Tamms IllinoisATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Tamms, Illinois.
1. Horseshoe Lake State & Wildlife Area
NATURE AND WILDLIFE HAVEN
Horseshoe Lake State & Wildlife Area offers visitors a chance to explore the natural beauty of southern Illinois with its pristine lake and diverse ecosystem. Visitors can enjoy activities such as fishing, boating, and wildlife observation throughout the year. The area is particularly known for its waterfowl hunting and bird watching opportunities.
2. Thebes Historical Courthouse
HISTORIC LEGAL LANDMARK
The Thebes Historical Courthouse stands as a testament to the area's rich legal and cultural heritage. Built in the 19th century, this architectural gem offers visitors insights into the region's past through preserved court rooms and historical exhibits. Visitors can take guided tours to learn about famous cases and the role the courthouse played in local history.
3. White Crane Canoe Rentals & Guide Service
RIVER ADVENTURE EXPERIENCE
White Crane Canoe Rentals & Guide Service provides adventurous travelers with equipment and expertise to explore the waterways around Tamms. Their guided tours offer a unique perspective of the region's natural beauty, wildlife, and hidden spots accessible only by water. Visitors of all experience levels can enjoy paddling adventures with professional guides who share knowledge about local ecology and history.
4. River Ridge Winery
VINEYARD WITH SCENIC VIEWS
River Ridge Winery welcomes visitors to enjoy fine wines in a picturesque setting near the Illinois border. The winery features a tasting room where guests can sample locally produced wines while enjoying the beautiful vineyard views. Weekend visitors can often enjoy live music events on the outdoor patio during the warmer months.
5. Cache River Wetlands Center
ECOLOGICAL EDUCATION HUB
The Cache River Wetlands Center serves as an informative gateway to the unique swamp ecosystem of southern Illinois. Visitors can explore interactive exhibits about the wetlands' flora and fauna before venturing out on nearby trails that wind through cypress-tupelo swamps. The center offers regular educational programs and guided canoe tours that highlight the ecological importance of this rare wetland habitat.
6. Anna City Park
FAMILY RECREATION DESTINATION
Anna City Park provides residents and visitors with well-maintained recreational facilities for outdoor enjoyment. The park features playgrounds, picnic areas, sports courts, and walking paths suitable for visitors of all ages. Throughout the year, the park hosts community events and festivals that showcase local culture and traditions.
7. Lincoln Heritage Trail
PRESIDENTIAL HISTORY PATH
The Lincoln Heritage Trail takes travelers through significant sites connected to Abraham Lincoln's life and career in southern Illinois. Visitors can follow in the footsteps of the 16th president, exploring locations where he practiced law, gave speeches, and developed his political philosophy. The trail connects multiple historic sites and museums that preserve Lincoln's legacy and influence on American history.
8. Shawnee National Forest
WILDERNESS ADVENTURE PARADISE
Shawnee National Forest encompasses over 280,000 acres of diverse landscapes including rugged bluffs, lush forests, and unique rock formations. Visitors can hike, camp, rock climb, and horseback ride through this natural wonderland that stretches across the southern tip of Illinois. Popular spots within the forest include Garden of the Gods, Bell Smith Springs, and Little Grand Canyon.
9. Trail of Tears State Park
HISTORICAL MEMORIAL SITE
Trail of Tears State Park commemorates the forced relocation of the Cherokee Nation through this region in the 1830s. The park combines historical interpretation with natural beauty, offering both educational exhibits and outdoor recreational opportunities. Visitors can hike scenic trails, enjoy Mississippi River views, and learn about this significant and somber chapter in American history.
10. Giant City State Park
ANCIENT ROCK FORMATION WONDERLAND
Giant City State Park features massive sandstone formations and cliffs created millions of years ago, resembling the streets of a giant's city. Visitors can explore miles of hiking trails, rock climbing opportunities, and a historic lodge built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. The park's diverse ecosystem supports abundant wildlife and native plant species, making it a paradise for nature photographers and outdoor enthusiasts.
11. Bald Knob Cross
INSPIRING RELIGIOUS MONUMENT
Bald Knob Cross stands as a 111-foot-tall white cross perched atop one of the highest points in southern Illinois. From its observation deck, visitors can enjoy panoramic views spanning three states and the Mississippi River valley. The site hosts various religious events throughout the year, including an annual Easter sunrise service that draws thousands of attendees.
12. Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center
WILDLIFE EDUCATION FACILITY
The Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center showcases the region's natural heritage through interactive exhibits, live animal displays, and educational programs. Visitors can explore indoor exhibits and then venture onto the outdoor trails that wind through woods, glades, and marsh habitats. The center offers regular workshops, guided hikes, and family-friendly events focused on conservation and outdoor skills.
13. Pomona Natural Bridge
GEOLOGICAL MARVEL FORMATION
Pomona Natural Bridge is a remarkable 90-foot natural sandstone arch tucked away in the forests of southern Illinois. Visitors can take a short, family-friendly hike through lush vegetation to reach this geological wonder that formed over thousands of years of erosion. The cool, shaded area around the bridge creates a microclimate that supports unique plant species and provides a refreshing retreat on hot summer days.
14. Tamms Correctional Center Museum
FORMER PRISON HISTORICAL SITE
The Tamms Correctional Center Museum preserves the history of the former super-maximum security prison that operated in the village until its closure in 2013. Exhibits detail the facility's controversial past, including its role as Illinois' death row before the state abolished capital punishment in 2011. Visitors can learn about prison reform movements and the impact the facility had on the small community of Tamms.
15. Big Muddy River Canoe Trail
SCENIC WATERWAY EXPLORATION
The Big Muddy River Canoe Trail offers paddlers a chance to explore one of southern Illinois' most important waterways as it winds through forests and wetlands. Adventurous travelers can embark on day trips or multi-day journeys, camping on sandbars and spotting wildlife along the forested shores. Local outfitters provide equipment rentals and shuttle services, making this natural attraction accessible to visitors of varying experience levels.