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A Trip for the Whole Family

A Trip for the Whole Family

Visit Downstate Illinois

Downstate Illinois is home to family-friendly attractions that are sure to be fun for everyone. Whether you have a few hours or a few days, everybody will find something fun and exciting to do in our 22 counties.

Find Popeye and his friends on the Popeye Character Trail in Chester, Illinois, or ride the Little Toot Railroad at the Charlie Brown Park in Flora. Stop by Rainbow Ranch to spend some quality time in the petting zoo, or compete in a laser tag tournament at The Edge in Belleville. All of that and more is right here in Downstate Illinois!

Discover even more things to do with the help of our Downstate Illinois kids.

Charleston Community Theatre

 Charleston, IL
CCT is a not-for-profit community theatre organization in Charleston that lays host to a multitude of producations ...more!

Charleston Tourism

 Charleston, Illinois
Welcome to Charleston, IL ~ Enjoy beautiful natural resources, Lincoln history, and unique shopping!...more!

Eastern Illinois University

 Charleston, IL
Eastern Illinois University in Charleston is a welcoming regional university known for its close-knit campus feel, ...more!

Linder Sports Complex

 Charleston, IL
Charleston's newest sports complex, located on the southeast side of the city, features 13 multipurpose fields,...more!

Mattoon Public Library

 Mattoon, IL
Step inside a historic Carnegie library, home to four floors of discovery, creativity, and...more!

Planet Entertainment

 Mattoon, Illinois
Planet Entertainment Planet Entertainment is your go-to destination for endless fun, great food, and entertainment ...more!

The Whiteside Garden

 Charleston, IL
The Whiteside Garden and is a five-acre botanical garden and arboretum in Charleston, IL....more!

Downstate Illinois Events

Downstate Illinois Events

Explore Our Event Calendar
Whether you’re looking for a festival, marathon or something family-friendly to bring the kids to, Downstate Illinois has something for everyone. The region hosts over 900 events each year, and we pride ourselves on providing the most accurate event information so that you don’t miss a thing.
Travel Ideas

Travel Ideas

Check Out Our Blog
From outdoor recreation and adventure to foodies and family fun, we have the trip ideas to plan the perfect vacation.
Road Trip Itineraries

Road Trip Itineraries

22 Counties made for Road Trips
Downstate Illinois was made for road trips! With the help of our road trip itineraries, you can discover all that our 22 counties have to offer — from family fun to outdoor adventures and shopping sprees. 
Check out our calendar of events!
Mount Carmel Indoor Farmers Market

Mount Carmel Indoor Farmers Market

 March 21, 2026 @ 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Market Street Mercantile | Mount Carmel, IL
That Arena Rock Show

That Arena Rock Show

 March 21, 2026 @ 6:30 PM - 10:00 PM
Castle Ridge Event Venue | Centralia, IL
Belleville Flea Market

Belleville Flea Market

 March 21, 2026 - March 22, 2026 @ 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Belle-Clair Fairgrounds & Expo Center | Belleville, IL

View Entire Events Calendar

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