BENLD
The Holy Dormition of the Theotokos Catholicon of the Patriarchal Russian Orthodox Catholic Church
300 N. Fourth Street
The only Russian Orthodox Parish under the Moscow Patriarchate in the state of Illinois. It was established in 1907 by a group of Russian immigrants who lived, labored, built homes, and reared families in Benld, while adding their customs and ideas to the ever-mixing cultures of our country. After a devastating fire in 1915, the temple was re-built, and has become a historical site, visited regularly by both individuals and tour groups.
217-835-2202
CARLINVILLE
Carlinville Historic District
Nearly one-third of the only Carlinville in the world was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in Illinois in 1976. The elegance and architectural variety of the many homes, churches, and businesses within the historic district have attracted numerous visitors to the area.
217-854-2141
Macoupin County “Million Dollar” Courthouse
200 East Main Street
Due to extremely high construction costs, this courthouse is known as the “Million Dollar Courthouse”. Upon its completion in 1870, it became the largest county courthouse in the United States at the time. While the courthouse still serves as the seat of the county government, it has also become an attraction for tourists, architects, and artists from all over the world.
217-854-2141
Macoupin County Historical Museum
920 W. Breckenridge Street
Located in the Anderson Mansion, a historic two-story Victorian home. The original structure was built in 1883, and expanded in 1892. The museum displays exhibits that chronicle the development of Macoupin County, as well as antiques and collectibles of the past. There are also several other buildings including a one-room school house, blacksmith shop, and church.
217-854-8916 or 217-854-8500
Macoupin County Jail
This historic building was built in 1869 using the “cannon ball” method to prevent jail breaks. The medieval-inspired fortress housed many criminals during its 119 years of use, but only one escaped. The jail was used until 1988, when the new county jail was built.
217-854-2141
Standard Addition
In 1917, when Standard Oil opened two new mines near town, Carlinville’s population grew by one-third and caused a temporary housing crisis. In response, Standard Oil turned to the Sears & Roebuck catalog. 156 homes were ordered by mail, delivered by rail, and created within a year. 152 of the original homes still stand, making this neighborhood the largest concentrated collection of Sears Homes in the United States.
217-854-2141
GIRARD
Doc’s Soda Fountain/Deck’s Pharmacy Museum
133 South Second St., offering lunch, ice cream and old fashioned treats. Stroll through the drug store museum displaying items dating back to 1884.
217-627-3491
HILLSBORO
Glenn Shoals Lake
This 1250 acre lake has an average depth of 10 feet and 26.82 miles of shoreline. Visitors can enjoy canoeing, sailing, motor-boating, skiing, fishing, camping, bicycling, swimming, picnicking and hiking. A full service marina, boat slips and boat launches are also available.
217-532-6534 or 217-532-5566
Illinois Bremer Audubon Society Sanctuary
Located 1 mile north of Hillsboro, there are a variety of habitats within this beautiful nature sanctuary, including oak-hickory uplands, wooded ravines, transitional fields, grasslands and wetlands. Bird watchers and nature lovers alike can enjoy viewing the many songbirds and other wildlife, as well as amphibians, turtles, and aquatic insects.
217-544-2473, 217-532-2339
www.bremersanctuary.org
Lake Hillsboro
At this 100-acre lake, visitors can enjoy boating, fishing, hiking and horseback trails, picnic areas, playground and swimming beach. The Sherwood Forest Campground, which is also located here, has 200 electrical campsites, primitive sites, and shower and laundry facilities.
217-532-6521
LITCHFIELD
City of Litchfield Tourism Office
120 E. Ryder Street
217-324-5253
www.cityoflitchfieldil.com
Ariston Café
413 N Old Route 66
Believed to be one of the oldest, if not the oldest restaurant on Route 66, and still continues to offer the traditional service expected at a family-owned restaurant. With a huge menu full of old favorites and scrumptious desserts, this is not a place you want to miss!
217-324-2023
www.ariston-cafe.com
Lake Lou Yaeger
This 1500+ acre lake offers 45 miles of beautiful shoreline and several recreational opportunities. Visitors can enjoy boating, skiing, swimming, fishing and camping. There are two excellent marine facilities, as well as a 300 acre park area with five picnic areas, two playgrounds, pavilions, rest rooms, and outdoor stoves. The park area also allows horseback riding on the trails, and the beach house has showers, restrooms, snack bar, and lifeguards on duty.
217-324-3416
Shoal Creek Nature Preserve
Lake Lou Yaege
East side of dam, this beautiful nature preserve consists of over 250 acres, filled with over 675 unique species of plants. Visitors can enjoy bird and butterfly watching as they hike through the winding trails. Groups and school children are especially welcome to tour the preserve.
217-324-3041
www.cityoflitchfieldil.com
Sky View Drive-In Theater
This original Route 66 theater has been operating since 1950, and has since been inducted into the Route 66 Hall of Fame. Viewers can re-live the memories of the good ole days as they watch a movie under the stars on a hot summer night. Open weekends only April-October.
217-324-4451
www.litchfieldskyview.com
Walton Park
South edge of Litchfield, home of the first 1905 Chautauqua, where speeches were given by William Jennings Bryan and Carrie Nation. The park offers picnic tables, playground areas, horseshoe pits, 9-hole disc golf course, and a pavilion with fireplace, a great place for family gatherings. Visitors can also enjoy fishing, canoeing and row boating on the lake.
217-324-9075
MOUNT OLIVE
Mother Jones Monument
Lake & Main Street
Union Miners Cemetery, this monument honors Mother Jones, a grandmother and a crusader, who risked her life by leading a labor union for coal miners’ rights in the 1930s.
217-999-4261
Soulsby’s Rt. 66 Gas Station
201 S. Old Rt. 66
This gas station, which is now a Rt. 66 icon, was one of the longest operating gas stations on the Mother Road. It was in constant operation from 1926 to 1992 with the same owner. One of the most interesting features of this site is the oak tree that has grown between the rails of the steel automobile repair ramp outside of the station. This is definitely a site to see!
217-999-4261
SHIPMAN
Southwestern Farm and Home Museum
Route 16 at Shipman Community Park
A living memorial that offers an insight into rural and farming life. Exhibits include antique farm implements and a great number of household items.
618-836-7792 or 836-5840
STAUNTON
Crystal Ballroom/Knights of Columbus
20631 Staunton Road
Come and dance on the 3500 square feet of dance floor, under a 2200 piece crystal chandelier! Musical entertainment is offered to please a variety of different tastes.
618-635-3506
www.kc-crystalballroom.com
Henry’s Ra66it Ranch
1107 Historic Old Rt. 66
Celebrates Route 66 with its collection of highway and trucking memorabilia. At the Ranch you’ll also find a wide selection of Route 66 gifts and collectible items, as well as visitor information. Rabbits of all kinds, both bunny and VW type, are always hopping the grounds! This is a must see Route 66 attraction!
618-635-5655
www.henrysroute66.com
VIRDEN
Battle of Virden Monument
Located on the Virden square, depicts the October 12, 1898 battle in which 12 people were killed. Eight of the dead were miners from towns surrounding Virden who had come to support the local miners.
