Southern Illinois is a region in the state of Illinois in the United States of America. It is primarily agricultural, like most of Illinois outside Chicagoland, but includes some attractive, rolling scenery that contrasts with the flatness of Central Illinois to its north. Distinctly southern in contrast to any other region in Illinois, Southern Illinois has a number of unique influences from both the Midwest and Upland South.

Cities

• Anna
• Centralia
• Carbondale

• Edwardsville
• Godfrey
• Makanda
• Marion
• Metropolis
• Mitchell
• Mount Vernon
• Sandoval

Other destinations

• Shawnee National Forest
• Giant City State Park
• Shawnee Hills Wine Trail

Understand

In contrast to northern and central Illinois, Southern Illinois was primarily settled by southerners from Virginia and Kentucky, giving it a distinctive upland south culture. In general, the area's accent and culture share far more in common with Missouri and Indiana than Chicagoland and Wisconsin. Visitors should note that the area is fiercely independent and, while friendly, does not particularly care for Chicago.

Get in

Lambert Field in St. Louis (airport code: STL) is the closest major airport, with flights to and from most destinations in the U.S. and a few international destinations. From there BART Airport Shuttle, (+1) 800-284-2278, provides door-to-door service to Carbondale, and other destinations in Southern and Central Illinois for around $50. Call for a quote.

Flights to and from St. Louis arrive/depart at Williamson County Airport [6] (airport code: MWA) (four flights daily, each way), which is also served by BART.

See

Little Grand Canyon, Cave-in-Rock, Shawnee Forest, Giant City, Jackson Falls, Bald Knob Cross, Shawnee Hills Wine Trail, Southern Illinois Wine Trail, Jonesboro Linclon Park,

Do

Shawnee Adventure Guides [1] offer guided rock climbing, rappelling, kayaking, canoeing, backpacking, and hiking in Shawnee National Forest.

See the "Home of Superman" in bustling Metropolis, IL, on the Ohio River in the Southern Edge of the state.

Stay safe

In general, most of the area is safe. Like the rest of Illinois, weather is somewhat varied and travelers should be cognizant that extreme weather is possible. Caution should also be exercised in traveling in certain parts of Metro East, including East Saint Louis, which have high poverty and crime rates.