6 Things To Do in Marion, IL

Whether you live in Marion, Illinois, or you’re visiting the area, you can find plenty of entertainment opportunities. The picturesque small town in southern Illinois has a variety of restaurants, shops, cultural activities, and outdoor and sporting attractions to check out. If you’re looking for ways to spend time with the kids on a sunny summer day or somewhere new to visit, here are some of the best things to do in Marion, Illinois.

Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge

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Established on Aug. 5, 1947, Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge contains 44,000 acres of flora, fauna, and forest to explore. Open year-round, you’ll find a beautiful landscape every time you visit, from spring flowers and summer sunsets to leafy trails in the fall and snow-covered hills in the winter. With prairies, woodlands, wetlands, and lakes, there are all types of natural settings to help you disconnect from the stressors of modern life and reconnect to the earth.

The park has hiking trails where you want to check out the magnificent vistas and watch the birds and wildlife. Pack a picnic lunch and spend an entire afternoon enjoying the scenic refuge and hiking various trails. The refuge has four campgrounds with over 250 campsites available from April until November. If you prefer not to walk the trails, take the scenic wildlife drive and enjoy views from the car.

The refuge’s visitor center has a cheerful staff happy to help you plan your day when you visit. The visitor center offers an orientation video, nature and wildlife exhibits, park maps, and brochures. There’s also a gift shop with T-shirts, educational items, and other refuge mementos. Park passes are $2 per vehicle and watercraft per day, or seven-day passes are $5. Annual passes are also available.

• Location: 8588 Route 148, Marion.
• Hours: Visitor center open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Thrillville Thrillbillies Baseball at Rent One Park

Rent One Park is Marion’s sports stadium, where spectators can attend baseball games, concerts, and community gatherings. Located approximately 120 miles southeast of St. Louis, Missouri, the stadium has over 3,400 seats and two picnic gardens. Rent One Park is the home for the new Prospect League baseball team, the Thrillville Thrillbillies, and VW of Marion is proud to sponsor the team in its inaugural season. You’ll be able to see the Thrillville Thrillbillies play other Prospect League teams, including the Lafayette Aviators, the Danville Dans, and the Quincy Gems.

Tickets range from $5 to $8 for most games. Check out the Thrillville Thrillbillies home game schedule and then purchase tickets for you and your family and friends.

• Location: 1000 Miners Drive, Marion.
• Hours: Schedule varies but typically evenings, May through August.

Williamson County Historical Museum and Library

The Williamson County Historical Museum, built in 1913, contains fascinating records of the area’s history and development. The building was originally the sheriff’s home and town jail, and you can still see the living quarters and jail cells displaying local artifacts. The museum also has a doctor’s office, general store, and library containing valuable genealogical resources.

The building’s living quarters are displayed with period furniture. You’ll see a family parlor containing an Edison phonograph player and a numbered Mason & Hamlin organ. You can also visit a vintage-decorated main bedroom, children’s bedrooms, closet, and bathroom.

The museum’s third floor contains a one-room school classroom with desks, books, blackboards, and other school items collected from local county schoolhouses. You’ll also see a military room displaying uniforms and paraphernalia dating back to the Civil War.

• Location: 105 S. Van Buren St., Marion.
• Hours: Wednesday through Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., from March 1 until Thanksgiving. After Thanksgiving until the end of February, Saturdays from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Mandala Gardens

Many visitors from around the state come to experience the beautiful and unique Mandala Gardens. Featuring colorful flower gardens, foliage labyrinths, a peaceful lake, and more, this scenic 7-acre park is one of the most picturesque locations in southern Illinois. The scenery includes several different mandala-shaped gardens and hand-built stone walls and arches. Walk the grounds, catch a fish in the lake, or find a hidden bench to sit on and immerse yourself in the positive energy of these peaceful gardens.

Children enjoy the magic of Mandala Gardens just as much as adults. Watch the resident goats, ducks, and chickens, or shop at the seasonal garden market offering heirloom vegetables and potted herbs. Visit every season to see the landscape’s breathtaking color changes. The entry fee is $2 per person.

• Location: 1704 N. State St., Marion.
• Hours: 8 a.m. until sunset daily.

Pyramid Park

Pyramid Park is a fun place to spend a day with the kids that won’t cost anything. The 33-acre park has two playgrounds, picnic shelters with outdoor grills, two softball fields, and a skate park. Pyramid Park is also home to the 18-hole Pharaoh’s Way Disc Golf Course. Professionally designed and built in 2016, the challenging course is popular with residents and visitors. The park hosts spring or summer disc golf leagues that you can join.

• Location: 1421 Pharaoh’s Way, Marion.
• Hours: 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily.

The HUB Recreation Center

Enjoy indoor or outdoor fitness and recreational activities at the HUB Recreation Center. The center’s indoor Aquatics Center has a lap swimming pool, a therapy spa heated to 100 degrees, a recreational pool with a waterslide, a lazy river, and a wading area for toddlers.

The rec center has a workout room, fitness classes, and personal trainer sessions available for purchase. The center also has basketball and pickleball courts. Parents’ membership includes on-site childcare services for children ages 6 months to 10 years.

• Location: 917 W. Main St., Marion.
• Hours: Weekdays from 4:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sundays from noon to 7 p.m.

What Are Your Top Things To Do in Marion?

Whether you’re interested in scenic nature walks, baseball and sporting events, museums, or fitness activities, Marion has it all. Our friendly team at Volkswagen of Marion enjoyed compiling this list of the top things to do in Marion. Did we miss anything? Let us know your favorite local activities and attractions.