Engage In Our Thriving Community
Welcome to Southern Illinois, a region rich in cultural heritage, natural beauty and vibrant communities. This hidden treasure in America’s heartland has a lot of personality and a hometown feel. It is growing and expanding with additional attractions coming to the region; however, it will never lose the personal touch that affects everyone living in this wonderful area.
Arts & Culture
Southern Illinois is a hub for arts and culture, offering diverse experiences that reflect our region's unique character.
Shryock Auditorium, the 1,200-seat theater at Southern Illinois University, hosts musicals, plays, dance performances and orchestral concerts. The Marion Cultural and Civic Center holds over 200 performance events each year, including concerts, theater productions, pageants and more.
Explore rich history and culture in various museums throughout the region. Ranging from the Super Museum in Metropolis to the General John A. Logan Museum in Murphysboro, residents can discover local exhibits that celebrate Southern Illinois communities.
Each year, culture comes alive in various festivals held throughout the region. HerrinFesta Italiana celebrates the rich Italian heritage in found in Herrin. The Murphysboro Apple Festival began in 1952 to highlight the contributions of local orchards to Southern Illinois and continues to be held each year. For over 100 years, the Du Quoin State Fair has been a Southern Illinois staple and hosts an estimated 300,000 people enjoying rides, games, grandstand concerts, races and more.
Sporting Events
Southern Illinois is home to the Prospect League baseball team the Thrillville Thrillbillies. Offering collegiate players a professional environment to compete since 2023, the Thrillbillies play from May through August. When the Thrillbillies aren’t competing, the stadium hosts concerts and other events throughout the year.
Southern Illinois University is a NCAA Division I school, competing in baseball, basketball, cross country, football, golf, softball, swimming, diving, track and field. SIU’s student section, known as the Dawg Pound, ensures the atmosphere is electric. Many Saluki athletes have continued their careers in professional leagues, such as Walt Frazier, Derek Lee Shelton and Jeremy Chinn. SIU has also been represented at the Olympics, most recently by DeAnna Price competing in hammer throw, Raven Saunders competing in shot put and Celia Pulido competing in the 100-meter backstroke.
Just two hours away, St. Louis is home to professional sporting teams with incredibly passionate fans. Whether you're cheering for the 11-time World Series champion St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium, witnessing the action of St. Louis Blues hockey or embracing the newest Major League Soccer excitement from St. Louis CITY SC, the city offers thrilling sports year-round.
The Great Outdoors
Southern Illinois is an outdoor enthusiast's paradise, offering a vast network of trails perfect for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. The region's multiuse trails, such as the River to River Trail, stretch through the heart of Southern Illinois, providing scenic paths through lush forests and rolling hills. Trails are available for every skill level, ranging from casual day hikes to a multi-day camping adventure. In addition to hiking, many of these trails are open for biking and equestrian use. SIU Touch of Nature hosts biking, 5K and 10K races on their multi-use trail system.
At the heart of the region lies the Shawnee National Forest, a sprawling natural wonder that offers unparalleled opportunities for exploration and adventure. This forest is famous for its dramatic rock formations, including the iconic Garden of the Gods in Harrisburg. Within Shawnee, visitors can also enjoy camping, bird watching, and exploring quiet backcountry areas teeming with wildlife. Lakes and rivers crisscrossing the forest provide ideal spots for fishing, kayaking and canoeing to immerse outdoor lovers in the beauty of Southern Illinois.
The region's many state parks and federal recreation areas, including Giant City State Park and Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge, offer even more ways to connect with nature. These parks boast pristine lakes for boating and fishing, as well as countless picnic areas and campgrounds for a weekend getaway. Whether it's hiking rugged bluffs, paddling through serene waters, or taking in the rich diversity of wildlife, Southern Illinois' state and federal parks make it easy to find peace and adventure in nature year-round.