Location: Benton
Top Things to do in Benton
The 8 Best Things to Do in Benton, United States
Benton in United States, from Nouth America region, is best know for History Museums. Discover best things to do in Benton with beautiful photos and great reviews from traveller around the world here!
Restaurants in Benton
1. Franklin County Historic Jail Museum
Overall Ratings
5 based on 13 reviews
Reviewed By Taylor B - Chicago, Illinois
The historic Franklin County Jail Museum in Benton, Illinois, north of Mount Vernon and south of Centralia on I-57, serves as the home of the Franklin County Tourism Bureau. It is a beautifully restored 1905 building that houses memorabilia of the gangster era from the days of prohibition in the 1920s as well as mementos from famous Benton natives, including Union General John A. Logan, actor John Malkovich, professional basketball star Doug Collins and Beatle George Harrison, who visited his sister in Benton in the summer of 1963. The jail, located at 209 West Main Street, became a symbol of the gangster era in southern Illinois during prohibition. It was the last stop for Charlie Birger, the last man publicly hanged in Illinois on April 19, 1928, for the 1926 murder of West City's mayor, Joe Adams. A new jail was built in 1991 and the old jail was placed on the Register of Historic Places in 1999. Inside the jail museum, visitors can look into Charlie Birger's cell and see the window where he reportedly shouted to the men building his gallows to "build it strong, boys." A replica of the gallows is there, too. Beatle George Harrison spent two weeks in Benton while visiting his sister in 1963. He bought his famous black Rikkenbacker guitar at Fenton's Music Store in nearby Mount Vernon and was interviewed and played a song on radio station WFRX in nearby West Frankfort. Five months later, in February 1964, the Beatles debuted on American television on the Ed Sullivan Show. Harrison's guitar, which sold at auction in 2014 for $657,000, is not on display. You'll have to settle for the life and times of Charlie Birger.
2. Pheasant Hollow Winery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 22 reviews
Reviewed By gary k - Hoffman Estates, Illinois
I stop in this winery maybe twice a year and I have to say the wine is unbelievably great. They have various blends. My favorite is the midnight melody made with a blend of three wines one of which is strawberry. You will love this one. Also the Razz is excellent, Blue and black are my next favorite. The atmosphere is great and relaxing with a very comfortable porch. If you plan ahead you can be there for one of their events. The GPS told us to turn the wrong way so when you go follow the signs not siri.
3. County Seat Antique Mall
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4 reviews
Reviewed By Bob B - Florence, Kentucky
We stopped in here to find out more about George Harrison's visit to Benton in 1963. The proprietors were so friendly and informative. I was even given hand written directions to one of the sites that I wanted to visit. We even found a ceiling lamp shade that we've been wanting for our 1950s home to replace one that was broken years ago. There is a lot of neat stuff in this store.
4. Southern Illinois Art and Artisans Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 20 reviews
The Southern Illinois Art & Artisans Center opened its doors in 1992 near Rend Lake. Visitors to the Center experience one-of-a-kind craft at the Artisans shop and exhibition space. Drop in to interact with local artisans at openings, demonstrations, classes, and the annual Southern Illinois Art & Wine Festival. The staff can help you find the right piece to add to your collection, take home as a souvenir or give as a gift. Near Rend Lake and only 5 minutes off the highway, we can accommodate buses and are a pet friendly location. The Illinois Artisans Program was created in 1985 by Governor James R. Thompson to sustain and encourage local contemporary craft made in Illinois. The primary mission of the program is to draw national and statewide attention to the rich tradition of craft in the state and to provide venues for the display and sales of work by juried artists. Three not-for-profit venues operate under statutory authority of the Illinois State Museum Society to display and sell Illinois artisans work in a range of media including ceramics, glass, jewelry, painting, fiber arts and furniture. Additional locations are in Springfield and Chicago.
