Marissa, IL

united states

Marissa is a farming town of about 1,200 people in southern Illinois, roughly 50 miles southeast of St. Louis. Take I-64 east from St. Louis to the New Athens exit, then head south on local roads to reach town via Route 154. The area sits on rolling prairie with corn and soybean fields stretching in all directions. Marissa's annual Homecoming celebration has been a regional draw for over three decades.