Discover Franklin County, Illinois: Your Ultimate Travel Guide
Discover Franklin County, Illinois: Your Ultimate Travel Guide
Franklin County, Illinois, located in the heart of the Midwest, is a hidden gem waiting to be explored. From its rich history to its natural wonders and vibrant nightlife, there’s something for everyone in this charming county. In this comprehensive travel guide, we’ll cover the top attractions, hidden gems, food scene, budget-friendly tips, outdoor adventures, historical landmarks, family-friendly activities, off-the-beaten-path experiences, natural wonders, vibrant nightlife, local markets, beaches and mountains, cultural immersion, art and music scene, walking tours, architectural marvels, historical sites, biking routes, wellness retreats, and adventure sports.
Top Attractions
Franklin County is home to some of the most amazing attractions in the Midwest. If you’re a history buff, the Franklin County Jail Museum and the Franklin County Court House are must-visit sites. For nature lovers, the Rend Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area and the Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge are both breathtakingly beautiful. Art enthusiasts will appreciate the Cedarhurst Center for the Arts, while families will love the Franklin County Fair.
Hidden Gems
Franklin County has many hidden gems that are off the beaten path. One such gem is the Little Grassy Lake Campground, which is perfect for camping and hiking. Another hidden gem is the Southern Illinois Art and Artisans Center, which showcases the works of local artists. If you’re a foodie, don’t miss out on the delicious pizzas at the Pizza Man in West Frankfort.
Food Scene
Franklin County is home to some of the best food in the Midwest. From Italian cuisine to barbecue, you’ll find it all here. Some of the best restaurants in the area include Gio’s Pizza and More in Zeigler, the Boars Nest Barbecue in West Frankfort, and the Brick House Grill in Benton. For sweets, don’t miss out on the homemade pies at the Pie Pantry in West Frankfort.
Budget-Friendly Tips
Traveling on a budget? Franklin County has plenty of budget-friendly options. Many of the attractions in the area, such as the Franklin County Jail Museum and the Southern Illinois Art and Artisans Center, are free or low-cost. Additionally, there are many affordable restaurants in the area, such as the Pizza Man in West Frankfort and the Benton Dairy Queen.
Outdoor Adventures
Franklin County is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. With its many lakes, forests, and trails, there’s something for every level of adventurer. For hiking and camping, check out the Little Grassy Lake Campground or the Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge. For fishing and boating, head to Rend Lake or Lake Benton. And for golfing, the Franklin County Country Club is a beautiful course.
Historical Landmarks
Franklin County has a rich history, and there are many historical landmarks to visit. The Franklin County Jail Museum is a must-see, as it’s one of the oldest jails in the country. The Franklin County Court House is also a beautiful historic building. And for Civil War history, visit the John A. Logan Museum in Murphysboro.
Family-Friendly Activities
Franklin County is a great destination for families. The Franklin County Fair is a must-visit, with its rides, games, and livestock exhibitions. The Rend Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area is also a great place to visit with kids, with its hiking trails and fishing opportunities. And for a unique experience, visit the Franklin County Jail Museum, where kids can learn about the history of the jail and even sit in a jail cell!
Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences
If you’re looking for something unique, Franklin County has plenty of off-the-beaten-path experiences. Visit the Southern Illinois Art and Artisans Center to see the works of local artists, or take a tour of the Old Ben Coal Mine in West Frankfort. And for a truly unique experience, visit the Franklin County Jail Museum, where you can see artifacts from the jail’s history and even sit in a jail cell.
Natural Wonders
Franklin County is home to some of the most beautiful natural wonders in the Midwest. The Little Grassy Lake Campground is a great place to explore, with its hiking trails and fishing opportunities. The Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge is another must-visit, with its beautiful scenery and abundant wildlife. And for a truly unique experience, visit the Garden of the Gods in Shawnee National Forest.
Vibrant Nightlife
Franklin County has a vibrant nightlife scene, with plenty of bars and clubs to choose from. The Brick House Grill in Benton is a popular spot for live music, while the Boars Nest Barbecue in West Frankfort is a great place to grab a drink and enjoy some barbecue. And for a unique experience, check out the Pour House in West Frankfort, which has a great selection of craft beers.
Local Markets
Franklin County has many local markets where you can find fresh produce, meats, and other goods. The Benton Farmers Market is a popular spot, open on Saturdays from May to October. The West Frankfort Farmers Market is another great option, open on Wednesdays from June to September. And for a unique experience, visit the Murphysboro Farmers Market, which has been operating since 1979.
Beaches and Mountains
While Franklin County is not known for its beaches or mountains, there are still some great spots to explore. The Rend Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area has a beautiful beach, perfect for swimming and sunbathing. And for a mountain-like experience, visit the Garden of the Gods in Shawnee National Forest, where you can hike and explore the beautiful rock formations.
Cultural Immersion
Franklin County has a rich cultural heritage, and there are many opportunities to immerse yourself in the local culture. Visit the Southern Illinois Art and Artisans Center to see the works of local artists, or take a tour of the Old Ben Coal Mine in West Frankfort. And for a truly unique experience, visit the Franklin County Jail Museum, where you can see artifacts from the jail’s history and even sit in a jail cell.
Art and Music Scene
Franklin County has a vibrant art and music scene, with many local artists and musicians showcasing their talents. The Cedarhurst Center for the Arts is a must-visit, with its galleries and outdoor sculpture park. And for live music, check out the Brick House Grill in Benton or the Pour House in West Frankfort.
Walking Tours
Franklin County is a great destination for walking tours. The Franklin County Jail Museum offers guided tours of the jail, where you can learn about the history of the jail and even sit in a jail cell. And for a self-guided tour, check out the Benton City Walking Tour, which takes you through the historic downtown area.
Architectural Marvels
Franklin County has many beautiful architectural marvels to explore. The Franklin County Court House is a beautiful historic building, as is the Old Ben Coal Mine in West Frankfort. And for a unique experience, visit the Franklin County Jail Museum, where you can see artifacts from the jail’s history and even sit in a jail cell.
Historical Sites
Franklin County has a rich history, and there are many historical sites to visit. The Franklin County Jail Museum is a must-see, as it’s one of the oldest jails in the country. The John A. Logan Museum in Murphysboro is also a great spot for Civil War history. And for a unique experience, visit the Old Ben Coal Mine in West Frankfort.
Biking Routes
Franklin County has many great biking routes to explore. The Rend Lake Bike Trail is a popular spot, with its beautiful scenery and relatively flat terrain. The Tunnel Hill State Trail is another great option, with its 45-mile trail passing through several small towns. And for a unique experience, try the West Frankfort Bike Trail, which takes you through the historic downtown area.
Wellness Retreats
Franklin County is a great destination for wellness retreats. The Rend Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area is a beautiful spot for hiking and camping, and there are many yoga studios in the area, such as the Yoga Room in Benton. And for a unique experience, visit the Franklin County Jail Museum, which offers yoga classes in the jail’s exercise yard.
Adventure Sports
Franklin County is a great destination for adventure sports. The Rend Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area is a popular spot for boating and fishing, while the Little Grassy Lake Campground is a great spot for hiking and camping. And for a truly unique experience, try rock climbing in the Garden of the Gods in Shawnee National Forest.
In conclusion, Franklin County, Illinois, has something for everyone. From its rich history to its natural wonders and vibrant nightlife, you’re sure to have an unforgettable experience in this charming county. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip to Franklin County today!