visitSI - Illinois Destinations Association

Memories are Made in Williamson County

From planes, trains, and automobiles, Southern Illinois is a hub for visitors traveling via Amtrak, Greyhound, or Contour Airlines. Daily flights from Chicago allow travelers to explore the surrounding area with convenient access to multiple restaurants, nightlife, and loads of adventure. Jump off the I-57 and I-24 junction and discover lodging options that cater to various preferences and budgets from authentic log cabins, luxury micro cabins, and private rentals, to modern hotel amenities.

Williamson County offers indoor and outdoor venues to host your next meeting, conference, or sports tournament. Watch the Thrillbillies knock one out of the stadium at The Ballpark at Thrillville (Southern Illinois’s newest Prospect League baseball team) or play out a bracket at one of the multi-use recreation fields, pickleball courts, disc golf, and traditional golf courses in the surrounding area. The popular Southern Illinois Raceway attracts visitors nationwide to the dirt track for weekly races and major competitive events.

Flip the script and head to the downtown districts, local distilleries, and popular wineries along the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail for live music and performances. Marion Cultural & Civic Center and Little Nashville bring international talents to the stage for can’t-miss events year-round. Nestled on the edge of Walker’s Bluff Tasting Room is the Casino Resort where guests can pamper themselves at the spa, enjoy fine dining at exquisite restaurants, or hit the gaming floor to test their luck!

This prime destination is also a great place to vacation. Pack your gear and fully embrace the angler life and hunter culture in Williamson County with its picturesque lakes, dense forests, abundant fish, and game species. Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge, a 44,000-acre outdoor haven, offers educational programs, interactive exhibits, multiple hiking trails, and the new development of the Crab Orchard Greenway- a multi-use bike path designed to connect cyclists to the River-to-River Trail and beyond. Whether you’re an avid photographer yearning for that perfect shot, a family searching for the ideal annual trip, or someone simply seeking respite in the embrace of nature’s tranquility, your adventure begins here.

Williamson County sets the stage for southern hospitality by ensuring a memorable travel experience for visitors exploring the region’s natural beauty, local attractions, or high-adrenaline events. Download or request a travel publication today for your passport to discovery!