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Aikman Wildlife Adventure ........24 Amish Of Illinois...........................8 Arcola.........................................18 Arthur.........................................26 Bement.......................................48 Bloomington...............................62 Casey .........................................43 Charleston .................................40 Chesterville................................32
Communities & Attractions Clinton........................................52 Crawford County........................54 Decatur ......................................59 Effingham...................................56 Greenup .....................................50 Greenville...................................64 Illinois Amish Heritage Center...17
Jacksonville ...............................68 Jerseyville ..................................72 Lake Shelbyville.........................49 Litchfield....................................69 Marshall .....................................44 Mattoon......................................42 Monticello ..................................46
Oakland......................................38 Paris...........................................39 Parke County, IN........................75 Pontiac.......................................63 Robinson ....................................54 Springfield .................................70 Sullivan ......................................34 Tuscola.......................................36 Vandalia .....................................66
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For every stage of life... From special events, conferences, weddings and family gatherings to selecting your beautiful new apartment, be a part of the vitality and tradition of the Green Mill Village Development. Located at the Gateway to Central Illinois’ Amish Country in Arcola, Illinois, this mixed-use development brings together destination and regional travelers to a community with a vibrant future.
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• Pontiac
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Aikman Wildlife Adventure .......24 Amish Of Illinois ..........................8 Arcola ........................................18 Arthur ........................................26 Bement ......................................48 Bloomington..............................62 Casey.........................................43 Charleston.................................40 Chesterville...............................32 Clinton .......................................52 Crawford County .......................54 Decatur......................................59 Effingham..................................56 Greenup.....................................50
Greenville ..................................64 Illinois Amish Heritage Center ..17 Jacksonville...............................68 Jerseyville .................................72 Lake Shelbyville ........................49 Litchfield ...................................69 Marshall.....................................44 Mattoon .....................................42 Monticello .................................46 Oakland .....................................38 Paris ..........................................39 Parke County, IN .......................75 Pontiac ......................................63 Robinson ...................................54
PAGE 6 | 2019 Discover Visitor & Vacation Guide To Central Illinois
Springfield.................................70 Sullivan......................................34 Tuscola ......................................36 Vandalia.....................................66
www.discovercentralillinois.com Published annually by
Rankin Publishing, Inc. 204 E. Main St. • P.O. Box 130, Arcola, IL 61910 Phone 217-268-4959 • Fax 217-268-4815 drankin@consolidated.net Publishers of: Broom, Brush & Mop Magazine Maintenance Sales News Magazine Busline Magazine Discover Central Illinois Magazine
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A
AMISH OF ILLINOIS Living Humbly And Simply, Dedicated To Religious Ideals:
Central Illinois Is Home To State’s Largest Amish Community
mish lifestyles are different from the everyday lives most Americans know. The Amish live humbly and simply, dedicating their lives to religious ideals. Nearly 4,500 Amish people populate Moultrie, Douglas and Coles counties in such communities as Arcola, Arthur, Lovington, Sullivan, Tuscola, Cadwell, Chesterville, Atwood and Cooks Mills.
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PAGE 8 | 2019 Discover Visitor & Vacation Guide To Central Illinois
Sunset in Central Illinois Amish Country.
The Amish faith is based on Menno Simon’s break from the Roman Catholic Church during the Anabaptist movement in Europe in the early 1500s. The Amish later split from this group, known as the Mennonites, due to their belief in shunning those who leave the church, established by Jacob Ammann. After suffering persecution for generations, the Amish and Mennonites set sail for the United States in the late 1600s and early 1700s. In 1865, Central Illinois saw its first Amish settlers in the families of Daniel Yoder, Daniel Otto and Moses Yoder. Today, Amish communities have been established across the United States, with large populations in Indiana, Pennsylvania and Ohio. In all, Amish communities are found in 27 states. In following with traditional customs, Amish people do not use electricity or operate automobiles and modern farm machinery. Instead, they travel by horse-drawn buggy, use propane to fuel their light fixtures and heat their ovens, and farm using teams of horses. While most American homes are now filled with the noises of modern-day technological devices, Amish homes remain much quieter. Amish people do not own radios or televisions and only use telephones outside their homes for business and in cases of emergency. Amish children begin working on family businesses and farms at ages as young as 5 years, performing chores typical of children who live on a farm or who are raised in a family business. As children grow, their responsibilities increase.
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Amish buggies are gathered for a social event in the area.
CLOTHING The Amish wear solid colored clothing that is hand-tailored by family members. Men wear long, denim pants to work with plain colored shirts and suspenders. They wear a black, hand-sewn suit,
a white shirt and black shoes to church. Outside, men almost always wear a hat — straw in summer and black felt in winter. Women wear plain colored dresses without trim and are void of jewelry and cosmetics. Their dresses are fastened with
2019 Discover Visitor & Vacation Guide To Central Illinois | PAGE 9
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straight pins and their heads are covered at all times with white head coverings made of Swiss organdy. These white coverings are even worn under their black bonnets. Additionally, their garments have no buckles or zippers. Older women wear dark colors, such as navy blue, green or burgundy, with blue and black
PAGE 10 | 2019 Discover Visitor & Vacation Guide To Central Illinois
saved for religious occasions such as weddings and funerals. In cold weather, they add black wool shawls to their wardrobes. Amish ladies cover their heads with white prayer coverings while indoors and add a black bonnet on top of the covering when outdoors. When women are working in the garden, they
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wear handkerchiefs. Girls dress like their mothers, with a few exceptions. Girls do not wear straight pins until they are older, and they are allowed buttons on their dresses. Without modern conveniences, the Amish wash clothing with a wringer/washer and hang it to dry on a clothesline. A line draped with clothes drying in the sun after a fresh washing is a common sight in any Amish community.
BUSINESS Traditionally, Amish business assets were calculated by how much land a family owned. With the Amish population growing and the land area remaining unchanged, however, many Amish today hold other business assets. As times have changed, more Amish businesses have opened to supplement the income generated from farming. As a result, many wonderful finds can be discovered at Amish businesses in the area. Signs along rural roads alert passersby of opportunities to purchase various foods, including many fresh produce items, during spring, summer and fall months. Among the local businesses operated by the Amish are grocery stores, health food stores, shoe stores,
Well-kept flower/vegetable gardens are the norm.
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2019 Discover Visitor & Vacation Guide To Central Illinois | PAGE 11
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woodworking shops, lawn furniture stores, an orchard, tool stores, a meat packing plant, feed mills and a lamp shop. • Furniture Shops and Custom Built Cabinets: Round oak tables, roll-top desks, cabinets, home entertainment centers and wooden accent pieces are only a few of the many handcrafted furniture items available at numerous shops. Along with furniture craftsmen, Amish cabinet-makers can provide some of the finest and most attractive custom-made kitchen and bathroom cabinets, and other furniture. • Country Stores: Small rural stores are stocked with every-
thing from home-baked items to handmade quilts. • Buggy and Wagon Repair Shops: Building or repairing buggies and wagons is a necessary part of Amish life. A number of Amish craftsmen have opened shops to perform this service for the public. • Harness Shops: Years of working with leather, brass, copper and silver have helped aid the craft of Amish harness making. • Upholstering: Several shops specialize in high-quality upholstering for both furniture and vehicle seats. Visitors can bring their own fabric into the shops or choose from a selection of materials. • Blacksmiths and Horseshoeing: The friendly smithers perform their craft throughout the year. • Cloth and Fabrics: Amish women make clothes, beautiful quilts and craft items. These shops feature everything needed for sewing. • Fresh Foods: The Amish advocate foods direct from nature. Vitamins, nut meats, herbs, flours, dried fruit, juice and grains all can be purchased at local shops. Locally raised natural beef, pork, mutton and chicken are sold in state-inspected Amish shops. Fresh eggs, apple butter, honey,
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PAGE 12 | 2019 Discover Visitor & Vacation Guide To Central Illinois
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sorghum, apple cider and fruits and vegetables are sold during certain times of the year on several Amish farms in the area. Visitors can also satisfy their hunger with the homemade cinnamon rolls, donuts, cakes, breads and candy sold at several private Amish farmsteads. Businesses are closed each Sunday and the Epiphany (old Christmas), and on Ascension Day, which is 40 days after Easter. The Amish celebrate religious holidays, Thanksgiving and the New Year. SCHOOL
Amish children learn a dialect of the German language, called Pennsylvania Dutch, before studying English. When children in Amish families attend school, they learn to speak English. In addition, most Amish children, by age 12, are able to operate a horse and buggy for trips to school and elsewhere. Some Amish children attend public schools, but most study in Amish parochial schools. There are 17 Amish schools in Central Illinois. Typically, each school includes two teachers, who
A large Amish community populates Moultrie, Douglas and Coles counties, Illinois.
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2019 Discover Visitor & Vacation Guide To Central Illinois | PAGE 13
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tend to be unmarried Amish women. One teaches students first through fourth grade, while the other teaches students fifth through eighth grade. Amish schools feature courses in subjects such as math, social studies, spelling, writing and health. Science is not taught, however, because the Amish do not believe it is a necessary course of study. Likewise, the Amish believe that any knowledge attained past the eighth grade is “worldly� knowledge and is not required for the simple Amish lifestyle; therefore, Amish school teachers are also only educated to the eighth grade. School normally ends with the arrival of May. This allows children more time to work on the family farm. The Amish hold a large picnic to celebrate the end of each school year. Amish children usually spend their evenings in the family home, where reading and board games occupy leisure time. WEDDINGS Many Amish people marry at the age of 19 or 20. In past years, Amish newlyweds made a living from parcels of land given to them as gifts by one of the fathers. Today, that is less common and young married couples often purchase land upon which to build. Examining facial hair works well when trying to determine the marital status of an Amish man. Married Amish men have beards. Unmarried Amish men are clean-shaven. Amish men are not allowed to don mustaches. As in most Amish customs, religion plays a large role in the
PAGE 14 | 2019 Discover Visitor & Vacation Guide To Central Illinois
Amish houses are usually painted white. Often, hardwood floors, wood cabinets and cupboards, scatter rugs, and beautiful quilts add to the warmth and decor of the homes.
lives of married couples. Prior to marrying, Amish men and women must join the Amish church. This process includes baptism. Amish weddings, which are usually day-long celebrations that draw 200 to 500 guests, begin with 2-hour religious services followed by a wedding ceremony. The bride often wears a royal blue dress and a white prayer cap. Weddings normally take place in the home of a relative of the bride. Following an Amish wedding, a large celebratory meal is served. The crowd eats in shifts. During the celebration, the wedding couple usually sits in a corner of a room. The crowd then spends the afternoon singing hymns to the newly married couple.
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You will see lots of horsepower in Douglas, Moultrie and Coles counties.
Newlyweds assist the hosts with cleaning their homes and washing the dishes after the ceremony has ended. The Amish do not wear wedding rings.
CHURCH Each Sunday, Amish families gather for church services conducted in German in homes across the countryside. A week prior to each church service, a green (sometimes gray
or white) church wagon takes items such as hymn books, benches, hat racks and dishes to the home where the church service will be held. The wagons are also used for both weddings and funerals. There are 27 Amish church districts in the Arcola/Arthur area. The districts cover approximately 72 square miles, with Arthur in the center of the settlement. While a bishop, two
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H O U R S : 7-5:30 Mon.-Fri. 7-4:30 Sat.
259 N CR 200 E • Arthur, IL 61911 • Voice Mail: 217-543-3447 • Fax: 217-543-3450 2019 Discover Visitor & Vacation Guide To Central Illinois | PAGE 15
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ministers and a deacon represent each district, there is no central authority. Families take great care in preparing their homes for the lengthy church services. A very thorough cleaning of the home takes place prior to hosting. During each service, the congregation sits on backless benches. Boys sit with men, while girls sit with women.
are usually painted white. Often, hardwood floors, wood cabinets and cupboards, scatter rugs, and beautiful quilts add to the warmth and decor of the homes. Amish homes are often large with several rooms opening into one large room where they may hold church services. Homes are furnished simply, but comfortably.
FARMS Although Amish farms vary in size, the norm is 80 to 100 acres. Each Amish farm family has approximately 12 Belgian horses, or working horses, which pull farm equipment in the fields. The families also own 2 to 3 horses which are used for pulling the buggies. many Shoe Your Complete Family Amish farmers often raise hogs, cattle, and Hat Brands chickens, turkeys and goats. Typically, a Shoe Store farmer raises one kind of animal, while another farmer raises a different kind of farm animal. For example, one farmer may raise chickens, while another farmer may raise hogs, and so on. A common practice is to have a “butcher day,” during which several families will go together to purchase animals from a farmer — hogs for example. The families will then divide the meat among themselves. In addition, Amish women often plant large gardens, and many families pluck fresh fruit from orchards and gather berries from homegrown patches. The main crops planted by Amish families include wheat, oats, clover and corn. Until a few 217-543-2082 years ago, farming was a way of life for nearly all Monday–Friday 8–5, Saturday 8–3 Amish families. In recent years, however, most 2068 CR 1800 E, Arthur, IL 61911 Amish families have turned to woodworking, retail stores and other trades. In fact, several Amish people now travel to various manufacturing plants in the area to work. The largest meal of the day for an 1/2 Mile South of Arthur • 2062 CR 1800 E • Arthur, IL. • 61911 • (217) 543-4093 Amish farm family is usually lunch. A HOURS: M, T, Th & F 8-5 • Sat. 8-4 (Closed Wed. & Sun.) lighter supper is served. Soup is a popuOwners: Glenn & Irma Yoder and Richard & Joan Otto lar supper meal. Family gardens supply much fresh produce for soups and other meals.
HOME IS CENTRAL TO THE AMISH FAMILY A typical Amish house has no carpeting, and plain “tied back” curtains hang at the windows during the day. The houses
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THE AMISH WAY OF LIFE The Amish have an active social life built around auctions, picnics, quilting bees, softball and visits with neighbors. While many Amish subscribe to local newspapers, the Amish also read their own national newspaper, The Budget. They also subscribe to many magazines, sometimes reflecting their trade or sometimes just for leisure.
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New Illinois Amish Heritage Center Under Development
T
The Daniel Schrock House at the Illinois Amish Heritage Center
he new Illinois Amish Heritage Center is now under development. The site is located on the north side of Route 133, about a mile west of Chesterville, IL, and three miles east of Arthur, IL. Two historic Amish houses were moved to the five-acre site in September 2016, and will be the main attraction at the new Amish heritage location. The first house was built by Moses Yoder shortly after his arrival in Illinois in 1865. Yoder, Daniel Miller, and Daniel Otto and their families were the first Amish immigrants to settle near Arthur that year. Moses Yoder’s house, along with the second house built in 1882 by later immigrant Daniel Schrock, were saved from demolition in 1999 and were put in storage. The Yoder house was moved part of the way with an eight-horse hitch of Amish horses on September 20, 2016. Both houses made the rest of the trip pulled by trucks. The Moses Yoder and Daniel Schrock houses will be the centerpieces, showcasing the area’s Amish heritage. They will both be restored to their 19th century appearance. The Yoder house and outbuildings will be operated as an Amish living history farm, while the Schrock house will be used more as an education center for visiting groups and school children. Once the houses are restored, plans call for the construction of a Museum and Heritage Center building, which will feature exhibits that tell the history and story of the Amish culture, and will include such interesting items as a historic Amish buggy and an Amish church bench wagon. Current Amish culture will also be featured to give visitors an understanding of how the Amish live, work, play and socialize. The museum’s gift shop will feature a wide range of locally made Amish quilts, crafts, foods and other items. The Museum and Heritage Center will feature tours of Amish homes, farms, businesses and dinners in an Amish home. Also, a wide range of special events will showcase historic agricultural activities such as horse plowing and steam threshing.
THREE SPECIAL EVENTS PLANNED FOR 2019 The Third Annual Steam Threshing Show will take place on the Heritage Center grounds this summer, on Friday and Saturday, August 2 and 3, 2019. Binding and shocking of wheat will take place before the event. During the event, the shocks of wheat will be hauled to the threshing area on horse-drawn wagons, where an early 19th century threshing machine, belt-driven by an early steam powered tractor, will thresh the wheat. The wheat grain will collect in a wagon and the straw and chaff will form a large pile. Plans are to have the restoration of the Schrock house done for the events. Guides will conduct tours of the Schrock house, explaining its
historic significance and the restoration process. The other two events will include From Sheep To Quilts on Saturday, June 1, 2019, and involve demonstrations of wool processing from shearing the sheep to weaving cloth. Also featured will be an exhibit of early quilts and coverlets. The third event will be Harvest To Home on Friday and Saturday, October 18 and 19, 2019, that will include harvesting and shucking corn and grinding it into corn meal. It will also feature other historic agricultural demonstrations, as well as craft and vendor booths, a petting zoo and a food tent.
