Location: Carbondale
Top Things to do in Carbondale
10 Things to Do in Carbondale That You Shouldn't Miss
Carbondale is a city in Jackson County, Illinois, United States, within the Southern Illinois region informally known as "Little Egypt." The city developed from 1853 because of the stimulation of railroad construction into the area. Today the major roadways of Illinois Route 13 and U.S. Route 51 intersect in the city. The city is 96 miles (154 km) southeast of St. Louis, Missouri, on the northern edge of the Shawnee National Forest. Carbondale is the home of the main campus of Southern Illinois University.
Restaurants in Carbondale
1. Boo Rochman Memorial Park
Overall Ratings
5 based on 105 reviews
Reviewed By Mike W - Illinois
This place is awesome for kids and kids at heart. It is a medieval setting with a "castle" labyrinth play area. The grounds are always clean and well maintained.
There are no admission and the park is open during daylight hours.
I highly recommend visiting with or without kids!
2. SIU Arena
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 25 reviews
Reviewed By Taylor B - Chicago, Illinois
It was the first time I had visited SIU Arena since 1967. That's right, 50 years ago. As a young sportswriter for the St. Louis Globe-Democrat, I had covered a high school basketball game in the Carbondale Holiday Tournament on Southern Illinois University's home court. On this occasion, I was back on campus to receive a journalism award and I decided to return to SIU Arena. I had heard that the facility, which was opened in 1964, had undergone a $29.9 million renovation in 2010 and I was curious to see what changes had been made. SIU Arena is an 8,339-seat multi-purpose arena on the SIU campus in Carbondale. From the first time I saw it, at a high school supersectional basketball game in 1965, I was impressed with how close the fans were to the action, how they were seated in a circular rather than a rectangular configuration that provides clear sight lines. The renovation included new seating throughout the lower and upper levels, improved accessibility and entrances to meet Americans with Disabilities Act requirements, middle handrails in all aisles, improved concessions, additional restrooms and a new scoreboard. But the biggest improvement of all is the newly constructed atrium on the east side of the arena. Inside the atrium, which is now the main entrance to SIU Arena, fans can visit the SIU team store and take a stroll down memory lane with the SIU Hall of Fame. Inside the main walkway, fans are treated to painted murals of famous moments in SIU basketball history. Inside the bowl area, you can recline in a newly furnished chair back seat and look skyward to the domed rooftop where banners are hung to honor Walt Frazier and other SIU basketball stars who went on to play in the NBA and SIU teams that qualified for the NCAA's Sweet Sixteen. When you walk around SIU Arena, you quickly realize that SIU basketball isn't just a game, it's a way of life in Carbondale.
3. Kite Hill Vineyards
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6 reviews
Reviewed By Dawn B - Hoffman Estates, Illinois
We were there as the winery opened. The owner is very knowledgeable about the wines and everything in the area. He took the time to go over the wine trail, attractions in the area and recommended dining. We spent about an hour there and really appreciate all the time he spent with us. His winery should be a must stop on the trail.
4. Hickory Ridge Public Golf Center
Overall Ratings
4 based on 10 reviews
Reviewed By maggie068 - Merritt Island, Florida
Very nice setting for a golf course. Set back in the woods with running streams, water, fall leaves, etc. Greens are in great shape and challeging course from all tee boxes. Thanks to Mike Curtis and the staff out there for a great day of golf.
5. Honker Hill Winery
Overall Ratings
4 based on 11 reviews
Reviewed By Debbie W - Nashville
Beautiful spot on the Southern,Il. wine trail.Relaxing spot to kick back and enjoy the beautiful scenery.Enjoyable staff and several good choices in wine.Try the cranberry.
6. Science Center Of Southern Illinois
Overall Ratings
4 based on 11 reviews
The Science Center of Southern Illinois is located within the University Mall, across from Macy's.
Reviewed By Kathy C - Carbondale, Illinois
Not a lot to do here. My pre-school granddaughter enjoys it. She likes to play at the grocery store, the puppet show, digging in the sand for artifacts and build with the giant plastic blocks. The life size allosaurus draws the kids in but after aminute of staring at it, so what? There are a few animals there and on occasion they will take the rabbits out of their cages for the kids to play with. There are activities for all grade school levels, although there always seems to be something that needs to be repaired. Kids can star in their own news cast and there is a poor quality flight simulator. The price is reasonable for the kids but they charge the adults to come in too. For a small town it is a fairly good experience, just don't expect it to come close to the Science center experience in St Louis
7. The Panic Room
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3 reviews
The Panic Room is Southern Illinois' premier escape room experience. Feeling brave and ready to face some challenges? Lock yourself in The Panic Room! We host an interactive group experience sure to satisfy your curiosity and engage your intellect. Prepare yourself to solve puzzles, make discoveries, and try to escape in under 60 minutes!
Reviewed By Robert J - Elgin, Illinois, United States
We came down to SIU to visit my daughter for family weekend. We decided to go to the panic room for an evening event. We had lots of fun! They matched us up with a college equestrian team from Northern Illinois University. Nothing like going into a panic room with a bunch of screaming college girls. Just ask the ghoul in the mirror. He got them every time.
The panic room was very challenging. Some of the clues were extremely difficult and next to impossible to solve. Unfortunately we did not win this challenge. But it was really fun trying to work as a team to answer the clues. I recommend it to anybody that is down that way to stop in and for the challenge.
8. PK's
Overall Ratings
4 based on 9 reviews
Reviewed By AlexW0805 - Carbondale, Illinois
If you are looking for a dive bar where you can drink to your heart's content and eat a greasy spoon breakfast served by Grandma who is tougher (weekends only) and scarier than any biker, come on down. Good quality liquor, true Carbondale charm.
9. Dayshift Boutique
Overall Ratings
5 based on 3 reviews
NEST Art and Gifts is a unique shopping experience, featuring original works of art and creative handmade gifts from a number of local independent artisans. NEST has an eclectic array of items such as clothing, jewelry, accessories, home goods, decor, bath & body, fine art, photography and gifts and cards for all occasions. Gift wrapping is also available. It's like an art market every day of the week.
Reviewed By Lance J
If you need a one of a kind gift, souvenir, or something special for yourself, stop by Dayshift. Chris has brought together a wonderful collection of unique handmade items. This is my go to store for a special gift, as well as candles, soaps, etc for every day use. SHOP LOCAL!
10. Shawnee Expeditions
Overall Ratings
5 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By Megan P
Thanks to Shawnee Expeditions I had an amazing time catching my first Muskie! Shawnee Expeditions provided me with top quality gear, expert knowledge of the lake and where to find the big fish. Had a wonderful time, and I can't wait to book another trip!
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