Irvington IllinoisATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Irvington, Illinois.
1. Greenview Golf Club
SCENIC GOLFING EXPERIENCE
Greenview Golf Club offers golf enthusiasts a well-maintained course in the heart of Irvington. Visitors can enjoy the picturesque fairways and challenging holes suitable for various skill levels. The club provides a relaxing atmosphere where golfers can perfect their swing while taking in the beautiful Illinois countryside.
2. Makraft Brewing Co.
LOCAL CRAFT BEER HAVEN
Makraft Brewing Co. serves as Irvington's premier destination for craft beer enthusiasts seeking locally brewed options. Visitors can sample a variety of unique beer flavors created with passion by skilled local brewers. The brewery offers a welcoming environment where guests can learn about the brewing process while enjoying fresh, artisanal beverages.
3. Garden of the Gods
DRAMATIC ROCK FORMATIONS
Garden of the Gods features spectacular rock formations perched atop large rolling hills with breathtaking views of the surrounding forest. Hikers can explore this natural wonder while capturing incredible photos of the unique geological structures. This Midwest treasure offers visitors a one-of-a-kind outdoor experience with its ancient sandstone sculptures shaped by wind and water over millions of years.
4. Pere Marquette State Park
MISSISSIPPI RIVER ADVENTURE HAVEN
Pere Marquette State Park, Illinois' largest state park, sits majestically along the Mississippi River offering diverse outdoor activities. Visitors can hike miles of trails, cycle along river bluffs, go fishing or experience horseback riding through the forest. The park's stunning natural beauty provides the perfect backdrop for southern Illinois adventures throughout all four seasons.
5. Starved Rock State Park
CANYONS AND WATERFALLS PARADISE
Starved Rock State Park, located just 1.5 hours from Chicago, features impressive hiking trails that wind through towering trees, scenic overlooks, and beautiful rock formations. Visitors can explore the park's 18 canyons formed by glacial meltwater and observe seasonal waterfalls that create spectacular views. The park also offers opportunities for canoeing, paddle-boating, and cross-country skiing during winter months.
6. The Morton Arboretum
TREE-FILLED NATURAL MUSEUM
The Morton Arboretum encompasses 1,700 acres of beautiful tree-filled landscapes perfect for exploration during any season. This living museum serves as a vibrant hub for nature education and a world-renowned center for scientific research. Visitors can wander through themed gardens, hike extensive trails, and participate in seasonal events celebrating the diversity and importance of trees.
7. Bear Mountain State Park
OUTDOOR RECREATION DESTINATION
Bear Mountain State Park offers visitors a variety of outdoor recreational activities in a picturesque natural setting near Irvington. The park features hiking and walking trails that showcase the beauty of Southern Illinois' rolling landscape. Nature lovers can enjoy wildlife viewing opportunities while exploring the park's diverse ecosystem throughout the year.
8. Coney Island Beach
HISTORIC WATERFRONT RECREATION
Coney Island Beach provides visitors with a charming waterfront destination in the Illinois heartland near Irvington. Families can enjoy swimming, picnicking, and relaxing along the sandy shores during the warm summer months. The beach area includes recreational facilities that make it a popular gathering place for both locals and tourists seeking outdoor water activities.
9. Boundless Adventures
THRILLING OUTDOOR CHALLENGE COURSE
Boundless Adventures delivers an exhilarating outdoor experience with aerial obstacle courses suitable for various skill levels near Irvington. Visitors can navigate ziplines, rope bridges, and climbing elements suspended among the trees for a unique perspective of the Illinois woodland. The park combines physical challenge with natural beauty, creating memorable adventures for families, friends, and team-building groups.
10. Carlyle Lake
PREMIER BOATING AND FISHING
Carlyle Lake, Illinois' largest man-made lake, offers 26,000 acres of water-based recreation just a short drive from Irvington. Visitors can enjoy fishing, boating, swimming, and camping along its expansive shoreline throughout the warmer months. The lake is renowned for its excellent fishing opportunities, particularly for crappie, catfish, and bass, attracting anglers from across the region.
11. Kaskaskia State Historic Site
RIVER ISLAND HISTORY
Kaskaskia State Historic Site preserves the fascinating story of Illinois' first capital, now situated on an island in the Mississippi River. Visitors can explore the Liberty Bell of the West and the immaculately preserved Immaculate Conception Church dating back to the 18th century. This unique historic location provides insights into the early French colonial settlement and its significant role in Illinois history.
12. Pyramid State Recreation Area
OUTDOOR ENTHUSIAST'S PARADISE
Pyramid State Recreation Area, the largest state-owned recreation area in Illinois, spans over 19,000 acres of diverse terrain not far from Irvington. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore numerous lakes and ponds ideal for fishing, boating, and wildlife watching throughout the year. The area's extensive trail system provides opportunities for hiking, horseback riding, and observing the unique landscape created by former strip mining operations.
13. Washington County Conservation Area
SERENE NATURE ESCAPE
Washington County Conservation Area offers a peaceful retreat into nature with its 1,439 acres of protected land near Irvington. Visitors can enjoy fishing in the 248-acre lake, hiking through wooded trails, and observing diverse wildlife in their natural habitat. The conservation area provides excellent opportunities for hunting, camping, and picnicking while experiencing the tranquility of Southern Illinois' natural beauty.
14. Centralia Carillon
MUSICAL TOWER MONUMENT
The Centralia Carillon stands as an impressive 160-foot musical tower featuring 65 bells that ring throughout the day in this city near Irvington. Visitors can enjoy scheduled concerts and tours that showcase this unique architectural and musical landmark. The surrounding Carillon Park offers beautiful gardens and walking paths perfect for enjoying the melodious sounds resonating from this beloved community treasure.
15. Raccoon Lake Recreation Area
FAMILY-FRIENDLY OUTDOOR DESTINATION
Raccoon Lake Recreation Area provides a versatile outdoor playground featuring a scenic lake surrounded by recreational facilities just a short drive from Irvington. Families can enjoy fishing, boating, swimming, and picnicking in a well-maintained natural setting. The area includes camping options, playgrounds, and trails that make it ideal for weekend getaways throughout the warmer months.