Continued On Page 74
The Illinois Three miles east of Arthur, Illinois on o nS State ttaattee R Route outtee 133 133
he hi toric 18 5 Mo e oder hou e bein o ed to the ne A i h erita e enter on epte ber 20 201
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2019 Discover Visitor & Vacation Guide To Central Illinois | PAGE 17
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ARCOLA: DOUGLAS/MOULTRIE COUNTIES
Arcola: Pop Art, Festivals, Raggedy Ann History
A warm welcome greets visitors to Arcola, located just off Interstate 57 at Exit 203. Situated in the heart of Illinois Amish Country, visitors enjoy Arcola and the surrounding Amish countryside. Arcola is also proud to be the birthplace of Johnny Gruelle, creator of the much loved symbols of Americana, Raggedy Ann and Raggedy Andy. Many people also travel to Arcola to shop for Amish-made furniture, to dine in the local restaurants, shop the unique and friendly stores, stock up on sausage and cheese, participate in the town’s fabulous festivals, and learn more area history. The community hosts several major celebrations that annually draw thousands of guests. 2019 RAGGEDY ANN RALLY Arcola honors its famous son, Johnny Gruelle, and his beloved creArcola’s Raggedy Ann & ations, Raggedy Ann and Andy, annually with a weekend jam-packed with events for Raggedy enthusiasts. The 2019 event is scheduled for Friday, June 7, and Saturday, June 8, in Arcola. Visit Raggedy Ann Rally on Facebook or contact Kathy Ellis at 217-251-7947. NEW “A WALK THROUGH TIME MUSEUM” Located in downtown Arcola, the new A Walk Through Time Museum, featuring Raggedy Ann and Andy, is open Thursdays through Saturdays 10
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a.m.-3 p.m. Along with Raggedy Ann and Andy memorabilia, the center features Arcola’s history and offers information on local attractions such as: History of Raggedy Ann and Andy; Originals by Johnny Gruelle and R.B. Gruelle; A Local Heroes’ section displaying Vietnam War memorabilia; Hispanic Display featuring Arcola's rich and diverse history; Arcola Industrial Display; Arcola Tradition of Excellence in Sports; Walldog Murals in Arcola display; History of the Railroad; Old Arcola Display; River to Rail Display; and Aikman’s Wildlife Adventure display. ARCOLA’S BROOM CORN FESTIVAL The Broom Corn Festival is the oldest of Arcola’s annual events. In 2019, Arcola celebrates the town’s 49th Annual Arcola Broom Corn Andy tribute sculpture. Festival. The annual festival lasts three days, beginning Friday afternoon, September 6, with the National Broom Corn Sweeping contest, and continues through Sunday, September 8. (THE FESTIVAL IS ALWAYS HELD THE WEEKEND FOLLOWING THE LABOR DAY HOLIDAY.) The annual Broom Corn Festival is one of the most popular annual events in Illinois. It draws more than 60,000 visitors to the city with its legendary stage acts, craft vendors, food booths and a huge
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parade featuring the nationally-recognized Arcola Lawn Rangers, Through the efforts of the Arcola Beautification Committee, and (chosen to be an entrant in former President Barack Obama’s first a variety of fundraising projects involving numerous community inaugural parade) and as many as 175 other entrants. volunteers, the famous Walldogs mural painters came to Arcola in June 2012. The group included 130 For decades, Arcolans referred to artists from across the United States the community as the "Broom Corn as well as Canada, New Zealand, Capital of the World." Indeed, it was. Scotland and Australia. There is a Arcola stood as one of the nation’s long and rich history of painting top producers of broom corn, a tall, wall advertisements. These mural unusual variety of sorghum that is painters were often referred to as used as a raw material in the manuWalldogs, and the group adopted facture of brooms. the name. The modern parade rekindles the spirit of the times of yesteryear, Paintings on the exterior of local when farmers hitched their horses businesses feature topics unique to to wagons loaded with the year’s the rich history of Arcola. The presharvest and headed toward town. tigious Walldogs select just one Once in Arcola, they rolled down city in the Midwest to transform Main Street proudly displaying each year. their haul while enroute to one of Murals include: a mural dedithe many local broom factories. cated to Arcolan Joe Ernst (WWll While broom corn is no longer French Medal of Honor recipient) grown in the fertile farmland that and Ella Fitzgerald; Raggedy Ann surrounds Arcola, factories that and Andy; the City of New Orleans There are 15 Arcola Walldog murals. train; Clayton Moore and the Lawn were born of those earlier times reRangers; Pfeiffer Seed Company; broom corn and Arcola’s famous main much the heart of the community, and the local economy. The Arcola Chamber of Commerce annually sponsors the popular annual Broom Corn Festival; an Arcola football themed mural; hisfamily festival, and the organization has built a storied tradition of toric Route 45; the local Amish culture; the Arcola Candy Kitchen; success in bringing to Arcola entertainers who seem to explode onto the Hispanic migration to Arcola; The Arcola Sweet Shop; and, a the national music scene either just before, or just after, taking the painting dedicated to the Arcola Opera House and “Ozzie and Harriett” during the 1935 Homecoming event. Visit www.arcolawallstage at the Broom Corn Festival. Along with the featured performer, several other musical acts high- dogsproject.com. Visit the Hippie Memorial. Since he passed away, memorial crelight the festival, including those performing in the Broom Corn Festival beer tent, which attracts huge evening crowds. ator Arcolan Robert Moomaw's America has become a different The festival also features a long list of events celebrating the com- place, as interpreted by the memorial in Arcola. The Hippie Memomunity’s heritage. These include broom-making demonstrations, a rial is located on North Oak Street. broom sweeping contest, children’s entertainment, carnival rides and The town’s public art has been “swept” to new heights with a project craft booths that line the streets along with delicious festival foods. spearheaded by Pat Monahan. Twelve brightly illustrated, oversized For additional information on the festival, contact the Arcola Chamber brooms have been placed on lampposts in historic downtown Arcola. of Commerce at 217-268-4530 or visit www.arcolachamber.com. Reminiscent of Chicago’s painted cows of a few years ago, Arcola has ARCOLA: A CENTRAL ILLINOIS POP-ART MECCA adopted the slogan “Come See Our Sweeping Beauties,” to entice the The Arcola, IL, Beautification Committee recently completed another public to view the brooms designed and executed by talented artists. project to increase Arcola’s collection of public pop art, which includes The 12 artists who created Arcola’s new Sweeping Beauties are: 15 outdoor murals highlighting area history, Raggedy Ann and Andy “Broom at the Top” by DL and Bernie Gietl; “America’s Broom sculptures, the beautiful and moving Veteran’s Memorial, the Hippie Town” by Michael Clark; “Broom Service” by De Ingles; “That’s Memorial, and the new “Sweeping Beauties,” (which pay tribute to Ar- What Happens When You Sweep Around” by Gayla Schuett; “Broom cola’s historical connection to the broom industry) whimsical over-sized With a View” by Carol Kauffman; “Home Sweep Home” by Scott brooms that enhance Arcola’s lamp-posts with “puntastic” themes. Lindley; “Broom Where You’re Planted” by Jane Diaz; “Lincoln
Great Pizza, Pasta, Sandwiches, Salads & Breadsticks! Home of The Family Pleaser Villa Grove
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528 E. Springfield Rd.
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(217) 832-2361
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Open Daily at 11 a.m. • Famous for thin-crust pizza! PAGE 20 | 2019 Discover Visitor & Vacation Guide To Central Illinois
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Swept Here” by Bob Sear; “Broomsday Scenario” by John Ingles; The story messages are happy, filled with a strong moral message and “Sweep Dreams” by Anne McDonald; “Well Broomed” by Nancy good deeds. Johnny Gruelle died in 1938. His son, Worth, and his brother, Justin, Bennett; and, “Let Sweeping Dogs Lie” by Tom and Kat Durham. continued to publish Raggedy Ann stories. Today, the Gruelle family ARCOLA NATIVE JOHNNY GRUELLE: remains strongly committed to the story themes and art created by CREATOR OF RAGGEDY ANN AND ANDY Here’s a bit of a history lesson: Johnny Gruelle, a well-known artist Johnny. and illustrator who created Raggedy Ann and Andy, was born in Arcola Johnny Gruelle’s granddaughter, Joni Gruelle Wannamaker, rein 1880 to artistic parents R.B. and sides in Arcola where, for over Alice Gruelle. R.B. was one of the a decade, she and her late husband, Tom Wannamaker, owned famous Hoosier Group of Impresand operated a museum dedisionist artists. From his youth, art cated to Johnny Gruelle. Joni, was a major influence in Johnny daughter of Worth and Susie Gruelle’s life. Gruelle, is a talented artist as While Johnny Gruelle is best well, and continues to work known for his famous creations, with publishers on new Raggedy Ann and Andy, he was Raggedy Ann and Andy mercertainly an artist with a true talent chandise. for cartooning and magazine/ newspaper illustration. He was ARCOLA AREA AMISH SETTLEMENT employed by publications includIllinois’ largest Amish settleing The Indianapolis Star, The ment is located just west of ArCleveland Press and The New cola. The rural area is lined with York Herald. Probably his most famous comic strip was Mr. Twee Amish businesses, homes, and Deedle. His cartoons, illustraschools. Drivers share the roads The new Arcola A Walk Through Time Museum. tions and illustrated stories also with horse-drawn buggies and appeared in well known magabicycles. zines of the time such as McCall’s, The Ladies World and The IllusThe Illinois Amish are tied to their Reformation beginnings by trated Sunday Magazine. their history, faith, simple way of life and plain dress. The Amish Gruelle continued his growth as an artist and, after struggling grew out of the Reformation Anabaptist movement that began in through a tragic event that affected his own life, created the Zurich, Switzerland, in 1525. The movement included the Swiss famed Raggedy Ann as the central character in a series of chil- Brethren and the Hutterites in Southern Europe, and the Mennonites in the north of Europe. Anabaptists insisted on baptizing bedren’s books. His daughter, Marcella, is credited with finding the very first lieving adults rather than infants. Refusal to follow any Raggedy Ann, a long forgotten faceless rag doll, in the family’s government or to fight in armies led to persecution by Catholic attic. She became one of Marcella’s favorite companions. The name and Protestant states. In 1693, the Amish separated from the Swiss Brethren, taking Raggedy Ann may have come from a combination of two of James Whitcomb Riley’s (a friend) poems, “The Raggedy Man” and “Little their name from Jacob Ammann, an early leader. The primary Orphant Annie.” Marcella tragically died in childhood, and it is said to have been at this time that Johnny Gruelle began to write down the stories he had created for Marcella with the rag doll as its main character. He patented and trademarked Raggedy Ann in 1915. The first Raggedy Ann book was published in 1918 and was dedicated to “the millions of children who have loved a rag doll.” Gruelle published a total of Phone: 217-268-4000 40 books for children. He included many of Marcella’s other dolls in www.choicehotels.com the stories creating such characters as Brown Bear and Eddie Elephant. Exit 203 at
Arcola
I-57 & Rt. 133 Opposite Dairy Queen
Free Continental Breakfast AARP Discount Jacuzzi Rooms Pets with Permission Outdoor Pool
Best Place For a Layover in Amish Country For reservations only:
1-800-228-5150 “Feels Like Home” 2019 Discover Visitor & Vacation Guide To Central Illinois | PAGE 21
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cause of the split with the Swiss Brethren involved the Amish belief sonally interacting with more than 200 animals and 68 species from in shunning society members who broke the rules of the church. all over the world. Visit www.aikmanwildlife.com. After the two split, Amish families Visitors throughout the year began moving to the United States will find much more in Arcola. in the early 1700s, and, today, The community offers a warm there are no Amish in Europe. welcome to visitors as well as After moving into small settleunique shopping in charming ments, the Amish moved weststores, friendly service, and ample ward in the 1830s and reached storefront parking. There is just too much to see in one day. Spend Peoria, IL. That group later bethe night in Arcola at a hotel incame Mennonite. The Old Order Amish who settled in the Arthurcluding Arcola’s Quality Inn or Arcola area originated from PennThe Arcola Best Western Plus sylvania. Hotel and Conference Center. Today, the local Amish commuA friendly welcome awaits at nity consists of approximately even more Arcola businesses in4,300 people and is divided into cluding Kauffman’s Amish Furni25 church districts. Living without ture Outlet. electricity and using horses for Local restaurants feature transportation and field work, the mouth-watering specialties. Dine Amish families were, at first, enin local favorite restaurants ingaged primarily in farming. cluding Hen House, Monicals, Carriage Crossing, Dairy Queen, In recent decades, as it became and more. increasingly difficult to acquire farmland, Amish men began esTHE HOLIDAYS tablishing thriving businesses. Visitors also receive a special With woodworking businesses welcome during the Christmas holand establishments based on other iday season when shoppers can such trades, many tourists now are enjoy holiday music played through Arcola’s new “Sweeping Beauties.” speakers lining the town’s sidedrawn to the area to buy beautifully walks, festively decorated storefronts, streets and windows. Small town crafted Amish furniture, handmade Amish quilts and other products America hospitality often includes caroling by local church choirs. The produced by local Amish families. holiday season kicks off in November when store owners host annual AMAZING ARCOLA AND SPECIAL EVENTS: holiday Open House weekends. Specific dates and events will be anThe Country Spirit Antique Show and Sale is scheduled for Nov. 8 and 9 at the Arcola Center, 107 W. Main St., and The Best Western nounced. Traditionally, the open houses feature holiday treats, extended Plus, 917 Green Mill Road. Visit countryspiritshow@gmail.com. hours, caroling, special merchandise and more. Aikman’s Wildlife Adventure Park opened in 2016 in rural ArThe month of December is a busy one throughout the community cola. Forty acres have been dedicated to offering a car/or horseas local churches host such events as a House Walk complete with drawn wagon drive-through adventure, as well as a walk-through a visit to The Candy Cane Cafe, special music with an Annual area, an aviary and a behind-the-scenes experience viewing and perChristmas Cantata, school concerts, and much more. Santa comes to town with great fanfare and treats for all. For more information, contact the Arcola Chamber of Commerce. “ ” HISTORIC BUSINESS DISTRICT Arcola’s Main Street business district also features well-mainThat’s What You Get At The tained, recently renovated historic buildings, including the Otto BuildVIDEO ing on Main Street. Recently, owner of the building and local GAMES! businessman, Wilmer Otto, received national attention. He headed a group that arranged to have an authentic Mesker Bros. Iron Works storefront (located in the neighboring town of Stewardson) restored and moved to Arcola to replace the facade of the landmark Arcola building. The Mesker storefront in Stewardson had graced the quickly deteriorating former Opera Hall there. The Otto Building’s original Mesker storefront was destroyed by fire in 1950. A special community ceremony dedicated the restoration project made possible through the collaboration of the two towns. There are also several other historic Mesker storefronts in Arcola. GREEN MILL VILLAGE For every stage of life... from special events, conferences, weddings and family gatherings to selecting a new apartment, Green Mill Village invites you to be a part of its vitality and tradition. Located at the Gateway to Central Illinois’ Amish Country in Arcola, this mixeduse development brings together destination and regional travelers. OPEN DAILY • 5:30 A.M. - 3:00 P.M. Visit www.gmvdevelopment.com.
GOOD HOME COOKIN
NEW!
