Omaha IllinoisATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Omaha, Illinois.
1. Shawneetown Bank State Historic Site
HISTORIC 19TH CENTURY BANK
The Shawneetown Bank State Historic Site preserves one of the most architecturally significant buildings in Illinois, a Greek Revival structure built in 1839 to house the Bank of Illinois. Visitors can explore this grand edifice with its imposing columns and learn about the fascinating financial history of early Illinois. The historic bank building survived the devastating flood of 1937 and stands as a testament to the early economic development of the region.
2. Harrisburg Township Park District
FAMILY-FRIENDLY OUTDOOR RECREATION
The Harrisburg Township Park District offers residents and visitors alike a variety of recreational facilities including walking trails, sports fields, and playgrounds. Families can enjoy picnic areas and seasonal events throughout the year in this well-maintained community space. The park serves as a central gathering place for the community and provides opportunities for both active and passive recreation.
3. Hovey Lake Fish and Wildlife Area
PRISTINE WILDLIFE HABITAT
Hovey Lake Fish and Wildlife Area encompasses over 7,000 acres of wetlands, forests, and agricultural lands providing a habitat for numerous species of birds, mammals, and fish. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy fishing, hunting, wildlife viewing, and boating in this protected natural area. The diverse ecosystem supports migratory waterfowl, making it an excellent destination for birdwatching throughout the year.
4. Garden of the Gods Wilderness
DRAMATIC SANDSTONE FORMATIONS
The Garden of the Gods Wilderness features spectacular sandstone formations and cliffs that were formed more than 320 million years ago when the region was covered by a shallow inland sea. Hikers can explore miles of trails offering breathtaking vistas of the Shawnee National Forest and unusual rock formations with names like Camel Rock, Anvil Rock, and Devil's Smoke Stack. The observation trail provides accessible viewing of these natural wonders and is one of the most photographed locations in southern Illinois.
5. Ohio River Scenic Byway
HISTORIC RIVER ROUTE
The Ohio River Scenic Byway follows the northern bank of the Ohio River, offering travelers magnificent views and access to historic river towns. This designated National Scenic Byway passes through Gallatin County and connects visitors to significant cultural and natural sites along the historic waterway. Travelers can experience the byway's rich history of river commerce, the Underground Railroad, and early American settlement.
6. Pounds Hollow Recreation Area
SERENE FOREST GETAWAY
Pounds Hollow Recreation Area features a 25-acre lake surrounded by forested hills and sandstone bluffs within the Shawnee National Forest. Visitors can swim at the sandy beach, fish for bass and bluegill, or hike the trails that connect to the nearby Garden of the Gods. The recreation area's peaceful setting makes it ideal for camping, picnicking, and reconnecting with nature.
7. Cave-In-Rock State Park
HISTORIC RIVER CAVE
Cave-In-Rock State Park centers around a 55-foot wide riverside cave that once served as a hideout for river pirates and outlaws in the late 1700s and early 1800s. The massive limestone cave offers spectacular views of the Ohio River and serves as a reminder of the area's colorful past. Visitors can explore the cave, enjoy picnic facilities, camping, hiking trails, and fishing opportunities in this unique natural and historical landmark.
8. Old Shawneetown Historic District
EARLY ILLINOIS SETTLEMENT
The Old Shawneetown Historic District preserves one of the oldest American settlements in Illinois, established in 1748 as a French trading post. Visitors can explore historic buildings including the 1839 Bank building, the Rawlings Hotel where Lafayette stayed in 1825, and the Land Office where Abraham Lincoln purchased Illinois land. The district's rich history includes being the site of the first bank in Illinois Territory and hosting many notable historical figures during America's westward expansion.
9. Saline Creek Pioneer Village and Museum
LIVING HISTORY EXPERIENCE
The Saline Creek Pioneer Village and Museum recreates life in southern Illinois during the 1800s with authentic and recreated historic buildings including a one-room schoolhouse, log cabins, and a blacksmith shop. Visitors can experience hands-on history through demonstrations of pioneer crafts, cooking techniques, and daily life activities from the era. The museum houses an extensive collection of artifacts related to coal mining, agriculture, and domestic life in early Illinois settlements.
10. Rim Rock Recreation Area
ANCIENT FOREST PATHWAYS
Rim Rock Recreation Area features a unique geological formation with a circular sandstone escarpment surrounded by lush hardwood forest in the Shawnee National Forest. Visitors can walk the upper trail along the rim of the bluff or explore the lower trail through narrow passages between massive rock walls. The area includes Ox-Lot Cave, prehistoric stone walls, and diverse plant life making it both a natural wonder and archaeological site.
11. Tunnel Hill State Trail
HISTORIC RAIL TRAIL
The Tunnel Hill State Trail covers 45 miles of converted railroad bed, passing through Gallatin County and offering hikers, cyclists, and equestrians a scenic journey through southern Illinois landscapes. The trail features 23 picturesque trestle bridges crossing numerous streams and a 543-foot tunnel that gives the trail its name. Users can experience diverse ecosystems ranging from wetlands to upland forests while enjoying views of farmland, wildlife, and historical sites along the route.
12. American Fluorite Museum
MINING HERITAGE CENTER
The American Fluorite Museum showcases the history of fluorite mining in southern Illinois, where the region once produced more than 90% of the U.S. fluorite supply. Exhibits include mineral specimens, mining equipment, photographs, and artifacts documenting the industry that was central to the area's economy for generations. Visitors can learn about the geological processes that created the fluorite deposits and the mining techniques used to extract this colorful mineral used in manufacturing and chemistry.
13. Glen O. Jones Lake
PEACEFUL FISHING DESTINATION
Glen O. Jones Lake is a 105-acre fishing lake nestled in the rolling hills of the Saline County Fish & Wildlife Area near Gallatin County. Anglers can catch largemouth bass, bluegill, redear sunfish, and channel catfish in this serene setting surrounded by hardwood forest. The lake offers boat ramps, picnic facilities, and hiking trails for visitors seeking outdoor recreation in a tranquil environment.
14. Gold Hill
HISTORIC MINING COMMUNITY
Gold Hill is a historic area where salt springs and gold mining operations once drove the early economy of southern Illinois. Visitors can explore remnants of the salt works that were so valuable they were known as 'white gold' and learn about the unsuccessful attempts to mine actual gold that gave the site its name. The area's rich history includes being worked by enslaved people under a special territorial exemption, making it a unique site for understanding early Illinois industry and labor practices.
15. Tower Rock Recreation Area
MISSISSIPPI RIVER LANDMARK
Tower Rock Recreation Area features a dramatic 60-foot limestone island in the Mississippi River that served as a navigation landmark for riverboat pilots since the earliest days of river travel. Visitors can enjoy picnicking, fishing, and stunning views of the river from this scenic area in the Shawnee National Forest. The geological formation has historical significance dating back to the expeditions of Marquette and Joliet, who noted it in their journals in 1673.