Carbondale is located in southern Illinois, near St. Louis, Memphis, and Nashville. Because of its close proximity to these big cities and its small population of around 25,000 residents, Carbondale has a distinct charm that will make you feel at home. Established in 1853, the town's economy was initially rooted in coal mining and activities at two nearby rail stations. In 1874, Southern Illinois University opened and added more economic support to the area.
During your visit to Carbondale, stroll through the quaint downtown area, which features beautiful shops and restaurants. In addition, 25 stunning historic buildings retain their classic design elements. Other points of interest in Carbondale are the Carbondale Farmers' market, the University Museum, and McLeod Theater.
A short drive from Carbondale will bring you closer to big city attractions like the World Chess Hall of Fame, the St. Louis Art Museum, and the Cardinals Hall of Fame. While in Carbondale, take a tour around campus at Southern Illinois University or take the scenic route and get incredible pictures at the Crab Orchard Spillway.
Campgrounds Near Carbondale, Illinois
St. Louis RV Park is close to downtown St. Louis, which puts you close to top-rated attractions and fun activities in the metro area. The 54 RV sites are offered for $48 per day with full hookups. The RV park's amenities include a paved parking lot, a convenience store, a dump station, and a swimming pool.
Bab's RV Park is in Fenton, Missouri and offers 23 RV sites with full hookups. Both pull-through and back-in options are available, and they are set on grassy grounds surrounded by tall trees. The sites are offered for $40 per day or $190 per week. The park's features include paved pads, a laundromat, a restroom with a shower, and free Wi-Fi.
Lakeside RV Park sits northeast of Carbondale on an 8-acre lake. Between April and October, 75 RV sites are open seasonally for nightly, weekly, or monthly rentals and have full hookups. The daily rate ranges between $37 and $42. On-site, you can take advantage of paved pads, propane, a live bait shop, an indoor pool, a fitness center, and a convenience store. Fishing and boating are available on the lake.
State Parks Near Carbondale, Illinois
Giant City State Park is named after towering sandstone bluffs formed in the landscape more than 12,000 years ago. The Giant City Natural Trail takes you through the bluffs for an unforgettable hiking experience. This large park also features forests with tall trees, ferns, and flowering plants. Some trails that lead you through the forests follow waterways and are well-suited for fishing. The visitor center offers interpretive displays that help you learn more about the area's history, foliage, and landmarks. Rock climbing, rappelling, and horseback riding are all available at Giant City State Park.
Lake Murphysboro State Park is a 1,022-acre recreational area that surrounds a large lake. Many visitors enjoy fishing for largemouth bass, sunfish, bluegill, and other species on the water. Hikers can explore the wildlife while hiking and get amazing landscape views on a 3-mile trail. Visitors to Lake Murphysboro State Park also can take advantage of the archery range and enjoy boating and picnicking.
Fern Flyffe State Park is a magnificent natural area recognized for its captivating waterfalls and scenic views. It also has lovely rock formations, such as Hawk's Cave. Fishing at the lake, hiking along forested trails, and hunting are also popular here. Other notable activities include rock climbing, horseback riding, and metal detecting.
National Sites Near Carbondale, Illinois
The Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site covers almost 10 acres near Carbondale in Grantwood Village, Missouri. During your visit, you can tour five well-preserved structures that are historically significant to this Union general and U.S. president. One of these structures is the childhood home of Julia Grant, Ulysses Grant's wife. Notably, the total area of this plantation was 850 acres, and Grant supervised it for five years in the 1850s. In addition, the site offers guided tours, multimedia presentations, and exhibits for visitors to explore.
The George Rogers Clark National Historic Site is located on the banks of the Wabash River at the Illinois state border with Indiana. This is the legendary location of an epic battle between American and British forces in 1779. After the British surrendered, the United States could stake claims on the vast frontier to the west. The Clark Memorial features seven murals and a bronze statue that honor George Rogers Clark. You can also enjoy an educational film, a bookstore, and various informative exhibits at the visitor's center.
Ozark National Scenic Riverways is an 80,000-acre protected area that covers four counties in nearby Missouri. It was established in 1964 and became the first park to protect America's waterways. Expressly, it preserves the Current River and the Jacks Fork River. This park is also home to the largest cluster of high-flow natural springs. The rivers are popular recreational sites for boating, river floating, kayaking, and other water activities. The pristine grounds also offer recreational activities like sightseeing, wildlife viewing, horseback riding, camping, hiking, and various other activities.
National Forests Near Carbondale, Illinois
While Illinois is widely known for its vast expanses of farmlands, several extensive forests in the area are well worth exploring during your visit. Far from Carbondale, the Shawnee National Forest is a 289,000-acre area that spans from the Mississippi River to the Ohio River. In addition to featuring numerous tree species, the grounds include ridges, wetlands, and canyons. Numerous significant geographic features are in the area, such as Garden of the Gods, Jackson Falls, Bay Creek Lake, High Knob Lookout, and Cedar Lake. During your time in the area, consider activities like hiking, horseback riding, and fishing.
Northwest of Carbondale, the Big River State Forest sits on 2,900 acres along the Iowa border and the Mississippi River. A variety of pine tree species that tower 50 feet above ground are in the forests, and you can also find protected grass species growing in the prairies. Fishing and boating on the Mississippi River are popular activities. Winter recreational activities, picnicking, backpacking, and scenic drives are also great options.
If you travel north, you will reach the 540,187-acre Huron-Manistee National Forest on Michigan's Lower Peninsula. This natural area can be explored by traveling along the Manistee River Trail, which makes a 23-mile loop. Great views can be enjoyed at the top of Briar Hill, which is the peninsula's highest point. Many visitors enjoy hunting, hiking, fishing, boating, and various winter activities in Huron-Manistee National Forest.