Daily
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FAMILY RESTAURANT & GIFT SHOP • ARCOLA
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THE ARCOLA ILLINOIS CENTRAL RAILROAD TRAIN DEPOT The Depot should be the first stop for visitors who come to the area. The historic brick building (circa 1885) is a welcome center, tourist information center, museum and home of the Arcola Chamber of Commerce offices. It contains visitor information about points of interests in Arcola, the nearby Amish settlement and the surrounding areas. The friendly and knowledgeable staff is happy to greet visitors and help with information for an Amazing Arcola experience. Hours are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Saturday, closed on Sunday and some holidays. IPADS IN THE HANDS OF ALL ARCOLA STUDENTS With an eye toward the importance of technology in today’s education, The Arcola 1:1 Individual Learning Program raised more than $642,877. The program supports an initiative whereby now each student, K-12, in the Arcola school district has his/her own iPad. The Arcola community is also preparing for the future by making upgrades to some of its most historic buildings. The Arcola Public Library, built over a century ago with funds provided by Andrew Carnegie, has undergone a renovation and expansion project. The school athletic motto, “Winning Is Our Tradition,” is representative of the importance athletics have played, not only in the history of the community, but in the lives of current students and fans. In 2015, the Arcola football team again won the Class 1A state championship, and in 2016, 2017 and 2018, the team again made the state playoffs. Sarah Bush Lincoln’s Arcola Health Care facility, a chiropractic center, a new fitness center, as well as a facility for one of the community’s banks, have changed the landscape of the west side of town. The Arcola location of The Okaw Farmer’s Cooperative has added to the town’s southwest cityscape with a huge grain bin. Total capacity at the facility now totals approximately 3,500,000 bushels of grain, reflecting the vital role agriculture plays in the area. Douglas County (the flattest county in Illinois) is well known for its rich soil. During the autumn, Arcola’s great old maple trees are magnificent on Main Street with beautiful fall foliage. Visitors will also want to take advantage of area bike trails. Altogether, Arcola is a great place to visit and an even better place to live. Contact the Arcola Chamber of Commerce at (800) 336-5456 or visit www.arcolachamber.com. 2019 Arcola Calendar of Events
Dates subject to change. Please call ahead for specific information and additional activities.
April 6: Miss Arcola Pageant. April 13: Strides Against Hunger. Walk/run to help raise money for the Arcola Food Pantry. www.arcolachamber.com. April 14: Scholastic Dinner. Event honors Arcola High School juniors and seniors who have excelled academically. 217-268-4530. April 27: Daddy - Daughter Dance. Arcola Center, 107 W. Main St., from 5 to 7 p.m. Call the Depot at 268-4530 to register. . May 5: Cinco De Mayo Party. Live music, food, and fun at the city pavilion on Oak Street. Hours TBA. June 1: From Sheep to Wool to Clothing. Illinois Amish Heritage Center. Shearing, spinning, weaving and craft festival at 284 W. Rt. 133, Chesterville. www.illinoisamish.org. June 7, 8: Raggedy Ann and Andy Rally. Raggedy Ann & Andy enthusiasts gather in Arcola, the birthplace of Johnny Gruelle, creator of Raggedy Ann. For complete details, reservation forms, and vendor in-
Arcola’s Broom Corn Festival draws huge crowds.
formation visit Raggedy Ann Rally on Facebook or contact Kathy Ellis at 217-251-7947. June 14: Grand IL Bike Tour. 6-day bicycle tour will pass through Arcola. www.rideillinois.org/events/2019-grand-illinois-bike-tour/. June 22: Pop the Top Car Show. East Main St. & Oak St., Arcola. June 30: 4th of July Celebration. Fireworks and more at Moore Park. July 5, 6: Horse Progress Days. www.illinoisamish.org. July 7-13: 89th Moultrie-Douglas Co. Fair. Arthur Fairgrounds August 2, 3: Arcola City Wide Garage Sales. 217-268-4950. August 2, 3: Steam Threshing Show. Horse drawn wagons, a 19th century threshing machine, and steam tractors thresh wheat. Tours of historic Amish homes. Illinois Amish Heritage Center, Chesterville, www.illinoisamish.org. August 16: WCIA Our Town Arcola. WCIA celebrities visit. September 6-8: 49th Annual Broom Corn Festival. Downtown Main Street. Arcola celebrates its heritage as the “Broom Corn Capital of the World” Events include broom activities, arts/crafts, free entertainment, food, parade, 5K AND 10K races. 217-268-4530. www.arcolachamber.org. September 14: Decatur Bicycle Club Ride. 35th annual tour of ILAmish country, rest stop in Arcola.t www.decaturbicycleclub.org. October 5: Trivia Night. It'll Do Bar & Grill at 7 p.m. October 18, 19: Harvest to Home. Harvesting and shucking corn, grinding corn into meal, craft and vendor booths. IL Amish Heritage Center, Chesterville, 284 E. Route 133. www.illinoisamish.org. November 1, 2, 8, 9: Holiday Open House. Downtown Arcola streets full of ideas for unique, home decor and more. www.arcolachamber.com. November 8, 9: Country Spirit Antique Show. Two locations: Arcola Center, 107 W. Main St. and Best Western Plus, 917 Green Mill Road (off I-57 on Rt. 133 east of the interstate), Arcola. Friday from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. countryspiritshow@gmail.com. November 23: Holiday Bazaar, Arcola Center, 107 W. Main St. December 1: Christmas House Walk. Tour area homes decorated for the holidays. 217-202-2127. December 1: The Candy Cane Cafe. From 1 to 4 p.m. at the United Methodist Church, 121 S. Locust St. Arcola. December 7: Santa Is Coming To Town. Pancakes with Santa, Carriage Crossing, 909 Green Mill Road, Arcola, behind the Best Western, from 8 a.m. to noon. Christmas parade downtown Arcola at 2 p.m. 2019 Discover Visitor & Vacation Guide To Central Illinois | PAGE 23
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AIKMAN WILDLIFE ADVENTURE: DOUGLAS/MOULTRIE COUNTIES Aikman Wildlife Adventure: Ready For An Experience Of A Lifetime?
ebras in the Midwest? Yes! Come to Aikman Wildlife Adventure this year to have an experience of a lifetime. Be ready to see our newest additions, including two red foxes, African antelope and Jacob’s sheep. The 40-acre park, which began its first year of operation in 2016, is located on the Illinois prairie along the picturesque Kaskaskia River just 5 miles west of Interstate 57 at exit 203 (Illinois Route 133), at the site of the former Rockome Gardens. Aikman Wildlife Adventure offers visitors and their families an outdoor experience viewing and interacting with a variety of animal species from many parts of the world, including the United States, Europe, Africa, Central and South America. Two years in the making, owner James Aikman visualized Aikman Wildlife Adventure as a park where families could enjoy a special outdoor experience together, as well as a place where rescue animals and other animals in need could call home. “There are many kids these days who seem to always be on their phones and computers, and not going outside anymore,” Aikman said. “Most people are innately drawn and are curious about animals. Aikman Wildlife Adventure is designed to help young people be motivated to want to be outside. It is a place where families can come together and hang out and enjoy God’s amazing creations, whenever they desire. “The park is different from a zoo because visitors have more personal interaction with the animals, as opposed to just seeing them behind some kind of barrier.” Visitors can enjoy the more than 200 animals and over 68 species throughout the entire park. Along the Drive-Thru Adventure, visitors drive their own vehicles through the the mile-long path to enjoy the large, free roaming animals including zebras, emus, camels, bison and more. Illinois law prohibits feeding the animals from your car, since it is an unguided tour. However, those wishing to pet and feed the animals can hop on a Wagon Ride Adventure that is narrated by an educated guide where treats for the animals are provided. The wagons hold 20 people, go out by demand every half hour and last approximately 30 minutes long. It is very exciting to participate in the wagon ride because you never know what animals you will see, as it is different every time. Some of the animals you might see include watusi, water buffalo, elk and wildebeest. Scottish Highlanders, a type of cattle often called “hairy cows” because of their shaggy coats, also hang out in the free roaming area, as well as wild turkeys and exotic sheep. The Arabian camel you will see, also called dromedary, has one hump, while the Bactrain camel has two humps. Arabian camels’ native habitat is the Middle East and the Horn of Africa, while Bactrain camels can be found in Central Asia. Brown, white and blackish-colored fallow deer, about the size of white-tailed deer, will also be roaming around in the drive-through section. Families who enjoy nature films will be excited to see one of the most well-known animals found on the Serengeti plains and other areas of Africa brought to the Great Plains of Central Illinois — the blue wildebeest. Indeed, Serengeti is derived from a Maasai word that means “endless plains.” What is known as the “Serengeti Wildebeest Migration” is an annual natural phenomenon that takes place between Serengeti National Park in Tanzania and Maasai Mara Game Reserve in Kenya, where up to 2 million animals, mostly wildebeest and zebra, move in a clockwise rotational route determined by the availability of grazing and water. In addition to the blue wildebeest, other African animals in the drivethrough area include zebras and an eland, Africa’s largest antelope. Native to India, a nilgai, a species of antelope, also lives happily in the park. Another adventure that can be experienced at the park is the Walk-Thru area with Petting Zoo. This area resembles a traditional zoo, in that the animals are housed in their own particular habitat, which, however, have been PAGE 24 | 2019 Discover Visitor & Vacation Guide To Central Illinois
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created much larger than what can be found in a typical zoo. While exploring the Walk-Thru area, visitors are able to see hyenas, servals, a small African cat, an Eurasian Eagle Owl, and coatimundi, which is a racoon-like animal found in Central and South America. Guest can pet and feed goats, sheep, cows, fallow deer and llamas all frolicking at the petting zoo. There are also opportunities to see African porcupines, an African genet, which is a kind of small ferret-looking animal, gray in color with black spots as well as a pair of hyenas, servals (a smaller African cat), a pair of ringtail lemurs, and two pot-bellied pigs. Also in the walk-through area are two sulcata tortoises. Also called African spurred tortoises, these animals can reach 24 to 36 inches in length and can weigh up to 100 to 200 pounds. Another attraction is the aviary, where visitors can view exotic pheasants and water fowl species. Visitors also have the opportunity to pet and take pictures with kangaroos in their habitat. The most up close and personal tour you can take at the park is called the Behind-the-Scenes Adventure. Visitors will be accompanied by a guide to go off “the beaten path,” making their own trail through the drive-through in a six-seat UTV. Animals to be viewed in this adventure include two red foxes not yet seen by the public. 2019 brings growth and exciting new changes to the park, including a playground for children to enjoy after visiting the animals. From April until Memorial Day weekend, the park is open on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The drive-through will be open as well, weather permitting. From Memorial Day weekend though Labor Day weekend, the park is open Thursday-Monday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with the exception of Sundays from noon to 5 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday are reserved for group tours and student field trips. The park is open year round on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., weather permitting. Check out Aikman Wildlife Adventure’s Facebook like page or www.aikmanwildlife.com for the most current information about the park or call 217-268-3500 or email at info@aikmanwildlife.com. Before leaving the park, stop in the gift shop to take home a stuffed animal souvenir of your favorite animal you loved at the park.
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ARTHUR: DOUGLAS/MOULTRIE COUNTIES
Arthur: Festivals, Ag Events, Auctions, Shopping In The Heart Of Amish Country
hroughout the village of Arthur and its surrounding area, visitors will find a friendly, slow-paced atmosphere that lends itself to the town’s adopted motto, “You’re Only A Stranger Once.” With a population of only 2,300, Arthur possesses many distinctive qualities. Located fewer than 10 miles west of Interstate 57, Arthur provides a wonderful centerpiece for those looking for unique shopping or the enriching cultural experiences offered in the surrounding countryside. This includes the fourth-largest settlement of the Old Order Amish in the United States, and the largest settlement in Illinois. The Illinois Amish community has been central to life around Arthur for more than a century. The Amish, who dress conservatively, travel in black buggies and work the soil the old-fashioned way by horse-drawn implements, own many farms and businesses in the Arthur area. Visitors travel from across the globe to experience the Amish lifestyle and enjoy the charm of Arthur’s many locally owned shops and cottage industries. While the Amish community enjoys its privacy, all are invited to experience a whole separate world of commerce that springs to life early each morning. Many Amish families own specialty shops creating handmade quilts, crafts and rugs, baked goods,
handmade solid wood furniture, lawn furniture and outdoor buildings, milling shops, pallet shops, buggy shops, canvas shops, butcher and poultry processing shops, food and spices in bulk and health food stores. Some of these shops are wholesale only, while many are open to the public. Arthur’s Visitor Center
Join us for a day of shopping in Arthur, Illinois!
ARTHUR 3RD SATURDAY
Market Bazaar
LARGE VARIETY OF VENDORS • Antiques • Homemade Crafts • Woodworking • Baked Goods
• Furniture • Collectibles • Pet Supplies • Direct Sales
Something New Every Month!
2019 DATES
March 16th • April 20th • May 18th June 15th • August 17th • Sept. 21st Oct. 19th • Nov. 16th • Dec.21st
9 AM - 4 PM Follow and like us onf
MERCHANT BUILDING MOULTRIE-DOUGLAS COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS 220 Jurgens Parkway • Arthur, Illinois 61911 Entrance is corner of Rt. 133 and Vine St. (behind Arthur High School) Off-street parking available.
For more information or new vendor inquiry Contact: Dawn Verci (309)253-6245 or arthur3rdsaturdaybazaar@gmail.com PAGE 26 | 2019 Discover Visitor & Vacation Guide To Central Illinois
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The Amish have large gardens and will share their bounty at roadside stands or through local auctions. Some have made a business with orchards, greenhouses and truck farms. They raise all kinds of farm animals and sell them at weekly auctions at the local sale barn. Visitors also come to Arthur to partake of delicious Amish foods, such as cinnamon rolls, breads and other delicious baked goods available at local bakeries and at the many benefit sales and auctions that fill the Arthur calendar. For a truly cultural experience, visitors can schedule a traditional Amish meal on an Amish farm through ACM Tours or Amish Adventures Tour Services, both located in downtown Arthur. Amish cottage businesses are usually open Monday through Saturday throughout the year. Some open as early as 8 a.m. and close as late as 6 p.m. Those traveling to the area might want to seek information before making a trip to learn about certain holidays during which Amish workers close their shops to spend time with friends and family. Visit www.IllinoisAmishCountry.com. Visitors to the Arthur area should take special precautions while traveling the area’s roadways. Buggies travel at about 10 miles per hour and generally follow buggy paths along the edges of the main highways to ensure safety. Slow down and be careful when passing one on a rural roadway. The Amish settlers of central Illinois, as one might guess, are genuinely friendly people. Visitors are encouraged to wave and greet them as they would when greeting old friends. Since Amish customs prohibit the use of camera equipment, Amish community members prefer they not be photographed, or video recorded. Photographing Amish farms, animals and buggies, however, is generally allowed with a few exceptions.
Arthur History The history of Arthur and the Illinois Amish dates back to the mid-1800s. Arthur was settled when three Amish gentlemen came to the area around 1865 looking for farmland that didn’t have the same rocky quality as the land in their native states of Pennsylvania and Maryland. They found such land in what was then known as The Big Slough. The land, which was located nine miles west of the already established community of Arcola, was saturated with water. Once drained, however, the ground proved to be ideal for farming, with the flat, fertile fields of black soil representing some of the best land in the country. In the early 1870s, a switch-track was needed for the new railroad crossing the swampy land between Paris and Decatur. It was decided that it would be placed near today’s Vine Street, Arthur’s main street, and now the town’s primary commercial thoroughfare. The street separates the town into two counties, Douglas County to the east and Moultrie County to the west. With the combination of fertile farmland and the new railroad switch-track, a small settlement soon blossomed. The owner of the railroad, Robert G. Hervey, named the new settlement Glascow. A short time later, fire destroyed the new village. When business owners rebuilt, their new shops were placed at right angles to the railroad straddling the two counties on either side of Vine Street. Then, in 1873, when the village fathers petitioned to incorporate the community, it was discovered that another Illinois community used the name Glascow. After hearing the news, Mr. Hervey changed the name to Arthur to honor his favorite brother.
Yoder’s Kitchen is a full service family restaurant offering the best in Amish/Mennonite cooking. Our full menu features our famous broasted chicken, smoked pork chops and much more. We also offer a lunch and dinner buffet that includes all of our mouth-watering favorites. Homemade Baked Goods
Banquet Facilities
• Pies • Cinnamon Rolls • Breads • Cookies
We can accommodate groups from 30 to 350. Let our experienced staff help plan your next special event.
Visit Our Gift Shop Features over 2,000 sq. ft. of the area’s finest gifts. From quilts to china, crafts to framed art, you’re sure to find something for that special someone.
We’ll make your dining experience special!
