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Recreation -- East
Cave-In-Rock is named for its 55-foot wide cavern on the north bank of the Ohio River. The Cave has a colorful history that includes pirates, bandits, and outlaws. The cave is now part of Cave-In-Rock State Park that provides picnicking, lodging, camping, fishing and boating.
Garden of the Gods, located in the southeast corner of Saline County, offers 3,300 acres of incredible scenery. The quarter-mile observation trail allows visitors the opportunity to view rock formations that date back 200 million years. Visitors can enjoy excellent views from the observation areas as well as hiking, camping and picnicking.
Once a nineteenth century health spa, Dixon Springs State Park is home to seven springs of mineral-enriched water. This state park offers camping, concessions, picnic shelters, a pool and a nature trail on its 787 acres.
With more than 2,400 acres, Ferne Clyffe State Park has a variety of recreational opportunities. There are more than 20 miles of trails in which hikers can see cliffs, rock formations, wildlife and vegetation. Fishing, horseback riding, picnicking, and camping are popular activities at Ferne Clyffe.
In 1908, Fort Massac became Illinois’ first state park. The park overlooks the Ohio River and because of its location, the park has a rich military history. Fort Massac State Park offers boating, camping, hiking, hunting and picnicking opportunities.
Golconda is the county seat for Pope County and the spot in which Native Americans crossed the Ohio River on The Trail of Tears. Golconda Marina is a full-service marina that serves as the gateway to the 23,000 acre Smithland Pool Recreational Area off the Ohio River.
Old Shawneetown, incorporated in 1814, is one of Illinois’ oldest towns. After a severe flood in 1937, most residents moved to higher ground and what is now known as Shawneetown. Old Shawneetown was an important business and financial center on the trail to the West. The first bank in the area was opened there in 1816 and still stands today as a historic site.