There are plenty of spots in Downstate Illinois where you don't have to spend a lot of money to have fun. Frankly, sometimes the best things to pass the time are free, or close to it. Here are 20 awesome things to do that won't break the bank while you're in our region.
Carlyle Lake
The largest man-made lake in Illinois (26,000 acres), Carlyle Lake is a premier location for outdoor sports. Well known to sailers, it is one of the b...
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Casey KOA Journey
Looking for a place to take a break from your travel schedule? Casey KOA Journey is the place for you! Make Casey KOA Journey your basecamp while you ...
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Centralia Carillon
The Centralia Carillon ranks among the top 10 largest in the world, standing at 160 feet with 65 bells cast in Annecy, France in 1982 and 1983. The be...
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The DeMoulin Museum
See lodge initiation devices and related paraphernalia from the early 1900s like the low-down buck goat, lung tester and invisible paddle machine. Tod...
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Drive'NTheatre
Pull up to the speakers at one of the few drive-in theaters left in the country. Go and enjoy the nostalgic trip....
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The EDGE
Home of the World's Largest Laser Tag Arena at The EDGE in Belleville, IL! 14,000+ square ft. arena and can play up to 60 people at a time. The ED...
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Excel Bottling & Brewing Co.
Book a tour of Excel Bottling & Brewing Co. on your upcoming Downstate Illinois adventure in Breese, IL! Excel produces Southern Illinois' bel...
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Heath Museum and Confectionary
This museum is located on the West Side of the Square in Robinson. Enjoy ice cream and sodas from an old-fashioned soda fountain while listening to yo...
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Illinois Country Harvest
We are a sustainable, small, diverse farm located in southwestern Illinois. We proudly grow heirloom and native flowers, fruits and vegetables an...
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Illinois Rural Heritage Museum
Visitors enjoy exhibits depicting life in rural areas complete with authentic items from the period. The highlight of the the museum will be the machi...
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Little Toot Railroad
With a puff of steam, the clickety-clack of steel on steel and the lonely whistle, Little Toot rolls through the scenic park and over a 15-foot trestl...
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Rainbow Ranch Petting Zoo
Want to give your kids or group a personal tour of an exotic petting zoo? Looking for a beautiful farm wedding venue or outdoor event that can hold up...
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Wabash Cannonball Bridge
This bridge is a most unusual historic bridge, both because this large, multi-span structure is composed of spans from three different dates and also ...
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