BEAVERVILLE
“Cathedral of the Country”
308 St. Charles Street
Completed in 1910, this Bedford limestone cathedral is on the National Register. French Canadian farmers established residency in Beaverville in the 19th century, and many of the town’s residents are descendants of this group. Tour groups welcome.
815-435-2432
BEMENT
Bryant Cottage State Historic Site
146 East Wilson Street
Abraham Lincoln and Stephen A. Douglas met at this very site to discuss the famous Lincoln-Douglas debates in 1858. The cottage is decorated with period furnishings throughout each of the rooms.
217-678-8184
CHAMPAIGN / URBANA
Champaign County Convention and Visitors Bureau
108 South Neil Street
Champaign, IL 61820
217-351-4133 or 800-369-6151
www.visitchampaigncounty.org
Alto Vineyards
4210 North Duncan Rd
Champaign, IL
Retail wine shop and tasting room offering some of the finest wines produced in the United States. Wines served are produced at Alto Vineyards located in the foothills of the Shawnee National Forest in Southern Illinois.
217-356-4784,
www.altovineyards.net
Anita Purves Nature Center
1505 N. Broadway
Urbana, IL (Rt. 45 South or Country Club Road West).
Located at the north end of Crystal Lake Park, this environmental education facility features four multi-purpose rooms, an exhibit field station, an Observation Room, the Audubon Nature Shop and an Educator Resource Room, hiking and birdwatching.
217-384.4062
www.urbanaparks.org
Assembly Hall
1800 S. 1st St.
Champaign, IL
One of the two largest edge-supported domes in the world. More than a half million people annually attend events such as sporting, concerts, large conference assemblies, trade shows, and exhibits. The 17,000 plus seat hall regularly accommodates Broadway shows, musicals, and major concert performers, “Fighting Illini” men’s and women’s basketball, and the IHSA Wrestling Championship also occupy the hall.
217-333-2923
www.uofiassemblyhall.com
Curtis Orchard
3902 S. Duncan Road
Champaign, IL
80-acre apple orchard, pumpkin patch and entertainment farm offering activities for the whole family. Country store and bakery offering delightful treats.
217-359-5565
www.curtisorchard.com
Japan House
2000 S. Lincoln Ave.
Urbana, IL
Japan House and its gardens provide an important academic, cultural and natural setting for promoting an appreciation of Japanese culture and related Asian cultural concepts. There are three tearooms where one can participate in an authentic tea ceremony and classes in traditional Japanese arts. Call for reservations.
217-244-9934
www.japanhouse.art.illinois.edu/
Krannert Art Museum & Kinkead Pavilion
500 E. Peabody
Urbana, IL
Krannert Art Museum’s collection of more than 8,000 works of art offers a rich and comprehensive collection of fine art spanning 6,000 years of world culture. Offering a full schedule of docent-guided tours, lectures, performances, outreach programs, and activities for families.
217-333-1861
kam.illinois.edu
Krannert Center for the Performing Arts
500 South Goodwin Ave.
Urbana, IL
A professional laboratory for the University of Illinois dance, theatre, opera and music departments, the Center also hosts internationally famous artists and is home to the Champaign-Urbana Symphony and “Sinfonia da Camera.”
217-333-6280
www.krannertcenter.com
Orpheum Children’s Science Museum
346 N. Neil St.
Located in the Orpheum Theatre. Children of all ages are given the opportunity to learn science at their own pace in an informal setting. Current exhibits include gosh images, zoetropes, dino-dig, a PVC pipe organ and many more! Field trips are encouraged.
217-352-5895
www.orpheumkids.com
Pollinatarium
606 W. Windsor Rd.
Urbana, IL
The first free-standing science center in the nation devoted to flowering plants and their pollinators. Changing exhibits relate to world events and ongoing research. Guests can explore beekeeping equipment, see live demonstrations and play interactive games.
217-265-8302
www.life.illinois.edu-pollinatarium
Prairie Farm
2202 W. Kirby Ave
Champaign, IL
Dedicated in 1966 and was designed to be a place where young and old alike can experience the Central Illinois farm environment – sounds, smells and all. Open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, Prairie Farm hosts a variety of fun activities like Story Time, Barnyard Fun Camp and Touch-a-Tractor. Some of the animals are available daily in the petting area for pets, scratches and tummy tickles.
