Jonesboro IllinoisATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Jonesboro, Illinois.
1. Lincoln Memorial Park
HISTORIC CIVIL WAR SITE
Lincoln Memorial Park in Jonesboro is the historic site of one of the famous Lincoln-Douglas Debates. The park offers visitors beautiful picnic shelters, walking paths, and hiking trails for outdoor recreation. It also houses the Shawnee National Forest ranger office, making it both a historical landmark and a gateway to exploring the region's natural beauty.
2. Trail Of Tears State Forest
HISTORIC WILDERNESS AREA
Trail Of Tears State Forest offers visitors a glimpse into the tragic history of the Cherokee Nation's forced relocation while providing beautiful natural scenery. The forest features miles of hiking trails winding through dense woodlands and rolling hills typical of southern Illinois. Visitors can enjoy camping, picnicking, wildlife viewing, and learning about both natural and cultural history throughout the preserve.
3. Shawnee Hills eBike Rentals
OUTDOOR ADVENTURE EXPERIENCE
Shawnee Hills eBike Rentals provides visitors with an exciting way to explore the beautiful landscapes of Jonesboro and its surroundings. Guests can rent electric bikes to effortlessly navigate the rolling hills and scenic routes of the Shawnee National Forest region. This unique outdoor experience allows travelers to cover more ground while enjoying the fresh air and natural beauty of southern Illinois.
4. Kornthal Church
HISTORIC RELIGIOUS LANDMARK
Kornthal Church stands as a beautifully preserved piece of religious history in Jonesboro, built in 1860 and dedicated in 1861 as Evangelical Lutheran St. Paul's Church. The historic church features an impressive 50-foot-tall steeple and handcrafted pews that showcase the craftsmanship of the era. Visitors can appreciate both the architectural significance and the cultural heritage represented in this well-maintained historic structure.
5. Lincoln-Douglas Statues
HISTORICAL MONUMENT DISPLAY
The Lincoln-Douglas Statues commemorate the historic debates between Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas that took place in Jonesboro. These impressive sculptures stand as a testament to a pivotal moment in American political history that helped shape Lincoln's rise to prominence. The statues are located in a pleasant park setting that includes hiking trails and picnic shelters for visitors to enjoy.
6. Shawnee National Forest
VAST NATURAL WILDERNESS
Shawnee National Forest encompasses much of southern Illinois, with access points near Jonesboro offering spectacular natural landscapes and outdoor recreation opportunities. The forest features dramatic rock formations, dense woodlands, and diverse ecosystems that support a wide variety of plant and animal species. Visitors can enjoy hiking, camping, fishing, horseback riding, and wildlife viewing throughout this expansive national forest.
7. Shawnee Hills Wine Trail
REGIONAL WINE EXPERIENCE
The Shawnee Hills Wine Trail connects numerous wineries throughout southern Illinois, with several located near Jonesboro in the heart of the region. Visitors can sample locally produced wines while enjoying the beautiful rolling landscapes of the Shawnee Hills. The wine trail offers a perfect combination of culinary experiences, scenic drives, and opportunities to learn about regional viticulture.
8. Blue Sky Vineyard
TUSCAN-INSPIRED WINE ESTATE
Blue Sky Vineyard offers visitors a taste of Tuscany in southern Illinois near Jonesboro, with its Italian-inspired architecture and scenic vineyard views. The winery produces award-winning wines that showcase the unique terroir of the Shawnee Hills American Viticultural Area. Guests can enjoy wine tastings, special events, and relaxing afternoons on the expansive patio overlooking the rolling vineyard landscape.
9. Giant City State Park
ANCIENT ROCK FORMATIONS
Giant City State Park, located near Jonesboro, features massive sandstone bluffs and unique rock formations that were created millions of years ago. The park's namesake 'Giant City' area consists of huge blocks of sandstone with streets or passageways between them, giving visitors the feeling of walking through an ancient stone city. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy hiking, rock climbing, horseback riding, and camping while exploring this geological wonder.
10. Cache River State Natural Area
ANCIENT CYPRESS SWAMP
Cache River State Natural Area showcases a remarkable wetland ecosystem just a short drive from Jonesboro, featuring some of the oldest cypress trees in the eastern United States. Visitors can paddle through the swamp on guided canoe tours to see thousand-year-old bald cypress trees and abundant wildlife in this designated Ramsar Wetland of International Importance. The area offers a truly unique experience that feels more like the Deep South than Illinois, with its mysterious swamps and rich biodiversity.
11. Union County Historical Society
REGIONAL HERITAGE MUSEUM
The Union County Historical Society preserves and showcases the rich history of Jonesboro and the surrounding region through exhibits and artifacts. Visitors can explore collections that highlight the area's Native American heritage, pioneer settlements, and significant historical events including the Lincoln-Douglas Debates. The museum provides valuable insights into the cultural and social development of Union County throughout the centuries.
12. Rustle Hill Winery
MUSIC AND WINE DESTINATION
Rustle Hill Winery combines fine wines with live entertainment in a beautiful setting near Jonesboro. The winery features an amphitheater for concerts, comfortable cabins for overnight stays, and a restaurant serving delicious food pairings. Visitors can enjoy regular music events while sampling locally produced wines and taking in the scenic views of the surrounding Shawnee Hills.
13. Little Grand Canyon
DRAMATIC GEOLOGICAL FORMATION
Little Grand Canyon offers hikers a challenging trail through a spectacular sandstone box canyon not far from Jonesboro. The 3.6-mile trail takes visitors through diverse ecosystems including mature forests, towering bluffs, and unique rock formations carved by ancient geological processes. The stunning views from the canyon rim and the lush vegetation create an unforgettable outdoor experience in the heart of the Shawnee National Forest.
14. Pomona Natural Bridge
NATURAL STONE ARCH
Pomona Natural Bridge is a remarkable natural sandstone arch spanning 90 feet across a ravine near Jonesboro. This natural wonder was formed over thousands of years as water eroded the softer sandstone beneath the harder cap rock. Visitors can enjoy a short, easy hike through beautiful forest to reach this impressive geological feature within the Shawnee National Forest.
15. Garden of the Gods
SPECTACULAR ROCK FORMATIONS
Garden of the Gods showcases some of the most dramatic and unusual rock formations in the Midwest, located within driving distance of Jonesboro. The area features massive sandstone sculptures that were formed over 320 million years ago when the region was covered by an inland sea. Visitors can explore the Observation Trail to witness incredible views and unique formations with descriptive names like Camel Rock, Anvil Rock, and Devil's Smoke Stack.