See Us For All Your Catering Needs Hours: Monday - Saturday: 7 a.m. - 8 p.m • Closed Sundays • Friday & Saturday Morning Breakfast Buffet. 7 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. 1195 E. Columbia • Arthur, Illinois 2019 Discover Visitor & Vacation Guide To Central Illinois | PAGE 27
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Events more than 800 riders who love the flat, quiet roads and the Amish Visitors to Arthur and the surrounding area will notice many meals served to them; several special horse sales and the 6th Anacres of flat, fertile farmland. Douglas County is the flattest nual Chet Kingery Bluegrass Festival. county in Illinois. While it lacks undulating hills, however, it cerThen in October, will be the first CIBR (Central Illinois Bragtainly doesn’t lack beauty. Broad vistas, gin’ Rights) Chili Cook-Off, followed by the sometimes stunning sunsets and the treeannual CIBR-BBQ Competition, which is lined banks of the nearby Kaskaskia River designated as an Illinois State Champiprovide a wonderful backdrop to a land onship and KCBS sanctioned event. Visitors where beautiful horses graze in pastures. and townspeople alike are lured to come to Arthur hosts many major events each year, Arthur’s downtown just by the aroma of the beginning with antique shows in March, SatBBQ cookers as it permeates the air. urday markets, and the Annual Amish CounThe festival season starts to wind down try Quilt Show and Auction in April. with another huge Antique & Primitive The days and weeks that follow are filled event the second weekend in November, with events such as the Arthur Freedom CelAmish Country Christmas Open Houses in ebration, held the Saturday prior to the 4th of downtown Arthur the Saturday prior to July. This large gathering features entertainThanksgiving and a lighted Christmas pament, an air show with World War II aircraft, rade the first Saturday in December, folhelicopter rides and skydivers, and a huge lowed by the annual Central Illinois 16-inch firework shell amid the evening fireOutdoor Expo, held in February 2020, at the Otto Center. works display. Monthly Events: The Downtown Arthur Other Arthur events include The StrawMarket is held the first Saturday and runs berry Jam Festival in June; Back Forty MarAmish Country Cheese Festival from April-October and is located at 106 E. ket in May, the Freedom Celebration parade in Juneaa and the Moultrie-Douglas County Fair in July; and the Progress Street in the Welcome Center parking lot. The 3rd Saturday Craft and Flea Market, at the Moultrie-Douglas County Mennonite Relief Sale in August. September brings the annual Amish Country Cheese Festival Fairgrounds, is conducted the third Saturday of each month in(held on Saturday, Sunday and Monday on Labor Day weekend); doors and outdoors, depending on weather. More than 40-plus The Great Pumpkin Patch; an annual bicycle ride that attracts antique, craft and flea vendors are included.
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Shopping Picture yourself in the Arthur Amish Country shops. Out in the Amish countryside you’ll find country grocery stores, quilt and fabric shops, bakeries, orchards and fruit stands, buggy shops, woodworking shops and more. These “Country Shops” are unique opportunities to interact directly with the Amish shopkeepers and find special treasures to take home. While Amish handiwork is prevalent throughout the shops that dot the countryside near Arthur, you can also spend a day in the unique shops in downtown Arthur. Visitors can shop for Amish crafted furniture at The Wood Loft or the Amish Country Heirlooms. Visitors will enjoy Arthur’s 3rd Saturday Market Bazaar, the 3rd Saturday of the month (in 2019, March - December, excluding July) from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., located in the Merchant Building of the Moultrie-Douglas Fairgrounds in Arthur. Dicks Pharmacy features an old-fashioned soda fountain for delicious old-fashioned treats. Visitors who wish to stay overnight are greeted with a warm welcome at Arthur’s Country Inn on East Route 133. Yoder’s Kitchen is Arthur’s largest restaurant with banquet facilities, offering a buffet and dining off the menu, as well as home baked goods and a gift shop. For those in need of “rejavanation,” just down the road is RoseLen’s Coffees & Delights. Try out Pauly’s BBQ for some of Central Illinois’ finest slow cooking. Call the Arthur Welcome Center at 217-543-2242 or visit www.arthuril.us or www.ArthurFestivals.com for additional area information and a complete schedule of events. 2019 Arthur Calendar of Events
April 21: Easter Sunday Community Sunrise Service. April 22-27: 9th Annual Quilt Walk. Downtown Arthur. April 25-27: 30th Annual Arthur Quilt Show & Auction. Otto Center. April 26: Horse/Pony Sale. Arthur Sale Barn. April 30: Arthur Produce Auction opens for season. 354N County Road 100E (1/2 mile south of State Route 133). Every Tuesday & Friday in May: Flowers and produce at the Arthur Produce Auction at 10 a.m. May 3: Arthur Produce Annual Spring Tree & Landscaping Auction. 10 a.m. 354N County Road 100E. Arthur Quilt Show
Dates subject to change. Please call ahead for specific information and additional activities.
April 6: Downtown Arthur Market. Welcome Center parking lot. April 6: Bi-Annual Fish Fry. Otto Center. April 6: County Line Standardbred Horse Sale. Arthur Sale Barn. April 12: 15th Annual Benefit Auction for the Moultrie County Beacon. Otto Center. April 20: 3rd Saturday Market. Moultrie-Douglas County Fairgrounds. April 20: Easter Egg Hunt. 1 p.m. at Arthur High School. Arthur Woman’s Club.
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May 4: Downtown Arthur Market. Welcome Center parking lot. May 11: East Central Illinois Standardbred & Pony Sale. Arthur Sale Barn. May 17, 18: All-Around Town Garage Sales. May 17, 18: Back Forty Market. The Great Pumpkin Patch. May 18: 3rd Saturday Market. Fairgrounds. May 30: Ascension Day. All Amish businesses closed. May 31: Strawberry Jam Festival/Downtown Arthur Market. May 31: Heart of America Pony Sale. Tri-County Auction Facility. Every Tuesday & Friday in June: Fresh local produce at the Arthur Produce Auction at 10 a.m. June 1: Strawberry Jam Festival/Downtown Arthur Market. A warm welcome in every season
58th Annual
Arthur Mennonite Relief Sale Aug. 23 & 24, 2019
At the Otto Center–1/2 mile south of Arthur
Friday:
4:30-7:00 P.M. ~ BBQ Pulled Pork
Auction A uction Begins Beggiins ~ 6:00 P.M.
Saturday:
Free P & Ad arking missi on
Auction begins ~ 99:00 :00 A.M. A.M. Children’s Auction ~ 10:00 A.M. Silent Auction ~ 10:00 A.M. - 1:30 P.M. Petting Zoo
Food:
6:00 - 10:00 A.M. ~ Pancakes & Sausage 11:00 - 2:00 P.M. ~ Chicken Dinner, Hand-crafted Butter y Pork Chops, River Fries Furniture and quilts Peadros & Baked Goods
For more information on Sale items and location
visit our Web site at www.arthurreliefsale.org or call Richard Beachy at 217-259-1427 or DuWayne & Karen Miller at 217-254-4645
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June 1: CIBR “The Thrill of the Grill” Backyard BBQ Competition. June 1: Strawberry Social. Otto Center. June 1: Sheep to Clothing. Illinois Amish Heritage Center. June 3-7: Arthur Community Vacation Bible School. Arthur Mennonite Church from 9 to 11:30 a.m. June 15: 10th Annual Amish Country Tractor Cruise. 50-mile cruise featuring pre-1980 tractors. June 15: 3rd Saturday Market. Fairgrounds. June 29: Arthur Freedom Celebration Parade. Downtown. June 29: Arthur Freedom Celebration/Fireworks. Arthur Rotary. Every Tuesday & Friday in July: Fresh local produce at the Arthur Produce Auction at 10 a.m. July 5, 6: Horse Progress Days. Arthur Sale Barn. July 6: Downtown Arthur Market. Welcome Center parking lot. July 7-13: 89th Annual Moultrie-Douglas County Fair. July 11: Semi-Ann. Summer Picker Auction. Tri-County Auction Facility. July 11-13: East Central Illinois Shop Hop. Every Tuesday & Friday in August: Fresh local produce at the Arthur Produce Auction at 10 a.m. August 2, 3: 3rd Annual Steam Threshing Show. Illinois Amish Heritage Center. August 3: Downtown Arthur Market. Visitors Center parking lot. August 9: Horse/Pony Sale. Arthur Sale Barn. August 17: 3rd Saturday Market. Fairgrounds. August 23, 24: Arthur Mennonite Relief Sale. Otto Center. August 31: 7th Annual Chet Kingery Bluegrass Festival. August 31: Annual East Central Illinois Standardbred Auction. Arthur Sale Barn.
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August 31-September 1, 2: 47th Annual Arthur Amish Country October 26: Halloween Festival. Arthur High School. Cheese Festival. Rat Race 5K/10K Run, 1-Mile Fun Run, 5K November 2: Bi-Annual Fish Fry. Otto Center. November 8, 9: “Spirit of the Holidays” Bazaar. Arthur United Recreational Walk & Kids Cheese Chasers Race. Every Tuesday & Friday in SepMethodist Church. tember: Fresh local produce, November 8, 9: Homesteaders on pumpkins and mums at the Arthur the Prairie Antique Show/Sale. Produce Auction at 10 a.m. Fairgrounds. September 6, 7: Fall All Around November 8, 9: Arthur Area SpotTown Garage Sales. light Tour. September 14: 3rd Saturday November 9: Spirit of the SeaMarket. Fairgrounds son/Gathering on the Prairie AnSeptember 14: “The Amish tique Show & Sale. Otto Center. Country Tour” Annual Bike Ride. November 15: Christmas Auction. September 27, 28: Arthur HomeOtto Center. November 16: Amish Country coming Weekend. Christmas Open Houses. September 27: Fall Toy Auction. November 16: 3rd Saturday MarTri-County Auction Facility. ket. Fairgrounds. September 28: Fall Semi-Ann. Consign. Sale. Tri-County Auction November 22: Black Friday ShopFacility. ping Event. Every Tuesday & Friday in OcNovember 29: Toy, Farm Primitober: Fresh local produce, tives, Antiques & Collectibles pumpkins and mums at Arthur Auction. Tri-Co. Auction Facility. Produce Auction at 10 a.m. November 30: Advertising SigOctober 5: Central Illinois Bragnage, Petroliana & Collectibles gin’ Rights Chili Cook-Off. DownAuction. Tri-Co. Auction Facility. December 7: Breakfast with town Arthur. October 5: Downtown Arthur Santa. Yoder’s Kitchen. Market. Welcome Center parkDecember 7: Arthur House Walk. ing lot. From 2 to 4 p.m. October 11, 12: CIBR-BBQ December 7: Lighted Christmas Seasonal hanging baskets catch the eye of visitors. KCBS Competition, Thrill of the Parade. Downtown, 5:30 p.m. Grill Competition. December 7: Central Illinois RabOctober 18, 19: Fall Harvest Days. Illinois Amish Heritage Center. bit Breeders Association Show. October 19: 3rd Saturday Market. Fairgrounds. December 21: 3rd Saturday Market. Fairgrounds. October 24-31: Lighted Pumpkin House Display. December 25: Free Community Christmas Day Lunch. Vine October 25, 26: 26th Annual Haiti Auction. Otto Center. Street Christian Church.
Cable, HBO2, Free WIFI, Updated Rooms & Friendly, Local Management I-57 exit 203, 9 miles west on Rt.133 785 E. Columbia • Arthur, IL
217-543-3321 Find us on Expedia & Booking.com
www.arthurcountryinn.com 2019 Discover Visitor & Vacation Guide To Central Illinois | PAGE 31
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CHESTERVILLE: DOUGLAS/MOULTRIE COUNTIES
Chesterville: Scenic Stop Along The Kaskaskia River, Outdoor Furnishings, Good Food In Amish Country
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long the banks of the nois Route 133, provides a picKaskaskia River and turesque view of the Kaskaskia in the middle of River, which feeds into Lake Amish settlements, the charm Shelbyville. The bridge offers of Chesterville greets visitors. photographers a front row seat In Chesterville, which is midfor snapshots of colorful autumway between Arcola and nal foliage and the beauty of an Arthur, visitors will discover icy stream in winter. an old-fashioned meat market, The new bridge was conan outdoor furnishings busistructed to replace an 115-yearness and a thriving restaurant old iron bridge that was that serves delicious and bouncommonly known as the tiful meals. Chesterville Bridge. Citizens While most travelers pass around Chesterville asked the through Chesterville on Illicounty to build the original Chesterville is midway between Arthur and Arcola, nois Route 133 bound for structure over the Kaskaskia in the heart of Amish Country. Arthur, Arcola and other area River to take advantage of comdestinations, Chesterville’s new bridge, located just north of Illimercial opportunities from the Illinois Central Railroad. In those
Daily Lunch Buffet & Lunch Specials MONDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
Chicken Fried Steak
Homemade Chicken & Noodles Over Mashed Potatoes
Beef Manhattan
TUESDAY Meatloaf Plate
CALL US FOR YOUR CATERING NEEDS!
426 E. SR 133 • Chesterville, IL Hours: Monday-Saturday 6 am - 2 pm
217-543-2457 or 217-259-4550
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FRIDAY Walleye Platter
FIND US ON FACEBOOK!
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days, it was called the Kaskaskia River Bridge. In addition, travelers looking for a little adventure off the beaten path can visit the small Chesterville Cemetery, located just outside the village over an ancient, one-lane bridge. In the cemetery is the mysterious witch’s grave. Local folklore has it the grave is that of a rebellious young woman who was thought to be a witch. At one point, she disappeared and was later found dead in a farmer’s field. Although authorities ruled that she died of natural causes, many were afraid she would come back to life and seek revenge. The body was placed in the local funeral home and people from all over the countryside came to view the witch’s body. She was buried in the cemetery and a tree was planted on her grave so her spirit would be trapped in the tree. As the tree grows directly from her grave, folklore says if the tree is cut down or destroyed, the ghost of the witch will leave her grave and seek revenge on those who caused her death. Since that time, the woman’s ghost has allegedly appeared to passersby and visitors to the cemetery. The story goes that, thanks to the tree, the ghost is confined to the area around the grave. Looking for a variety of quality outdoor furnishings to decorate a lawn, porch or patio? If so, then visit EMC Outdoor Furnishings
Jo’s Country Diner, cooking like your grandma.
on Illinois Route 133. EMC offers shoppers a complete line of concrete ornaments, and a selection of poly-vinyl products in many different colors. Offerings include arbors, swings, glider chairs, stationary chairs, benches, end tables, picnic tables, lighthouses, windmills and many more.
EMC Outdoor Furnishings Located on Rt. 133 In Chesterville
(217) 543-2894 Poly Furniture In Many Sizes Colors & Styles Vinyl Play Sets • Vinyl Table Sets Arbors • Porch Swings • Outdoor Furniture Rockers and Gliders • Lighthouses • Bridges Garden Ornaments and Outdoor Decorations We Also Carry Inspirational Art Gifts and Home Decor.
Made From Recycled Milk Containers
2019 Discover Visitor & Vacation Guide To Central Illinois | PAGE 33
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SULLIVAN: DOUGLAS/MOULTRIE COUNTIES
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Sullivan: Shop And See A Show In The Home Of The Little Theatre On The Square
ullivan is the quintessential small town in central Illinois. All the good things about that designation are happening every day on every street in this rural community. You can safely expect great local dining, a pastoral atmosphere and quaint retail establishments. Sullivan also offers unique experiences not typically found in a rural community. The Little Theatre on the Square, the only Actors’ Equity Association theatre between Chicago and St. Louis, stands prominently in the downtown just across from the copper-domed courthouse. It celebrates 62 years of professional theatre in central Illinois this summer. The summer line-up includes “The Night the Music Lived,” “Little Mermaid,” “Oklahoma!,” “Newsies,” “The Full Monty” and “Church Basement Ladies” 2019 Sullivan Calendar of Events
Dates subject to change. Please call ahead for specific information and additional activities.
Sullivan’s The Little Theatre On The Square celebrates 62 years of professional theatre this summer.
