Located less than an hour from St. Louis, Clinton County, Illinois, attracts visitors for fun on the water and to cruise its back roads, appreciating the beauty of its forest, farmland and prairie, along with quaint villages and towns founded in the 1800s. The county is best known as the home of Carlyle Lake, the state’s largest manmade body of water. But it also wears an agricultural crown, leading the state in dairy farming as well as pork, wheat and egg production.
Summer is the ideal time for a visit to Clinton County. In addition to plenty of shopping and entertainment opportunities in Carlyle and other hamlets, it’s also the place to experience an old-time county fair, watch hot-air balloons soar and celebrate with Fourth of July fireworks reflecting in the waters of Carlyle Lake.
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1. Water Fun for Everyone
Covering more than 26,000 acres, Carlyle Lake is the gem of Clinton County, entertaining residents and visitors with a wealth of outdoor recreational activities, including boating, sailing, fishing, hiking, biking and camping or just getting together with friends and family for a picnic. A highlight is a trek across the General Dean Suspension Bridge, known locally as the swinging bridge, built in 1859 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
2. Bike the Lake’s Shores
The renowned Carlyle Lake Bike Trail covers 10 miles along the shore and connects the streets of Carlyle. Riders will find a visitor center, beach and marina along one portion, while a 1.2-mile section rolls atop the dam. There’s also access to the popular Kaskaskia River Walk located below the dam.
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3. Sip and Savor on the Wine Trail
Another trail worth checking out is the Carlyle Lake Wine Trail, with four unique wineries nestled along quiet rural routes, producing award-winning vintages. Twelve Oaks Vineyard creates handcrafted wines, while the area’s German heritage is represented at Hidden Lake Winery. Crooked Creek Winery is set on a horse farm and focuses on European-style wines, then Bretz Wildlife Lodge & Winery tempts visitors with wine, food and entertainment.
4. Enjoy a Local Favorite Soda
Locals also recommend a tour of Excel Bottling, founded in 1936 by Edward “Lefty” Meier, who used reward money from apprehending a bank robber to purchase a used bottling machine. Now Excel offers a host of flavored sodas, featuring the regional favorite Ski, as well as a full line of craft beers from hoppy IPAs to traditional German-style lagers.
5. Take a Step Back in Time
For history and genealogy buffs, the Clinton County Historical Society Museum deserves a visit. Situated in a formerly private home built in 1866, the museum contains numerous artifacts revealing the area’s colorful history and holds special events and lectures.
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6. Fair Fun and Festivities
The Clinton County Fair has been a family favorite summer tradition since 1951. For seven days each July, the fair draws folks with carnival rides, games, tractor pulls, live music, a parade and, of course, fair food. Agricultural exhibits, livestock judging and a rodeo highlight the county’s farming heritage.
7. Soar at the Annual Balloon Fest
The annual Centralia Balloon Fest fills the sky with color each August as more than 40 hot-air balloons rise over a 300-acre nature park. The three-day event draws more than 40,000 visitors and offers a full slate of entertainment, crafts, fireworks, activities for children, a car and motorcycle cruise, and plenty of food.
8. Fireworks Over Land and Lake
There will be plenty of “oohs” and “wows” when Carlyle Lake reflects the light show created at the Fireworks Spectacular Dam Jam to celebrate the Fourth of July. Watch from the shore or your boat on the lake. The full-day event also includes volleyball tournaments, a sand castle contest, live music, vendors and games.
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9. Rev It Up and Cruise the Dam
Shine up your classic car or motorcycle and head to the annual Cruz-In the Dam Car Show, one of the region’s largest gatherings of classic vehicles. This unique and free event includes an opportunity to cruise over the Carlyle Dam and enjoy games, auctions, live music and food from local vendors.
10. Take a Bite of Clinton County
Taking in all the fun and interesting things to do around Clinton County can work up an appetite. Wally’s Drive-In, a fixture since 1951, draws fans for its burgers, fries and shakes. Speaking of burgers, Popeye’s Chophouse is famous for its Wimpy Burger, which is named after the famous cartoon character and weighs in at a full pound covering the entire plate. Expect the unexpected at Swamp Town Cajun Kitchen where bayou cuisine rules with gumbo, gator bites and etouffee. The Red Porch Cafe is a community gathering spot offering coffee, tea and tasty dishes while providing employment for persons with disabilities as part of the innovative Community Link program.
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