Southern Illinois has steadily grown in popularity as a prime hunting destination, especially for those in pursuit of trophy whitetail deer. With its diverse terrain of rich farmland, rolling hills, hardwood forests, and thick river bottoms, the region provides ideal habitat for growing big-bodied, heavy-antlered bucks. Each fall, hunters from across the country descend on southern Illinois in hopes of tagging a mature whitetail, and the area’s reputation for producing Boone and Crockett class deer only adds to its allure. Counties like Pope, Union, and Williamson are particularly renowned, thanks in part to carefully managed private lands, strict local harvest regulations, and a culture that prioritizes quality over quantity. Many hunters return annually, developing long-term leases or booking guided hunts with local outfitters who offer deep knowledge of the land and deer movement patterns. The region’s mild climate, long growing seasons, and access to agricultural crops such as corn and soybeans help create the perfect environment for deer to thrive—both in population and size. Trail cameras in the region frequently capture images of bucks with wide spreads, thick bases, and impressive mass, making it a bucket-list spot for any serious whitetail hunter.
Trophy Whitetail Destination
In addition to its own rich offerings, southern Illinois also serves as a launching pad for hunters involved in partner hunts across other parts of the country. Many outfitters and hunting groups in the region have formed networks with operations in the western United States, giving their clients access to a wider range of big game opportunities. One of the most highly sought-after experiences is the chance to secure elk tags in New Mexico, a state famous for its vast, mountainous terrain and thriving elk population. Unlike the lottery systems in some states, certain private landowners in New Mexico are allocated elk tags through the Landowner Permit system, making it possible for hunters to bypass the public draw process and hunt premium units. These guided elk hunts are often coordinated through outfitters based in the Midwest, including Illinois, who have long-standing relationships with ranches and guides out West. It’s not uncommon for hunters who tag a trophy whitetail in Illinois in November to head to New Mexico in early December for a high-country elk hunt, creating a multi-state adventure that offers both challenge and reward.
Partnership Hunts
Partner hunts provide more than just variety—they build community among hunters, create cross-regional support for conservation efforts, and allow for a richer understanding of America’s diverse wildlife ecosystems. They also offer unique learning opportunities, as hunters must adapt to different terrain, species behavior, and shooting scenarios. While stalking a bull elk in the high elevations of New Mexico’s Gila Wilderness is a far cry from sitting in a tree stand in the oak ridges of Illinois, both experiences demand patience, precision, and respect for the animal. For many outdoorsmen and women, the journey from southern Illinois’s legendary deer woods to the bugling elk valleys of New Mexico represents the full spectrum of what American big-game hunting has to offer—rich tradition, thrilling adventure, and the pursuit of excellence in every season.
Apartment buildings, on the other hand, represent a more significant investment and come with higher operational demands, but they also offer the potential for higher returns. Larger apartment complexes in cities like Carbondale or Marion can be particularly lucrative for investors targeting a steady influx of renters, including students from Southern Illinois University and professionals working in the region. Apartments also provide economies of scale, allowing investors to reduce per-unit maintenance costs and benefit from more efficient property management practices. However, managing a larger property requires more experience and a larger initial investment, which might be a barrier for some.
Townhomes, though less common in rural areas, still offer a promising investment option in more suburban locations. These properties usually have multiple units, each with its own entrance and potentially more space than an apartment. Townhomes can appeal to renters seeking more privacy and space, making them attractive to families or professionals. For investors, townhomes often require less oversight than traditional apartments and can offer stable, long-term tenants due to their desirable living conditions.
When most people think of Illinois, they envision big cities like Chicago or Springfield, but there are many more areas that you should be considering. Southern Illinois is a place that is filled with beautiful sights to behold. However, sometimes, to see the most beautiful areas, you have to step off the beaten path to explore the outdoors of this very beautiful area. It is here that you will discover hidden waterfalls and flooded forests among many other beautiful sights.
The Starved Rock State Park is a truly beautiful place to visit. When you walk through the canyons, you will see waterfalls that are unimaginable. However, to get the best views, you should visit after heavy rains and during the spring when the snow is melting. Hiking through the Shawnee National Forest is also a great day out. It is where you will find the largest waterfall in Illinois, but there are also many other great photo ops for you to take advantage of before you see the fall.
If you love history, you will want to visit what many consider a national landmark. It is the Grosse Point Lighthouse, which was built in 1973 after many shipping disasters off the coast of Evanston. It is a sight to see from the bottom, but you can also climb up the 141 steps to reach the top where you will get a bird’s eye view of Southern Illinois. If that isn’t enough, you can also visit the Fabyan Forest Preserve where you will see a 19th century Dutch windmill example that many say is the most authentic replica in the U.S. You also have the opportunity to see how life was lived between the years of 1050 AD and 1200 AD at the Cahokia Mounds. It is a site that contains the largest amount of prehistoric native American remnants in the United States.
If you simply want to have your breath taken away, you should consider visiting the Garden of the Gods. It is located in the Shawnee National Forest and it is here that you will find rock formations that have been built by mother nature over millions of years. It is where you will find the Devil’s Smoke Stack, Anvil Rock, and Camel Rock. Beyond that, in 1910 President Teddy Roosevelt, lover of nature, took a trip down Grand View Drive and called it, “the world’s most beautiful drive”. It is a stretch of land that runs 2.52 miles and offers outstanding panoramic views of the Illinois River Valley.