Illinois - Southern around Cairo Attractions

Originally founded as the Village of Broughton in the 1820s, is was renamed in the 1850s. The renaming was in honor of Lord Effingham who refused to take up arms against the colonists in the American Revolutionary War. Kluthe Memorial Pool is ideal for a day of water play with an 18-hole miniature golf course next door. Lake Sara offer 800 acres of water for fishing, boating and water skiing opportunities.

The Eldorado Historical Museum houses a collection of WWI and II artifacts as well as antique cameras and sewing machines.

Golconda was settled in 1798 and operated as a ferry point across the Ohio River. Today it is close to a boating and fishing marina on the Ohio River. Golconda has the oldest continuous Presbyterian congregation in Illinois, established in 1819.

The Buel House & Davidson Cabin is a two story log house was built in 1837 and is believed to be the only remaining Illinois structure linked to the tragic walk that took the lives of many Cherokees - the Trail of Tears.

Ingram's Log Cabin Village consists of 17 pre-Civil War log buildings that have been assembled in one place. Thirteen of the buildings are authentically furnished. Highlights of Ingram's Village include a general store, doctor's office and apothecary, preacher's cabin, carpenter shop, and Jacob's Well, an old stage coach stop.

Lawrenceville was named for Captain James Lawrence who commanded the Chesapeake during the War of 1812. His dying command was "Don't give up the ship". Lawrenceville offers great opportunity to fish, hunt, hike, bike, swim and camp.

The Lincoln Trail State Memorial is located at the entrance to the Lincoln Memorial Bridge. It is a bronze figure of Abraham Lincoln on the spot where the Lincoln family entered Illinois in 1830.

The Wabash County Museum is housed in a former furniture store in Mount Carmel. The collections include photographs, books, clothing, medical equipment, and some period furniture. The Music Room has a Meissner brand stereo, square grand piano and Edison Victrola on display.

In 1847 John Logan volunteered for the Mexican War. He was stationed at Santa Fe, New Mexico, where he served as adjutant of the post. After the war he was elected Jackson County Clerk, but soon resigned to earn a law degree at Louisville University. Returning to politics, Logan was elected prosecuting attorney of the Third Judicial District. In 1852 Logan was elected as a Democrat to the Illinois House of Representatives. The museum features several different homes and a walking trail.

Exhibits at the Perry County Jail Museum include agriculture, mining and education. The jail portion of the museum houses sheriff memorabilia, lock-ups and a special women's cell.

Salem is home to several homes on the National Register of Historic Places: the Charles and Naomi Bachmann House; Luke Donoho Boyhood home; the Badollet House; and the William Jennings Bryan Boyhood Home. Fishing, golfing and other recreational opportunities are available in and around Salem.

The Shawnee National Forest is 273,800 acres of hills, valleys, scenery and wildlife. As the only National Forest in the State of Illinois, Shawnee provides natural beauty, historic sites, and numerous recreational opportunities. Rim Rock Forest Trail winds past some of the state's geological features.