Zeigler IllinoisATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Zeigler, Illinois.
1. Veterans Military Museum
HONORING MILITARY SERVICE HISTORY
The Veterans Military Museum in Zeigler offers visitors a chance to explore military artifacts and memorabilia honoring those who served. This highly-rated museum preserves the rich military heritage of the region with engaging exhibits and historical displays. Visitors can gain insight into the sacrifices made by local veterans while experiencing an educational journey through America's military history.
2. Stardust Golf Course
SCENIC GOLFING EXPERIENCE
Stardust Golf Course provides golfers with a well-maintained and picturesque golfing destination in Zeigler. The course features rolling fairways and challenging holes suitable for players of various skill levels. Visitors consistently rate this golf course highly for its friendly atmosphere and beautiful southern Illinois landscapes.
3. Walker Bluff Winery
PREMIUM WINE TASTING EXPERIENCE
Walker Bluff Winery offers an upscale wine tasting experience near Zeigler with stunning views of the surrounding countryside. Visitors can sample locally produced wines while enjoying fine dining options in an elegant setting. The winery also hosts various events throughout the year, making it a popular destination for both locals and tourists exploring southern Illinois.
4. Cannon Park
FAMILY-FRIENDLY OUTDOOR RECREATION
Cannon Park serves as a community gathering space with facilities for various outdoor activities and recreation. The park features playgrounds, sports fields, and picnic areas perfect for family outings near Zeigler. Visitors can enjoy the well-maintained grounds and seasonal community events in this popular local green space.
5. Franklin County Historic Jail
PRESERVED LAW ENFORCEMENT HISTORY
The Franklin County Historic Jail stands as a preserved piece of regional law enforcement history near Zeigler. This historic structure offers visitors a glimpse into the past with its original architecture and exhibits detailing local criminal justice. Tours of the facility provide fascinating insights into how the penal system operated in earlier eras of southern Illinois history.
6. Zeigler Memorial
COAL MINING HERITAGE MONUMENT
The Zeigler Memorial stands at the center of town as a tribute to the area's significant coal mining history. This statue, erected in 1974, commemorates the miners who worked in the region and recognizes Zeigler's past as a major coal center. Visitors can learn about the town's unique history, including its design inspired by Washington D.C.'s circle with radiating avenues, and reflect on the community's mining heritage.
7. Fort Massac State Park
HISTORIC RIVERSIDE RECREATION
Fort Massac State Park offers nearly 1,500 acres of natural beauty overlooking the Ohio River in southern Illinois. This historic site became Illinois' first state park in 1908 and features picnicking, camping, hiking, fishing, boating, and an 18-hole disc golf course. Visitors can explore the rich history of this former French colonial and early National-era fort while enjoying the scenic outdoor surroundings.
8. Rend Lake
EXPANSIVE OUTDOOR RECREATION DESTINATION
Rend Lake is one of southern Illinois' premier outdoor recreation destinations offering 18,900 acres of water activities near Zeigler. Visitors can enjoy fishing, boating, swimming, and wildlife observation in this expansive reservoir surrounded by beautiful scenery. The lake also features multiple campgrounds, hiking trails, and golf courses, making it perfect for extended outdoor adventures.
9. Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge
PROTECTED WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge encompasses over 44,000 acres of diverse habitats protecting numerous wildlife species near Zeigler. This vast sanctuary offers visitors opportunities for wildlife viewing, photography, hiking, and seasonal hunting in carefully managed areas. The refuge's three lakes provide additional recreation options including fishing and boating in a serene natural setting.
10. Shawnee National Forest
STUNNING NATURAL WILDERNESS
Shawnee National Forest spans 280,000 acres across southern Illinois, offering spectacular natural landscapes not far from Zeigler. Visitors can explore unique geological formations including the famous Garden of the Gods, with its distinctive sandstone rock structures and panoramic views. The forest features extensive hiking trails, camping areas, and opportunities for rock climbing, horseback riding, and wildlife watching throughout all seasons.
11. Du Quoin State Fairgrounds
HISTORIC EVENT VENUE
The Du Quoin State Fairgrounds hosts the annual Du Quoin State Fair and numerous other events throughout the year near Zeigler. This historic venue features a one-mile dirt track that has held harness racing since 1923 and continues to draw visitors with its grandstand entertainment. The fairgrounds' beautiful setting and facilities make it a cultural centerpiece for southern Illinois entertainment and agricultural exhibitions.
12. Pyramid State Recreation Area
VAST OUTDOOR SPORTING PARADISE
Pyramid State Recreation Area is Illinois' largest state recreation area with over 19,000 acres of land and water dedicated to outdoor activities near Zeigler. The area features numerous lakes and ponds created by former strip mining operations, now providing excellent fishing opportunities for various species. Visitors can also enjoy hunting, hiking, and wildlife observation across the diverse terrain of reclaimed mining land.
13. Southern Illinois Wine Trail
REGIONAL VINEYARD EXPERIENCE
The Southern Illinois Wine Trail connects more than a dozen wineries throughout the region, offering a delightful tasting experience within driving distance of Zeigler. Visitors can sample unique locally-produced wines while enjoying the scenic beauty of the Shawnee Hills. Each winery along the trail features its own distinct character, often complemented by food pairings, live entertainment, and beautiful vineyard views.
14. Cache River State Natural Area
ANCIENT CYPRESS SWAMP EXPERIENCE
Cache River State Natural Area preserves an ancient cypress-tupelo swamp ecosystem with trees over 1,000 years old in southern Illinois. Visitors can explore this unique wetland environment through canoe trails and boardwalks that wind through the swamp. The area's distinctive landscape provides habitat for numerous bird species and other wildlife, offering excellent nature photography and bird watching opportunities.
15. Giant City State Park
MAGNIFICENT SANDSTONE FORMATIONS
Giant City State Park features impressive sandstone bluffs and unique rock formations resembling streets between tall buildings, hence its name. Visitors can explore over 12 miles of hiking trails winding through lush forests and dramatic geological features formed millions of years ago. The park's historic lodge, built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, offers rustic dining and accommodations in a picturesque natural setting.