Viola IllinoisATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Viola, Illinois.
1. New Windsor Depot Bar & Grill
LOCAL DINING HOTSPOT
New Windsor Depot Bar & Grill offers visitors a charming dining experience with a perfect 5.0 rating from travelers. Visitors can enjoy hearty American fare in a casual, historic setting that reflects the local culture. The restaurant serves as both a gathering place for locals and a welcome stop for travelers exploring the Viola area.
2. Fyre Lake Golf Club
SCENIC GOLFING EXPERIENCE
Fyre Lake Golf Club provides golfers with a picturesque course rated 3.7 by visitors to the region. The well-maintained fairways and challenging holes make for an enjoyable day on the green for players of all skill levels. Surrounded by natural beauty, the club offers a peaceful retreat for both serious golfers and casual players near the Viola area.
3. Creekside Vineyards Winery
LOCAL WINE TASTING
Creekside Vineyards Winery invites wine enthusiasts to sample locally produced vintages in a charming countryside setting. Visitors can tour the vineyard, learn about the winemaking process, and enjoy tastings of their award-winning selections. The 4.0-rated winery offers a delightful afternoon excursion for those exploring the region around Viola.
4. Heartland Criations Alpacas
CHARMING ANIMAL EXPERIENCE
Heartland Criations Alpacas offers visitors a unique opportunity to meet and learn about these gentle, fluffy creatures with a perfect 5.0 visitor rating. Guests can tour the farm, interact with the alpacas, and browse handcrafted products made from luxurious alpaca fiber. This family-friendly attraction provides an educational and entertaining experience for animal lovers of all ages near the Viola area.
5. Jumer's Casino
GAMING AND ENTERTAINMENT
Jumer's Casino presents visitors with an exciting gaming experience featuring slots, table games, and poker in a lively atmosphere. Beyond gambling, guests can enjoy multiple dining options, from casual fare to upscale cuisine, all under one roof. The entertainment venue provides a vibrant nightlife option for adults looking for excitement in the region surrounding Viola.
6. Cahokia Mounds
UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE
Cahokia Mounds stands as Illinois' only UNESCO World Heritage Site, preserving the remains of the most sophisticated prehistoric native civilization north of Mexico. This 2,200-acre historic site was once home to a city larger than London in A.D. 1250, featuring massive earthen structures built by ancient peoples. Visitors can explore the interpretive center, climb Monks Mound, and attend special events celebrating Native American culture throughout the year.
7. Lewis & Clark State Historic Site
HISTORIC EXPEDITION LANDMARK
The Lewis & Clark State Historic Site marks the first landmark along the National Lewis and Clark Heritage Trail, commemorating the famous explorers' journey westward. The site features a 55-foot full-scale replica of the keel boat used by the expedition, allowing visitors to visualize this crucial piece of American history. Through interactive exhibitions and artifacts, travelers can immerse themselves in the story of one of America's most significant exploration ventures.
8. Great River Road
SCENIC MISSISSIPPI DRIVE
The Great River Road offers one of Illinois' most spectacular drives, paralleling the mighty Mississippi River from Galena southward. This scenic byway connects charming river towns, historic sites, and natural wonders along the western border of the state. Travelers can enjoy everything from shopping in preserved 19th-century buildings to exploring the rich cultural heritage of the Mississippi River Valley.
9. Galena Main Street
HISTORIC SHOPPING DISTRICT
Galena's Main Street enchants visitors with its wonderfully preserved 19th-century buildings and charming atmosphere. Shoppers can browse unique boutiques, antique stores, and specialty shops while admiring the historic architecture that has remained largely unchanged for over a century. This picturesque shopping district serves as the perfect starting point for exploring one of Illinois' most beloved historic towns.
10. Superhero Statue
QUIRKY ROADSIDE ATTRACTION
The 15-foot Superhero Statue stands as one of Illinois' most photographed roadside attractions, drawing comic book fans from across the country. This impressive monument celebrates Metropolis' namesake connection to the fictional city in Superman comics. Visitors can snap memorable photos with the larger-than-life figure and explore the surrounding area dedicated to the Man of Steel.
11. Catsup Bottle
UNIQUE WATER TOWER
The giant Catsup Bottle water tower rises above Collinsville as one of Illinois' most distinctive roadside attractions. This 170-foot tall structure, shaped like a Brooks ketchup bottle, has been delighting travelers since its construction in 1949. Recognized on the National Register of Historic Places, this whimsical landmark represents a perfect photo opportunity for road-trippers exploring the state.
12. Gemini Giant
ROUTE 66 ICON
The Gemini Giant stands as a beloved fixture along historic Route 66, representing one of Illinois' most recognizable roadside attractions. This 30-foot tall fiberglass statue, named after the Gemini space program, holds a rocket and wears a space helmet, capturing the optimistic futurism of America's space age. Travelers journeying along the Mother Road can't miss this iconic photo opportunity that has welcomed visitors for generations.
13. Blue Star Museums
MILITARY APPRECIATION PROGRAM
Blue Star Museums across Illinois offer free admission to active-duty military personnel and their families during the summer months. This nationwide program includes art museums, science centers, history museums, and nature centers throughout the state. Military families can explore Illinois' cultural heritage while enjoying this special thank-you for their service and sacrifice.
14. Illinois State Parks
NATURAL OUTDOOR ESCAPES
Illinois State Parks offer visitors a diverse array of natural landscapes, from wooded hills to expansive prairies across the state. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy hiking, fishing, boating, camping, and wildlife viewing in these carefully preserved natural areas. These accessible recreation destinations provide perfect day trips or extended stays for travelers exploring the regions surrounding Viola.
15. Presidential Sites
HISTORICAL LEADERSHIP LANDMARKS
Illinois' Presidential Sites honor the legacy of Abraham Lincoln and other leaders with connections to the Prairie State. Visitors can explore Lincoln's home in Springfield, his tomb, and numerous other locations that shaped his journey from frontier lawyer to the nation's 16th President. These historical landmarks provide fascinating insights into the people and events that helped shape American history.