Top 6 Attractions for Car Enthusiasts Near Marion, IL

April 29th, 2022 by

The convenient location of Marion, Illinois, along Illinois Route 13 and Interstate 57 makes it easy for car lovers to find cruising clubs, racing clubs, and more all within a short distance. This beautiful town offers unique shopping experiences, cultural amenities, and several outdoor activities. The small town offers outstanding educational facilities and plentiful workforce opportunities. It has been a magnet for shopping, restaurants, and other industries.

While there are plenty of things to do around the town, such as cruising the downtown area and finding somewhere for dinner, there are also various attractions nearby that are fun for car enthusiasts as well. If you’re new to the area or are picking up a new hobby, you might want to explore some of these top attractions. If you get the time to check them out, our team at VW of Marion is sure you won’t be disappointed.

Southern Illinois Raceway

One of the top things to do for car enthusiasts is the Southern Illinois Raceway located at 9000 Foyt Road in Marion. This short one-eighth-mile oval track offers the perfect conditions for fast races to keep you entertained all night. There are a few updates and changes for 2022 that are designed to make the track better than ever. You can keep up with Southern Illinois Raceway details online to view weekly results, a schedule of events, and track media.

The race schedule starts on April 9, 2022, and runs through October 8, 2022. Race types include 600cc options of restrictor races for ages 10-16 in stock, bore, or stroke; sportsman for those with a stock, bore, or stroke who are at least 12 years old; and wing and non-wing for ages 12 and older, with no additives allowed. Other races include the mod-lite and dwarf, each with rules and regulations listed on the website. There’s something for every brand of car enthusiast at the Southern Illinois Raceway.

The 17th Annual Children’s Charity Car Show of Southern Illinois

The Children’s Charity Car Show of Southern Illinois is back for its 17th year. Formally known as the MBS Charity Car Show for Kids, this event helps people who have sick children as well as the Shriner’s Children’s Hospital. The event will have a Hot Wheels Derby throughout the majority of the day, a 50/50 raffle drawing, food, entertainment, and a silent auction. You also can enjoy the entertainment from Hot Rod Nights, along with food from the Waffle Wagon food truck.

This event takes place in Herrin, Illinois, which is about 10 miles northwest of Marion, and trophies are awarded for best engine, best graphics, best paint, best interior, and overall best of show for car, motorcycle, and truck. A registration fee of $15 must be paid to enter your vehicle, in addition to a donation of two non-perishable food items.

660 Grudge St.

Street racing is back with 660 Grudge St. returning to Carmi, Illinois on September 11 and September 18, 2022. This group of racers hosts street racing-type events in a controlled environment and film it all for TV. While they host several live events that are open to the public, including the ones in Carmi this fall, you can also make arrangements to host your own private event through 660 Grudge St.

Not only do you get to experience street racing, but they add in flame throwers, an emcee, and door prizes to amp up the fun for everyone. This family-friendly event is sure to leave everyone with their adrenaline pumping fast. The race will be held at the Carmi Airport for plenty of up-close action.

The Kingsman’s Car Club Cruise-In

If you’re looking for a chance to view unique and classic cars or find connections to reliable shops, car parts, and more, then check out The Kingsman’s Car Club Cruise-In the first Friday of each month from June through October. This event is hosted by the Mt. Vernon Elk’s Lodge and offers a vast selection of vehicles lined up along the streets of 11th and Jordan.

The Cruise-In event is about more than just cars, as it brings a fun vibe to Mt. Vernon’s downtown area. Every month brings new cars to look at and owners who love to tell the story of the restoration or purchase of their unique vehicles. Be sure to stop down to check it out if you’re in the Mt. Vernon area.

Join a Car Club

There are so many car clubs in or around southern Illinois that it’s hard to make sure we mention them all. If you’ve got a classic street rod and want to find some opportunities to show it off, you can join up with the Southern Illinois Street Rod Association on one of their monthly cruises. They host various events throughout the year, as well.

Other Southern Illinois car clubs include the Rod Benders, the Southern Illinois Mustang Association, and others. These clubs often serve many purposes, such as the preservation or restoration of classic cars, racing cars, or just showing off your ride.

Take a Scenic Drive

Another thing car enthusiasts visit the Marion area for is the breathtaking scenic drives. One of these starts in Murphysboro and ends in Makanda. You’ll travel through the Shawnee Hills wine trail, so you can stop and visit some wineries or see places with a few backstories, such as Alto Pass, the Little Grand Canyon, or Bald Knob Mountain. Another option is the Ohio River Scenic Byway, which will take you from Cairo to the Indiana/Illinois border. You’ll see rolling hills and picturesque river views.

There you have it, Southern Illinois car enthusiasts. For this year, these six are our top attractions around Marion, Illinois, to get you on the road, raceway, or at a car show. If you have anything you think we should add to our list, don’t hesitate to send us a message. We love hearing from others in the area who love cars as much as we do. Call us at 618-249-3841 or fill out our online contact us form to share your favorite car event. We hope you check out a few of them, and don’t forget to have fun.

Posted in Exploring Marion