Events

This area county fair features, livestock & horse shows, an exhibit hall with various exhibits, a carnival and grandstand shows that include, demo derby, tractor pulls, rodeo, pageants and harness racing.  (618) 833-8923

Join us at the Henry N. Barkhausen Cache River Wetlands Center for a fun-filled afternoon of hands-on water safety activities for kids and families! Presented by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers – Rend Lake Project Office, this free program will help children learn important water safety skills through interactive Read more

There will be miles and miles of great running through the beautiful Shawnee National Forest, and the totally rustic Camp O cabins. There is a 100 mile, 100k, 50k and Half Marathon option...plenty of fun for everyone! ​Camp Ondessonk, in the heart of the Shawnee National Forest, will play host to the Shawnee Hills Trail Read more

The August full moon is referred to as the Ripening Moon, Sturgeon Moon or Green Corn Moon. Come join us as we will set out from the docks of Cache Bayou Outfitters and paddle out to Button Land Swamp and enjoy the peace and sounds of Illinois Hidden Bayou under Read more

Which Grass Is Which? Grass Identification Workshop, Presenter: Erin Garrett, 10:00- 11:30 a.m.

Grab some FREE popcorn and join us for a special screening of the birding comedy-adventure The Big Year! Whether you're an experienced birder or simply enjoy spending time in nature, this fun-filled evening is a great way to celebrate the excitement of fall migration. But that's not all this event Read more

Join us for an unforgettable evening at Historic Bell Hill on Saturday, August 29, as Amelia Eisenhauer shares an intimate acoustic performance in one of Southern Illinois' most beautiful historic settings. Surrounded by candlelight, history, and the charm of Bell Hill, Amelia will perform a heartfelt collection of her original Read more

THE 2026 OFF THE RAILS CONCERT SERIES We’re beyond excited to announce the 6th Annual Off the Rails Concert Series, returning to downtown Carbondale this August through October! This year marks a major milestone as we host our first ever full concert series on the Robbie Stokes Memorial Stage at Read more

Contact the Site Interpreter at 618-657-2064.

Trash Blasts will happen on the first Friday of every month from September through November, from 1 pm to 3 pm at various locations in the Shawnee National Forest. The selected sites for this fall are: Bean Ridge Sept 4 Turkey Bayou on Oct 2 Iron Furnace on Nov 6 […]

THE 2026 OFF THE RAILS CONCERT SERIES We’re beyond excited to announce the 6th Annual Off the Rails Concert Series, returning to downtown Carbondale this August through October! This year marks a major milestone as we host our first ever full concert series on the Robbie Stokes Memorial Stage at […]

Our biggest and most spectacular event of the year occurs during grape harvest season. Musical entertainment will be by the Smith Hill Blues Band from 1:00-4:00 and the Ivas John Band from 4:30-7:30. Guests are invited to dance or relax around our scenic grounds and in our comfortable buildings. Local […]