Carbondale, IL | Attractions
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The Stage Company Brings Community Theater to Carbondale

The Stage Company has been entertaining audiences in Carbondale since 1982, when a small but enthusiastic group of actors came together and created this troop. The Stage Company typically offers five shows a year, ranging from dramatic plays and zany comedies to popular musicals and children's plays. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for students. Performances are held at The Varsity Center for the Arts, which was a private theater but was turned over to the city of Carbondale in 2007. The... Read More »

Marberry Arboretum Blooms with Beauty in Carbondale

 The number one rule at Marberry Arboretum is STAY ON THE PATH.It's easy to get lured off track by the beautiful display of more that 20,000 plants at this 25-acre natural sanctuary. You'll want to sniff the flowers, touch the leaves and stroll through the meadow. But don't.Locals call it a "living museum." The arboretum offers walking trails, picnic spots, a fishing pond and plenty of photo opportunities. The arboretum's roots stretch back to 1942, when William... Read More »

University Museum in Carbondale Offers a Study of Cultures

 Located on the Southern Illinois University Campus in Carbondale is The University Museum. This 10,000-square-foot space showcases historical works of arts, geological collections, photography and artifacts. The museum has been open to the public since 1874. Among it's art collection, which features more than 2,500 objects, are 20th century works by regional, national and international artists. The museum's humanities collection has more than 22,000 artifacts that reflect world cultures... Read More »
Pizza at Quatro's

Carbondale Satisfies A Variety of Palates

Carbondale locals have been feasting on fresh cuisine at some of the cities most popular restaurants for decades. Any palate can find the perfect lunch or dinner spot with choices like Tre Hombres, Hunan Chinese Restaurant or Quatro's Deep Pan Pizza.For 30 years Tres Hombres has been bringing authentic Mexican dishes and nightly live entertainment to Carbondale. The restaurant has a full bar with famous margaritas or any other concoction. The menu has a wide range of items from chipotle... Read More »

The Bucky Dome is a Carbondale Must See

One of Carbondale's most unusual landmarks is called “The Bucky Dome.”This futuristic home at 407 S. Forest Avenue was built in 1960 by R. Buckminster Fuller, who was a professor of design at Southern Illinois University Carbondale and also an engineer, inventor, author and futurist.In 1949 he developed the idea of the geodesic dome, which is a spherical, lattice-like structure. This complicated scientific idea became the basis for the domes seen everywhere today.In 1960 he built... Read More »

Shyrock Auditorium Appeals to the Artsy

Southern Illinois University Carbondale is home to one of the region's best performing arts centers, the Shyrock Auditorium.Built in 1917, the elegant architecture was designed to mimic the neoclassical Roman style, with a layout that allows even guests seated in the balcony to feel connected to the performance. The auditorium is located in the Old Campus of SIU and accommodates all kinds of events.The Shyrock is often the host of the Southern Lights Entertainment events, which bring... Read More »

Historic District at the Heart of Carbondale

In the heart of Carbondale, the Arbor District is a quaint grouping of neighborhoods that brings the history of the city to new generations.The West Walnut Street Historic District here has been registered as a National Historic District since 1975, with more than 50 homes that are at least 100 years old.The Hundley House is the only home open to the public as a bed and breakfast and gift shop.The elegant architecture of the other privately owned homes can be admired from the street.The Arbor... Read More »

Penny Pinch Pub & Copper Dragon Serves Carbondale Nightlife

What's something a great college town can't be without? A great party scene. Carbondale offers several pubs and breweries in its downtown area just minutes away from the Southern Illinois University Carbondale campus.The Penny Pinch Pub & Copper Dragon is one of the most popular spots for live music, finger-lickin' Buffalo wings and, of course, a never-ending supply of beer. In the spring and summer months patrons can enjoy their drinks and music at the outside beer garden. Weekends are... Read More »

Carbondale Holiday Parade Lights Up the Town

The entire city of Carbondale puts on a show around the holidays with their annual Lights Fantastic parade.The event is hosted by Carbondale's Main Street, an organization that promotes business and community related events in the city, and many local businesses sponsor floats in the parade that light up the streets of downtown.Children can write and mail letters to Santa at the Old Train Depot while they eat homemade holiday cookies.A recent addition to the pre-parade events is a special... Read More »