Old Shawneetown IllinoisATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Old Shawneetown, Illinois.
1. A Walking Tour of Historic Old Shawneetown
GUIDED HISTORIC STROLL
A Walking Tour of Historic Old Shawneetown offers visitors a chance to explore one of Illinois' oldest communities on foot. The tour highlights significant architecture, including historic banks, churches, and homes that reflect the town's storied past. The route provides a glimpse into the heritage and character of this riverside settlement.
2. Shawneetown Bank State Historic Site
GREEK REVIVAL LANDMARK
The Shawneetown Bank State Historic Site is a striking example of Greek Revival architecture, built between 1839 and 1841 to house the Bank of Illinois. This three-story brick building with a limestone facade played a key role in the region's salt trade and financial history. Though no longer open for tours, its imposing structure remains a testament to Old Shawneetown's commercial significance in the 19th century.
3. John Marshall House Museum
RECONSTRUCTED HISTORIC HOME
The John Marshall House Museum is a modern reconstruction commemorating an important local residence that once hosted significant historical figures. This museum offers visitors insights into the lifestyles and events of Old Shawneetown's early years. Artifacts and exhibits within the house help illustrate the town's pivotal place in the broader river valley region.
4. Old Shawneetown Village Hall
CIVIC HERITAGE SITE
The Old Shawneetown Village Hall stands as an emblem of the town's governance and communal spirit over the decades. This building reflects the enduring resilience of the community, especially after the 1937 flood that shaped the region. Visitors can appreciate the architecture and role this hall played in local administration.
5. Historic Texaco Service Station
VINTAGE ROADSIDE RELIC
The Historic Texaco Service Station in Old Shawneetown serves as a nostalgic reminder of early 20th-century roadside culture. Its preserved facade and classic design evoke the era when road travel became prominent in Southern Illinois. Visitors enjoy stepping back in time at this community icon.
6. Shawneetown Ferry
OHIO RIVER CROSSING
The Shawneetown Ferry connects Old Shawneetown across the Ohio River, offering travelers both a practical route and scenic views of the river valley. This historic ferry service has linked Illinois and Kentucky communities for generations. It remains a unique way to experience the area's geography and transportation heritage.
7. Garden of the Gods Recreation Area
STUNNING ROCK FORMATIONS
Garden of the Gods Recreation Area is famed for its dramatic sandstone formations, offering breathtaking vistas and popular hiking trails. This site in the Shawnee National Forest draws visitors from across the region for outdoor adventures and scenic photography. Its unique rock shapes, like Camel Rock, rise above hardwood forests and offer expansive views.
8. Iron Furnace Historic Site
19TH-CENTURY INDUSTRIAL REMNANT
The Iron Furnace Historic Site in Elizabethtown preserves the remains of a charcoal-fired iron furnace dating back to 1837. This relic provides insight into early industrial activity in Southern Illinois and the vital role of iron production in local development. Informational signs help visitors understand the process and history of this now peaceful forest location.
9. Shawnee National Forest
EXPANSIVE WILDLIFE HAVEN
Shawnee National Forest sprawls across southern Illinois, offering diverse landscapes of hardwood forests, lakes, and sandstone bluffs. Popular among hikers, campers, and nature lovers, the forest supports a wide variety of flora and fauna. It is a premier destination for outdoor recreation in the region.
10. Rim Rock National Recreation Trail
PICTURESQUE HIKING LOOP
The Rim Rock National Recreation Trail guides adventurers through lush forest, bluffs, and ancient stone formations near Karbers Ridge. Highlights include remnants of prehistoric stone walls and sweeping overlooks of Pounds Hollow Lake. Interpretive signs detail the area's rich natural and cultural history.
11. Cave-in-Rock State Park
RIVERSIDE CAVE ADVENTURE
Cave-in-Rock State Park is renowned for its impressive limestone cave overlooking the Ohio River, once a legendary hideout for outlaws and river pirates. Hiking trails, picnic areas, and panoramic views attract visitors year-round. The park's dramatic history and natural beauty make it a must-see for travelers in southeastern Illinois.
12. Elizabethtown Riverfront
CHARMING RIVERSIDE VISTA
The Elizabethtown Riverfront offers a peaceful overlook along the Ohio River, ideal for relaxation and photography. Visitors can watch river traffic, enjoy serene sunsets, and explore the history-laden streets of this quaint village. The area is perfect for a quiet stroll or a picnic by the water.
13. Equality Shot Tower
EARLY INDUSTRIAL LANDMARK
The Equality Shot Tower is a rare piece of industrial archaeology, once used for manufacturing lead shot in the 19th century. Its tall, cylindrical structure provides a tangible link to the area's mining and manufacturing past. Visitors can learn about traditional shot production methods and the tower's role in local industry.
14. Saline Creek Pioneer Village & Museum
LIVING HISTORY EXPERIENCE
Saline Creek Pioneer Village & Museum showcases restored log cabins and historical artifacts that reflect pioneer life in southern Illinois. The museum's grounds feature a collection of original structures, including a one-room schoolhouse and blacksmith shop. Guided tours and special events bring 19th-century heritage to life for modern visitors.
15. Golconda Main Street
HISTORIC RIVER TOWN
Golconda Main Street preserves the river town charm with its well-kept 19th-century storefronts and historic sites. Visitors can shop, dine, and admire the architecture that recalls the bustling steamboat era. Walking tours highlight the community's unique history along the Ohio River.