Welcome to Southwestern Illinois
Separated by the mighty Mississippi River from Metropolitan St. Louis, more people than ever before are proud to call Metro-East-Southwestern Illinois home.Our attractions, recreational activities, cultural venues, restaurants and accommodations guarantee you a relaxing, educational and fun filled lifestyle. The region encompasses 232 communities in nine countries covering 5,000 square miles. There are approximately 500 restaurants, 7,000 lodging rooms, dozens of parks, lakes, bike paths and gold courses, several theatres, art fairs and galleries.
Abundant transportation includes several interstate highways and Metro Link, the area's lite rail system, with service from Scott Air Force Base to St. Louis Lamberts International Airport.
Countless area attractions include The National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows, Founded in 1958, one of the largest outdoor shrines in North America, Gateway International Raceway, Carlyle Lake, Illinois' largest lake, and The World Shooting and Recreational Complex in Sparta with trapshooting being the prim attraction. Fairmount Park is the metro-east's home for exciting thoroughbred racing and the metro east had plenty of top gold facilities for players of all levels. There are many cultural venues to round out all of your needs.
Belleville is the county seat for St. Clair County. Surrounding communities have ready access to the latest medical technology and services with two major regional hospitals located within the city limits.
The military also call the metro-east home at Scott Air Force Base. Scott Air Force Base is about 20 miles east of St. Louis, the nerve center for the nation's defense transportation system, is home to six military headquarters. The base is estimated to have a $2.1 billion annual economic impact on the region, and it recognized as the metro-east's largest employer.
No matter what the season, there are many opportunities for you to enjoy the many different activities Southwestern Illinois has to offer.