At Crab Orchard Lake, the waterscape and hiking trails meet at Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge. The 44,000-acre refuge extends around the lake and includes areas in Williamson County. Hiking, boating, canoeing and kayaking are among the activities available there. All refuge users need an admission pass; fees and rules may change. Check the current pass rules before your visit.

Trails with different features

The Rocky Bluff Trail is a 2.2-mile loop open year-round. Waterfalls and sandstone cliffs shape the route; guided hikes are offered during the spring wildflower bloom. Its length differs considerably from that of the Bogard Point Trail: this easy loop on the refuge’s north shore is 0.2 miles long. Its paved surface is suitable for strollers, wheelchairs and mobility aids. These are two options with clearly different trail lengths and features. Trail conditions may change, so check them before setting out.

The Crab Orchard Greenway is also a trail, but its status is different: this regional multi-use trail along the Route 13 corridor is still in development. It is intended to connect Carbondale, Carterville, Crainville, Herrin and Marion. Unlike the trails described above, the Greenway is planned as a link between several towns. The regional road network is also useful for getting your bearings: Williamson County lies at the junction of Interstates 24 and 57 and Illinois Route 13.

Local history and culture in Marion and Carterville

The Williamson County Historical Museum in Marion is housed in the former county jail. Its 17 exhibit rooms include a historic classroom. Those interested in local history can also access the Williamson County Historical Society’s library, which has more than 750,000 indexed references to people and places. The museum and library offer two distinct ways to explore history: through exhibits and through references to names and places.

Carterville also preserves its history in a former school building: the Carterville Heritage Museum is located in a renovated former high school dating from 1924 and displays photographs and memorabilia. The Little Egypt Arts Association, a nonprofit artists’ cooperative founded in 1995, offers another look at the local arts scene. The Little Egypt Arts Centre offers ongoing classes in subjects including oil and acrylic painting, watercolor, photography, textile arts, sewing and quilting. The class offerings may change; check the schedule if you plan to attend a class.

Events, live performances and recreation

The Marion Cultural and Civic Center combines a striking scale with a varied events program: this performing arts venue spans 33,000 square feet and hosts concerts and theatrical performances. The 1,094-seat event center is located on Marion’s historic Town Square. It hosts an average of more than 200 events a year; the program changes. If you’d like to plan your trip around a performance, check the current schedule.

Tradition and contemporary life also come together at events across the county. The Williamson County Fair has been held at the Williamson County Fairgrounds since 1857; its dates change annually. The recurring Southern Illinois Hunting and Fishing Days takes place at John A. Logan Community College in Carterville. It’s worth checking the dates of both events before planning your trip.

For water-based activities, Blue Heron Marina & Campground on Crab Orchard Lake has docks with 137 slips and a boat ramp. If you’d rather play golf, Crab Orchard Golf Club in Carterville is a semi-private, 18-hole, par-70 course, with water coming into play on nine holes. The marina and golf course cater to two different interests in the county, without implying that they’re part of a shared program.

Wine and specialties

The local food and drink scene offers a variety of stops. Walker’s Bluff Winery includes vineyards, a tasting room and a wine cellar. In downtown Marion, Milkweed Provisions offers wine, cheese, meat and chocolate. It also offers classes on hosting and food-and-wine pairings. The selection and classes may change; check current offerings if you’re planning a visit or a class.

Discover more destinations

Marion, Carterville, Ford County, Kondoa, Cook, Livingston County, Shelby County, Marshall County

For the parent travel overview: Illinois.