6 Day Trips around Southern Illinois
Six Day Trips around Southern Illinois
Bell Smith Springs
Bell Smith Springs Recreation Area is a National Natural Landmark designated in 1980 and located in Shawnee National Forest within Pope County, on Country Road 350E, near Eddyville.
“Bell Smith Springs is one of the most beautiful recreation areas the Shawnee National Forest has to offer. It contains a series of clear, rocky streams and scenic canyons bordered by high sandstone cliffs and an abundance of vegetation unique to Illinois. The trail system consists of eight miles of interconnected trails featuring strange and wonderful rock formations, such as Devil's Backbone, Boulder Falls and a natural rock bridge. Hiking this system of trails is a favorite activity because of the rock features, scenic overlooks, hidden springs and lush flora and fauna.”
2. St. Louis Aquarium and Zoo
The St. Louis Zoo will always speak for itself. One of the top rate FREE zoos in the country you can’t beat the St. Louis Zoo. It makes the perfect day trip in the heart of the city without breaking the bank! It sits in Forrest Park where there is so much to do.
While in the city take the kiddos to the Aquarium at Union Station. Grab a sweet treat, see the trains and ride the ferris wheel.
3. Winery Trip— In and Around Southern Illinois
This is an easy one! Pick three or four of your favorite wineries and map them out. Search them on a map and plan them out. This is the perfect opportunity for a day out. Feel like getting real wild book a cabin/AirBnB on the wine trail for a fun night out.
4. Rainbow Ranch Nashville, IL
A quick google search showed me that this place is amazing. “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 to 250 people? The Rainbow Ranch is a 170 year old family-owned farm in the peaceful Illinois countryside just 45 minutes east of St. Louis.”
5. Cobden: Iron Whisk, Rolling Oak Alpacas, Peach Barn Winery, Bald Knob Cross, Rendlemans
This list of things to do clearly speaks for itself. MAKE a full day out of visit the Cobden/Alto Pass area. Eat, drink and play your way through some of the most hidden treasures in southern Illinois.
6. Tennessee Safari Park—Drive thru safari park Alamo, TN
This is on my bucket list for my son! The pictures I have seen look amazing. The websites says “Guests can pet & feed over 80 species of animals, from antelope to zebra, in this drive-thru zoo.” This is located about 2.5 hours from Southern Illinois and would be the perfect day trip!
