Centralia, Illinois travel guide: things to do, food & where to stay

Overview

Centralia is a city in Southern Illinois.

3 sights · 1 places to eat · 1 places to stay

Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage

Best things about Centralia

Centralia Carillon

8th largest carillon in the world, with 65 bells.

Fairview Park

An old steam locomotive from the old Illinois Central Railroad is on display here.

Foundation Park

235 acre park with hiking trails, an ice skating pond, two fishing ponds and two disc golf courses.

Plan your trip

Best time to visit & weather

Most comfortable: Apr–Oct. Summer highs reach about 90°F; winter lows dip to about 24°F. Very hot (Jul) — plan outdoor time for mornings. Cold months (Jan) can bring snow and ice; check road conditions. Wettest: May and Apr. (climate data from nearby St. Louis)

Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).

Getting there

From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
BLV Scott AFB/Midamerica Airport, Belleville — 38 mi away. Directions
MWA Veterans Airport of Southern Illinois, Marion — 54 mi away. Directions
STL St. Louis Lambert International Airport, St Louis — 69 mi away (major hub). Directions

U.S. 51 and IL 161 run through Centralia. IL 161 links the town to Interstate 57 to the east, while U.S. 51 links it to Interstate 64 to the south.

Full “Get in” guide ↓

Budget & where to stay

No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.

Sample 1-day itinerary

Day 1

Morning Centralia Carillon, Fairview Park
Lunch Centralia House Restaurant
Afternoon Foundation Park

Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.

Food for you

What to ask about, for your diet

Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder

Map

Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.

Get in

By car

U.S. 51 and IL 161 run through Centralia. IL 161 links the town to Interstate 57 to the east, while U.S. 51 links it to Interstate 64 to the south.

By train

Centralia is served daily by Amtrak via the Illini and Saluki services that run between Chicago and Carbondale. The station is also a flag stop for the City of New Orleans running between Chicago, Memphis, and New Orleans.