Reviewed By owowoo - St Louis, MO
This is a pleasant stop along the way (14 miles or so south of Mt Vernon Illinois at exit 77, Highway 57. The facility features traveling exhibits of Illinois art, works of many Illinois Artisans (displayed and for sale), a small gift shop, and restrooms. The works of Illinois Artisans are of the finest quality and range from pottery, glass, paintings, montages, wood, fiber, jewelry, metal, and much more. We always pick up something on each visit. Open 9 to 5 daily...Free. An hour of pleasant viewing and shopping. Well worth the stop.
5. Wayne Fitzgerrell State Park
Overall Ratings
4 based on 25 reviews
Reviewed By Ken P - Brooks, Georgia
Because we were traveling from Atlanta to Benton, IL and would arrive late, we made reservations on line for camping in Wayne Fitzgerrel State Park. We picked a site near the restroom (we both get up at night). When we arrived the sign on the restroom said only open on weekends. We made an appeal with the campsite hostess to move to a site near another restroom and she said we would have to pay the camping fee again. There were very few campers in the campground and we planned to leave in the morning. She would not budge even though we had already paid the $20 nightly fee on line. We left and found a nearby motel. Is there no common sense anymore? ReserveAmerica offers no refunds.
6. Rend Lake Golf Course
Overall Ratings
4 based on 9 reviews
Rend Lake Golf Course is a 27-hole championship course that is enjoyed by golfers of all ages and abilities. The premier golf course of Southern Illinois features the largest greens in the Midwest. The course sits along the shores of Illinois' second largest lake and is only one of many activities families can enjoy while staying at Seasons Lodge; only a short chip shot from the first tee.
Reviewed By jsanders208 - Marion, Illinois
If you did not had the opportunity golf at this course this summer, you really missed out on one of the finest courses in southern Illinois. When other courses were dealing with lost fairways this summer, Rend Lake was in the best condition I can recall in years. The course was simply a joy to play.
The course still has long fairways that require you to use every club in your bag. The greens are large and roll true. It is so much fun to be able to hit aggressive shots into the greens knowing they will not roll off. You really have to attack the flag.
The fairways are in great condition, as well as the greens and tee boxes. The course is well manicured and I truly like that they keep the roughs mowed so it is not difficult to find your ball and your are not further penalized by hitting into the trees.
The pro shop is well stocked and the sports bar was a great place to get a snack and a drink after our round.
I highly recommend this course and especially at only $46 a round, not too bad of a bargain -- especially considering it is a 27 hole course. (I like the first 9 and the last 9 the best)
7. Donna's Sweetwater Saloon
Overall Ratings
3 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By daenergymon - West Bay, Grand Cayman
Was working in the area so did a search for the nearest food for lunch. Was very skeptical of the outside (not very welcoming). Inside is a typical bar but with a huge wood dance floor.
Although they have typical bar food; fries, nachos, wings, and fried mushrooms everything we had for lunch had an extra goodness to it.
Steamed mussels, wings, Hog wings (bone in grilled pork), philly cheese steak, and a burger with waffle fries was what we had for lunch.
They only accept cash but do have an ATM inside.
8. South marcum campground, Rend lake, Il
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 21 reviews
Reviewed By moore1200 - St. Louis, Missouri
This campground is very well maintained. The sites are all paved and include a stone picnic table and fire pit. We made easy reservations online at the Corps of Engineers Reserve America web site, which includes a small photo of each site. Nightly rate of $16 was quite reasonable. Check in was a breeze. Shower house was clean and updated. Great access to Rend Lake. While visiting, we drove through other campgrounds there, including the state park, and this one was still our favorite. We did notice a skunk, as other reviewers have mentioned. But it caused no problem for us. Note that not all sites have full hookups. We stayed the weekend at an electric site and had no problems. Water available at the one dump station. Having only one was the only negative we could find. We would love to return again. We had a site with an amazing water view! Make your weekend reservations in advance for those.
TAGS
