Tourism

IMG_1629Du Quoin hosts a variety of special events and annual festivals, with the Du Quoin State Fairgrounds being the epicenter for major events in the region. The race track and grandstands at the fairgrounds have a rich history and have hosted some of the greatest names in horse racing, car racing and the music industry over the many years that the Du Quoin State Fair has been in operation. With hundreds of acres of rolling hills, the fairgrounds also have attracted and hosted national events such as the Street Machine Nationals.

A more recent addition is the Southern Illinois Center, a massive indoor venue capable of hosting everything from monster truck and motocross events to special olympics and softball tournaments. Able to host events year-round, it has been an important addition for the community.

For a town of its size, Du Quoin is also visitor-friendly when it comes to hospitality, including a variety of lodging options and local restaurants serving fast food favorites, ethnic dishes and family-style cuisine. Check out our directory for a list of lodging and dining options.

Du Quoin State Fairgrounds yearly events:
Du Quoin State Fair
Campers Conventions
ARCA and USAC Automobile Racing
Harness Racing
Rodeos, horse and livestock shows
Water Ski Championships
Hovercraft Water Racing
Concerts
Monthly Sunday Flea Market
Fishing, Picnicking & Camping (year-round)
Independence Day Fireworks Display

Holiday Lights:
Annual Holiday Lights Fair:
Starting the day after Thanksgiving and continuing through the month of December, come experience Du Quoin Tourism’s transformation of the Du Quoin State Fairgrounds into a magical place with lights and decorations. The event features a 3 mile drive through of more than $400,000 worth of lighted displays and decorated trees. Entertainment, food, crafts, Santa’s Train Ride and visits with Santa take place in the Expo Hall. For more information call the Du Quoin Tourism Commission at 800-455-9570.

Outdoor Attractions:
Du Quoin is situated in the midst of a number of the state’s best outdoor destinations, including the largest public recreation area in Illinois. The massive Pyramid State Park, a short drive west of Du Quoin in Perry County, offers visitors and residents great fishing and hunting opportunities as well as hiking, biking, camping and horseback riding. Rend Lake, a half-hour’s travel to the northeast, has long been a destination for boating and fishing, and excellent hiking, rock climbing and fishing can be found just 40 minutes south of Du Quoin in the famed Shawnee National Forest.

The Du Quoin Tourism Commission and the Du Quoin Chamber of Commerce invite you to visit their offices at 20 North Chestnut Street (by the Amtrak Station) to learn about all that the area has to offer. Business hours are 9:00 – 2:00 PM, Monday through Thursday. The Du Quoin Tourism Commission meets the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month. We offer travel and area information, printed brochures, maps and state and local tourism information. To learn more, call 1-800-455-9570, or send an email inquiry to dqchamber@comcast.net.