Things To Do
in Carbondale
Carbondale, Illinois is a lively college town in southern Illinois anchored by Southern Illinois University (SIU). It sits within easy reach of the Shawnee National Forest, offering quick access to distinctive sandstone bluffs, hiking and rock formations. Downtown combines student-focused shops, craft breweries, and a year-round calendar of cultural events and festivals.
The town balances a small-city feel with outdoor recreation, regional food staples, and a friendly, community-oriented vibe.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a leisurely breakfast at a local café in the historic downtown area, where you can enjoy freshly brewed coffee and homemade pastries. After breakfast, take a stroll through the charming streets lined with historic buildings and unique boutiques. Don’t forget to stop by the Carbondale History Museum to learn about the town’s rich heritage.
In the afternoon, visit the Southern Illinois University campus, where you can explore the beautiful gardens and art galleries. Take a guided tour of the university’s historic landmarks, including the iconic Faner Hall. Afterward, grab lunch at a nearby eatery, sampling some local favorites.
As the sun sets, head to the nearby Giant City State Park for a scenic hike. Enjoy the breathtaking views as the sky turns to shades of orange and pink. Conclude your day with a relaxing dinner at a cozy restaurant, savoring the flavors of Southern Illinois cuisine.
Begin your day with a hearty breakfast before heading to the Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge, where you can immerse yourself in nature. Spend the morning birdwatching or hiking along the scenic trails, keeping an eye out for local wildlife. The serenity of the refuge will rejuvenate your spirit.
After exploring, enjoy a picnic lunch in one of the designated areas, surrounded by the sounds of nature. In the afternoon, consider renting a kayak or canoe to paddle on one of the refuge’s serene lakes. The peaceful waters are perfect for a relaxing afternoon adventure.
As evening approaches, return to Carbondale and unwind with a casual dinner at a lakeside restaurant. Enjoy the fresh air and beautiful views while dining on locally sourced dishes. After dinner, take a leisurely walk along the water’s edge to reflect on your day.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| ☕Coffee and pastry | $4-7 |
| 🍺Local craft beer (pint) | $5-7 |
| 🚕Local taxi / short rideshare | $8-20 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $80-140 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Easy access to exceptional outdoor recreation in Shawnee National Forest
- Vibrant college-town cultural life, events and affordable dining
- Friendly community with a relaxed pace and strong local food and brewery scene
- Good base for day trips to scenic spots like Garden of the Gods and Giant City
- Limited public transportation outside the town—a vehicle is useful for exploring
- Fewer high-end dining and lodging options compared with larger cities
- Weather can be hot and humid in summer and occasionally icy in winter
- Some tourist attractions and services are seasonal and may close in winter
Places to Visit in Carbondale
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic Shawnee National Forest rock formations and panoramic overlooks provide dramatic sunrise and sunset shots of sandstone spires and deep valleys.
Sandstone bluffs, unique rock formations, and tree-lined trails offer varied compositions—great for landscape and detail photography.
Campus architecture, the clock tower, public art and colorful downtown murals make for engaging urban and portrait backdrops.
Streams, small waterfalls, and limestone bluffs create intimate nature scenes for close-up and long-exposure photography.
Wetlands, cypress-lined waterways and seasonal wildlife give opportunities for birding and nature photography—best in early morning for light and activity.
Food in Carbondale
Carbondale Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Southern-style smoked meats are a staple; try local barbecue joints for brisket, ribs, and pulled pork with traditional sides like baked beans and coleslaw.
Must-Try!
Meaty casseroles, pot roast, meatloaf, and homestyle sides are commonly found on menus—great for filling, budget-friendly meals and local diners.
Local breweries serve house-brewed ales and lagers paired with creative burgers, flatbreads, and shareable small plates.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A seasonal farmers market (typically spring–fall) featuring local produce, baked goods, artisanal products and occasional prepared-food vendors—great for sampling local produce and snacks.