The Little Theatre On The Square has been a Sullivan attraction since 1957. PAGE 34 | 2019 Discover Visitor & Vacation Guide To Central Illinois
April 25: Sullivan Chamber & Economic Development Business Expo. May 18: Crappie Tournament. June 5-16: The Little Theatre on the Square presents “The Night The Music Lived.” Brought to you by members of the 2018 Company of Million Dollar Quartet, this live concert setting of Buddy Holly’s last concert in Clear Lake, IA, with Ritchie Valens and The Big Bopper, will take you back to celebrate the music of these legends of Rock ’n’ Roll. 217728-7375. June 7: Sullivan Chamber & Economic Development Golf Outing. June 19-30: The Little Theatre on the Square presents “Little Mermaid.” In a magical kingdom beneath the sea, the beautiful young mermaid, Ariel, longs to leave her ocean home to live in the world above. Based on one of Hans Christian Andersen’s most beloved stories and the classic animated film, Disney’s The Little Mermaid. 217-728-7375. July 3-14: The Little Theatre on the Square presents “Oklahoma!” Set in the Western Territory just after the turn of the 20th Century, the spirited rivalry
between the local farmers and cowboys provides the backdrop for the love story between Curly, a handsome cowboy, and Laurey, a beautiful farm girl. 217-7287375. July 4: Sullivan Chamber & Economic Development 4th of July Jack-Pot. July 17-28: The Little Theatre on the Square presents “Newsies.” Set in turn-ofthe century New York City, “Newsies” is the rousing tale of Jack Kelly, a charismatic newsboy and leader of a band of teenaged “newsies.” 217-728-7375. July 31-August 11: The Little Theatre on the Square presents “The Full Monty.” Six unemployed steelworkers in Buffalo, NY, set out to make some quick cash showing off their “real man” bodies by becoming a team of male strippers. 217728-7375. August 10: Relay for Life of Moultrie County. Sullivan High School, 725 N Main Street from 3 to 10 p.m. Adam McReynolds, 217-728-8388, Ext. 260. adamm@agri-fab.com. Raise money to fight cancer. Entertainment, food trucks
Photo by: K. Sesko
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The Moultrie County Courthouse, centerpiece of Sullivan’s historic square.
and kids games. August 14-25: The Little Theatre on the Square presents “Church Basement Ladies.” Set in rural Minnesota, 1965, the ladies of the local church fortify their flock with love, wisdom and, of course, the food they prepare in the church’s basement
kitchen. 217-728-7375. September 15: Hullabaloo. October 18, 19: Sullivan Chamber & Economic Development Oktoberfest. December 13: Sullivan Chamber & Economic Development Old Fashioned Christmas.
June 5, 6, 9, 11, 12, 13
July 5, 6, 9, 11, 12, 13
August 2, 3, 6, 8, 9, 10
TO PURCHASE TICKETS CALL
217-728-7375 LITTLE THEATRE.
BIG TALENT.
theli u
letheatre or er
ea on
pon or
2019 Discover Visitor & Vacation Guide To Central Illinois | PAGE 35
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TUSCOLA: DOUGLAS/MOULTRIE COUNTIES
Tuscola: ‘Trending Rural’ In East Central Illinois
visit to Tuscola leads you into a rural community, positioned in the heart of Illinois Amish and farming country, but you’ll also find world-class golf, trendy, designer brand shopping, and eclectic artisan offerings; Tuscola epitomizes the harmony of “trending rural.”
Uniques & Antiques Tuscola’s quaint downtown is home to many specialty shops, including Winterberry and the stylish Kelsey Furniture. Visitors are welcome to immerse themselves in the city’s vibrant art culture, where timeless traditions and artistic innovation thrive sideby-side. Meet artists at the Vault Art Gallery, enjoy hand crafted chocolates at Flesor’s Candy Kitchen, or shop for one-of-a-kind items at Winterberry Antiques. Take A Seat At Our Table Whether in the mood for a hearty, madefrom-scratch meal at The Pantry, or savory Italian at Joe’s Pizza, come to Tuscola hungry. Also, save room for dessert by trying the world-famous chocolate at Flesor’s Candy Kitchen.
Tuscola’s Festival Corner.
Location It’s easy to get to Tuscola. The city is accessible from three major routes. Conveniently located along Interstate 57 at Exit 212 and at the intersection of U.S. routes 36 and 45, Tuscola is nearly equidistant from Indianapolis, Chicago and St. Louis. Shop ’Til You Drop With name-brand items and great prices — from Coach and Ralph Lauren to Old Navy and UnderArmor — Tuscola Outlet Shops offers a big-city shopping experience, without the bigcity hassle.
TRENDING RURAL For more information visit : Tuscola.org Call toll-free (800) 441-9111
Playtime Ervin Park is fun for the whole family. It includes the Prairie Land Pride playground and Imagination Station toddler playground. In the summer, cool off at the Tuscola Swimming Pool. In addition, take in the great outdoors with a long walk, a picnic or fishing at Wimple Park.
Hit The Links Play a few rounds at Ironhorse Golf Club. An 18-hole links style championship course, it’s rated 4.5/5 stars by Golf Digest magazine.
Take A Stroll Back In Time Marvel at Tuscola’s rich natural and cultural history by visiting the Douglas County Museum. Also, don’t forget to stop by the Tuscola Public Library, built in 1903 with a grant from philanthropist Andrew Carnegie. Take time to experience the history of downtown Tuscola by strolling the self-guided walking tour available at www.tuscola.org.
A visit to Tuscola leads you into a rural community, positioned in the heart of Illinois Amish and farming country, but you’ll also nd world-class golf, trendy, designer brand shopping, and eclectic artisan o erings; Tuscola epitomizes the harmony of Trending Rural.
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Relax And Recharge Tuscola has options to suit every taste and budget. Stay at one of the several hotels — including the Baymont Inn, Super 8, Holiday Inn Express and Cooper Motel — right in town. For more information, visit www.tuscola.org or call toll free at 800-441-9111. Contact Information Tuscola Tourism, 214 N. Main Street, Tuscola, IL 61953. Phone: 217-253-2112, toll free: 800-441-9111. Email: tourism@tuscola.org. Website: www.tuscola.org. 2019 Tuscola Calendar of Events Dates subject to change. For more information, visit www.tuscola.org/residents/community-events.
April 5: Kiwanis Fish Frye. Forty Martyrs Church Hall. April 20: Kiwanis Easter Egg Hunt. Ervin Park at 9 a.m. April 26, 27: Spring City-Wide Garage Sale. See the Tuscola Journal for a full map. May 24-27: Memorial Day Weekend Sale. Tuscola Outlet Shops May-August: The Tuscola Public Library hosts outdoor movies one evening a month in the summer. For dates, visit www.tuscola.org. June 1: Wheels Car Club Car Show. Downtown Tuscola from 4 to 9 p.m.
June 15: Relay for Life of Douglas County. Tuscola High School from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. July 4-6: Fourth of July Weekend Sale. Tuscola Outlet Shops. July 6: Sparks in the Park Celebration. Tuscola’s 4th of July event in Ervin Park. August 10: A Pace for Petey. Tuscola High School. September 1, 2: Labor Day Weekend Sale. Tuscola Outlet Shops. September 20, 21: Fall City-Wide Garage Sale Weekend. See the Tuscola Journal for a full map. October 23-31: Pumpkins in the Park. Downtown pumpkin display. November 8, 9: Rural Life Antique Show. Douglas County Museum, Tuscola Community Building and the Main Street Center. For more information, visit www.rurallifeantiqueshow.com. November 28-30: After Thanksgiving Sale. Tuscola Outlet Shops. December 6-8: Tuscola’s Annual Christmastown Celebration. For more information, visit www.tuscola.org. December 7: Breakfast with Santa. Douglas County Museum from 8 to 11 a.m.
101 Southline Rd. (Route 36 & Main Street) Tuscola, Illinois 61953 • (217) 253-9150
HOURS: MONDAY - SATURDAY: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM SUNDAY: 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM 2019 Discover Visitor & Vacation Guide To Central Illinois | PAGE 37
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OAKLAND: COLES COUNTY
Oakland: Outdoor Recreational Activities And Historical Sites Abound
njoy the experience of a visit to small town life in Oakland, IL, located just minutes east of Interstate 57 between Arcola and Paris on Route 133. Relax and unwind on the village green, which marks the center of community activity. Visitors will find a plethora of things to see and do, including golfing, swimming at the Oakland pool and camping at one of the many campsites in the area. Drive north to visit the scenic area surrounding Walnut Point State Park, one of the most visited parks in Central Illinois. At the park, visitors can enjoy fishing, camping, boating, and William’s Café, featuring home-cooked food specials. Additional camping is available at Hebron Hills Camping, located south of Oakland, from May 15 to October 15. Call 217-346-3385 for additional information or a brochure. History buffs will want to visit the Landmarks Historic Compound, which is the location of Oakland’s first doctor’s home and office. Dr. Rutherford’s home and office gives visitors a feel for what life was like for a prairie doctor in the mid-1800s. Dr. Rutherford was Oakland’s connection to President Abraham Lincoln, the 16th president. Dr. Rutherford and Lincoln were on opposite sides of a court trial. 2019 Oakland Calendar of Events Dates are subject to change. Please call 217-276-2232 for specific information and additional activities.
April 20: Pancake Breakfast and Auction. Lake Crest School All Purpose Room. April 20: Easter Egg Hunt and Chalk Art. Oakland Square. May 4: City-Wide Yard Sale. Oakland and Hindsboro. May 19: Little Miss, Jr. Miss & Miss Oakland Pageant. Oakland High School gym at 6 p.m. Memorial Day through Labor Day: Independence Pioneer Village is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. For special events or more information, call 217-346-2016. June 1: Run for the Health of It. 5K run/walk at Oakland Pool. Sign up at 7:15 a.m. Race is at 8 a.m. June 29: July 4th festivities at Oakland Swimming Pool, Miller Park & Norton Knolls Golf Course. All day. Parade at 2 p.m. Oakland Fireworks at Norton Knolls Golf Course at dusk. July 6: 4th Annual Triathlon. Starting at the Oakland Swimming Pool. July 13: Chamber of Commerce Annual Jonah Fish Fry Fundraiser. Oakland Lake Park from 4 to 7 p.m. September 8: Ice Cream Social. Helen’s Park gazebo. October: 17-20: 25th Annual Father’s & Son’s weekend. Walnut Point State Park. Visit www.fathersoncamp.org. October 31: Halloween Party/Costume Contest. Lake Crest School All Purpose Room. November 2: Oakland United Methodist Church Annual Soup Supper and Silent Auction. From 4 to 7 p.m. at 13 East Washington Street. December 7: Breakfast with Santa. Lake Crest School All Purpose Room. PAGE 38 | 2019 Discover Visitor & Vacation Guide To Central Illinois
Attend any one of the many other events held throughout the year. Stop by and visit the kick-off to spring with the Easter Egg Hunt in April or visit the City-Wide Yard Sale held during the first Saturday in May. Penn Central Depot
HEBRON HILLS CAMPING ✫ Fishing ✫ Camping ✫ Swimming
✫ Relaxing ✫ All sites in the shade
May 15 - October 15
✫ Cabins ✫ Seasonal sites ✫ Full hookup sites ✫ Primitive tent sites
217-346-3385 Reservations Required 14349 N. County Rd. 2350 E. Oakland, IL 61943 James & Dawn Cooper, owners
Are you looking for a place to call home? We offer a family-friendly community with safe streets and small-town charm. We offer a local swimming pool, golf course, K-12 school and shopping. Oakland offers historic sites like the Rutherford Home, recreation and camping at Walnut Point State Park, and a Memorial Library. For details, write to: Oakland Chamber, P.O. Box 283, Oakland, IL 61943
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PARIS: EDGAR COUNTY Paris: Lincoln History, Many Activities Year Round
aris, IL, is one of the Midwest’s best kept community secrets. A town whose values might have been depicted in a Norman Rockwell painting, Paris has been recently designated as a Looking For Lincoln community and has many Lincoln stories to share with tourists. Many new and exciting events and activities have been added to the annual calendar. For brochures, maps and information, call the Paris Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism at 217-465-4179. Please visit Paris, and be sure to stop by the Chamber of Commerce office at 105 N. Central Ave. 2019 Paris Calendar of Events Dates subject to change. Please call ahead for specific information and additional activities.
Dr. Rutherford’s home and office gives visitors a feel for what life was like for a prairie doctor in the mid-1800s.
Independence Pioneer Village will be open from Memorial Day to Labor Day, Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and by appointment. The Village is looking forward to the 2019 season. Please check its Facebook page or website for special events. For more information, call 217-346-2016. Oakland hosts the “Run for the Health of It” on June 1, a 5K fun run/walk that begins at the Oakland Swimming Pool. On June 29, enjoy a full day of activities at the Oakland Swimming Pool, Miller Park and Norton Knolls Golf Course. Fireworks will be at dusk at the Norton Knolls Golf Course. Oakland’s 4th Annual Triathlon will be July 6, starting at the Oakland Swimming Pool. Join the Oakland Chamber for the annual Jonah Fish Fry on July 13 at Oakland Lake Park. All fathers and sons are invited to attend the 25th Annual Father’s & Son’s weekend on October 17-20. This four-day event encourages the bond between fathers and sons through outdoor adventures at Walnut Point State Park. Visit www.fathersoncamp.org or check out its Facebook page for more details. On November 2, plan to attend the Methodist Women’s Soup Supper and Silent Auction at the Oakland Methodist Church on Washington Street from 4 to 7 p.m. Visitors will be able to purchase frozen homemade soups and frozen homemade pies that night and throughout the year. Santa arrives in Oakland on December 7, during Breakfast with Santa at the Lake Crest Elementary School, All Purpose Room. While in Oakland, visit one or more of the local businesses, the true heart of the community. Visitors will find everything from building supplies to farm machinery, furniture, carpet, floor tile, paint, groceries, insurance and golf supplies. Those who love the outdoors and like a challenge may want to visit the first-rate sporting clays facility, The Olde Barn Sporting Clays, east of town on Route 133 and try their hand at shooting sporting clays. Visitors will find it the best in the area. Visit Oakland, where there is always something to see or do.
April 5: Newsies. Paris Center of Fine Arts. April 6: Taste of Edgar County. Ernie Eveland Gym. April 27: Carpenters Once More. Paris Center of Fine Arts 7 p.m. May 4: Mutts Gone Nuts. Paris Center of Fine Arts. June 1: Farmers Market. Each Saturday June - September. June 1: Andy Hogan Memorial Outing to benefit diabetes. June 6: Music in the Park. Each Thursday through August. June 7, 8: Shrine Barbeque and Parade. June 22: 4-H Barbeque from 4 to 7 p.m. July 4: Fourth of July fireworks. July 12: KCBS Harvest on Fire. Castle Finn Winery. July 12: Mama Mia. Paris Center of Fine Arts. July 19, 20: 4-H Fair. July 21-27: Edgar County Fair. August 9: Willy Wonka Jr. Paris Center of Fine Arts. September 26-29: Honeybee Festival. October 31: Scare on the Square. Trick or treating. November: 29, 30: Christmas In Paris.
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CHARLESTON: COLES COUNTY
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Charleston: Lincoln History, Nature, Fine Arts, Sports Venues
ich in Lincoln history and full of family fun, Charleston hotel. Unique Suites Hotel, located in Charleston, is the perfect is a great getaway destination all year long. Whether vis- destination for both the business and leisure traveler visiting East iting for pleasure or business, the city’s atmosphere is a Central Illinois. perfect blend of historic past, modern culture, and progressive Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site growth. Lincoln history is part of Charleston’s charm. Charleston was established as the Coles County seat in the 1830s. The community grew with the arrival of the railroad system. In incoln Log Cabin, operated by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, preserves the last home of Abraham 1858, one of the seven debates between Senatorial candidates AbraLincoln’s father and stepmother, Thomas and Sarah Bush ham Lincoln and Stephen A. Douglas was held in Charleston. To commemorate this historic event, the community of Charleston Lincoln. Although Abraham Lincoln was a resident of Springfield by the time his father, Thomas, purcompleted the Lincoln Douglas Debate chased the farm in 1837, he remained Museum in 2000 at the Coles County in frequent contact with his father and Fairgrounds. On the beautifully landscaped extended family in Coles County. The grounds of the Debate Museum, visisite includes an accurate reproduction tors can pose for a photo with the lifeof the Lincolns’ two-room cabin, which sized bronze sculptures of the was constructed on the original cabin site in 1935 as a CCC (Civilian Consercandidates, watch a film that tells the vation Corps) and National Park Servstory of the Charleston debate, explore ice project. interactive displays, and even try on As an up-and-coming lawyer, LinLincoln’s boots and hat. coln traveled the eighth judicial circuit, Another beauty of nature in which brought him through Coles Charleston is Lake Charleston. With County regularly in the 1840s. During 10 miles of paved and unpaved trails his stay, Lincoln, always concerned for that surround the lake, it is a perfect Christmas at Lincoln Log Cabin the welfare of his parents, would often place to run, hike, or walk to enjoy the make the eight-mile trip south of Charleston for a visit. According scenery it has to offer. Early spring even offers a chance to see to relatives, he regularly came bearing gifts including cash and notes bald eagles. Charleston is home to Eastern Illinois University, which was due him for his legal services in Coles County. One such gift was founded in 1895 as a teachers college. Today, the university’s cam- Abraham Lincoln’s purchase of 40 acres of his father’s farm, which pus boasts stunning architecture, beautiful landscaping, and excel- he promptly deeded back to Thomas Lincoln for a life tenancy. lent collegiate sports and fine arts performances. A working, living history farmstead has been developed The Doudna Fine Arts Center is Eastern Illinois University’s ar- around the cabin. The centerpiece of the site is the reconstructed chitectural landmark. Designed by the internationally famous ar- Lincoln farm where daily, between May and October, interchitect Antoine Predock, the renovated and greatly expanded preters go about performing the multitude of tasks involved in facility boasts several public arts venues. For more information, maintaining a mid-19th-century farm. The interpreters represent Lincoln’s extended family and offer many insights into the man visit www.eiu.edu/doudna. While visiting the area, stay at Coles County’s only full-service they know, not as president, but as a son, brother, cousin and favored uncle. A second farmstead, the Stephen Sargent Farm, has been moved to the site to help broaden visitors’ understanding of 1840s rural life in Illinois. In addition to experiencing an in-depth look at life in the 1840s, on select weekends throughout the year, a variety of special events showcasing period arts, crafts and activities take place. One mile north of Lincoln Log Cabin is the Moore Home State Historic Site, scene of president-elect Lincoln’s poignant farewell to his family, in January 1861, before leaving to assume the presidency. Today, Lincoln Log Cabin is an 86-acre historic site that is owned and operated by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and supported by the nonprofit Lincoln Log Cabin Foundation. For more information on Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site, call 217-345-1845, follow the site on Facebook or visit www.lincolnlogcabin.org. PAGE 40 | 2019 Discover Visitor & Vacation Guide To Central Illinois
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2019 Charleston Calendar of Events
Dates subject to change. Please call ahead for specific information and additional activities.
