Top 6 Things to Do with Dad This Father's Day

Celebrate Father’s Day in Southwest Illinois where good food, the great outdoors, and family fun all come together!

Take dad on an unforgettable fishing trip, for a scenic cruise on the Mississippi, or to an open-air market on a beautiful spring day in the Midwest!

Fishing and Boating
Outdoor Recreation
Open Air Markets
Food & Drink
Things To Do
Father's Day Weekend Events

Fishing and Boating

Known for its many lakes and, of course, the confluence of the Mississippi, Illinois, and Missouri Rivers, southwest Illinois is a great destination for fishermen and boating enthusiasts. Cast your reel or take a cruise with dad at Lake Lou Yaeger in Litchfield, off the banks of the Illinois River at Pere Marquette State Park, at Hurricane Diamond Island near Hardin, or Beaver Dam State Park for a chance at catching giant blue catfish, large mouth bass, or white crappie.

More Fishing Options

A father and daughter standing at a lake and fishing

Outdoor Recreation

Take Dad to see the Alton River Dragons as they take on the Decatur Bean Ballers at home on Sunday, June 21, at 5:35pm.

Go hiking or kayaking at Pere Marquette State Park, H & B Bremer Wildlife Sanctuary, Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary, or ride bikes on the extensive MCT Trails system.

Looking for more adventure? Fly through the trees on an exhilarating ride down Aerie's Alpine Coaster! This exciting gravity coaster is the first of its kind in Illinois and is perfect for adventurers of all ages. Whether you're spending the weekend at Aerie's Resort or just headed up for the day for fresh air and delicious dining, it's a great spot to visit with your dad on Father's Day weekend.

More Outdoor Recreation Options

A baseball player throwing out a pitch

Open Air Markets

Does your dad like to cook? Is the barbecue grill your dad’s happy place? Market days in southwest Illinois can’t be beat! Find fresh produce, art, gifts, and more at one of the region’s weekend markets- take your pick from the list below!

Learn More About Local Farmers Markets

Food & Drink

Want to take dad out to eat or for drinks to celebrate him this Father’s Day?

Check out the Beer Garden at Pere Marquette Lodge, or enjoy a glass of wine at the Grafton Winery & Brewhaus or Aerie’s Resort in Grafton, Old Bakery Beer in Alton, Old Herald Brewery and Distillery in Collinsville, or have a beer with dad at the Historic Red Rooster or Opera House Brewing, both in Hillsboro.

To treat dad to a fantastic sit-down meal, try Tony’s in Alton or Brick & Bramble in Edwardsville for steaks and cocktails, Castelli’s for hand-tossed fried chicken, Bakers and Hale in Godfrey for farm-to-table dishes, 1818 Offshore in Edwardsville for seafood dishes, or Ravanelli’s in Collinsville for classic Italian.

Is Dad interested in even more BBQ? Check out these great Southwest Illinois BBQ restaurants!

Find More Dining Options

Pizza and a pint of beer on a table at Old bakery beer company
Old Bakery Beer, Alton, IL

Try Something New

Why settle for something expected when you can raise the bar this year?

Take dad out on an adventure, brunch, or pleasure cruise down the Mississippi on the Hakuna Matata, or watch a concert at Herald Square, Edwardsville City Park, or The Mill in Granite City!

Or maybe your dad likes the spooky or the historic side of things! Bring him on an Alton Hauntings Tour, a McPike Mansion Tour, or take a Prohibition Tour through Alton Odyssey! Walk the grounds at Cahokia Mounds World Heritage Site, the largest native settlement in North America, rise to new heights in the Confluence Tower, and see the Lewis and Clark State Historic Site, or take the free Alton Historic Driving Tour to see some amazing old American architecture.

Bring the family to Glen Carbon Homecoming for carnival rides and entertainment, bring dad to see an old-school movie under the stars at the Route 66 Skyview Drive-In, or take a drive up historic Route 66 on a self-guided tour of America’s Highway!

Carnival rides at Glen Carbon Homecoming with fireworks in the background

Father's Day Weekend Events

Jun 13th, 2026

The Land of Goshen Community Market
Join the Land of Goshen Community Market for Home Grown Saturday mornings along Route 66 this market season. Celebrating its 30th season, the market brings the community together to shop fresh, locally…
There are future dates for this event
Learn More

Jun 13th, 2026

Bunker Hill Market Days
Country Vibes Vendors and More is excited to host the Bunker Hill Market Days! Join them for Saturday mornings of shopping local, supporting small businesses, and enjoying a great community atmosphere from…
There are future dates for this event
Learn More

Jun 13th, 2026

Carlinville Market Days
Join the City of Carlinville for the 10th year of Carlinville Market Days, a community tradition celebrating local vendors, handmade goods, fresh produce, and family fun! Explore a variety of booths featuring…
There are future dates for this event
Learn More
Find the Perfect Sandwich in Alton Learn More
Coasting Down Aerie’s Alpine Track Learn More
Top Spots for Spring Fishing in Southwest Illinois Learn More
Take Me Out to the Ball Game in Southwest Illinois Learn More
Take Your Pick of Southwest Illinois’ Best BBQ Learn More
Top Golf Courses in Southwest Illinois Learn More

About the Author

Kayla Howland

Kayla Howland is a local writer and artist who lives in Alton, IL with her Cairn Terrier, Ripley. She enjoys fiction and non-fiction writing, graphic design, painting, drawing and photography. Kayla is a graduate of Southwestern High School and Lewis & Clark Community College. She has worked doing freelance graphic design, photography and commissioned paintings since 2012.