Du Quoin: State Fair, Nature Trails and Historic Downtown

Du Quoin brings together the annual State Fair, natural areas on the Fairgrounds and a historic downtown. When planning your stay, you can choose from different focuses: a visit centered on the Fair, trails on the grounds or a stroll along Main Street.

State Fair, Parade and Motorsports

The Du Quoin State Fair takes place every year and focuses on agriculture and events in the state of Illinois. An annual Twilight Parade marks the start of the event in Du Quoin. It takes place entirely on the Du Quoin State Fairgrounds. During the Fair, motorsports events for ARCA and the USAC Silver Crown Series are held on the Magic Mile Track. The racetrack is known as the “Magic Mile.” The parade and motorsports events are specific points of interest for a stay centered on the Fair. If you want a particular event to determine your travel dates, check the annual schedule before your trip.

History and Art Deco Architecture

The Du Quoin State Fairgrounds are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Their history began in the spring of 1923, when successful and ambitious businesspeople from Du Quoin came up with the idea of promoting an event that would attract people from across Southern Illinois. Buildings in the Art Deco style stand in the main area of the grounds. The Fairgrounds thus bring together a clearly dated historical origin, an annual Fair that continues to this day and distinctive architecture.

Nature Trails and Wetlands

The natural areas of the Du Quoin State Fairgrounds include trails on the grounds for hiking, jogging and biking, as well as a wooded Nature Trail beside a wetland. Ponds and wetlands along the Nature Trail provide habitat for insects, frogs, turtles, snakes, waterfowl, songbirds, bats and wading birds. In addition to activities on the trails, the wetlands and their wildlife are a focus. If you plan to use the trails, check the latest trail and access information before your visit; routes and access details may change.

Main Street and Local History

A walk along Main Street takes you past shops and restaurants. The tree-lined street is also home to a flower-filled mini park with a gazebo. Du Quoin retains the picturesque, authentic character of its historic downtown. Main Street and the Fairgrounds offer different points of interest for a stay: shops, restaurants and a small park here; event spaces, architecture and natural areas there.

The history of the St. Nicholas Hotel is also part of the local scene. Since the early 19th century, it served as a refuge for travelers passing through Du Quoin. The former hotel building has been converted into a pub, restaurant and gathering place, and is associated with the St. Nicholas Brewery. The brewery serves pizza and craft beer; offerings may change, so it’s a good idea to check the current selection.

Seasonal Concerts and Lights

The Du Quoin SUMMER Nights concert series in Keyes Park offers free concerts every Tuesday in July. The Du Quoin State Fairgrounds also host the Holiday Lights Fair, described as a winter wonderland featuring more than one million twinkling lights. The two seasonal offerings differ in timing: the concerts take place in July, while the Holiday Lights Fair offers a winter event. Check the concert dates for the year in question, as well as the seasonal dates and display details for the Holiday Lights Fair.

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