Ina IllinoisATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Ina, Illinois.
1. Garden of the Gods
DRAMATIC NATURAL ROCK FORMATIONS
Garden of the Gods is a stunning natural landmark located in the Shawnee National Forest featuring dramatic rock formations formed over 320 million years ago. Visitors can explore scenic hiking trails that wind through the unusual sandstone structures and offer breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding wilderness. This geological wonder provides excellent opportunities for photography, rock climbing, and connecting with nature in southern Illinois.
2. Rend Lake
EXPANSIVE RECREATION DESTINATION
Rend Lake is one of southern Illinois' largest bodies of water, offering 19,900 acres of aquatic recreation opportunities close to Ina. The lake features excellent fishing for crappie, catfish, and bass, alongside swimming beaches, boat rentals, and over 20 miles of shoreline hiking trails. Visitors can enjoy camping facilities, picnic areas, and beautiful sunset views across the expansive waters.
3. Shawnee National Forest
VAST WILDERNESS EXPERIENCE
Shawnee National Forest encompasses 280,000 acres of protected wilderness spanning across southern Illinois with diverse landscapes including canyons, cliffs, and dense woodlands. Nature enthusiasts can explore hundreds of miles of hiking trails, discover hidden waterfalls, and experience camping under star-filled skies away from light pollution. The forest changes dramatically with the seasons, offering spring wildflowers, summer swimming holes, spectacular fall foliage, and serene winter landscapes.
4. Cedarhurst Center for the Arts
CULTURAL ARTS COMPLEX
Cedarhurst Center for the Arts is a premier cultural institution featuring a 90-acre sculpture park with works by internationally recognized artists. The center houses multiple gallery spaces showcasing rotating exhibitions of contemporary art alongside its permanent collection of American paintings and sculptures. Visitors can participate in art classes, attend concerts in the outdoor pavilion, or simply stroll through the beautifully landscaped grounds dotted with monumental artworks.
5. Pyramid State Recreation Area
EXPANSIVE OUTDOOR PARADISE
Pyramid State Recreation Area is Illinois' largest state-managed recreation area, spanning over 19,000 acres of reclaimed mining land transformed into a natural paradise. The area features more than 350 lakes and ponds, making it a premier destination for fishing, boating, and wildlife observation including deer, turkey, and waterfowl. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore extensive hiking trails, hunting areas, and camping facilities throughout this vast natural landscape.
6. Cache River State Natural Area
ANCIENT CYPRESS SWAMP
Cache River State Natural Area protects a remarkable wetland ecosystem featuring some of the oldest living trees east of the Mississippi, including bald cypress trees over 1,000 years old. Visitors can paddle through the mysterious cypress-tupelo swamp on designated water trails, observing diverse wildlife from great blue herons to river otters in this unique environment. The area's visitor center offers educational exhibits about the wetland ecology and guided canoe tours that explore this primeval landscape often compared to Louisiana's bayous.
7. Illinois Mining Museum
COAL MINING HERITAGE
The Illinois Mining Museum preserves the rich coal mining heritage of southern Illinois through extensive exhibits of mining equipment, historical photographs, and personal artifacts from miners. Visitors can descend into a recreated underground coal mine to experience the challenging working conditions faced by generations of Illinois miners. The museum honors the contributions and sacrifices of coal mining families who shaped the region's economy and culture throughout the 19th and 20th centuries.
8. Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge
WILDLIFE VIEWING PARADISE
Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge encompasses 44,000 acres of diverse habitats including woodlands, grasslands, and wetlands centered around Crab Orchard Lake. The refuge serves as critical habitat for migratory birds and hosts over 700 plant species, 245 bird species, and abundant wildlife including deer, turkey, and fox. Visitors can enjoy fishing, boating, hiking, photography, and seasonal hunting while exploring this important conservation area established in 1947.
9. Bald Knob Cross
MONUMENTAL RELIGIOUS LANDMARK
Bald Knob Cross stands as an impressive 111-foot-tall white cross perched atop one of the highest points in southern Illinois, visible for miles across the surrounding countryside. The monument, completed in 1963, offers panoramic views of the Shawnee National Forest and Mississippi River Valley from its observation deck. Each Easter since 1937, thousands gather for sunrise services at this peaceful spiritual landmark that welcomes visitors of all faiths throughout the year.
10. Southern Illinois Artisans Shop
LOCAL CRAFT SHOWCASE
Southern Illinois Artisans Shop displays and sells handcrafted works by over 900 regional artisans, showcasing the rich artistic traditions of southern Illinois. Visitors can browse an impressive collection of pottery, woodwork, jewelry, textiles, and fine art created by local craftspeople. The shop, located at Rend Lake, offers a chance to purchase unique, high-quality souvenirs while supporting the area's creative economy.
11. Wayne Fitzgerrell State Park
LAKESIDE RECREATION HAVEN
Wayne Fitzgerrell State Park encompasses 3,300 acres of scenic land along the eastern shore of Rend Lake with excellent opportunities for outdoor recreation. The park offers extensive multi-use trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding through diverse habitats that support abundant wildlife viewing opportunities. Visitors can enjoy camping, picnicking, boating, fishing, and hunting, along with winter activities including cross-country skiing and eagle watching.
12. Du Quoin State Fairgrounds
HISTORIC EVENT VENUE
The Du Quoin State Fairgrounds hosts the annual Du Quoin State Fair, a southern Illinois tradition since 1923 featuring agricultural exhibits, carnival rides, food vendors, and headline entertainment. Throughout the year, the historic grounds serve as a venue for diverse events including horse racing, car shows, concerts, and rodeos in its grandstand and exhibition halls. The fairgrounds' distinctive red-roofed buildings and tree-lined grounds create a picturesque setting for visitors enjoying events that celebrate the region's agricultural heritage.
13. Giant City State Park
ANCIENT SANDSTONE FORMATIONS
Giant City State Park features massive sandstone bluffs and distinctive rock formations created by geological upheaval millions of years ago, creating what appears to be streets between towering rock walls. Visitors can explore over 12 miles of hiking trails through lush forest ecosystems, discover prehistoric Native American sites, and enjoy rock climbing opportunities on designated routes. The park's historic lodge, built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, offers rustic dining where guests can sample the famous fried chicken while surrounded by impressive hewn timber architecture.
14. Rend Lake Golf Course
PREMIER LAKESIDE GOLFING
Rend Lake Golf Course offers a championship 27-hole public golf facility set against the picturesque backdrop of Rend Lake with tree-lined fairways and strategic water features. The course combines challenging play for experienced golfers while remaining accessible to beginners, complete with a driving range, practice greens, and professional instruction. Visitors appreciate the well-maintained grounds, reasonable green fees, and the restaurant that provides panoramic views of the course and lake.
15. Little Egypt Wine Trail
REGIONAL VINEYARD EXPERIENCE
The Little Egypt Wine Trail connects a collection of family-owned wineries nestled among the rolling hills of southern Illinois, showcasing the region's growing reputation for quality winemaking. Visitors can sample distinctive wines crafted from both traditional grape varieties and unique regional fruits while enjoying scenic vineyard views from outdoor patios. Each winery along the trail offers its own character and specialties, from dry reds to sweet fruit wines, often accompanied by local music, food pairings, and seasonal festivals celebrating the harvest.