March 23: A Visit with Johnny Appleseed. Lincoln Log Cabin Visitor Center Auditorium at 2 p.m. March 31: Roots of Rural Music. Lincoln Log Cabin Visitor Center Auditorium at 2 p.m. With Special Guest Chris Vallillo. An Illinois Bicentennial Event. April 13: Easter Egg Hunt and Roll. Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site. 1 to 4 p.m. The Lincolns and Sargents will host a traditional egg roll and Easter egg hunt, along with other period games, a craft activity, and a story time for children. The Easter egg hunt begins at 1:30 p.m., and the egg roll begins at 2:30 p.m. Children (12 and under) will be divided into age groups, with each group having staggered start times. April 26: Area 9 Special Olympics Spring Games. EIU. April 27, 28: Celebration: A Festival of the Arts. EIU Doudna Fine Arts Center. Visit www.eiu.edu/~festival. April 27, 28: Children’s Art Activities at Celebration. May 4: Eastern Illinois University Commencement. EIU. May 10, 11: IHSA Girls State Badminton Tournament. EIU. May 11: Lake Land College Commencement. May 11: Races For All Paces. EIU O’Brian Stadium. Half marathon, 10K, 5K walk/run, 1 mile, toddler trot, & diaper dash distances available. Visit www.sarahbush.org/races. May 16-18: IHSA Girls State Track Meet. EIU O’Brian Stadium. For more information, visit the IHSA website. May 23-25: IHSA Boys State Track Meet. EIU O’Brian Stadium. For more information, visit the IHSA website. May 30: Community Band Concert. Kiwanis Park Amphitheater from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Call 217-345-6897. June 1: Tour de Charleston. Downtown Courthouse Square. Visit Tour de Exchange 10-, 25- or 40-mile cycling races. For more information, visit www.charlestonchamber.com. June-October: Charleston Farmer’s Market. Downtown Square every Wednesday until October. June 8, 15, 22: Community Band Concert. Kiwanis Park Amphitheater from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Call 217-345-6897. June 15, 16: Civil War Encampment. Lincoln Log Cabin from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Members of the 5th and 9th Illinois Volunteer Cavalry Regiments will be encamped. Visit with the soldiers in camp, watch mounted and dismounted drilling exercises, and learn about the lives of Civil War soldiers. June 27: Community Band Patriotic Concert. Kiwanis Park Amphitheater from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Call 217-345-6897.
June 29: Independence Day Celebration. From 1 to 4 p.m. Celebrate an old-fashioned Independence Day at Lincoln Log Cabin. Visitors to this year’s Independence Day event can join in a game of Town Ball with Lincoln Log Cabin’s interpreters June 30: Red, White, and Blue Days Bingo. Charleston VFW, 1821 20th St., from 2 to 5 p.m. Visit www.charlestonredwhiteandblue.com or call 217-345-7691. July 3, 4: Red, White, and Blue Days. Morton Park, Division and Lincoln Ave. Visit www.charlestonredwhiteandblue.com. July 28-August 4: 164th Annual Coles County Fair. Coles County Fairgrounds. Visit www.colescountyfair.com. August 11: 42st Annual Bluegrass Jam. Lincoln Log Cabin from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Bluegrass and traditional. August 17: Run for the Fallen. September 21: Special Olympics Family Festival. For more information, visit www.consolidated.com/about-us/community-matters/special-olympics-family-festival. September 27: Grill on the Hill. Trojan Hill and Charleston Middle School from 4 to 7 p.m. Block party. September 27-29: EIU Family Weekend. EIU campus. Visit www.eiu.edu/ union/family_weekend_schedule.php. September 28, 29: Harvest Frolic Fall Celebration. Lincoln Log Cabin from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Frolic 5K run and mile walk. October 26, 27: EIU Homecoming. EIU campus and Charleston community. Visit www.eiu.edu/homecoming. October 26: Torchlight Halloween Hike, Pumpkin Carving Contest, and Wiener Roast. Lincoln Log Cabin from 6 to 9 p.m. November TBA: Yuletide Tunes & Treats. Dessert buffet, silent auction & music. Charleston Moose Lodge, 615 7th St. Call 217348-0430. November TBA: Band Together for Kids. Charleston VFW. November 9: Girls on the Run 5K. EIU O’Brian Stadium. A noncompetitive 5K. Register at www.girlsontheruneci.org or call 217-234-9494. November 17, 18: Festival of Trees. Sarah Bush Lincoln. Fully decorated 7-foot trees, 4-foot tree wreaths and centerpieces, specialty items, live greenery and trees. December 7: Christmas in the Heart of Charleston. Courthouse Square. For more information, visit Facebook under “Christmas in the Heart of Charleston,” or call 217-348-0430. December 7: Old Fashioned Christmas on the Prairie. Lincoln Log Cabin. Kids crafts, hot wassail and cookies. Walk to the Lincoln Farm, smell gingerbread baking, and listen to Christmas stories.
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MATTOON: COLES COUNTY
Mattoon: Bagels, Baseball, Murals, Lincoln History
attoon traces its history to the mid-1800s, when railroaders constructed the Terre Haute and Alton Railroad. When word spread that the Illinois Central Railroad was also planning to roll its steam engines through the land that is now Mattoon, settlers began to arrive. Today, Mattoon continues to grow and flourish, but retains its small town charm. In the last decade, downtown Mattoon has experienced its own renaissance, as the Mattoon Depot has been chosen as the home of the Mattoon Tourism and Art Department, completing a more than 10-year renovation of the historical structure. The depot is just one example of a focus on downtown. Other examples are murals, streetscapes and thriving businesses that are locating in the downtown area. Mattoon, located just a half-mile west of Interstate 57, is home to more than 20,000 citizens who enjoy an abundance of recreational opportunities. Seven parks serve the community by offering lighted tennis courts, a large outdoor swimming pool, playgrounds and picnic areas. For lovers of other outdoor activities, Mattoon’s two lakes, Lake Paradise and Lake Mattoon, provide many forms of recreation, including fishing, boating, water skiing, sailing and camping.
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Mattoon is famous for baseball. Nearly 2,000 baseball and softball enthusiasts participate in leagues in Mattoon, making it the self-proclaimed “Baseball Capital of the World.” In 2002, the city hosted the inaugural Cal Ripken World Series, a youth baseball tournament established by the great former Baltimore Orioles shortstop. The tournament featured visits by Ripken and many other well-known athletes, while teams from across the globe competed for the championship. Mattoon hosts thousands of youth athletes each year, not only for baseball, but also softball, soccer, basketball, football and more. Mattoon is also known for its hospitality and bagels. Get the best of both during the annual Bagelfest each July. After Murray Lender, of Lender’s Bagels, held a free bagel breakfast to introduce bagels to the city, the community leaders established Mattoon’s Bagelfest, an annual multi-day event. The festival Mattoon’s downtown mural.
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annually draws about 40,000 people. Collectively, the group consumes around 40,000 bagels, which are served by volunteers. In 1996, Mattoon’s own Lender’s bagel plant unveiled a 563-pound bagel creation that had been baked in a specially-designed brick oven. The feat was recorded in the 1997 edition of the Guinness Book of World Records. This year will mark the 32nd anniversary of the festival, and is sure to be a great celebration. For those interested in Abraham Lincoln, Mattoon was a featured stop on one of Lincoln’s political campaigns. In 1858, Lincoln, then a lawyer, addressed a crowd of townspeople from the east window of the Essex House hotel in Mattoon. Just three years later, Lincoln, newly elected to lead the country, waved farewell to his stepmother, Sarah Bush Lincoln, as his train headed out of Illinois for the White House. By that time, Lincoln’s father, who had settled in the area in 1831, was at final rest in his grave at Shiloh Cemetery, which is located southeast of Mattoon in rural Coles County. Lincoln’s stepmother was buried next to Thomas Lincoln in 1869. For more information or to sign up for the weekly event calendar, call 217-258-6286 or 800-500-6286, or visit www.mattoon.illinois.gov. 2019 Mattoon Calendar of Events
Dates subject to change. Please call ahead for specific information and additional activities.
May 11: Mattoon’s Gardenfest. Lytle Park. Formerly Herbfest. June 7, 8: Mattoon Artworks. Downtown. July 4: Independence Day Celebration. Fireworks at Coles County Airport. July 16-20: Annual Bagelfest Celebration. For more information, visit www.mattoonbagelfest.com. July 19-22: Mattoon Bagelfest Softball Tournament. October 25: Celebrate Downtown Mattoon Trunk or Treat. November 22-December 25: Mattoon Lightworks. Peterson Park. November 23: Mattoon Holiday Art & Craft Sale. Mattoon Depot. November 23: Christmas Parade & Santa Chase. 5k/half marathon. December 6: Celebrate Downtown Mattoon Christmas.
CASEY: CLARK COUNTY
Casey: The 32nd Annual Popcorn Festival 2019 Casey Calendar of Events Dates are subject to change. Please call The City of Casey Economic Development office at 217-330-5507 to confirm event times and dates.
April 13: Casey Chamber of Commerce Easter Egg Hunt. April 16: Casey Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner. Richards Farm. April 27: 2nd Annual Feast on the Street. Downtown Casey. May 18: CSC IBRA NPBA Horse Show. Fairview Park. June 15: Crazy Casey Day, Motors on Main, Garden Tractor Pull. Downtown Casey. June 22: 2nd Annual Circle City VW Cruise & Show. Downtown Casey. June 27: Music in the Park featuring Tim Crosby. Fairview Park from 7 to 9 p.m. July 4: Shriners Parade, 4th of July Celebration at Fairview Park, and Fireworks at Dusk. July 18: Music in the Park featuring Taylor Steele & The Love Preachers. Fairview Park from 7 to 9 p.m. August 15: Music in the Park with John Crouch featuring Garrett Biggs and special guests Joybeth Taylor and Alex Maxwell. Fairview Park from 7 to 9 p.m. August 17: CSC IBRA NPBA Horse Show. Fairview Park. Labor Day Weekend: 32nd Annual Popcorn Festival. Fairview Park. September 21: First BIG Saturday of Fall. Downtown Casey shops. October 19: Casey Chamber of Commerce Fall Frolic. December 6, 7: Candy Canes on Main. Downtown Casey.
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MARSHALL: CLARK COUNTY
Marshall: Historical Sites, Outdoor Fun Awaits Visitors
xperience Marshall — as you step out of a car in downtown Marshall, you will love the quaintness from the beautiful landscaping, large flower pots and Old Glory flying from every light post. At every turn, visitors will find a Walldog mural or a custom lion statue to view. You can visit the first hotel in Illinois, the Archer House, and the hotel that Abraham Lincoln stayed during his court days in Clark County. A once-in-a-lifetime experience is viewing the World’s Largest Gavel outside the Clark County Courthouse. Explore historic Harlan Hall to view real-life mannequins and displays, and pick up a copy of Tour Historic Marshall and Marshall World’s Largest Gavel International Walldog Murals and Lions (which contains information on 20 murals and lions around the community), as well as parks/recreation infor2019 Marshall Calendar of Events
mation, upcoming events, and much more. Marshall has seven sites listed on the National Register of Historic Places. A few of these include Lincoln’s law papers at the courthouse; a stone arch bridge, constructed in 1831, on the National Road (U.S. 40) that is still in use today; and a 1938 Works Progress Administration mural in the post office. If it is outdoor recreation you’re looking for, Marshall has an abundance of options. Lincoln Trail State Park and Mill Creek Park bring in thousands of visitors each year, and for good reason. These parks offer camping amenities, fishing and walking trails. Mill Creek also offers ATV trails, horseback riding trails and cabin rentals. Both parks retain natural habitats that are sure to provide a break from the daily grind.
Dates subject to change. Please call ahead for specific information and additional activities.
March 24-May 3: Smithsonian Institution presents a Museum on Main Street exhibit featuring “Crossroads: Change in Rural America.” Marshall Public Library March 29: Clark County Courthouse Open House — Clark County Bicentennial Celebration. April 20: Gaslight Art Colony-Artists Reception. May 11: Community-Wide Yard Sale. May 18: Gaslight Art Colony-Artists Reception. June 7: Band Concert. Every Friday night until August 10, from 8 to 9 p.m. June 8: Fit Foodie Tri. Triathlon, food truck festival and Walldog Mural. June 16: Gaslight Art Colony-Artists Reception. July 21: Gaslight Art Colony-Artists Reception. August 4-10: Clark County Fair. August 16: Night out on the National Road. September 20-22: Autumn Fest. September 21: Gaslight Art Colony-Artists Reception. October 15-30: Scarecrow Contest. More than 35 scarecrows scattered around the community. October 19: Gaslight Art Colony-Artists Reception. October 26: Frolic/Trunk or Treat. November 16: Gaslight Art Colony-Artists Reception. December 7: Hometown Holly Days. PAGE 44 | 2019 Discover Visitor & Vacation Guide To Central Illinois
Walldog mural
Harlan Hall is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is home to The National Road Welcome Center. It is located in the heart of downtown. The Welcome Center houses memorabilia from “the road that built the nation.” There are dioramas, interactive mannequins, displays and kiosks depicting the rich history of the road in Marshall. The Hall is also available to rent for events such as weddings, reunions and corporate trainings. Visitors won’t want to miss seeing the beauty of this restored building. In addition, the Marshall Public Library celebrated its 100th birthday in 2016. While visiting in the summer, join the fun at the Friday night band concerts and ice cream socials at 8 p.m. on the courthouse square, mid-June through August. Marshall boasts the oldest, continually performing municipal band in the state. Walk around
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the community and enjoy each mural, while trying to find the hidden item in each mural, and get your picture taken with a unique lion. Other recreational opportunities available in Marshall include nine holes at the Marshall Golf Course or in the case of a rainy day, stop into the Marshall Bowling Alley.
