Southern Illinois is one place in the United States that has been getting a lot more attention these days, and that has a lot to do with great cities like Mount Vernon. And while Mount Vernon is small (it has a population of only about 7,000 people) it is a city that thinks big. It is on the fringe of one of the biggest booms in the United States.

Take a look at what the City of Mt. Vernon has to offer visitors to the area. Affordability is the key word here as many attractions are free of charge and others have minimal costs. Art and nature take center stage at Cedarhurst Center for the Arts, the home of Mt. Vernon's chrome gorilla, as well as 85 acres showcasing the beauty of Southern Illinois with the added bonus of sculptures, an art museum, and many programs in the arts. Tours are free.

An authentic log cabin village, the historic Appellate Courthouse, the state's third largest winery, outdoor recreation, and the beautiful Rend Lake Recreation Area are just a few of the places where visitors can enjoy Southern Illinois. When you get here you’ll feel America’s frontier spirit in many of the places you’ll visit, and you’ll feel like you are truly part of America’s history.