Day Trips from Fairfield, Illinois

After seeing all that Fairfield has to offer, go beyond city limits to explore more in surrounding towns. Add these acclaimed attractions to your itinerary and discover things to do around Fairfield – all within two hours drive or less!

Garden of the Gods

Looking for spectacular views with a short hike among some of the most unique rock formations in the United States? Look no further than Garden of the Gods in Southern Illinois. The most popular hike in the Shawnee National Forest, Garden of the Gods gives tourists amazing insight into the geologic structure of Southern Illinois and a view that stretches for miles high over the pristine hills of Shawnee Forest.

Attractions: Hiking trails, camping, picnic sites, equestrian trails

Open: Daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m

Distance from Fairfield: 63 miles

Shawnee Hills Wine Trail

Spanning the scenic countryside of the Shawnee National Forest, the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail brings the fruits of the Shawnee Hills American Viticultural Area to the table. Visit nearly a dozen distinctive wineries along a well-marked trail to discover diverse winemaking styles of this region.

Attractions: Wineries, Restaurants, Cabins

Distance from Fairfield: 100 miles

The Little Town That Made It Big – Casey, IL

The southeast Illinois town boasts 12 objects recognized by Guinness World Records and a bunch of other oversize items—all of them interactive. You can take a selfie swinging in the birdcage, posing on the pitchfork or peeking in the wooden clogs.

Rend Lake – Benton, IL

In the heart of scenic Southern Illinois, Rend Lake offer 19,000 acres of fun and recreation. Interstates 57 and 64 provide easy access to this recreational playground. Come see for yourself!

St. Louis, Missouri

Driving Distance: 120 Miles

Gateway Arch

As part of the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial, the Gateway Arch serves to commemorate the accomplishments of 19th-century westward pioneers and celebrate the city’s role as the ‘Gateway to the West’

Open: Summer – Daily 9:00 am – 8:00 pm; Winter – Daily 9:00 am – 6:00 pm

City Museum

Housed in the 10-story, 600,000 square-foot warehouse of the International Shoe Company, City Museum is a mixture of children’s playground, funhouse, surrealistic pavilion, and architectural marvel made out of found and repurposed objects.

Open: Check website for hours as they are dependent on day and month. https://www.citymuseum.org/

Busch Stadium

Home of the MLB’s St. Louis Cardinals!

St. Louis Zoo

One of the few free zoos in the nation, the Saint Louis Zoo attracts approximately 3 million visitors annually and is the most-visited attraction in the region.

Open: Daily 9:00-4:00pm (check site for seasonal hours) https://www.stlzoo.org/