Goreville IllinoisATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Goreville, Illinois.
1. Ferne Clyffe State Park
NATURAL WONDERLAND FOR HIKERS
Ferne Clyffe State Park offers visitors breathtaking natural beauty with scenic trails winding through lush forests perfect for hiking enthusiasts. The park features dramatic rock formations, waterfalls, and abundant wildlife that showcase the ecological diversity of Southern Illinois. Visitors can immerse themselves in nature through activities like camping, horseback riding, and exploring the park's unique geological features.
2. Lake of Egypt
SERENE WATERS FOR RECREATION
Lake of Egypt is a hidden gem spanning 93 miles of wooded bays and inlets that offers visitors a secluded expanse of water perfect for lazy summer vacations. Created in 1962 when the Southern Illinois Power Cooperative dammed the south fork of the Saline River, the lake provides excellent opportunities for boating, fishing, swimming, and lakeside relaxation. Three marinas buzz with activity during summer months, while quiet inlets provide tranquil spots for catching bluegill, bass, catfish, and crappie.
3. Goreville City Park
COMMUNITY RECREATION HUB
Goreville City Park serves as the central recreational area for residents and visitors to enjoy the outdoors within the village limits. The park provides green spaces for picnicking, sports facilities, and community gatherings throughout the year. Visitors can experience the small-town charm of Goreville while enjoying the peace and tranquility that characterizes this Southern Illinois community.
4. Ferne Clyffe Lake
PEACEFUL FISHING DESTINATION
Ferne Clyffe Lake offers a serene water experience nestled within the stunning landscapes of Ferne Clyffe State Park. The lake provides excellent fishing opportunities and serves as a peaceful retreat for nature lovers seeking to commune with the outdoors. Visitors can enjoy the reflective waters surrounded by the lush greenery and dramatic rock formations that make this area so distinctive.
5. Countree Peddler
CHARMING LOCAL SHOPPING
Countree Peddler provides visitors with a unique shopping experience featuring local crafts, antiques, and specialty items in Goreville. This charming establishment showcases the creativity and craftsmanship of Southern Illinois artisans and collectors. Visitors can browse through an eclectic mix of treasures while experiencing the warm hospitality that characterizes this small rural community.
6. Round Bluff Nature Preserve
PRISTINE ECOLOGICAL SANCTUARY
Round Bluff Nature Preserve protects a unique ecological area featuring diverse plant and animal species native to Southern Illinois. The preserve offers hiking opportunities through pristine natural environments where visitors can observe the region's biodiversity. Nature enthusiasts can appreciate the conservation efforts that maintain this special habitat within the greater Shawnee National Forest ecosystem.
7. Shawnee National Forest
VAST WILDERNESS EXPERIENCE
Shawnee National Forest encompasses over 280,000 acres of federally managed lands that surround Goreville and offer countless recreational opportunities. The forest features diverse ecosystems ranging from hardwood forests to cypress swamps, with dramatic rock formations, waterfalls, and abundant wildlife. Visitors can enjoy hiking, camping, horseback riding, and wildlife viewing across this expansive natural treasure that defines Southern Illinois's landscape.
8. Giant City State Park
ANCIENT ROCK FORMATIONS
Giant City State Park, located near Goreville, features unique sandstone formations that resemble the streets and buildings of a giant's city. The park's dramatic bluffs were formed over thousands of years of geological activity, creating massive sandstone structures with passages between them that visitors can explore. Nature enthusiasts can enjoy hiking trails, rock climbing opportunities, and glimpses of native wildlife while exploring this natural wonder.
9. Pomona Winery
UNIQUE FRUIT WINES
Pomona Winery offers visitors a distinctive wine-tasting experience featuring non-grape fruit wines crafted from locally grown produce. The winery specializes in apple wines and other fruit varieties that showcase the agricultural bounty of Southern Illinois. Visitors can enjoy tastings in a charming rural setting while learning about the unique winemaking processes that set this establishment apart.
10. StarView Vineyards
SCENIC VINEYARD EXPERIENCE
StarView Vineyards invites wine enthusiasts to experience locally produced wines in a picturesque setting near Goreville. The vineyard features beautiful views of rolling hills planted with grapevines and offers tastings of award-winning wines produced on-site. Visitors can relax on the outdoor patio, enjoy live music events during season, and savor the fruits of Southern Illinois's growing wine industry.
11. Dixon Springs State Park
HISTORIC NATURAL SPRINGS
Dixon Springs State Park preserves a historic area once famous for its mineral springs believed to have medicinal properties. The park features beautiful rock formations, bubbling springs, and lush vegetation in a setting that has attracted visitors seeking natural beauty and recreation for generations. Visitors can swim in the park's pool, hike scenic trails, and camp while exploring this gem of Southern Illinois's state park system.
12. Tunnel Hill State Trail
HISTORIC RAIL TRAIL
Tunnel Hill State Trail offers outdoor enthusiasts a 45-mile converted rail-trail experience through some of Southern Illinois's most scenic landscapes near Goreville. The trail passes through the 543-foot Tunnel Hill, a historic railroad tunnel, as well as numerous trestles, creek crossings, and diverse ecosystems. Hikers, cyclists, and equestrians can enjoy this well-maintained path that connects communities while showcasing the region's natural beauty and transportation history.
13. Cache River Wetlands
ANCIENT CYPRESS SWAMPS
The Cache River Wetlands feature some of the oldest cypress trees in the nation, with specimens over 1,000 years old creating a primeval landscape unlike anything else in Illinois. Visitors can paddle through this unique ecosystem that resembles southern swamplands, observing diverse wildlife including over 100 endangered or threatened species. The Henry N. Barkhausen Cache River Wetlands Center provides educational exhibits about this ecological treasure located just a short drive from Goreville.
14. Stone Creek Golf Club and Resort
PREMIER GOLFING DESTINATION
Stone Creek Golf Club and Resort offers golf enthusiasts a championship 18-hole course designed to showcase the natural beauty of Southern Illinois. The meticulously maintained fairways wind through rolling hills, woodlands, and water features, providing both challenge and scenic views for players of all skill levels. Visitors can enjoy the full-service clubhouse, dining options, and resort accommodations that make this a complete recreational destination near Goreville.
15. Blue Sky Vineyard
TUSCAN-INSPIRED WINE EXPERIENCE
Blue Sky Vineyard welcomes visitors to experience their Tuscan-inspired winery featuring panoramic views of the Shawnee Hills and award-winning wines. The impressive architecture includes a bell tower, stone terraces, and elegant tasting rooms that transport guests to the Italian countryside while showcasing Southern Illinois's emerging wine culture. Visitors can sample estate-grown wines, attend seasonal events, and enjoy Mediterranean-inspired cuisine on the outdoor patios overlooking the vineyards.