Keenes IllinoisATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Keenes, Illinois.
1. Hall of Honor & Military Museum
HONORING MILITARY HERITAGE
The Hall of Honor & Military Museum showcases the rich military history of the region with exhibits honoring veterans from various conflicts. Visitors can explore artifacts, photographs, and personal stories that bring the sacrifices of local service members to life. The museum provides an educational and emotional experience for those interested in American military history.
2. Appellate Court
HISTORIC LEGAL ARCHITECTURE
The Appellate Court building stands as an impressive example of historical architectural design in Southern Illinois. Its stately presence reflects the importance of the judicial system in the region's development and governance. Visitors can admire the detailed craftsmanship and learn about the significant legal decisions that have shaped the area.
3. Nu Bowl Lanes
FAMILY BOWLING ENTERTAINMENT
Nu Bowl Lanes offers a classic American bowling experience for visitors of all ages in a friendly, small-town atmosphere. The well-maintained lanes provide the perfect setting for family competitions or casual fun with friends. Beyond bowling, the venue features arcade games and a snack bar, making it a complete entertainment destination.
4. Apple City Art Walk
CREATIVE COMMUNITY SHOWCASE
The Apple City Art Walk celebrates local artistic talent through a self-guided tour of galleries, studios, and public art installations throughout Murphysboro. Visitors can engage directly with artists, observe creative processes, and purchase unique pieces that reflect Southern Illinois culture. The walk highlights the region's vibrant arts community while providing insight into the area's history and character.
5. Cemeteries of Jackson County
HISTORICAL RESTING PLACES
The Cemeteries of Jackson County offer a unique historical perspective through carefully preserved gravesites dating back to early settlement days. Each cemetery contains monuments and markers that tell stories of the region's pioneers, notable figures, and ordinary citizens who shaped the community. Visitors interested in genealogy and local history will find these peaceful grounds both educational and contemplative.
6. Lawrence 'Big Twist' Nolan Marker
BLUES LEGEND MEMORIAL
The Lawrence 'Big Twist' Nolan Marker honors the legendary blues musician who brought Southern Illinois music to national attention. Located at the southeast corner in Murphysboro, this memorial celebrates Nolan's contributions to American musical culture and his local roots. Visitors can learn about his influential career and the regional blues tradition he helped to establish.
7. Garfield Park Conservatory
BOTANICAL PARADISE INDOORS
Garfield Park Conservatory offers a stunning collection of plant life from around the world housed within its historic glass domes. Visitors can explore diverse ecosystems from tropical palms to desert cacti, with seasonal flower shows adding splashes of color throughout the year. The conservatory provides a peaceful retreat regardless of the weather outside, making it a perfect year-round destination.
8. Richardson Farm Tulip Festival
VIBRANT FLORAL CELEBRATION
Richardson Farm Tulip Festival transforms acres of farmland into a spectacular display of over 250,000 tulips in 30 different varieties. Visitors can wander through colorful fields, capturing photos of the stunning blooms against the rural Illinois landscape. The festival typically runs from April through May, offering a perfect springtime experience for flower enthusiasts and families alike.
9. Coliseum Museum of Art
CULTURAL HERITAGE COLLECTION
The Coliseum Museum of Art showcases diverse artistic expressions with rotating exhibitions highlighting both local and international talent. The museum's Focus on Photography exhibition exemplifies its commitment to various art forms, providing context and appreciation for different mediums. Visitors can engage with the cultural heritage of Southern Illinois while experiencing contemporary artistic perspectives.
10. Wine on the Fox
RIVERSIDE WINE CELEBRATION
Wine on the Fox brings together wineries from across Illinois for a delightful tasting experience along the scenic Fox River at Hudson Crossing Park. Visitors can sample a variety of local wines while enjoying live music and artisanal food offerings in a picturesque setting. The annual event showcases Illinois' growing wine industry while providing a sophisticated yet relaxed social gathering.
11. Southern Illinois Breweries
CRAFT BEER DESTINATIONS
Southern Illinois Breweries offer craft beer enthusiasts a taste of locally-produced ales and lagers in welcoming taproom environments. Visitors can tour production facilities to learn about the brewing process before sampling flights of distinctive beers that often incorporate regional ingredients. These establishments have become community gathering spaces that celebrate the growing craft beverage culture of Southern Illinois.
12. El JalisCo Mexican Restaurant
AUTHENTIC MEXICAN CUISINE
El JalisCo Mexican Restaurant serves authentic Mexican dishes in a colorful, welcoming atmosphere in downtown Murphysboro. Diners can enjoy traditional favorites from sizzling fajitas to house-special mole dishes prepared with time-honored recipes. The restaurant provides a taste of Mexican culture through both its flavorful food and vibrant decor.
13. Shawnee National Forest
NATURAL WILDERNESS ESCAPE
Shawnee National Forest encompasses over 280,000 acres of diverse landscapes including dramatic rock formations, lush woodlands, and serene lakes in Southern Illinois. Visitors can hike the extensive trail system leading to scenic overlooks like Garden of the Gods or explore hidden waterfalls tucked within the forest's valleys. The changing seasons transform the forest throughout the year, from spring wildflowers to spectacular fall foliage.
14. Murphysboro Local Landmarks
HISTORIC TOWN TREASURES
Murphysboro Local Landmarks offer a self-guided tour through the architectural and cultural heritage of this historic Southern Illinois town. Visitors can explore well-preserved buildings in the Logan District Historical District, which showcase various architectural styles from the region's prosperous past. Each landmark tells a chapter of the community's development, from early settlement through industrial growth.
15. Southern Illinois Orchards
FRESH FRUIT EXPERIENCES
Southern Illinois Orchards invite visitors to experience the agricultural bounty of the region through pick-your-own fruit opportunities and farm markets. Seasonal offerings range from spring strawberries to summer peaches and fall apples, allowing for different experiences throughout the growing season. Many orchards enhance the visit with family activities, baked goods, and educational demonstrations about fruit cultivation.