Over the river and through the woods to the cypress
swamp we go! Cache River Wetlands – Illinois’s Hidden Bayou is one of nature’s masterpieces. Stroll the boardwalks, hike or take a canoe or kayak through the mysterious Cache River Wetlands, a “Wetlands of International Importance.” Learn about our tupelo-cypress swamps, hardwood forests, limestone glades and sandstone bluff. The Cache River Wetlands Center offers a variety of interpretive exhibits and information. The Wetlands center hosts a variety of educational programs 
throughout the year, and includes a wildlife viewing area and walking trails featuring both wetland and prairie communities. Learn more about the ever changing Cache landscape, migratory birds, state champion trees through touch screen displays. And be sure to catch the 12-minute orientation film, “The Enduring Cache,” which provides an excellent introduction to the region’s landscape and history. The Cache River Wetlands Center is open Wednesday through Sunday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
Learn about the ‘Giant Streets’ that gave Giant City park it’s name and get
maps and trail details. Open 8 – 3:30 daily. Giant City State Park Visitor’s Center contains an exhibit hall with displays of the natural, cultural, and geological features of the park. Don’t miss the 10 minute film about the park in the audio/visual room. There is a Discovery Corner that kids love to explore. Ask about the scavenger hunt for kids. Get a prize upon returning it at the end of the hike all filled out, remember, the center closes at 3:30 PM.
One fish, two fish, red fish blue fish! Well, Bluegill and Redear Sunfish anyway. Little Grassy Fish Hatchery produces about a 
million fish per year, on average, including channel catfish, blue catfish, largemouth bass, bluegills and redear sunfish. Most of the channel catfish produced by the state come from Little Grassy. Great place to take your children for a lesson on how our fisheries help stock our ponds and other needs to our Eco system. While prime viewing is in the summer months, visits are available spring to fall between 8:30 and 3:30 with an appointment: 618-529-4100.
Metropolis has the perfect place for you that just happens to be the 3rd most
visited State Park inIllinois. Fort Massac State Park is steeped in rich history not just for the State of Illinois, but for the foundation of our country. In total 4 flags have flown over the grounds now known as Fort Massac State Park. The Spanish had ownership in the 1500’s. In 1702 the land became a French trading post and mission. In 1757, the French fortified the area to block British expansion into the Mississippi River. 1764 the French abandoned the Fort to the British. In 1778, George Rogers Clark stopped at the Fort on his way to Kaskaskia as the exploration of the west began. George Washington ordered the fort to be rebuilt and garrisoned in 1794 and in 1908 the site was designated the first State Park in Illinois. In the museum, beautiful exhibits will teach you about the history of the land as well as what life was like on the frontier in the early days of our country. As you explore the museum you will see many artifacts that were exhumed from the grounds by archeologists that have been able to explore the area. Beautiful panels with the full history of the area line the walls. Examples of Military Garb and artillery are also on display. There are even a few interactive exhibits that will allow to play a game of checkers or get a one of a kind selfie going down the Ohio River. In the lobby of the Welcome Center you will find one of the most fascinating collections of Indian artifacts from the Mallin and Richey Collections. This collection of arrowheads is sure to impress visitors. History doesn’t just exist inside the museum. You can explore land that was so highly desired by walking a cobblestone path to history. There you will find a replica of the 1802 American Fort. Unfortunately, due to faulty construction, visitors cannot explore the inside of the fort structures. This area is slated to be rebuilt in the near future to allow visitors inside once again. Until that happens you can still marvel at the buildings and take the path to the George Rogers Clark statue overlooking the majestic Ohio River. History comes to life in the park the 3rd 
weekend of each October when thousands flock to the grounds to enjoy the Fort Massac Grand Encampment. With authentically clad British and American soldiers, the sounds of drum & fife corps, and the smell of delicious period authentic foods, the Encampment has become a must attend event for generations. There is even a mock battle that portrays military tactics of that period that is highly anticipated and enjoyed by visitors young and old. The Welcome Center and Museum is open 7 days a week to the public. Under current Covid-19 Guidelines, masks must be worn while indoors. A site interpreter is onsite Thursday – Monday for tours and to answer any questions you may have. For more information about the fishing, biking, hiking, camping and disc golf offerings at the park, you may call the park from 8:00AM – 4:00PM daily at 618-524-4712
In Carbondale, there are plenty of ways to blend history and educational opportunities with leisure time and adventure. The Old Illinois Passenger Depot Railroad Museum symbolizes Carbondale’s rich history as a mining and transportation center. The old train passenger depot, built in 1903, serves as the museum’s current home. Visitors can view the museum’s collection of artifacts, ring the bell of an original train car and even take home a souvenir. Guided tours can be
arranged in advance for large groups. The Buckminster Fuller Dome, commonly referred to as “The Bucky Dome” by locals, this geodesic dome is Buckminster Fuller’s most enduring legacy. Buckminster Fuller is considered by many to be the father of the modern sustainability movement. He favored a systems approach to problem solving, and coined the term “synergy” to capture the principle that when one is engaged in cooperative action, the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. The geodesic dome, based on a natural pattern of interlocking triangles, is a structure that is considered one of the strongest and most efficient known to humankind. The dome was used as a prototype for all other dome homes that followed and is open for tours. The Science Center is a hands-on children’s museum with an array of exhibits to explore and a great place to spend the day with your curious toddler or school-aged child. With more that 50 interactive exhibits throughout the year, kids can learn about paleontology, weather, aircraft and more! There are several programs, educational events, camps, field trips and more! The African American Museum, founded in 1997, is located in Carbondale’s University Mall. Founded by The Southern Illinois Achievers who have aspired to educate the community in African American cultures, enlightening and enhancing the community’s knowledge of who, what, when and why their ancestors dedicated their lives in preserving their heritage. The museum is dedicated to identifying, preserving, and portraying the outstanding achievements of African American citizens. On Southern Illinois University’s campus, visitors can take a Green Tour to explore the sustainability projects of the school, including the Agricultural Building, or stop at the Plant Biology Greenhouse to witness the cultivation of several different plant species. Visitors can also stop in Faner Hall where they will find the nationally accredited University Museum full of exquisitely curated exhibits and an inventory of over 70,000 artifacts.
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