What to do in and around Mt. Vernon.. Illinois?

[Microcell]

Doing research for a trip there this summer and want to find something for a group of teenagers between 14-16 years old. Any ideas for something within 30 minutes of Mt. Vernon or in the town itself?

Thanks for any suggestions!

 

[Mrs D]

There are some state parks. They could do fishing, hiking, biking... St Louis is just over an hour away.

 

[lovesmurfs]

I'm not too familiar with Mt. Vernon (NW Chicago suburb here), but there doesn't seem to be a lot there: http://www.mtvernon.com/newtourism/index2.htm

The historical village looks interesting (don't know about for teens, though -- they're special creatures in and of themselves....).

 

[Gumbo4x4]

We love the Sunday buffet at El Rancherito!!!

 

[Gumbo4x4]

Oh, you'll be 2 hours from Holiday World/Splash World in IN.

Otherwise, there's really nothing between Mt Vernon & STL but Scott AFB and corn.

 

[wiigirl]

There are some state parks. They could do fishing, hiking, biking... St Louis is just over an hour away.

St. Louis is a good time.

 

[Mrs D]

If you decide to make a day trip to St. Louis be sure to check out the City Museum. It is awesome for kids of all ages - even the ones of us who have kids of our own.

 

[Pixie Dust for Me!]

Rend Lake is just south of there. They operate a marina so you could always rent a pontoon boat and enjoy a day of boating. Garden of the Gods State Park is about an hour away (south) and it has some lovely hiking. St. Louis is also about an hour away and going to a Cardinals game, going up in the Arch, etc., is a good day trip. There is also a minor league team in Marion IL (an hour south on I-57) called the Miners that's a good time as well. There is a very large laser tag place in Belleville, IL (about 45 minutes away) that is a ton of fun too.

Hope that helps.

KC

 

[Microcell]

Well, we live three hours from St. Louis, so we know that area at least. I am thinking about boat rental or horseback riding.

I will pass on El Ranchito info!

Keep em coming!

 

[Pixie Dust for Me!]

Here's a link to the marina: http://www.rendlakemarina.com/

Rend Lake also has several beach areas for swimming that are maintained by the Army Corps. They are pretty nice, but I hear they get busy on the weekends.

Here's a link to the City of Mount Vernon's website: http://www.mtvernon.com/newtourism/attractions.htm

We go thru Mt. Vernon quite a lot to my parent's home on Lake of Egypt just south of Marion, IL. Can't say I know of much in the area other than Rend Lake.

Sorry!

KC