217-398-2583
www.champaignparkdistrict.com
Prairie Fruits Farm and Creamery
4410 N. Lincoln Ave.
Champaign, IL
Illinois’ first farmstead cheese making facility. Visit this off the beaten path farm and learn about the cheese-making process. Come dine with them during special evenings and experience the essence and pleasures of eating locally.
217-643-2314
www.prairiefruits.com
Sholem Aquatic Center
2200 W. Sangamon Dr.
Champaign, IL
Champaign’s premier place to beat the summer heat! Open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. The Center includes a kid’s activity pool with play and spray features. Grab a tube and take a loop around our winding river. Or for a bit more excitement, tube down a 170 foot slide or shoot down the body flume.
217-398-258
www.champaignparkdistrict.com
The Sousa Archives & Center for American Music
1103 S. Sixth St. 236 Harding Band Building, 2nd Floor
John Philip Sousa’s personal band music library, willed to the University of Illinois, is on display along with period band uniforms and musical instruments. Relive a time forgotten, when the sounds of marching band music filled a town on a lazy Sunday afternoon, when you step into this museum honoring a true “music man.”
217-244-9309
www.library.illinois.edu/sousa
Spurlock Museum
600 S. Gregory
Urbana, IL
Celebrating the people of the world. Special facilities include a focus gallery for temporary exhibits, learning center, auditorium, and educational resource center.
217-333-2360
www.spurlock.uiuc.edu
University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana
An atmosphere of innovation at Illinois is based on a history of interdisciplinary exploration. Campus resources include the world’s largest public university library, outstanding centers for the arts, and many world-class research facilities, including the National Center for Supercomputing Applications. Students choose from more than 150 majors and 1100 clubs and organizations.
217-333-1000
www.uiuc.edu
Virginia Theater
203 West Park Avenue
Originally built in 1921 as a Vaudeville theatre and film house, now open for live theatre, music, and film performances.
217-356-9063 (tickets)
www.thevirginia.org
William M. Staerkel Planetarium
2400 West Bradley Ave.
Champaign, IL
The second-largest planetarium in Illinois uses a Zeiss Star Projector to project 7,600 visible stars on the 50-ft. dome. Enjoy state of the art audio visual equipment and special effects while learning about the stars and planets. The planetarium offers children’s shows, rock-and-roll light shows and seasonal presentations.
217-351-2200
www.parkland.edu/coned/pla
DANVILLE
Danville Area Convention and Visitors Bureau
100 West Main Street, Suite 146
Danville, IL 61832
217-442-2096 or 800-383-4386
www.danvilleareainfo.com
Danville Stadium
Exit 215B Interstate 74
Recapture America’s baseball past in this historic 1946 ballpark, originally a farm facility for the Brooklyn Dodgers. Home of the Danville Dans, it was the setting for 1992’s movie “The Babe.”
217-431-2261
www.ciclbaseball.com
Fithian Home
116 North Gilbert
Victorian Mansion on National Historic Register. Abe Lincoln stayed with his friend, Dr. Wm. Fithian and gave a speech from the balcony in 1858. Furniture, treasures, documents of yore.
217-442-2922 or 800-383-4386
www.vermilioncountymuseum.org
Kennekuh County Park (Lake Mingo)
North Henning Rd.
Luscious scenery is a backdrop for bird watching, fishing, boating and hiking. Several restored buildings show life in yesteryear. Shelters, picnic areas, a visitors’ center make your visit special year ‘round.
217-442-1691
Kickapoo State Park
Route 1 North Henning Rd.
Offers 2842 acres of fun and beauty for your family, as well as great camping, canoe rentals, and tubing on the Middle Fork River. You might even try scuba diving.
217-442-4915
Lamon House
Lincoln Park
this 1840’s Greek Revival Cottage was built by Joseph Lamon, cousin of Ward Hill Lamon, Lincoln’s law partner and bodyguard. Open Sundays during the summer or by appt.
