Washington County: Nature, Golf and Culture

Washington County offers a variety of reasons to visit: a long lake, marked hiking trails, protected natural areas, golf and museums. You can plan your trip around the interests that appeal to you—from scenery and outdoor activities to local history and events.

Woods, Water and a Hiking Trail

Washington County State Recreation Area has a long, narrow lake surrounded by fields and woods. A marked seven-mile hiking trail adds a longer hiking option to the landscape. Its length makes it an activity in its own right, so you can set aside time for it when planning your day.

If you travel with a tent or trailer, the area has suitable campsites with electrical hookups and trailer dump stations. This is a camping option alongside a hotel stay. The type of accommodation that suits your trip depends on whether you want to use the camping facilities or are looking for hotels.

Posen Woods Nature Preserve lies east of Washington County Lake within Washington County State Conservation Area. Its habitats include southern flatwoods, a dry to moderately moist upland forest, and communities along streams that flow periodically. This landscape encompasses more than just one type of forest.

Sipple Slough Woods Land and Water Reserve offers a different natural profile: it includes Category B southern flatwoods, as well as a shrub swamp and pond community. The reserve is a high-quality example of a southern flatwoods natural community, one of the most endangered natural communities in the Midwest. Visitors interested in natural areas will find a different combination of habitats here than at Posen Woods.

Golf and Current Visiting Conditions

The first nine holes of Roland Barkau Memorial Golf Course run along Plum Creek and tree-lined fairways. The golf course and clubhouse are open daily from 7:00 a.m. until dusk, weather permitting. Since operations are weather-dependent, call before your visit.

History, Museums and Events

The Original Springs Hotel includes a restaurant and mineral bath. One date in the history of this place is September 16, 1868: the first mineral bath associated with the hotel opened that day. This brings together a present-day restaurant and mineral bath offering and a specific historical date.

In Okawville, the Heritage House Museum comprises three separate museums. The complex includes the Frank Schlosser Home, with a turn-of-the-century house, a barn, a harness shop and a commercial laundry. The different components offer visitors a glimpse into various aspects of historic home and working life.

For a movie night, the State Theater in Nashville screens films. It is the only genuine movie theater in Washington County, Illinois. The Washington County Fair has a different focus, showcasing the county’s agricultural products.

Dates can also be key to planning your trip: Rainbow Ranch hosts Baby Bonanza annually in April and May. Check the specific event dates before planning your trip around it. Rainbow Ranch is about 45 minutes east of St. Louis.

The offerings appeal to different interests: protected habitats and hiking, a round of golf, or museums and movies. The Washington County Fair and Baby Bonanza each have a different focus—the fair showcases agricultural products, while Baby Bonanza is a spring ranch event.

Discover more destinations: Okawville, Du Bois, Christian County, Bond County, Lawrence, De Witt, Ford County, Dupage.

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