There is also an ‘endless river’, which allows visitors to simply float along on a 700-foot long loop. There is also Raging Rivers Water Park, which has a variety of waterslides ranging from flumes through to a vortex water ride. There is also a beach-style leisure pool, making it great for lazing around in the water or playing with the kids. Super Splash Park is a great choice for something relaxed as they have a standard 8-lane pool along with waterslides and a lazy river. One of the best places to do so, especially with kids, is a water park. If you’re visiting southern Illinois during the summer you may be tempted to find somewhere to cool off and relax. Highlights: Water parks can be a great way to relax during the hot summer days while keeping the kids entertained. The raging rivers waterpark in Grafton back in 1980 (photo credits: kdwoutdoors) Visit a waterpark The park is currently still less known, meaning it isn’t as busy as some of the more famous parks and the unique theme makes it fun for children and an interesting experience for adults.īoo Castle Park is a great way to spend an afternoon or a few hours between other activities.Īddress: 31 Homewood Dr, Carbondale, IL 62902-6151 The park has climbable sleeping dragon sculptures, castles, mazes, and more fantasy elements that are perfect for sparking the imagination in children. The park is designed as an ode to his childhood love of toy figures and painting wizard figures and his teenage interest in Dungeons and Dragons, a fantasy role-playing game. Jeremy Rochman Memorial Park, more commonly known as Boo Castle Park, is an exciting theme park with a touching back story.Īs the name would suggest, the park was created in memorial of Jeremy “Boo” Rochman, a 19-year-old teenager who died in a car accident in the area. Highlights: Some highlights include wizard statues based on actual wizard figures painted by Jeremy “Boo” Rochman and climbable sleeping dragons. Here we share some ideas for a wonderful family getaway in southern Illinois. Kid-friendly weekend getaways in southern Illinois It is also the endpoint of the Meeting of the Great Rivers scenic route.įor more ideas of things to do in Grafton, check out our previous post here.Īddress: Pere Marquette State Park, 13112 Visitor Center Lane, Grafton, Illinois 62037 Grafton is a great place for shopping for antiques and unique local goods. However, if you’re tired of hiking, you could try the SkyTour, an aerial skylift providing amazing views over the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers from great heights.įor something more casual you might want to explore the local shops. If you are looking for a great trail for wildlife spotting, you should hike the 5,9 miles Pere Marquette Outer Loop. There are many hiking trails as well as an active bird-watching community. While it might not immediately seem like an exciting place to be, Grafton is actually full of interesting and fun activities and things to see.įor example, Grafton is home to the Pere Marquette State Park, a beautiful state park with unique natural stone formations. Grafton is a lovely unassuming small town in southern Illinois. Highlights: Visiting Grafton can be great for exploring state parks, observing beautiful scenery, and absorbing the local culture. Pere Marquette State Park Explore Grafton This is a great way to support local businesses while enjoying the best the area has to offer. If you prefer staying in a cute cabin on the southern Illinois wine trail, click here.Īlong the trail, there are also many local businesses, restaurants, and cafes which make great extra stopping points. Some of the experiences available include the wildlife room of Honker Hill Winery, the vineyard picnics of Hickory Ridge Vineyard and Winery, and the unique boutique wines of StarView Vineyards.Ī number of the wineries also offer lodging for overnight trips. Several of the wineries offer unique experiences when visiting and so following the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail is a great way to try a little bit of everything. Many of the wineries along the trail are nationally and internationally awarded and many have carved a niche by specializing in a specific type of wine. Highlights: Highlights of the Shawnee Hills Wine Tour include sampling unique wines, enjoying the natural surroundings, and supporting local businessĪmong the beautiful nature of Shawnee National Forest is the well-acclaimed Shawnee Hills Wine Trail, a 40-mile trail of 11 wineries each with their own unique style. Welcome to StarView winery (photo credits: StarView winery) Weekend getaways in Southern Illinois for couples Drive the Shawnee hills wine trail
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