Your kids might enjoy a day at the Science Center of Southern Illinois, a hands-on museum for children under the age of 13. The center encourages children’s natural curiosity through more than 50 exhibits and an ongoing calendar of special events.
Carbondale is part of the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail, and Honker Hill Winery and Vineyard will give you a glimpse (and taste!) of what the area has to offer. Unlike some wineries that import grapes, everything at Honker Hill is made from fruit grown in its vineyard. Be sure to try the sangria: it’s a special treat here most wineries don’t offer. If you keep following the wine trail, you will come across the Little Grand Canyon, one of Carbondale’s best-kept secrets and an answer to those who think of Illinois as flat: there is a 365-foot climb from the canyon floor! From the top you will get a panoramic view of the Big Muddy River and the Mississippi floodplain. There are options for both casual and experienced hikers along the trail, and everyone can enjoy the sandstone walls, see the deer and falcons that call the canyon home and climb a natural stone staircase.
If you would like your outdoor activities a little less wild, then the Cedar Lake Recreational Facility is for you. The city owns and operates a public beach and boat dock, and offers fishing, swimming and all sorts of active recreation. In addition to these area attractions, Carbondale offers everything you might expect from a college town: ongoing lectures, student and off-campus theater productions, a thriving multifaceted and multicultural religious community and it is even sometimes referred to as the “town of poets” for its flourishing literary community. All of which adds up to a great place to visit.
If you’re looking for a great place to stay, check out our Carbondale, IL hotels listed above and book today!