Jefferson: Discover Rend Lake and History

Jefferson offers two distinct focuses for planning your trip: nature and water experiences at Rend Lake, and history and culture in Mount Vernon. At the lake, activities range from water sports to nature observation; in town, you’ll find historic buildings, exhibits, and an Art Deco theater. Which destinations take priority can also guide your search for a vacation rental in a suitable location.

Rend Lake: Water and Nature

Rend Lake is located in both Jefferson County and Franklin County and runs along Interstate 57. It lies about 15 miles south of Mount Vernon and northwest of Benton. The Jefferson County Historical Village is in Mount Vernon, so the lake and the town offer different points of reference for your plans.

At Rend Lake, you can kayak and canoe, go boating, fish, and swim. Other activities include tubing, water skiing, kneeboarding, wakeboarding, and slalom skiing. The range of options extends from canoe trips to various activities on the water. Which ones shape your day depends on whether you’d rather paddle, fish, or plan one of the water sports listed above.

Nature observation is also possible at the lake. Opportunities include observing songbirds, upland birds, waterfowl, wading birds and shorebirds, as well as reptiles, amphibians, fish, raptors, and mammals. Wildflowers and insects are also part of the mix. The broad range goes beyond birdwatching: you can focus your time at the lake on water sports or on the variety of animal and plant groups you can observe.

History and Culture in Mount Vernon

In Mount Vernon, the Jefferson County Historical Village includes a pioneer village with log cabins, a calaboose dating to around 1820, Mount Olive Church, built around 1873, and a one-room schoolhouse. The approximate dates of the calaboose and the church place these two historic buildings in different periods of the 19th century.

The village also includes the Schweinfurth Museum and several permanent and changing exhibits featuring historic objects from Jefferson County and the United States. Together, the buildings and collections offer a range of historical perspectives, from the structures in the pioneer village to the objects in the exhibits.

In 2026, the Jefferson County Historical Village offers a monthly educational and entertainment program for members and the community. If you’d like to plan around an event like this, check the event calendar for specific dates.

Another cultural highlight is the Granada Theatre in downtown Mount Vernon. This restored Art Deco landmark dates to the 1930s and serves as a venue for live music, community events, and private celebrations. Unlike the historic village, with its buildings and exhibits, the theater offers events in an Art Deco building.

Choose a Vacation Rental Based on Your Destinations

When looking for a vacation rental, it helps to first decide which experiences you prefer. If water sports and nature observation are your priorities, look around Rend Lake; if you’re more interested in the historic village, exhibits, and theater, focus on Mount Vernon.

Explore More Destinations

Explore more destinations: Massac County, Washington County, Cumberland County, Jo Daviess County, Gallatin, Pulaski County, Grundy County

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