Things to Do in Marion

Discover a city roaring with high-action motorsports and a destination ball park. You'll also find quiet places for reflection, including one of the largest nature preserves in the region. History and culture take center stage at a 1913 venue listed on the National Historic Registry. Explore the area and get inspired. You’ll want to come back so make note of your favorite destinations in Marion, Illinois.

1. Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge

Lose your cares and recharge your spirit at Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge. Begin your adventure at the visitor center located 5 miles west of Marion. Here you can pick up a map of the 44,000-acre preserve. Five established hiking trails beckon family treks through grasslands, woodlands, wetlands and wildlife areas. You’ll find fun things to see from your car too; a 9-mile auto tour offers opportunities to glimpse deer, turkey, bobcats and migratory birds in their natural, wild states. Go Huck Finn for the day and cast a line from the lakeshore to hook catfish. Or, simply bring a picnic and settle into a quiet spot to enjoy the scenery.

2. Williamson County Historical Museum

Travel back to the tumultuous days when Marion life was touched by Prohibition and gang warfare. Williamson County Historical Museum in Marion is the keeper of tales and the place to go to learn the region's secrets. Built in 1913, the building originally served as the jail house and sheriff's home. Walk into the tiny cells that long ago held the area's incorrigible citizens and now exhibit judicial, banking, military and medical artifacts. The room that once sequestered jurors now contains a re-created one-room school. In the living quarters you'll find period furnishings, an organ and a genuine Edison phonograph.

3. Mandala Gardens

Enter the serene Mandala Gardens as you would a sacred temple. You'll soon realize that harmony reigns here. Whether you call it a farm, produce market, park or sanctuary depends on how you choose to experience it. Wander quiet paths beside gardens planted mandala style—Sanskrit for “sacred circle”—in spiral, star and medicine-wheel shapes. Or, admire the hand-built stone walls and arches. Sit on a bench for a few moments of quiet meditation while the kids make friends with the resident goats, chickens and ducks. During summer, you can purchase sun-ripened heirloom vegetables and potted herbs. The multifaceted Mandala Gardens is open Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

4. Rent One Park

Root for Marion's home team, down a few hot dogs and enjoy the national pastime. The family-friendly Rent One Park is home turf to the Southern Illinois Miners professional baseball team, affiliated with the Frontier League. Sit in the stands to watch the game or bring a blanket and stretch out on the lawn. From here, you can keep an eye on your youngsters while they play in the Fun Zone's collection of inflatables. Don't forget to snap a few pictures of the team mascots Big John, Lucky and Grounder.

5. Marion Cultural and Civic Center

Catch an inspiring show or toe-tapping concert at Marion Cultural and Civic Center. The city-owned and operated 1,094-seat facility traces its roots to the days of vaudeville, so you know they can satisfy everyone's entertainment tastes. See national touring acts, a flick in the monthly Classic Movie Series or a production by the Paradise Alley Players, Marion's community theater company. There are more than 300 events at the center annually. Plan to arrive early to admire the works of regional artists on display in the lobby.

6. Southern Illinois Raceway

Step into the high-energy world of car racing. See the dust fly and the drivers battle it out on Southern Illinois Raceway's one-eighth-mile dirt track. Between April and October, join the following of avid motorsport fans who count the hours until the next heated race. Every Saturday night, race classes on the track include Junior Sprint Cars, Non-Winged and Winged Outlaw, Restricted Micros and more. Get a pit pass to go behind the scenes and rub elbows with the race participants. If you arrive at the track early, you can watch the lap action before the starting flag drops on main events.

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