Neon sign that says "Explore Elizabethtown" with 'Explore' in uppercase block letters and 'Elizabethtown' in cursive script on a black background.
A lakeside scene with a white gazebo on rocky shore, blue sky with scattered clouds, and water with trees in the distance. Overlayed text reads 'come as a guest leave as a friend.'

Visit Elizabethtown, Illinois - a small town that offers a peaceful and friendly atmosphere. A close-knit community with countless opportunities to explore the outdoors.

Stay with us!
Black text on white background reading 'THINGS TO DO'.

  • Garden of the Gods

    he Garden of the Gods Recreation Area features rock formations and cliffs made out of sandstone over millions of years. Today, the unique structures are embedded within a lush forest and scenic landscape. The quarter-mile observation trail provides access to unique locations and scenic views of the surrounding Garden of the Gods Wilderness.

  • A sandy beach with a large rock formation featuring a cave, overlooking a calm body of water under a partly cloudy sky, with some green trees on top of the rock.

    Cave-in-Rock

    At Cave-In-Rock, atop the high bluffs overlooking the scenic Ohio River, the heavily wooded park is named for the 55-foot-wide cave that was carved out of the limestone rock by water thousands of years ago. The park contains hiking trails of moderate difficulty for exploration and appreciation of tranquil forests and inspiring views.

  • A moss-covered stone staircase winding through a forest with tall trees and sunlight filtering through the leaves.

    Rim Rock Trail

    A wonderfully scenic trail, Rim Rock National Recreation Trail leads around the rim of a rock escarpment, hence its name. Rim Rock has a long history of drawing people to its forested bluffs for hiking and picnicking.

  • Beach with sand, trees on the shoreline, calm water, and a partly cloudy sky.

    Pounds Hollow Lake

    A picturesque setting, Pounds Hollow campground and lake are tucked away amongst the Shawnee Hills, where you can relax and get away from it all. Completed in the early 1940’s, Pounds Hollow Lake is popular for the same reasons it was 60 years ago and continues to provide opportunities to picnic, fish, swim, camp and hike.

  • A large stone chimney built with stacked stones stands on a grassy area, with trees in the background and a clear blue sky above.

    Iron Furnace

    Hidden away in a remote section of the Shawnee National Forest, the Illinois Iron Furnaces’ idilic setting makes it a great place to spend an afternoon picnicking, swimming, and even fishing. Commemorated on the National Register of Historic Places, this giant chimney is the last remaining charcoal-fired iron furnace in Illinois.

The logo for Eateries with large black text on a light background.

  • E-Town River Restaurant

    Seasonal fish restaurant famous for their catfish.

    100 Front St. , Elizabethtown, IL 62931

  • A beige building with a red metal roof, located in a rural area with leafless trees in the background and a gravel parking lot in the foreground.

    Shotgun Eddy’s

    An American style restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner 7 days a week.

    510 Straight Street, Eddyville, IL, 62928

    (23 mi from Elizabethtown)

  • Exterior of a seafood restaurant called 'Diver Down' with teal-colored siding, a neon sign that says 'Open,' and decorations including starfish. There is a white bench in front of the restaurant and a sidewalk.

    The Diver Down

    An American style restaurant open for dinner weekly and 11a-12a on the weekend. Famous for their made from scratch dishes and homemade sauces and dressings.

    219 East Main Street, Golconda, IL 62983

    (16 mi from Elizabethtown)

  • Exterior of Tanny's Grill & Chill restaurant with a hanging sign, an American flag, and a large yellow flag with red letters spelling 'FOOD'.

    Tanny’s Grill N Chill

    An American style restaurant open daily for lunch and dinner with breakfast hours available on the weekend. Fridays feature “all you can eat catfish” and a breakfast buffet is available on Saturdays from 9a-11a.

    319 E Main St., Golconda, IL, Illinois 62938

    (16 mi from Elizabethtown)