217-442-2922 or 800-383-4386
Middle Fork National Scenic River
Illinois’ first State Scenic River. Enjoy high bluffs and sand bars, surrounded by trees harboring many animals. You can canoe or enjoy the river through public parks along the river.
217-354-2060
www.dnr.illinois.gov
Middle Fork State Fish and Wildlife Area
Equestrian, cross country, and ski trails wind through 2700 acres of grass, forest and cropland, providing home to upland and forest game.
217-442-4915
National Cemetery
East Main St.
serves as the final resting place for soldiers and veterans from the Civil War through present day. Its silent and austere beauty is a testament to honor and courage among our nation’s finest.
www.cem.va.gov/nhcp/danville.il.htm
Vermilion County Museum
116 North Gilbert Street
Replica of 1833 county courthouse where Lincoln practiced law. Exhibits include Lincoln Law Office, a one-room schoolhouse, natural historydisplays, coal mine shaft and much more.
217-442-2922
Vermilion County War Museum
307 N. Vermilion St.
Military museum housed in an ex-Carnegie Library, contains memorabilia from the Revolutionary War to Operation Iraqi Freedom. Over 13,000 square feet on two floors features thousands of items.
217-431-0034
www.vcwm.org
Wetland Boardwalk
West Newell Rd.
This 950-foot handicapped accessible floating boardwalk is the second longest in Illinois.
217-442-1691
www.danvilleareainfo.com
GEORGETOWN
Harry “Babe” Woodyard State Natural Area
18669 E. 670 North Rd.
Enjoy bird watching, stream fishing, hiking, hunting and more in this 1,043 acre park.
217-442-4915
www.dnr.illinois.gov
GIFFORD
Gordyville USA
Route 136W
Gifford, for horse lovers, bargain hunters, and rodeo fans. Gordyville offers an array of events, shows and sales throughout the year.
217-568-7117
www.gordyvilleusa.com
GILMAN
Heartland Spa
1237 E. 1600 North Rd.
Nestled on 32-acres of picturesque pastures and woods. They are the Midwest’s premier health and fitness spa vacation where you are guaranteed to receive the focused attention you deserve.
815-683-2182
www.heartlandspa.com
HOMER
Homer Lake Forest Preserve
2573 S. Homer Lake Rd.
Fishing, boating, hiking, skiing and sledding. Environmental education center.
217-586-3360
www.ccfpd.org
HOOPESTON
McFarland Early American Museum
RR 1 South
Hundreds of pieces of material dating back to the 1800’s, includes farm equipment, radios, washing machines household items.
217-283-6160
www.hoopestonchamber.com
MAHOMET
Museum of the Grand Prairie
North Route 47
an extensive collection interpreting 19th and early 20th century life in east-central Illinois. Two floors of exhibits present architecture, trades and occupations, decorative arts, and childhood and domestic life of the time. The Discovery Room offers hands-on opportunities for children to interact and learn about the residents of the Grand Prairie. Educational programs are offered for all ages throughout the year. Permanent exhibits include Champaign County’s Lincoln Exhibit.
217-586-8612
www.museumofthegrandprairie.org
Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve
109 S. Lake of the Woods Rd, 900-acre preserve features an 18-hole regulation golf course, 9-hole par 3 course and practice range, fishing, boating, hiking, picnic areas, cross-country skiing, sledding, bike/pedestrian paths and more. 217-586-3360
www.ccfpd.org
Mabery Gelvin Botanical Gardens
North Route 47
The gardens boast some of the most beautiful and diverse flora in east central Illinois. Many have exchanged wedding vows in this colorful setting with waterfall and gazebo.
217-586-3360
www.ccfpd.org
MONTICELLO
Historic Districts
North State Street and South Charter Street
Enjoy Monticello’s two beautiful Historic Districts. North State Street, which is also known as Millionaires Row has ties to Dr. Caldwell’s Syrup of Pepsin, and features several Queen Anne, Gothic, Italianate, Elizabethan, and Tudor style homes. South Charter Street represents some of the city’s first growth outside of the Original Town plat, and was basically the first of the city’s premier residential addresses. Information for walking tours is available at the downtown Wabash Depot. Courthouse square where Abraham Lincoln once served as a lawyer on the 8th judicial circuit.
