Stay at STEAMBOAT LANDING to visit local festivals and fairs, such as Marshall/Putnam County Fair, July 13-17; or The Illinois State Morel Mushroom Hunting Championship and Spongy Fungi Festival on the first weekend of every May.

The area has many farmers markets and orchards. People come from many miles away to visit Tanners Orchard which has lots of fresh produce, pumpkin picking, free apple cider, horse rides for the kids, animal barn, apple express train, wagon rides, sandwiches and freshly baked items. (Tanners Orchard, Ltd., 740 State Rte. 40, P.O. Box 21, Speer, IL 61479, (309) 493-5442).