Jessica's Guidebook
Sightseeing
Great hike for beautiful far reaching views. The most famous place in our area. It is even depicted on the Illinois state quarter. At peak times it can be a rather busy location but the views are breathtaking. The main loop of the observation trail is a fairly short hike, but there are endless places to explore around the main trail. Please be safe while climbing the rocks. Falling is a risk that can be fatal in some places off of the main trail.
60 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Isityalo sabaThixo
Great hike for beautiful far reaching views. The most famous place in our area. It is even depicted on the Illinois state quarter. At peak times it can be a rather busy location but the views are breathtaking. The main loop of the observation trail is a fairly short hike, but there are endless places to explore around the main trail. Please be safe while climbing the rocks. Falling is a risk that can be fatal in some places off of the main trail.
Once the location of hotels for people seeking the healing powers of the natural springs, Dixon Springs is now a State park featuring bunkhouse camping options, RV camping, 2 playground areas, picnic shelters, hiking trails, and a Public pool.
19 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Dixon Springs State Park
982 Illinois 146Once the location of hotels for people seeking the healing powers of the natural springs, Dixon Springs is now a State park featuring bunkhouse camping options, RV camping, 2 playground areas, picnic shelters, hiking trails, and a Public pool.
Endless hiking opportunities. Swimming holes, natural bridges, natural water slides and more.
26 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Bell Smith Springs Scenic Area
Bell Smith Springs RoadEndless hiking opportunities. Swimming holes, natural bridges, natural water slides and more.
Former home to River pirates and outlaws. Rich history and beautiful views. Walk around inside the cave and take a free ferry ride across the river. There is also a restaurant in Cave in Rock state park.
15 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Cave-In-Rock
Former home to River pirates and outlaws. Rich history and beautiful views. Walk around inside the cave and take a free ferry ride across the river. There is also a restaurant in Cave in Rock state park.
This is my favorite park. It’s not usually as crowded as Garden of the Gods. It doesn’t have the far reaching views but the rock formations are AMAZING. Go down the flight of steps and enter a natural stone maze of sorts. Don’t worry you won’t get lost in it. It leads down to the bottom of a beautiful historical bluff overhang.
19 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Rim Rock's National Recreation Trail
RR 1 Box 198BThis is my favorite park. It’s not usually as crowded as Garden of the Gods. It doesn’t have the far reaching views but the rock formations are AMAZING. Go down the flight of steps and enter a natural stone maze of sorts. Don’t worry you won’t get lost in it. It leads down to the bottom of a beautiful historical bluff overhang.
Unique and beautiful destination. More of an advanced and longer hike than some of the other places nearby. Trail is also not as well marked as other popular places.
Indian Kitchen Trailhead
82 Indian Kitchen RdUnique and beautiful destination. More of an advanced and longer hike than some of the other places nearby. Trail is also not as well marked as other popular places.
A beautiful paved bike trail, former railroad trail that connects tunnel hill to Vienna IL. From Tunnel hill the actual tunnel is just a short walk from the parking lot. Very neat experience.
Tunnel Hill
A beautiful paved bike trail, former railroad trail that connects tunnel hill to Vienna IL. From Tunnel hill the actual tunnel is just a short walk from the parking lot. Very neat experience.
Food scene
Amazing selection of novelty chocolates, hand dipped ice cream, gifts, and more.
14 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Chocolate Factory
990 Illinois 146Amazing selection of novelty chocolates, hand dipped ice cream, gifts, and more.
The Diver Down
219 E Main StShotgun Eddys
510 Straight StGreat Menu, occasional live entertainment.
Summer season, eat while floating on the river. Great view, great food.
22 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
E'Town River Restaurant
100 Front StSummer season, eat while floating on the river. Great view, great food.
Grocery/shopping
As of May 1st 2024 this grocery store is under new ownership and supposedly closed for remodeling. Hopefully will reopen in 1-3 months. 🤞
Golconda Food Mart
120 S Monroe StFor those last minute things you forgot to pack or anything else you may need this is located just north of Golconda.
Dollar General
18 IL-146For those last minute things you forgot to pack or anything else you may need this is located just north of Golconda.
Located just a short drive away in Elizabeth town. Another quaint little river town. Great snacks, souvenirs, and shopping including things by local artists/crafters.
Riverside Mercantile
Located just a short drive away in Elizabeth town. Another quaint little river town. Great snacks, souvenirs, and shopping including things by local artists/crafters.
Hardware, appliances, plumbing, electrical, lumber, paint, tools, tool rental, UPS shipping/drop off, you name it, Kunath’s has just about anything you could need to get the job done.
Kunath's Hardware
214 E Main StHardware, appliances, plumbing, electrical, lumber, paint, tools, tool rental, UPS shipping/drop off, you name it, Kunath’s has just about anything you could need to get the job done.