Clark County Courthouse
Walldog mural
From the history buff to the outdoor enthusiast, Marshall has an experience waiting just for you. For more information, visit www.marshall-il.com or call 217-826-8087.
www.marshall-il.com
HISTORIC LANDMARKS
21 HISTORIC MURALS
FRIDAY NIGHT CONCERTS
BOATING/CAMPING/FISHING/HUNTING
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MONTICELLO: PIATT COUNTY
Monticello: Historic Square, Lincoln History, Trains, Shopping
onticello, the Piatt County The park is open to the public daily seat, offers a breath of fresh air until sunset. The new bridge on the south with a town square built side of the park opened in the fall of 2012 around a refurbished courthouse in an area and is a super entrance to the park. Forthat invites guests to slow down and relax. mal gardens and more than 100 sculpThe downtown was recently listed on the tures are located near the mansion. National Register of Historic Places. Allerton House is used as a retreat center and is the perfect place for a wedding or On and off the Square, downtown conference. The main facade of the 40Monticello’s one-of-a-kind shops, galroom Georgian mansion overlooks a releries and restaurants provide a diverse The Monticello Railway Museum is an array of things to do and see. Visitors flecting pool and meadow. The native all-volunteer, not-for-profit organization. will want to stop at Out Of The Blue for forest, a 50-acre restored prairie, Lost Garden (a wilderness garden) and 1,500 the largest selection of Polish pottery and acres of woodland, following the Sangamon River with numerous hiking gifts and enjoy its new location at 223 E. Livingston Street. trails, make the park a great attraction. Monticello was recently named a “Looking for Lincoln” community, and a Lincoln storyboard telling part of the Lincoln Monticello story is The Allerton forest supports an extensive animal population. Bird located in the downtown Rotary Park. In addition to the storyboard in species unusual to the area can be seen in the forest, and the migratory Rotary Park, there are now two other storyboards; one at the downtown bird population is impressive in the spring and fall. Allerton Park and Retreat Center is one of the “7 Wonders of Illinois.” Wabash Depot and one at the Railway Museum. The unique charm of nearby Allerton Park, an extensively landThe Monticello Railway Museum, an all-volunteer, not-for-profit organization, is a popular tourist attraction. The museum is located scaped park mixed with ornaments, fine art and a manor house modjust north of Monticello at exit 166 off Interstate 72. Since the mueled after Ham House in England, provides visitors with a grand seum’s founding in 1966, one of its goals has been to preserve and retourist destination. The park was donated to the University of Illinois store the nation’s railroad heritage, with a focus on the Midwest. for public use in 1946 by Robert Allerton, the son of a well-established banker and livestock baron. Of course, the highlight of a visit to the museum is a train ride. Pas-
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sengers may board the train at either the restored Illinois Central Depot at the museum grounds or the historic Wabash Depot in downtown Monticello for a round trip train ride. The museum is open weekends, May through October. For more information, visit www.mrym.org. Railroad history runs deep in the area. In 1880, the Wabash, St. Louis & Pacific Railroad purchased the Chicago & Paducah Railroad, which was the north-south line through Monticello. Later in the decade, Jay Gould, known as one of the famous “Robber Barons,” purchased the line. Gould lost control of the Wabash in the late 1880s, and the subsequent owners found much financial success. A new station was planned for Monticello and built in 1899. That depot was moved to museum property in the late 1980s. Eventually, the depot was restored and still stands today as a testament to a bygone era in railroading. Along with Allerton Park, the community features Nick’s Community Playground near the downtown area, and Lodge Park, which is a 500-acre park north of Monticello. Lodge Park offers camping, hiking and biking and serves as the site of the annual Independence Day celebration on July 3. Monticello has the added distinction of having two of its residential areas listed on the National Register of Historic Places. North State Street and South Charter Street each feature homes with a wide array of architectural styles. The downtown area, Courthouse Square, has also been listed on the National Register of Historic Places. These designations were received after much work by Monticello’s Preservation Commission. 2019 Monticello Calendar of Events
Dates subject to change. Please call ahead for specific information and additional activities.
April 27: Throttle Time. Monticello Railway Museum. April 27, 28: Plaza Suite. Monticello Theatre Association. May 3-5: Plaza Suite. Monticello Theatre Association. May 3-5: 6th Annual Plant Sale Fundraiser. Every Saturday & Sunday: May 4 — October 6: Weekend Train Rides. Monticello Railway Museum. May 5: Market on Main - May Market. May 7, 8: School Days. Monticello Railway Museum. May 10: Business Expo. Chamber of Commerce. May 10: Whites of Spring. White wine sampling and boutique shopping. Downtown Monticello May 11, 12: Mom’s Ride Free. Monticello Railway Museum. May 11: Kirby Derby. 5K run/walk and a 10K run, along with a free kids race. Forest Preserve Park. May 18: Spring Soiree Fundraiser. Allerton Park. May 18: 3rd Saturday Garden Tours. Allerton Park. May 18, 19: May Steam Weekend. Railway Museum. May 27: MFAC (Monticello Family Aquatic Center) opens for the season. June 8: Monticello Movie Night — “Mary Poppins Returns.” Downtown. June 8: Old Glory Days. Bement. June 13: Farmer’s Market. June 15: 3rd Saturday Garden Tours. Allerton Park. June 15, 16: Dads Ride Free. Monticello Railway Museum. June 20: Farmer’s Market. June 20, 22: Piatt County Trail Blazers Rodeo. June 22: Rodeo Parade. June 22, 23: June Steam Weekend. Railway Museum. June 27: Farmer’s Market.
July 3: Monticello Freedom Fest. Lodge Park. July 3: Fireworks Train. Monticello Railway Museum. July 4: Bement 4th of July. Bement. July 4: Farmer’s Market. July 11: Farmer’s Market. July 13: Monticello Movie Night, Downtown. July 18: Farmer’s Market. July 20: 3rd Saturday Garden Tours. Allerton Park. July 20, 21: July Steam Weekend. Railway Museum. July 25: Farmer’s Market. August 1: Farmer’s Market. August 4: Market on Main — Maker Faire. August 8: Farmer’s Market. August 10: Monticello Movie Night, Downtown. August 15: Farmer’s Market. August 16, 17: Apple Dumpling Festival. Atwood. August 16-18: Mansfield Homecoming. Mansfield. August 17: 3rd Saturday Garden Tours. Allerton Park. August 17, 18: August Steam Weekend. Railway Museum. August 22: Farmer’s Market. August 29: Farmer’s Market. September 5: Farmer’s Market. September 12: Farmer’s Market. September 19: Farmer’s Market. September 21: 3rd Saturday Garden Tours. Allerton Park. September 21: Monticellobration. Downtown. September 21, 22: Railroad Days. Railway Museum. September 26: Farmer’s Market. October 3: Farmer’s Market. October 5, 6: October Steam Weekend. Final weekend. Monticello Railway Museum. October 12: Fall Throttle Time. Railway Museum. October 19: 3rd Saturday Garden Tours. Allerton Park. November 22-24: Polar Express. Tentative. Monticello Railway Museum. November 29-December 1: Polar Express. Tentative. Monticello Railway Museum. November 29: Reds of Christmas. A wine-walk and shop event. Downtown. December 1, 2: Lunch with Santa on the Train. Monticello Railway Museum. December: 6-8: Polar Express. Tentative. Monticello Railway Museum. December: 7: Christmas Parade. December: 13-15: Polar Express. Tentative. Monticello Railway Museum.
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BEMENT: PIATT COUNTY
Bement: Visit Memorial Park, Lincoln History Sites
he Village of Bement, situated the town’s centennial celebration, the in the heart of Illinois between Wabash Railroad, which inherited the Champaign and Decatur, owes lines of the Great Western Railroad, its birth to the steel plow and the presented the Village of Bement with a spread of railroading in the Midwest. bell from a retired locomotive. The bell The John Deere plow allowed farmers is displayed in the foyer of the Bement to churn the fertile soil near Bement Township Library. at a time when tall prairie grasses Veterans Memorial Park is located hampered traditional tilling. near the center of town. In the park are On Christmas Day, 1853, three men state-of-the-art play equipment, a pavilon horseback, L.B. Wing, Joseph ion for band concerts, picnic tables and Bodman and Henry Little, rode a memorial dedicated to area veterans. through the area. Inspired by what Directly south of the park are two hisBryant Cottage State Historic Site they saw, the three returned in 1854 to toric houses. The first is the home of purchase as much land as they could Francis E. Bryant, built in 1880, and the afford, paying $1.25 an acre. The gentlemen worked closely with other is the single-story structure built for Bryant and his family representatives of the Great Western Railroad to bring a railway upon their 1856 arrival in Bement. Although the 1880 structure, linking Danville, IL, with Quincy, IL, through their land. known as the Bryant House, remains a private residence, people are In 1855 the site was surveyed, and a deed for the land was invited inside for a visit, at the owner’s convenience. The 1856 structure is now called the Bryant Cottage State Hissigned. Edward Bement, of New York City and secretary of the Great Western Railroad, offered to donate a bell to the first church toric Site. This home has been preserved to commemorate a meetbuilt in the area if the villagers agreed to choose “Bement” as its ing between Abraham Lincoln and U.S. Senator Stephen A. name. Mr. Bement fell ill and died before he could follow through Douglas. Although no debate took place in Bement, the details with his offer. One hundred years later, however, in 1955, during for the Lincoln-Douglas Debates were agreed to in the parlor of this modest, yet comfortable structure. Looking for Lincoln? Don’t miss the Path of Information, located on the grounds of the historic site. Be sure to collect a rubbing from each Lincoln storyboard along the trail — bring pencil and paper. A GOOD PLACE TO CALL HOME Another famous American icon visited Bement, and that is Marilyn Monroe. Bement native Carleton Smith met Monroe when he was president of the National Arts Foundation in New York City. He urged her to travel to Bement to become a part of SCHEDULE OF EVENTS - BEMENT - 2019 the village’s centennial celebration in 1955, which was put on by Smith and the Bement Centennial Committee. During the celeMay 5: High School Spring Concert – at 2 p.m. bration, American icon and Lincoln biographer Carl Sandburg also visited Bement. Ê Ê 4 and 5 Concerts – at 6 p.m. MayÊ 6: Grades Bement High School is one of the schools in the area to begin Art Show – at 6:30 p.m. a new CEO Entrepreneurship Business Program that will be ofMiddle School Concert – at 7 p.m. fered in the fall of 2019. This program will allow students the opportunity to learn first-hand about owning, creating and managing May 23: Middle School Promotion a business. Bement High School is partnering with four other May 24: High School Graduation school districts in this off-site program, which will be conducted throughout Piatt County.
B E M E N T
June 14, 15: Bement Garage Sale Days
July 4: Parade 2 p.m. • Fireworks At Dusk December 1: Tree Lighting December 7: Christmas in Bement FOLLOW THE PATH OF INFORMATION ON THE GROUNDS OF BRYANT COTTAGE HISTORIC SITE
Visit Us Soon! Call 217-678-8184 for more information. PAGE 48 | 2019 Discover Visitor & Vacation Guide To Central Illinois
2019 Bement Calendar of Events Dates are subject to change.
May 5: High School Spring Concert at 2 p.m. May 6: Grades 4 and 5 Concerts at 6 p.m., Art Show at 6:30 p.m. and Middle School Concert at 7 p.m. May 23: Middle School Promotion. May 24: High School Graduation. June 14, 15: Bement Garage Sale Days. July 4: Parade at 2 p.m., fireworks at dusk. December 1: Tree Lighting. December 7: Christmas in Bement.
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LAKE SHELBYVILLE
Lake Shelbyville: Great Recreation
ake Shelbyville and its communities offer great recreation, attractions, events, and accommodations for a day or for a vacation. Shelby County plays host to the southern two-thirds of Lake Shelbyville and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Interpretive Center and offices. Lake Shelbyville was developed by the USACE in the 1960s and offers unlimited recreational opportunities for visitors. Known for great fishing and hunting, there are hundreds of miles of shoreline, secluded coves and more than 11,000 acres of water to enjoy. For hunters and naturalists, three designated wildlife management areas, totaling more than 6,800 acres, are located at the lake’s shores. There are five federal and two state parks with camping and boat launches, as well as equestrian campsites. Four public beaches, three campground beaches, plus numerous recreation areas offer picnic sites, pavilions, as well as playgrounds. There are also more than 65 miles of trails for hiking and biking enthusiasts to enjoy. Shelbyville’s Forest Park includes an aquatic center that offers something for everyone in the family, such as a zero-depth entry pool, diving boards, slides, concession stand and sandbox area. The park also offers picnic areas, pavilions, baseball and softball diamonds, a soccer field, athletic center, sunken garden, fishing lagoon and entrance into the General Dacey trail. The park also
features the Chautauqua Auditorium, which is the largest of its kind in the United States. Shelby County’s Findlay is known as “The Heart of Lake Shelbyville.” Moweaqua is home to the Coal Mine Museum, housing many artifacts from the 1932 Christmas Eve disaster. Cowden has one of five covered bridges in the state. Windsor’s Harvest Picnic is the longest running festival in Illinois. Strasburg is known for its adorable garden gnomes, and Stewardson delights with its “Hoofin’ to the Cow” 5K (cow attire welcomed but not mandatory), and its Lions Club Celebration. Shelby County’s three wineries provide an enjoyable experience. The area hosts seven wayside exhibits telling the stories of Abraham Lincoln’s time here. Five of the stories are in Shelbyville, one in Moweaqua, and one very entertaining divorce case storyboard in Strasburg. Shelby County was awarded the first National Park Passport stamp as a Looking for Lincoln/Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area community. Visitors may stamp their passports at the USACE visitor center. Visit www.lakeshelbyville.com for updated event listings, attractions and accommodations.
2019 Shelby County/Lake Shelbyville Events
Dates are subject to change. Visit www.lakeshelbyville.com/calendar for details and updates.
June 1: Kids Fishing Tournament, Opossum Creek Recreation Pond. June 7-9: Moweaqua Pow Wow Days. Moweaqua City Park. June 8: Loop Lake Shelbyville. Dam East Recreation Area. July 2-4: Herrick Celebration. Tom Davis Park. July 4: Fireworks over Lake Shelbyville. Main Basin July 6: Dog Days of Summer Dog Show. Coon Creek Recreation Area. July 21-24: Shelby County 4H and Junior Fair. Fairgrounds. July 26-27: Findlay Walleye Festival. Downtown Findlay. August 3: Aquafest Water Safety Carnival. Dam West Recreation Area. August 15-17: Windsor Harvest Picnic. Windsor City Park. August TBA: Cowden Pioneer Days. Cowden City Park. September 13-15: DirtWorx MTB Fest. Lake Shelbyville. October 11, 12: Scarecrow Daze. Shelbyville. October 11-13: TE Balloon Fest. Airport November 22-December 29: Shelbyville Festival of Lights. Forest Park. 2019 Discover Visitor & Vacation Guide To Central Illinois | PAGE 49
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GREENUP: CUMBERLAND COUNTY
Greenup: Something Old, Something New In ‘Village Of Porches’
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Greenup’s business district is listed on the National Registry Of Historic Buildings.
iscover historical Greenup, the “Village of the Porches” and the “Gateway to Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site,” as it looks toward a bright future built on its ties to the past. Located along Interstate 70 on one side and the National Road (U.S. 40) on the other side, Greenup continues to climb into elite company as a tourist destination by combining its rich history, beautiful landscape and plentiful arts and crafts shops with exciting new attractions.
bridge, built in 2000, is a replica of the original “Jackson-style” covered bridge. History continues to be preserved in Greenup with the 1870s Depot and Johnson Building, both of which were restored and relocated along Cumberland Street. Greenup is also located in the heart of Lincoln territory. Several locations are marked with “Abraham Lincoln Visited Here.” Lincoln Log Cabin and Fox Ridge State Park are located in Coles County, just 12 to 14 miles north of Greenup. Greenup is beautiful throughout the entire year. In the spring, blooming redbud trees line Cumberland Street, and the summer months find a variety of flowers in bloom on each corner. The fall foliage is gorgeous, and during the Christmas season, the overhanging porches are decked with greenery and lights. For more information, visit www.villageofgreenup.com. 2019 Greenup Calendar of Events
Dates subject to change. Please call ahead for specific information and additional activities.
This 200-foot span covered bridge is located on the National Road west of Greenup.
Greenup is a village of 1,532 residents with architecture that gives it a look from a bygone era. The business district is listed on the National Registry of Historic Buildings. Many of the storefronts have over-hanging porches from the second story. Some think these porches suggest the look of a western town, and others see a New Orleans flair. The main street, or Cumberland Street, is also part of the National Road. Greenup has the distinction of having one of the longest continuous drivable sections of the National Road still in existence. One mile west of downtown on the National Road is the Cumberland County Covered Bridge. This 200-foot span timber PAGE 50 | 2019 Discover Visitor & Vacation Guide To Central Illinois
January through December: Hootenanny. Free entertainment 1st Saturday of the month at 7 p.m. Greenup Municipal Building. August 10-17: Cumberland County Fair. Thoroughbred & harness horse races, queen contest, tractor pulls, 4-H shows, musical entertainment, carnival for kids, demolition derby. For more information, visit: www.cumberlandcountyfair.com. September 26-28: Greenup Chamber of Commerce Fall Festival. Queen contest, crafts, city-wide rummage sales, car show, parade, food vendors, beer tent, music, kid entertainment and fun. For more information, call 217-254-8461 or 217-923-3401. October 26: Halloween Celebration. Greenup Municipal Building. Time TBD. Costume judging, cake walk, food & games. December TBD: Greenup Chamber of Commerce Visit with Santa. Pictures and treat bags. Time TBD.