During festivals and campus events food trucks and pop-ups serve tacos, BBQ, and comfort street food; check event schedules for times and locations.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Locals are typically polite and informal—small talk is common, especially around campus and downtown; a friendly greeting and thank-you go a long way.
SIU is central to town life—observe campus rules, avoid littering, and respect events and study spaces.
Follow Leave No Trace principles in forests and parks; don’t carve or deface rock formations, and pack out what you pack in.
During festivals and university events, follow posted directions, be patient with parking and respect private property near venues.
Safety
Tipping in Carbondale
Ensure a smooth experience
Standard U.S. tipping conventions apply: restaurants 15–20% of pre-tax bill for good service, $1–2 per drink at bars, $2–5 for coffee or counter service if desired, and 10–20% for taxi or rideshare drivers. Tip hotel housekeeping $2–5 per night and bell staff $1–2 per bag.
Cards are widely accepted (Visa, MasterCard, Discover); many small vendors and farmers market sellers accept cash only or mobile payment apps. Have some cash for small purchases, markets and tips.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Temperatures warm from chilly to pleasant; wildflowers bloom in the forests, trails can be muddy after rains, and outdoor events and farmers markets begin to ramp up.
Hot and humid with highs often in the 80s–90s°F (mid-20s to mid-30s°C); ideal for late sunsets, swimming holes and extended outdoor activities but bring sun protection, water and insect repellent.
Crisp, comfortable weather and vivid fall foliage in late October—this is prime time for hiking, scenic drives and photography, with many festivals and harvest events.
Cold with occasional snow and ice; some trails are quieter and some seasonal facilities close—check road conditions for access to remote outdoor sites.
Carbondale at Night
Hiking in Carbondale
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Famous for dramatic sandstone bluffs and sweeping views—short trails and overlooks make this a must-see for photographers and hikers.
Well-maintained trails wind among giant sandstone structures and offer a mix of easy and moderate hikes, plus picnic areas and rock formations.
Scenic creekside trails, natural pools and limestone bluffs—popular for cooling off in summer and for moderate loop hikes.
A natural sandstone bridge and short hiking area that’s accessible and scenic—great for a quick nature stop close to Carbondale.
Boardwalks and trails through wetlands with opportunities for birdwatching, canoeing and quiet nature walks—best in the early morning.
Airports
How to reach Carbondale by plane.
Small regional airport near Murphysboro/Carbondale handling general aviation and charter flights—about a 15–25 minute drive into town.
Major international airport serving the St. Louis area—roughly a 1.5–2 hour drive from Carbondale; offers the widest selection of flights and rental car options.
Regional airport in Evansville, Indiana—approximately 1.5–2 hours by car and useful as an alternative for some domestic connections.
Secondary St. Louis-area airport offering some commercial flights and low-cost carriers; about 1.5–2 hours by car depending on traffic.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A significant portion of the population is SIU students, bringing a youthful, diverse and transient community with varied cultural influences.
Many families and older residents who have lived in the region for generations contribute to community institutions and local businesses.
Residents and visitors drawn to hunting, fishing and outdoor recreation form an active part of the local demographic mix.
SIU draws international students and some immigrant communities, adding cultural diversity and international-oriented events and restaurants.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Southern Illinois University football is a major local draw—game days bring alumni, students and lively tailgates to town.
SIU basketball enjoys strong local support, with many students and residents attending home games.
Hiking, mountain biking, fishing and seasonal hunting are widely practiced and culturally important activities in the region.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Carbondale.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are available at many cafes, breweries and some restaurants—look for seasonal salads, veggie burgers, flatbreads and sides; calling ahead helps for larger groups.
Vegan choices are more limited but increasingly available at health-focused cafes and select restaurants—expect salads, grain bowls and vegan-friendly sandwiches.
Some restaurants offer gluten-free buns and pasta alternatives; cross-contamination may be an issue at older kitchens, so notify staff if you have celiac disease.