If you are planning a visit to Marion, Illinois, you’ll find a number of great attractions. Some of these places include the Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge, Boo Castle Park, Pigeon Creek Environmental Education Complex, and Cinema 12 Theater & Cafe. These places will all provide you with a unique experience that’s sure to delight all your senses.
Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge
Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge is located on the western shore of Crab Orchard Lake. It is a 44,000-acre national wildlife refuge with a wide range of species and habitats. You can explore its oak hickory upland forest, bottomland hardwood forest, prairie, wetlands, and lakes.
The refuge is open year-round and is home to many types of wildlife. You can observe deer, owls, squirrels, and waterfowl. Hikers and cyclists can explore the area’s Rocky Bluff Trail and other hiking trails.
The refuge is home to over 245 bird species. The refuge has a number of observation blinds for bird-watching. There are also opportunities to go fishing in one of the many small ponds. The refuge also is a great place to spot wild turkey and other migratory birds.
If you’re looking for quiet places for reflection, you can stop by Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge. It is the largest nature preserve in the area. You can also hike on the Rocky Bluff Trail, which is part of the National Wildlife Refuge.
Boo Castle Park
Boo Castle Park is a privately owned park that was created to honor the memory of Jeremy “Boo” Rochman. The late Jeremy was a fan of Dungeons & Dragons, and this park is filled with cool wizard statues, castle mazes, and dragon rides. The park is a great place to bring kids and adults alike.
The park is the ideal location for family activities, with everything from rides to playgrounds and batting cages. There are also plenty of places to relax and eat, including a picnic shelter with tables and chairs. If you’re looking for something a little different, you can also check out nearby attractions such as the Kokopelli Golf Club and the Little Egypt Off-road Motorcycle Club.
Boo Castle Park is a great place to spend an afternoon. Kids will love the zip-lines, aerial bridges, and other activities. The park is open daily from 9 am to sunset. While visiting, make sure not to pick any flowers.
Pigeon Creek Environmental Education Complex
Located in southern Illinois, Marion, Illinois is a thriving, midsize city with an interesting history and beautiful scenery. Named after General Francis “Swamp Fox” Marion, this city is a popular destination for families and foodies alike. Its natural beauty and plethora of museums and parks make it a great place to spend a day.
The Pigeon Creek Environmental Education Complex offers interactive exhibits and educational programs that will help visitors learn more about the environment. The complex is also home to the Sturdivant Cave, a 55-foot-wide cave discovered by M. de Lery in 1850. Visitors can take part in a Becoming an Outdoors Family Program, which will teach visitors about the natural environment and the basic skills they need to enjoy the outdoors.
Cinema 12 Theater & Cafe
The Cinema 12 Theater & Cafe in Marion, IL offers state-of-the-art projection and stadium seating. It also offers a variety of food options, including breakfast sandwiches and burgers. The theater is located in the Pana Crossroads Shopping Center, just off of East Lincolnway. The theatre is next to The Pub, where you can grab a drink and a bite.
Ray Fosse Park
Ray Fosse Park is a 27-acre park that features 8 baseball/softball fields, a train-shaped play structure, and an outdoor swimming pool. The park is a great place for all ages and is a favorite of locals and visitors alike.
Ray Fosse Park is one of the best areas to enjoy a day in Marion. The park has several features, including a skateboard park, batting cages, a public pool, and lots of parking. The swimming pool has separate sections for lap swimming and a section for relaxing. It also has picnic tables and shelters.
Visitors to the park can also enjoy the sunset over the Mississippi River. Nearby, visitors can catch the Southern Illinois Miners’ games at Rent One Park. Also, the Williamson Co Pavilion is home to the Southern Illinois Roller Girls. Visitors can also visit the two dozen wineries within 45 miles of Marion, including the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail. Another popular place to visit in Marion is Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge.
The city is the county seat of Williamson County. Marion has a population of approximately 16,855 as of the 2020 census. The city is home to the Southern Illinois Miners baseball team and is a central retail trade hub for the region. Visitors to Marion will enjoy the city’s beautiful parks and restaurants.
Cave in Rock State Park
If you love visiting state parks and historical landmarks, you’ll want to make a stop at Cave in Rock State Park. This 204-acre park is home to the historic Cave-In-Rock, a landmark on the Ohio River. The park is maintained by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
The park includes its namesake cave and acres of forest along the Ohio River. You can also hike, bike, and camp at the state park. There’s also a lodge, duplex guest houses, and deluxe suites available for rent. If you’re looking for a night out, the park also offers traditional southern cuisine.
Another reason to visit Cave-in-Rock State Park is the view of the stars. The park offers spectacular views of the Milky Way. In summer, you can view the galactic center of the Milky Way from the cave’s mouth. Despite its location in southern Illinois, this area of the country has very low light pollution.
For hikers, this park offers two hiking trails of moderate difficulty. Those who are interested in nature can also explore the park’s natural beauty on unmarked trails.
Mandala Gardens
If you are looking for something a little bit different, Mandala Gardens is the place to go. This unique seven-acre garden is home to works of art that are made of stone, ceramic, metal, and tile. You can see pieces by artists such as Diana Tigerlily, Greg Reid, Saffa Abd El Salam, and many more.
The gardens are seven acres of lush greenery. They are a relaxing place that is perfect for a day out with the family. You can take a stroll through the paths to observe the wildlife and enjoy the serene atmosphere. You’ll also have the chance to check out the stone sculptures and a labyrinth made of grass and stone. The gardens also have plenty of photo opportunities.
If you are looking for something different in Marion, Illinois, you may want to visit Mandala Gardens. This unique 7-acre garden features stone, metal, ceramic, and tile art by internationally renowned artists. It also has an award-winning Japanese-style red iron bridge. The gardens are open daily from 7 am to sundown.
