Hot Summers, Cold Winters
You'll never confuse Marion's summers with its winters. June, July and August in Southern Illinois see temperatures soar into the mid-80s, while January brings 38-degree highs and lows below 20. Some 47 inches of precipitation falls annually. Every month gets some rain, but May is the wettest.
Marion Attractions
Marion offers a great combination of indoor shopping and outdoor beauty for families to explore. Nine parks and a public swimming pool are within the city limits making it easy to get outdoors or cool off by the pool. It's only a short drive to even more regional and state parks, including the beautiful Shawnee National Forest, where you can hike, boat, watch wildlife and swim. Sports fans flock to Southern Illinois baseball games at Rent One Park and other sporting events at nearby Southern Illinois University in Carbondale. Marion is also the gateway to the wine country of southern Illinois—making it the perfect destination for families and adults alike.
Marion as a Retail Hub
Located on Illinois 13—known as the region's "Main Street"—Marion is the largest retail trade center in the southern half of the state. It boasts several large malls and large business centers, including a 175-acre commercial complex known as the Hill, the REDCO Industrial Park adjacent to the airport and three Aisin plants, which supply auto parts. Marion is also home to one of the largest Wal-Mart Supercenter stores in the nation.
Getting Around Marion
Since Marion is at the crossing of Interstate 57 and Illinois Route 13, driving is an easy way to get to town. In fact, Marion and its region are best explored by car. If you fly into Williamson County Regional Airport, you can rent a vehicle at the Hertz office there. Taxis and limos are also available at the airport. Although the city has a small public transport system, a rental car will be the most convenient way to zip your family from one attraction to the next.
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