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Centralia, Centralia, IL
SightseeingLocal Gem

Centralia

101 South Locust Street · Centralia, IL

Why you should go…

Centralia is a city in southern Illinois with a historic downtown that offers a self guided walking tour of landmark buildings. The city is home to the Centralia Carillon and hosts the Centralia Balloon Fest each August as well as a long running Halloween parade. Fairview Park and Lake Centralia provide fishing, kayaking and other outdoor recreation for visitors.

  • #history
  • #festival
  • #family
  • #free

Good to know

General sightseeing guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • The forecast is part of the ticket

    Haze, low cloud, and rain flatten a view. Clear-day visits are worth rearranging your plans for.

  • Golden hour sells out first

    Sunset slots at observation decks and cruises are the first to go, so book those further ahead.

  • Dress a layer warmer

    It is always breezier up high and out on the water than it feels at street level.

  • Timed entry is common

    Plenty of landmarks release tickets in windows rather than at the door, so check before you walk over.

What's around here?

The closest stops to Centralia, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

  • Sightseeing
    Local Gem

    Downstate Illinois

    Free

    Regional visitor guide to 22 counties of south central Illinois, covering history, caves, and small town charm.

    46 mi awayMore like this

  • Sightseeing
    Quirky Fun

    World's Largest Catsup Bottle

    Free

    You stand beneath a 1949 water tower shaped like a giant Brooks catsup bottle, a restored roadside landmark beside Route 159.

    47 mi awayMore like this

  • Sightseeing
    History Buff

    Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site

    Free

    Climb 100-foot Monks Mound and walk trails among the earthworks of an ancient Mississippian city.

    51 mi awayMore like this

  • Tours
    Family Favorite

    Riverboats at the Gateway Arch

    Under $25

    Cruise the mighty Mississippi on a classic paddlewheel replica with the Arch towering overhead. Skyline views guaranteed.

    57 mi awaySwitch it up: Tours

  • Museums
    Local Gem

    Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

    Free

    The regional Federal Reserve bank's downtown St. Louis headquarters, with public economics exhibits.

    57 mi awaySwitch it up: Museums

  • Tours
    Iconic

    Busch Stadium Tours & Cardinals Hall of Fame Museum

    Under $25

    Walk the warning track, sit in the Cardinals dugout, then dive into 11 World Series titles at the team's Hall of Fame in Ballpark Village.

    58 mi awaySwitch it up: Tours