant region of Illinois.
11. Rim Rock Recreational Area
ANCIENT FOREST AND CLIFFS
Rim Rock Recreational Area features a unique combination of massive sandstone formations, ancient forest, and archaeological sites within the Shawnee National Forest. Visitors can hike the circular trail that passes beneath towering bluffs, through narrow rock passages, and alongside prehistoric stone walls constructed by indigenous peoples. The area offers a fascinating blend of natural beauty and human history that captures the imagination of all who explore it.
12. Pounds Hollow Recreation Area
SWIMMING AND CAMPING DESTINATION
Pounds Hollow Recreation Area centers around a beautiful 25-acre lake nestled among the forested hills of the Shawnee National Forest. Visitors can enjoy swimming at the sandy beach, fishing for bass and bluegill, picnicking along the shoreline, and hiking the scenic trails that surround the water. The well-developed facilities include a campground that makes this an ideal base for exploring the natural attractions of the region.
13. Cave-In-Rock State Park
HISTORIC RIVER PIRATES CAVE
Cave-In-Rock State Park features a massive 55-foot wide riverside cave that once served as a hideout for river pirates who preyed on Ohio River travelers in the late 1700s and early 1800s. Visitors can explore this natural limestone formation that opens directly onto the Ohio River, offering spectacular views and a tangible connection to the colorful history of frontier America. The park provides camping facilities, picnic areas, hiking opportunities, and a restaurant that make it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
14. Old Slave House
UNDERGROUND RAILROAD HISTORICAL SITE
The Old Slave House, also known as Hickory Hill, stands as a controversial historical site connected to the dark history of slavery in Illinois despite the state's status as a free territory. Visitors can learn about John Hart Crenshaw, a salt mine operator who allegedly kidnapped free Black Americans and sold them into slavery while paradoxically operating a station on the Underground Railroad. The property represents a complex and troubling aspect of regional history that continues to provoke discussion and reflection.
15. Tower Rock Recreation Area
MISSISSIPPI RIVER LANDMARK
Tower Rock Recreation Area showcases a dramatic 60-foot limestone formation rising from the Ohio River, creating a distinctive landmark visible for miles along the waterway. Visitors can view this natural wonder from observation points or from boat excursions that offer close-up perspectives of this geological feature. The site connects to the broader history of river navigation, as Tower Rock served as an important navigational marker for generations of riverboat pilots traversing the Ohio River.