Discover Downstate Illinois Blog | Discover Downstate Illinois

NASCAR Weekend in Downstate

With the third installment of the Enjoy Illinois 300 at World Wide Technology Raceway quickly approa...more!

Celebrating Anniversaries Across Downstate Illinoi

Oh, how time marches on! Landmark anniversaries are always a great time organizations and events, an...more!

Discover the Solar Eclipse 2024

For the second time in less than ten years, the Land of Lincoln finds itself directly in the path of...more!

Honoring Woman-Owned Businesses on International W

International Women's Day is a global movement honoring the tenacity, creativity, and accomplish...more!

Valentine's Day Dining & Gifts

Valentine's Events: Grab your loved ones and head on over to Bennie’s Pizza Pub ...more!

Stay in Downstate

Cover Photo Credit: Peregrine One LLC Whether you’re looking for a staycation or ...more!

Holiday Plays and Shows

The holiday season is a magical time of year. Families celebrate, towns are decorated in twinkling l...more!

Men's Gift Guide 2023

It’s the holidays once again, and we know there’s someone you are desperately trying to ...more!

Women's Gift Guide 2023

Shopping for loved ones can be tough, so we want to help! We’ve compiled a gift guide for the ...more!

Racing the Chill: Turkey Trots and Winter 5Ks

Lace up your running shoes and hit the pavement for the upcoming races happening in Downstate IL. ...more!

Gather Around the Table

Cover Photo Credit: Covered in Chocolate Photo Credit: Eckert's Thanksgivi...more!

Bi-Annual Bracket Winner Announced

The Coffee Pot, located in Freeburg, recently won our Coffee Bracket Challenge on Facebook. We are a...more!

Personalized Gifts

Cover Photo Credit: Courage & Grace DIY Each year, we all have a list of loved ones to find a...more!

In the Market for Holiday Shopping

When it comes to holiday shopping, what better way to find a gift for loved ones than shopping at lo...more!

S'mores & Lights, Need More?

Over 4 million lights, countless snowflakes, hundreds of trees, dozens of illuminated miles – ...more!

Holiday Happenings

This time of the year is synonymous with tradition, right? Many of the holiday-themed events in our ...more!

A Warm Welcome to Paris

Our main goal as a tourism bureau is to make sure that folks both near and far are aware of the many...more!

Sip'n Cider and Pick'n Apples

Cover Photo Credit: Grissom's Lost Creek Orchard This fall, it’s time to expe...more!

Local Haunts

Cover Photo Credit: Escape618 Horror and Halloween fans alike, we have a lineup of immersive expe...more!

Discover Nature's Beauty

Cover Photo Credit: Eagle Cliff-Miles Cemetery When the calendar flips to late October and the le...more!

Twelve Oaks Vineyard Wins Annual Awards

Our region is home to plenty of wineries and breweries. Last week, Twelve Oaks Vineyard in Carlyle w...more!

Trail and Routes

Tee Off At Great Courses

Road Trip Itineraries

Celebrate LikeThe Locals

Food Truck Fun in Downstate IL!

In the Mood for Markets

Breweries And Brew History

Meatlovers' Guide to Downstate Illinois

Downstate Illinois Is Filled With Food Trucks

Support Your Locals: A Guide to Shopping Small

Unique Shopping in Downstate Illinois

Downstate Illinois Farmers Markets Open for Season

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Romantic Getaways

Downstate Illinois Road Trip Roundup - Set Up Camp

Randolph County's Farm & Garden Trail