217-762-7921 or 800-952-3396
www.monticellotourism.org
Monticello Railway Museum
992 Iron Horse Place
This operational railroad yard offers vintage diesel train rides to the public, regardless of weather conditions. The Railway Museum has a number of special events going on throughout the year, and it also collects, preserves, interprets, and exhibits materials and artifacts. Visitors can view various pieces of railroad equipment, plus tour the display car featuring Pullman cars & a post office car.
217-762-9011 or 877-762-9011
www.mrym.org
University of Illinois Allerton Park & Retreat Center
515 Old Timber Road
One of the 7 Wonders of Illinois, Allerton offers 1,500 acres of beautiful outdoor surroundings including formal gardens, unique sculptures, natural areas, hiking trails, a century-old, Georgian-style mansion, and more. With National Natural Landmark and National Register of Historic Places designations, Allerton is a destination unlike any other. An ideal place for public enjoyment, it’s also a unique venue for conferences, weddings, and special events.
217-333-3287
www.allerton.illinois.edu
PAXTON
Ford County Historical Society Water Tower Museum
140 N. Market St.
Represents all of Ford County.
217-379-3723
www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~ilfchs/
Illinois Central Railroad Historical Society Headquarters
250 North Market Street, dedicated to preserving historical and educational information about the Illinois Central Railroad and the many predecessor railroads that have been part of the IC system. Come and visit the depot, museum and library.
217-379-2261
www.icrrhistorical.org
RANTOUL
Hardy’s Reindeer Ranch
1356 CR 2900 N.
Offers a unique attraction for young and old alike. From July through October, the theme is “Best inthe Midwest.” Pick a pumpkin in the pines, browse through the general store gift shop, or try yourluck at figuring out the mysteries of the 10-acre Cornfusion maze! Experience hayrack rides and the Paintball Shooting Arcade Gallery, pedal your way through the new Grand Prix style race track, and of course, see the reindeer! From November through December, the reindeer ranch is transformed into a Christmas wonderland. The general store is reminiscent of days gone by with a pot-bellied stove, period costumes, twinkling lights, and wonderful smells. Enjoy the Western Style Banquet Hall, Weenie Roast, and Wild West BBQ packages per group reservations. Group entertainment packages are available.
2 17-893-3407
www.reindeerranch.com
Chanute Air Museum
1011 Pacesetter Dr.
A premier showcase of Illinois Aviation and the 77 year history of Chanute Air Force Base. The museum encompasses over 126,000 sq. ft. of display space, boasting the largest aerospace museum in Illinois. Special memorial items are dedicated in honor of pioneer aviators of Illinois and Chanute AFB commanders and heroes. A gift shop, library, Children’s Discovery Room, and helpful volunteers await visitors’ arrival.
217-893-1613
www.aeromuseum.org
ROSSVILLE
Located on Historic Dixie Highway Route 1, delights as you go from antique shop to collectibles, to gifts, arts and more. Small town, big fun.
217-748-6914
The Depot Railroad Museum
201 East Benton Avenue
Built by the C&EI railroad in 1903 and has been restored to the 1950’s era. Open Memorial Day through Labor Day.
217-442-2096
Mann’s Chapel
Built in 1857
Mann’s Chapel, the oldest church in Vermilion County.
217-442-2922
www.vermilioncountymuseum.org
WATSEKA
Iroquois County Historical Society, Old Courthouse Museum
103 West Cherry Street
Visit the Old Courthouse Museum and see re-creations of an old-time back porch, a Victorian parlor, old time general store, post office, fossil and mineral collections, Indian artifacts, fashions of the Victoria era, a collection of over one hundred antique dolls, and more.
815-432-2215
www.oldcourthousemuseum.org
Veterans Memorial
This 9 ton cannon which was used in World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam Conflict stands alongside Veterans Parkway in honor of the men and women who have served in the armed forces.
Watseka Union Depot
121 S. 2nd Street
Built in 1906, this railroad depot is now the home to railroad memorabilia displays.
815-432-4731
WESTVILLE
Forest Glen Preserve
20301 East 900 North Rd.
An 1800-acre park with a 72 foot observation tower, 25 mile trail system, restored tall grass prairie and more.
217-662-2142
www.vccd.org
