Alton River DragonsKnown for its many lakes and of course the confluence of the Mississippi, Illinois, and Missouri Rivers, southwest Illinois is a great destination for fisherman and boating enthusiasts- cast your reel or take a cruise with dad at Lake Lou Yaeger in Litchfield, off the banks of the Illinois River at Pere Marquette State Park, at Hurricane Diamond Island near Hardin, or Beaver Dam State Park for a chance at catching giant blue catfish, large mouth bass, or white crappie.

Want more fishing options? Read about more places to toss a line in southwest Illinois here.

There’s plenty to do outside in southwest Illinois for Father’s Day!

Take Dad to an Alton River Dragons home game with Friday Family Four Pack night and Big George Jr. and NGK Band this weekend, go hiking or kayaking at Pere Marquette State Park, H & B Bremer Wildlife Sanctuary, Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary, or ride bikes on the extensive MCT Trails system this Father’s Day weekend!

Looking for more to do outside with dad? There’s a whole lot more Outdoor Fun in Southwest Illinois!

Does your dad like to cook? Is the barbecue grill your dad’s happy place? Market days in southwest Illinois can’t be beat! Find fresh produce, art, gifts, and more at one of the region’s weekend markets- take your pick from the list below!

• Alton Farmers’ & Artisans’ Market
• Alton Night Market
• Bethalto Market in the Park
• Brighton Farmer’s Market
• Hillsboro Farmers Market
• Maryville Farmer’s Market
• The Land of Goshen Community Market
• Wood River Farmer’s Market

Want to take dad out to eat or for drinks this Father’s Day?

Catch a Father’s Day Beer Garden at Pere Marquette Lodge, or enjoy a glass of wine at the Grafton Winery & Brewhaus or Aerie’s Resort in Grafton, Old Bakery Beer in Alton, Old Herald Brewery and Distillery in Collinsville, or have a beer with dad at the Historic Red Rooster or Opera House Brewing, both in Hillsboro.

To treat dad to a fantastic sit-down meal, try Tony’s in Alton or Brick & Bramble in Edwardsville for steaks and cocktails, Castelli’s for hand-tossed fried chicken, Bakers and Hale in Godfrey for farm to table dishes, 1818 Offshore in Edwardsville for seafood dishes, The Sugar Shack Café in Granite City for comfort food favorites, or Ravanelli’s in Collinsville for classic Italian.

Is dad interested in even more BBQ? Check out these great southwest Illinois BBQ restaurants!

Why settle for something expected when you can raise the bar?

Take dad out on an adventure brunch or pleasure cruise down the Mississippi on the Hakuna Matata or watch a concert at Herald Square, Edwardsville City Park, or The Millin Granite City!

Does your dad like the spooky or the historic? Bring him on an Alton Hauntings Tour, a McPike Mansion Tour, or take a Prohibition Tourthrough Alton Odyssey! Walk the grounds at Cahokia Mounds World Heritage Site, the largest native settlement in North America, rise to new heights in the Confluence Tower and see the Lewis and Clark State Historic Site, or take the free Alton Historic Driving Tour to see some amazing old American architecture.

Bring the family to Glen Carbon Homecoming for carnival rides and entertainment, bring dad to see an old-school movie under the stars at the Route 66 Skyview Drive-In, or take a drive up historic Route 66 on a self-guided tour of America’s Highway!

There’s always something great to do in southwest Illinois – check out the Rivers and Routes Events Page for more!