Top Things to Do in and Around Dongola
Top Things to Do in and Around Dongola:
Eat Authentic Cajun Food:
Visit the highly-rated Dongola Bluefish Cafe on S. Garden St. for authentic Louisiana gumbo, alligator pizza, and smoked meats in a delightfully quirky, welcoming environment.
Fish & Relax at Dongola Lake:
Spanning 58 acres, this picturesque, spring-fed lake just west of town [dongolaillinois.com/about-dongola-illinois] is an ideal local spot for bank fishing (stocked with bass and catfish) and quiet afternoon boating.
Explore the Cache River Wetlands:
Drive just a few miles south to the Henry N Barkhausen Cache River Wetlands Center in Cypress Creek National Wildlife Refuge to hike trails featuring thousand-year-old cypress trees and diverse wildlife.
Go Paddling:
Book a guided kayaking tour or a unique "Full Moon Paddle" with Cache Bayou Outfitters.
Hike the Shawnee National Forest:
Access the dense, beautiful Hickory Bottom Access of the Shawnee National Forest just down the road for a rugged, heavily wooded wilderness hike.
Tour Local Vineyards:
Take a short scenic drive to nearby wineries like Wichmann Vineyard, StarView Vineyards or Blue Sky Vineyard, which offer local wine tastings, live music, and stunning views of the Shawnee Hills.
