Start off the trip with a HUGE experience! Located right off of Interstate 70 lies Casey, also known as 'Big Things in a Small Town.' Here you can park the car and go on a scavenger hunt for over two-dozen BIG things scattered throughout town. Eleven of these items are Guinness World Record holders, including the World's Largest Teeter-Totter and the World's Largest Mailbox.
From Casey, head south to Robinson and make sure to bring a swimsuit! Robinson's City Park has an AWESOME pool and splash pad area, complete with a pirate ship for the kiddos to play on. Once you are dried off, head to the square in Robinson for a sweet treat and some history. Robinson is the birthplace of the Heath Bar, and the Heath Museum and Confectionery is the best place to learn about this chocolate covered toffee bar - while munching on a fresh piece!
Once nightfall is near, head west to Jasper County - home to one of the few remaining drive-in movie theaters left in the southern portion of Illinois. Folks drive from counties around to watch a flick at the iconic Drive N' Theatre, located not far outside of Newton. Once the movie has finished, head south to Olney for a great night's sleep.
Begin the day with a great cup of coffee and some breakfast from an Olney staple, Ophelia's Cup. Take your food out to Miller Grove Park to dine al fresco, while watching the beloved White Squirrels of Olney scamper around!
Hit the road for a short drive west to Flora, where you will find the Little Toot Railroad located at Charley Brown Park. If there are any train lovers in your family, they are definitely going to have fun riding this 1/4 scale railroad around the park!
After the locomotive has come to a stop, head southeast to Wabash County. Just south of Mt. Carmel you will find Beall Woods State Park, a great place for families to take a hike. Beall Woods features a handful of easy and moderate trails, and this park has one of the last remaining tracts of virgin timber east of Mississippi River. Trees at Beall Woods State Park can be as tall as 12 stories, and 3 feet in diameter!
Wrap up the day with a quick drive south to Westwood Recreation in Grayville. They have plenty of camping opportunities, including cabins to rent. This western-themed venue features SO many things the family will love. Westwood has plenty of playground equipment, 27 holes of mini-golf, and an electronic shooting range. Not to mention, they have great food at the Saloon on-site.
Photos:
Beall Woods State Park - @phillipsfamilyadventureteam
Drive N' Theatre - Allison Stephens @allie_renee18
Casey Windchime - Riley Madison @adventuresofrileymadison
Westwood Recreation - Leah DiMaggio @ljdimaggio