Tamaroa IllinoisATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Tamaroa, Illinois.
1. Perry County Jail Museum
HISTORIC LAW ENFORCEMENT EXHIBIT
The Perry County Jail Museum offers visitors a fascinating glimpse into the history of local law enforcement and criminal justice. This well-preserved historic jail building houses original cells, artifacts, and exhibits that tell the story of Perry County's past. Visitors can explore the facility and learn about notable inmates, policing methods, and how the justice system evolved in this region over time.
2. Pyramid State Park
OUTDOOR RECREATION PARADISE
Pyramid State Park is Illinois' largest state recreational area offering extensive opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy nature and wildlife. The park features numerous lakes and ponds perfect for fishing, along with equestrian trails, hiking paths, and hunting areas spanning across thousands of acres. Visitors can spot diverse wildlife, explore the unique post-mining landscape, and enjoy camping in this vast natural setting.
3. Red Hawk Golf Course
HISTORIC GOLFING EXPERIENCE
Red Hawk Golf Course offers golfers an enjoyable 18-hole experience on a course that dates back to 1932. The facility features 5,904 yards of golf from the longest tees for a par of 70, with a course rating of 67.0 and a slope rating of 111 on Bermuda grass. Red Hawk Golf & Grille provides both challenging play for experienced golfers and a welcoming atmosphere for beginners in the heart of Tamaroa.
4. Ibendahl Historic Home
UNDERGROUND RAILROAD SITE
The Ibendahl Historic Home south of Tamaroa stands as a preserved piece of Civil War era history with connections to the Underground Railroad. Built in the mid-1850s by educator and abolitionist Benajah Guernsey Roots, the home features architectural elements believed to have hidden runaway slaves, including a lookout point in the attic and a hiding place in an unused water cistern. This meticulously restored property offers visitors a tangible connection to one of America's most significant historical movements for freedom and justice.
5. Pinckneyville Downtown Square
HISTORIC TOWN CENTER
Pinckneyville's Downtown Square serves as the historic and cultural heart of this charming Southern Illinois community. The square features well-preserved architecture, local shops, and the impressive Perry County Courthouse that stands as a centerpiece of the district. Visitors can enjoy exploring unique businesses, attending community events, and experiencing small-town Illinois charm in this walkable downtown area.
6. Beaucoup Creek
SCENIC WATERWAY ADVENTURE
Beaucoup Creek winds through Perry County offering outdoor enthusiasts opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and nature observation. The creek's peaceful waters are home to various fish species and attract wildlife, making it ideal for photography and bird watching. Visitors can enjoy the natural beauty of Southern Illinois while exploring this serene waterway that holds ecological importance to the region.
7. DuQuoin State Fairgrounds
PREMIER EVENT VENUE
The DuQuoin State Fairgrounds hosts the famous DuQuoin State Fair and numerous other events throughout the year. The expansive grounds feature historic grandstands, exhibition halls, and racing facilities that have welcomed visitors since 1923. Beyond the annual fair, the venue hosts concerts, horse racing, motorsports, and agricultural events that celebrate the region's cultural heritage.
8. Rend Lake
RECREATIONAL WATER PARADISE
Rend Lake is one of Southern Illinois' largest reservoirs offering 19,000 acres of water and 162 miles of shoreline for outdoor recreation. Visitors can enjoy fishing for crappie, catfish, and bass, along with boating, swimming, and water sports during the warm months. The lake is surrounded by campgrounds, hiking trails, golf courses, and the Rend Lake Resort, making it a complete recreational destination.
9. Pyramid State Recreation Area
FISHING AND HUNTING HAVEN
Pyramid State Recreation Area encompasses over 19,000 acres of land, making it the largest state recreational area in Illinois. The park features more than 350 lakes and ponds, created from former strip mining operations, that now provide exceptional fishing opportunities for anglers. Hunters, hikers, campers, and wildlife enthusiasts can explore diverse habitats ranging from grasslands to forests throughout this vast outdoor playground.
10. Pinckneyville City Park
COMMUNITY RECREATION CENTER
Pinckneyville City Park offers residents and visitors alike a well-maintained green space for recreation and community gatherings. The park features sports facilities, playgrounds, picnic areas, and walking paths suitable for all ages. Throughout the year, the park hosts community events, festivals, and holiday celebrations that showcase local culture and traditions.
11. Kaskaskia State Historic Site
ILLINOIS' FIRST CAPITAL
The Kaskaskia State Historic Site preserves the location of Illinois' first state capital and one of the oldest European settlements in the region. Visitors can see the Liberty Bell of the West, rung in 1778 when American forces captured the village from the British during the Revolutionary War. The site features interpretive displays about the once-thriving community that was largely destroyed by Mississippi River flooding in the 19th century.
12. Shawnee National Forest
NATURAL WONDER DESTINATION
Shawnee National Forest spans 280,000 acres across Southern Illinois, offering dramatic landscapes including the famous Garden of the Gods rock formations. Visitors can explore over 400 miles of trails for hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking through diverse ecosystems ranging from hardwood forests to cypress swamps. The forest also provides opportunities for camping, hunting, fishing, and wildlife viewing in one of Illinois' most scenic natural areas.
13. Washington County State Recreation Area
LAKESIDE OUTDOOR ADVENTURE
Washington County State Recreation Area centers around a scenic 248-acre lake that offers excellent fishing for bass, crappie, and catfish. The park features campgrounds, picnic areas, hiking trails, and boat ramps that provide access to various outdoor activities year-round. Nature enthusiasts can observe diverse wildlife including deer, turkey, and numerous bird species in this tranquil setting.
14. Perry County Fairgrounds
AGRICULTURAL HERITAGE CENTER
The Perry County Fairgrounds hosts the annual Perry County Fair, one of the region's oldest continuous county fairs dating back to the 19th century. Throughout the year, the grounds serve as a venue for livestock shows, agricultural exhibitions, concerts, and community events that celebrate rural traditions. Visitors can experience authentic Southern Illinois culture through demolition derbies, tractor pulls, carnival rides, and displays of local crafts and produce during fair season.
15. Steeleville Community Park
FAMILY RECREATION DESTINATION
Steeleville Community Park provides residents and visitors with well-maintained recreational facilities in a pleasant natural setting. The park features sports fields, playgrounds, pavilions, and open spaces perfect for family gatherings and community events. During summer months, the park's swimming pool becomes a popular attraction for locals seeking relief from the heat while enjoying outdoor activities.