☰Carbondale

A university town in deep southern Illinois and the best base for exploring the Shawnee National Forest. Southern Illinois University gives it a lively cultural scene for its size, and the historic downtown — centred on a restored railroad depot and pavilion — has a nostalgic charm. The West Walnut Street Historic District is pleasant for walking, and Woodlawn Cemetery has a strong claim to hosting the nation's first Memorial Day observance. The R. Buckminster Fuller Dome Home is a National Historic Landmark — the only geodesic dome Fuller ever actually lived in.