Thompsonville IllinoisATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Thompsonville, Illinois.
1. Thompsonville Log Cabin Museum
HISTORIC PIONEER ARCHITECTURE
The Thompsonville Log Cabin Museum is an authentic log cabin built in 1825 by Nathaniel Jones that will soon be 200 years old. This rustic structure has received maintenance but has not been remodeled or updated in over 100 years, preserving its original pioneer architecture and building techniques. Visitors can experience this unique piece of history with its sparse furnishings including an old upright piano, though they should note there is no electricity or running water.
2. Veterans Military Museum
HONORING MILITARY SERVICE
The Veterans Military Museum in Thompsonville offers visitors a chance to explore military history through carefully curated exhibits. Highly rated by visitors with a perfect 5.0 rating, this museum honors the sacrifices and contributions of veterans from various conflicts. The museum provides educational displays of military artifacts, memorabilia, and personal stories that connect visitors to America's military heritage.
3. Franklin County Historic Jail Museum
LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT HISTORY
The Franklin County Historic Jail Museum preserves the region's law enforcement history in a well-maintained historic facility. With a solid 4.4 rating from visitors, this museum offers a glimpse into the criminal justice system of Franklin County's past. Visitors can explore the old jail cells, sheriff's quarters, and exhibits detailing notable cases and the evolution of local law enforcement.
4. South Marcum Campground
LAKESIDE OUTDOOR RECREATION
South Marcum Campground offers a highly-rated outdoor experience with a 4.5 visitor rating. Located near Thompsonville, this campground provides beautiful lakeside camping with access to water recreation activities. Visitors can enjoy fishing, boating, hiking trails, and peaceful nights under the stars in this natural setting.
5. Stardust Golf Course
PREMIER GOLFING EXPERIENCE
Stardust Golf Course has earned a perfect 5.0 rating from visitors seeking quality golfing near Thompsonville. The course offers well-maintained fairways, challenging holes, and beautiful landscaping for golfers of all skill levels. Visitors appreciate the friendly staff, reasonable rates, and the peaceful rural setting that makes for an enjoyable day on the links.
6. Rend Lake
RECREATIONAL WATER PARADISE
Rend Lake is a massive 18,900-acre reservoir located just 15 miles from Thompsonville that offers extensive outdoor recreation opportunities. Visitors can enjoy fishing, boating, swimming, and wildlife watching in this scenic natural setting. The lake is surrounded by campgrounds, picnic areas, beaches, and hiking trails that make it perfect for day trips or extended stays.
7. Tunnel Hill State Trail
HISTORIC RAIL TRAIL
Tunnel Hill State Trail is a beautiful converted rail trail that passes near Thompsonville and extends for 45 miles through southern Illinois. The trail features stunning scenery, including the namesake 543-foot tunnel, trestles, and bridges while traversing through Shawnee National Forest and wetlands. Hikers, cyclists, and nature enthusiasts appreciate the well-maintained surface and rich history of this former railroad corridor.
8. Rend Lake Bike Trail
SCENIC LAKESIDE CYCLING
The Rend Lake Bike Trail offers cyclists and pedestrians a scenic route around portions of beautiful Rend Lake near Thompsonville. This well-maintained trail provides stunning water views, wildlife spotting opportunities, and connections to various recreational facilities around the lake. Visitors can enjoy the flat, accessible path that makes for an enjoyable outdoor experience for all ages and skill levels.
9. Wayne Fitzgerrell State Park
OUTDOOR RECREATION HAVEN
Wayne Fitzgerrell State Park spans 3,300 acres of land along the eastern shore of Rend Lake, offering diverse recreational activities near Thompsonville. Visitors can enjoy camping, hiking, horseback riding, hunting, fishing, and boating in this expansive natural setting. The park's mix of woodlands, grasslands, and shoreline creates abundant wildlife viewing opportunities and beautiful scenery throughout the seasons.
10. Benton City Park
FAMILY-FRIENDLY URBAN OASIS
Benton City Park provides a well-maintained recreational space for families in the area near Thompsonville. The park features playgrounds, sports fields, walking paths, and picnic facilities perfect for outdoor gatherings. Visitors appreciate the clean facilities, shade trees, and community events that are frequently held in this central gathering place.
11. Franklin County Fairgrounds
ANNUAL COMMUNITY CELEBRATION
The Franklin County Fairgrounds hosts the county's annual fair and numerous other events throughout the year near Thompsonville. Visitors can experience agricultural exhibits, carnival rides, local food, live entertainment, and competitive exhibitions during fair season. The spacious grounds also serve as a venue for concerts, flea markets, and community gatherings when the fair is not in session.
12. Pheasant Hollow Winery
LOCAL WINE TASTING
Pheasant Hollow Winery offers visitors a chance to sample locally-produced wines in a charming setting near Thompsonville. The winery features a tasting room where guests can try a variety of sweet, semi-sweet, and dry wines made from locally-grown fruits. Visitors enjoy the rustic atmosphere, knowledgeable staff, and special events held throughout the year including live music on weekends.
13. Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge
PROTECTED WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge encompasses 44,000 acres of protected land and water habitat within driving distance of Thompsonville. The refuge provides essential habitat for migratory birds and other wildlife while offering visitors opportunities for fishing, hunting, hiking, wildlife photography, and nature observation. Its diverse ecosystems include hardwood forests, grasslands, wetlands, and three lakes that support over 700 species of plants and 245 species of birds.
14. Rent One Park
MINOR LEAGUE BASEBALL STADIUM
Rent One Park is a modern 5,000-seat stadium that serves as the home of the Southern Illinois Miners baseball team, located within easy driving distance from Thompsonville. The stadium offers an intimate baseball experience with excellent sightlines, affordable concessions, and family-friendly entertainment between innings. Visitors enjoy the festive atmosphere, theme nights, and the chance to see professional baseball in a small-town setting.
15. Shawnee National Forest
ANCIENT NATURAL WILDERNESS
Shawnee National Forest spans 280,000 acres across southern Illinois, offering diverse outdoor experiences within driving distance of Thompsonville. This vast wilderness features dramatic rock formations, dense hardwood forests, rolling hills, and numerous lakes and streams perfect for hiking, camping, rock climbing, horseback riding, and wildlife viewing. Visitors particularly enjoy iconic areas like Garden of the Gods, Little Grand Canyon, and Bell Smith Springs with their unique geological features and panoramic vistas.