Above: A view of Rend Lake at sunset from the deck of Windows Restaurant. Below: The Southern Illinois Artisans Shop and Visitor Center offers an array of handmade items for sale. Jinny Ravenscroft Danzer photos

The scenery along Interstate 57 south of Mount Vernon wasn’t interesting until we got off the highway to explore the area. We found pleasant landscapes and a variety of activities–including cycling, golfing and fishing–available at Rend Lake and in nearby towns. Leisurely pursuits like wine tasting and shopping for antiques or fine Illinois-made arts and crafts add to visitors’ choices.

Activities abound

The lake’s 162-mile shoreline encompasses Wayne Fitzgerrell State Park, a state fish and wildlife area, the Rend Lake Conservancy District, and Corps of Engineers recreation areas. Visitors will find golf courses, a shooting complex and several trails here.

Three good courses–Rend Lake, Franklin County Country Club and Benton Country Club–lure golfers. Skeet or trap shooters and archers will want to spend time at the Rend Lake Shooting Complex. Hunters will find waterfowl and other game in the Macedonia Game Preserve and the Rend Lake Hunting Preserve, which also offers guided hunts. The state park hosts numerous dog field trials.

Hikers and cyclists will find several trails in the area, including the newly designated 19-mile Rend Lake National Recreation Trail, which skirts the south and east sides of the lake.

Bring your bike or rent one at the Blue Heron Gift Shop and General Store at Rend Lake Resort. The trail is very popular, explained Corps of Engineers park ranger Jerry Schutte. “In summer, there are four or five bikes at each campsite,” he said.

A nine-mile equestrian trail winds through part of the state park; find a horse to ride at the park stable, or bring your own.

Water facilities include a sailboat harbor, a marina and two swimming beaches near the park’s visitor center. Boat rentals are available, and parking areas with boat ramps are located around the lake. Fish are abundant, including bass, sunfish, crappie and catfish.

Observation stands provide opportunities to view shore birds and waterfowl, and deer often wander through the park grounds. The Rend Lake Visitor Center displays aquariums with fish, frogs and snakes and provides activity tables for children. The staff presents environmental science programs, as well as special events like fireworks for July 4.

May is a great time to visit the Iris Farm (www.theiris farm.com) near Wayne City east of Mount Vernon. The iris bloom in profusion and sell at reasonable prices.

Arts and Antiques

The Southern Illinois Artisans Shop and Visitor Center has an exciting display of quality arts and crafts–including pottery, jewelry and quilts–created by more than 850 Illinois artisans. A part of the Illinois State Museum, the juried artisans’ gallery hosts changing exhibits. The center offers adult classes and Wednesday workshops for children during summer. The Art & Wine Festival in September is a gala event with 60 artists, 13 wineries, music and food.

Antique aficionados will enjoy the hunt in the area’s many antique and gift shops. The competition is strong among the wide selection of treasures.

Luxurious lodging and lakeside camping

Rend Lake Resort & Conference Center at Wayne Fitzgerrell State Park has a hotel complex, lakeshore cabins and “boatel” units–pleasant rooms with balconies that overlook the lake. Guests can launch their boats or fish off the docks by the units. Seasons Lodge & Condominiums is adjacent to the 27-hole Rend Lake Golf Course. Campers can find good sites at Corp of Engineers campgrounds nearby. Neighboring towns have motels and bed-and-breakfast inns.

You won’t go hungry in Franklin County. Chef Jeff Fairbanks prepares delectable meals for O’Reilly’s Lounge and the Windows Restaurant at Rend Lake Resort. Sample blueberry pancakes and Reilly’s breakfast sandwich (fried egg, cheese and sausage). Windows’ guests can dine on gourmet specialties like the Tuscan pork chop stuffed with prosciutto ham and Asiago cheese, or the peppercorn and Cognac duck while watching boats and waterfowl from the deck.

There are numerous restaurants in surrounding towns. Burton’s Café in Whittington is known for its scrumptious pies. The Pheasant Hollow Winery offers a variety of wines in its spacious facility, which includes a tasting room with a large stone fireplace. In warm weather, guests congregate on the winery’s wrap-around porch and a gazebo.

Stop to explore what lies beyond the interstate. You’ll find hidden surprises, like Rend Lake, waiting for your enjoyment.

Jinny Ravenscroft Danzer is a contributor from St. Louis, Mo.