Travel to the southern tip of Illinois to see what it has to offer. Begin by visiting Golconda, an Illinois Main Street community. Located in Pope County, Golconda is one river destination that you don’t want to miss.
Situated on the Ohio River National Scenic Byway, river recreation and activities are everywhere. Start off by visiting the Golconda Marina, a full state-of-the-art-marina with the Shawnee National Forest nearby.
Venture to the Ohio River Recreation Area and Rauchfuss Hill Campground where you can watch the riverboats and the barge traffic at dusk. Golconda also offers the War Bluff Valley Wildlife Sanctuary. Nestled in the uplands of the Shawnee National Forests, you can view oak-hickory woods and river bottom forests. Also, don’t forget about Golconda’s annual Shrimp Festival!
Complete your Illinois Main Street “Rollin’ on the River” tour in Hardin County, just to the northeast of Golconda. You can begin your tour of Hardin County by picnicking at the Glen O. Jones Lake and Conservation area. Also while in Hardin County, you can ride the only remaining ferry in Illinois operating on the Ohio River or take a scenic ride on the new river taxi, the “Shawnee Queen”. Both activities are a great way to see the Ohio River’s natural beauty.