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Duska Cornwell
Come to Greenup for a fun-filled weekend and experience small town charm. Greenup is rich in history, antiques, crafts, shopping and food.
Max McCullough
Overhanging Porches of Greenup
Kathy Perkins Max McCullough
Cumberland County Covered Bridge
1870’s Depot
Greenup is also located in the heart of Lincoln territory. Several locations are marked with “Abraham Lincoln Visited Here.” Lincoln Log Cabin and Fox Ridge State Park are located in Coles County just 12 to 14 miles north of Greenup. Greenup is beautiful throughout the year. In the Spring, blooming red bud trees line Cumberland Street, the summer months find a variety of flowers in bloom on each corner. The fall foliage is gorgeous and during the Christmas Season the overhanging porches are decked with greenery and lights.
Max McCullough
You’re invited to stay at one of our motels. Budget Host is at the Interstate 70 exit, the The Greenup Inn motel is located on South Route 130 only a short distance from downtown Greenup. Greenup Military Museum
Dates of events are subject to change. Please call ahead for specific information.
January through December: Hootenanny
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reenup is a village of 1,532 residents. Its architecture is lost in time. The business district is listed on the National Registry of Historic Buildings. Many of the store fronts have over-hanging porches from their second story. Some think these porches suggest the look of a western town, and others see a New Orleans flair. The main street or Cumberland Street is also a part of the National Road. Greenup has the distinction of having one of the longest continuous driveable sections of the National Road still in existence. One mile west of downtown on the National Road is the Cumberland County Covered Bridge. This 200-foot-span timber bridge, built in 2000, is a replica of the original “Jackson-styled” covered bridge. History continues to be preserved in Greenup with the 1870’s Depot and Johnson Building; both are restored and were relocated along Cumberland Street.
Greenup 2019 Calendar Of Events
For more information, visit www.villageofgreenup.com.
Free entertainment 1st Saturday of the month at 7 p.m. Greenup Municipal Building.
August 10 – 17: Cumberland County Fair Thoroughbred & harness horse races, queen contest, tractor pulls, 4-H shows, musical entertainment, carnival for kids, demolition derby. Visit: www.cumberlandcountyfair.com
September 26-28: Greenup Chamber of Commerce Fall Festival Queen contest, crafts, city-wide rummage sales, car show, parade, food vendors, beer tent, music, kid entertainment and fun. For more information, call 217-254-8461 or 217-923-3401.
October 26: Halloween Celebration Greenup Municipal Building. Time TBD. Costume judging, cake walk, food & games.
December TBD: Greenup Chamber of Commerce Visit with Santa Pictures and treat bags. Time TBD.
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CLINTON: DEWITT COUNTY
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Clinton: Where Art, Lincoln History, Music And Outdoor Fun Come Together
rom its unique annual Apple ’n’ Pork Festival to the life-sized placed on the National Register of Historic Places by the United States statue of Abraham Lincoln standing in Clinton’s downtown Department of Interior. 2018 marked a milestone for the Museum as it known as “Mr. Lincoln’s Square,” Clinton is a classic Midwestern celebrated the 50th anniversary of the annual Apple ’n’ Pork Festival. town. Founded by Jesse For more information, Fell and James Allen, a visit www.chmoorehomepair of land speculators, stead.org. DeWitt County’s agriClinton was one of a myrcultural roots run deep. iad of prairie towns platThe numerous historic ted and sold by the acre in barns scattered throughthe mid-1830s. out the county stand as Progress was slow at testament to this fact. first. In 1837, Clinton was Art, history and agriculno more than two log homes and a log stable. ture come together in By 1841, it had grown to The Barn Quilts of Deprovide a small settlement Witt County driving for about 12 families. As tour. Individuals are enClinton began to blossom, couraged to drive the Lincoln display at Warner Library. DeWitt County enjoyed self-guided tour route. its early 1800s heyday as a stopping point along the Eighth Judicial CirFollow Barn Quilts of DeWitt County on Facebook at www.facecuit. Now-famous lawyers and judges frequented Clinton, which is the book.com/BarnQuiltsofDeWittCounty. Many visitors come to the area for the pleasure of outdoor activicounty seat of DeWitt County. Among them were Abraham Lincoln, ties. Clinton Lake, located six miles east of Clinton, belongs to ExStephen Douglas, Clifton H. Moore and David Davis, all who left their mark on the community and provided fascinating memories for the elon, which operates the Clinton Power Station at this location. The city’s early residents. state of Illinois has managed the park since 1978 through a long-term As significant as the presence of these luminous figures were, it pales lease with the utility company. The partnership demonstrates that state in comparison to the influence of the Illinois Central Railroad on the government and private businesses can work together to provide outhistory of Clinton. The first locomotive chugged into town in the 1850s standing recreation. The 15,000-acre area includes 130 miles of shoreline that trace Clinand transformed the community, both economically and socially. By the ton Lake’s 4,900 acres. The lake includes a beautiful 1,000-square-foot end of the 1850s, Clinton had evolved from a rustic frontier town to a swimming beach, more than 300 campsites, several boat and canoe thriving community with a business district second to none in its time launching points, a marina, and numerous hiking trails and picnic sites. and place. The transformation became complete in the 1870s, when the Anglers frequently visit the lake to reel in some of its stock of striped Illinois Central’s shops and roundhouse moved into Clinton from bass, crappie, stripers, catfish and walleye. Clinton Lake is well known Amboy and Wapella. For the next 80 years, Clinton was known as a for many lake-friendly fishing tournaments. Waterskiing, tubing and railroad town, and was the hub of railroad operations in central Illinois. wakeboarding are also popular summertime sports at the lake. Hunters find recreational opportunities in more than 3,000 acres of land around Clinton Lake. Species hunted in this area include deer, turkey, rabbit and pheasant. For more information, contact Clinton Lake State Recreation Area at 217-935-8722. For a second dose of outdoor enjoyment, visitors can travel two miles southeast of Clinton to Weldon Springs State Park. Early in Clinton’s history, the site was a 40-acre estate owned by Judge Lawrence Weldon. He opened the land to friends, associates, relatives and Clinton residents for picnics, family outings and other recreational activities. Since that time, the land has seen many uses. It served as the site of a popular education and entertainment program known as a Chautauqua, an open recreation space used by the public, and served as a city park before finally becoming a state-owned, 442-acre park, offering recreational opportunities during all seasons. Weldon Springs State Park provides 75 camper sites and some additional sites for tent camping. The park also includes a 29-acre lake Visitors are always welcome in Clinton. stocked with bass, bluegill, crappie, channel catfish, flathead catfish, By 1920, more than 1,500 Clinton residents worked for the railroad, sunfish and bullhead. The lake’s two miles of shoreline is dotted with bank fishing platforms. Several amphitheaters in the park provide a which brought 11 passenger trains through the town each day of the wonderful setting for a host of outdoor events. For more information, week. In addition, the Clinton railroad yards handled more than 107,000 contact Weldon Springs State Park at 217-935-2644. freight cars each month. Today, many elegant homes, some from that Weldon Springs is home to the Veterans Point Memorial, which was pre-20th century and early 20th century era, can be found near Mr. Lindedicated in 2004. Donations made in honor of veterans are recognized coln’s Square in the heart of Clinton. in various spaces on the granite structure. Inscribed on the base of the In 1979, the C.H. Moore Homestead DeWitt County Museum was PAGE 52 | 2019 Discover Visitor & Vacation Guide To Central Illinois
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sculpture are the words, “Freedom is not free.” The memorial sits on a 4-foot-high granite pedestal in the middle of a patio. The plaque on the sculpture pedestal reads, “Dedicated to the memory and honor of all veterans who have served, are serving, and will serve this great country for the cause of freedom.” During a visit to Clinton, a stop at the historic downtown Mr. Lincoln’s Square is well worth the time. On the northwest corner of the square stands a statue of Abraham Lincoln. According to local lore, it was on Mr. Lincoln’s Square where he said, “You can fool all of the people part of the time, and part of the people all of the time, but you cannot fool all the people all the time.” Located in the Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area, DeWitt County is an official “Looking for Lincoln” community and is home to 10 Looking for Lincoln wayside exhibits. Eight of these are included on a self-guided walking tour spanning nine blocks and featuring unique Lincoln-related stories and sites. A permanent exhibit, “Lincoln in DeWitt County,” is housed at Clinton’s Vespasian Warner Public LiLincoln brary. Lincoln’s connection to Clinton and DeWitt County is rich. He argued cases in DeWitt County on the Eighth Judicial Circuit and practiced law in an office he shared with a local attorney, Clifton H. Moore. Visit the Lincoln Heritage of DeWitt County website at www.lincolnheritage.wix.com/dewittcounty and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/lincolnheritageofdewittcounty. While visiting the C.H. Moore Homestead DeWitt County Museum, be sure to get your very own Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area NPS Passport Stamp for Clinton, IL. While touring Mr. Lincoln’s Square, visitors will find themselves amidst a variety of retail and service shops. Many more stores and restaurants line Van Buren Street, located a few blocks to the south. They include major discount department stores, nationally known drug stores, and fast-food chains, along with other restaurants that offer unique dining experiences. Now open in Clinton’s downtown is Three Doors Down Brewery & Brew Pub, located on the southeast corner of Mr. Lincoln's Square. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/2DoorsDownBrewery. Visitors may catch a box office hit at the community’s five-screen movie complex, which shows recently released movies and offers some appealing extras such as free refills on popcorn and soda, discounted admission nights and free popcorn Thursdays. For more information, visit www.eagletheater.net. An excellent public school system serves the Clinton area with neighborhood school buildings, located only a short walk from homes. A school campus housing the Clinton Elementary School, Junior High School, High School, as well as the Maroons Sports Complex is located near Van Buren Street shopping and restaurants. An addition to the educational campus is the Richland Community College Clinton Education Center. The expansion of the extension center is part of Richland’s continued commitment to serve the students in Clinton and DeWitt County. The Vespasian Warner Public Library is located in the heart of Clinton. The Frank Lloyd Wright prairie-style brick building was built in 1906. In 1991, an addition was built to the original library building. Through the years, the facility continues to provide the community with informational, recreational, cultural and educational resources and services, as well as meeting rooms, public computer access, free Wi-Fi and more. For more information, visit www.vwarner.org. The Warner Hospital & Health Services assure visitors to the areas professional medical care. For more information, visit www.warnerhospital.org. Numerous churches representing most major denominations dot the Clinton area. The Clinton Community YMCA is a full facility YMCA,
offering many services for all ages, including an indoor pool. Clinton uses a mayor/council form of government. For more information, visit www.clintonillinois.com. For economic development, the county-wide organization, DeWitt County Development Council, actively works to stimulate economic development with new and existing businesses in DeWitt County. For more information, visit www.dcdc-illinois.net. Visitors are invited to treat themselves to booth after booth of foods, crafts, art, antiques and more at the nationally recognized Apple ’n’ Pork Festival, always scheduled for the last full weekend in September. Vendor information can be found by visiting www.clintonilchamber.com/apple-pork-vendorinfo. Clinton’s Terror on Washington Street Haunted House reopens in October. Visit the event website at www.clintonhauntedhouse.com for event dates, times, and pricing. Contact the Clinton Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau at 217-935-3364 or statue toll-free at 866-4-DeWitt (866-433-9488), or visit www.clintonilchamber.com. Brochures are available 24/7 from the outdoor brochure holders at the Clinton Visitor Center, 1439 West State Route 54, Clinton. Overnight accommodations in Clinton are offered at Sunset Inn & Suites at www.SunsetInnandSuites.com or 217-935-4140, Town & Country Motel at 217-935-2121, and Wye Motel at 217-935-3373. 2019 Clinton Calendar of Events
Dates are subject to change. Please call ahead for specific information and additional activities or check the Events Calendar at www.clintonilchamber.com or find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/visitclintonil.
March 27: Clinton Chamber’s Business Expo. Clinton High School Gym from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. May-October: Clinton Area Farmers & Artisans Market. Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon. Mr. Lincoln’s Square, downtown Clinton. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/pg/ClintonILFarmersMarket. May 16-19: Clinton MayDays Festival. Mr. Lincoln’s Square, downtown Clinton. June 1-30: Quilted Keepsakes Annual Quilt Show. For more information, visit www.chmoorehomestead.org. June, July, and August: Music on Main & Center. Mr. Lincoln’s Square Stage. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/musiconmainandcenter. June 25: Annual Golf Outing. Clinton Country Club. June 29: Tour DeWitt. For more information, visit www.TourdeWitt.weebly.com or Facebook at www.facebook.com/tourdewitt. July 4: Clinton’s 4th of July Celebration. Sponsored by Celebrate Clinton. Mr. Lincoln’s Square, downtown. July 5: 4th of July Fireworks. Sponsored by Celebrate Clinton. At dusk on southwest edge of Clinton. September 28, 29: Apple ’n’ Pork Festival. Sponsored by C.H. Moore Homestead DeWitt County Museum, the official home of the Apple ’n’ Pork Festival. For more information, visit www.chmoorehomestead.org or Facebook at www.facebook.com/applenporkfestival. October 11, 12, 18, 19, 25, 26, 31, November 1, 2: Clinton’s Terror on Washington Street Haunted House. For more information, visit www.clintonhauntedhouse.com or Facebook at www.facebook.com/clintonhauntedhouse. November 30: Clinton’s Annual Christmas Parade at 2 p.m. November 30, December 7, 14, 21: Santa’s House on Mr. Lincoln’s Square from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. 2019 Discover Visitor & Vacation Guide To Central Illinois | PAGE 53
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ROBINSON: CRAWFORD COUNTY
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Crawford County: Historical Sites, Outdoor Fun, Shopping And Dining In Family-Friendly Setting
rawford County Illinois has something for everyone — his- shake, fresh pie, and friendly conversation. The annual Flat Rock torical sites, golf courses, camping, recreational lakes and Homecoming is a great time to visit the village for memorable rivers, unique shops, family-oriented annual events, muse- family fun. Experience a lifetime of happiness in Crawford County. Everyums, fine dining and excellent hotel/motel accommodations. The county offers three golf courses, a forest preserve, hiking, bik- thing is at your fingertips — friendly neighborhoods, quality eduing and horseback trails, museums, sports courts, beautiful parks, fish- cation, modern health care facilities, noteworthy recreation and ing lakes, a conservation area and campsites. The Wabash River premium shopping choices. Business opportunities are welcomed with open arms. serves as the winding eastern edge of Crawford County. For more information, contact the City of Robinson at 618-544Crawford County was formed December 31, 1816, and is located in east central Illinois. The county was named in honor of 7616 or visit www.cityofrobinson.com/tourism. Visitors are always William H. Crawford, a United States Senator from Georgia, who welcome in Crawford County. also served as Minister of France, Secretary of War, and Secretary of the Treasury. In addition, he was a prominent presidential can2019 Crawford County Calendar of Events didate in 1824. Dates subject to change. Please call ahead for specific information and additional activities. Crawford County consists of several unique communities, each April 12-14: Spring Market Place Antique and Collectables with its own distinguishing features. Robinson, the county seat, is home to the late writer James Jones, author of From Here to Eter- Show. Robinson Community Center. Community Revitalization & Beautification Committee. For more information, call nity and The Thin Red Line, and is the birthplace of the Heath the Chamber of Commerce at 618-546-1557. Candy Bar. Hershey Chocolate, producers of the Heath May 25: Memorial Day Weekend: Palestine Bar, along with Marathon Petroleum and Lincoln Lions Club Fish Fry, Car Club Cruise-In & Trail College, make their home in Robinson. Retail Flea Market. Leaverton Park. From 8 a.m. choices include clothing, jewelry, antiques, home untill the fish runs out. fCrawford County décor, specialty foods, floral and garden shops. Collectibles Car Club and various vendors The Robinson City Park features state-of-thewill be present. Call Lion Otis Tuttle at art baseball and softball fields, and the newly 618-562-3881. renovated Pelican Cove aquatic center with a June 27: Annual Robinson Chamber of splash pad and two water slides. Commerce Golf Outing. Fundraiser and golf Oblong, located on the western edge of the outing at Quail Creek County Club in Robincounty, also offers a variety of unique retailers. son. Call the Robinson Chamber of Commerce Collectibles, quilt and sewing supplies, handat 618-546-1557. crafted gifts, floral, and furnishings can be found July 2-6: Robinson 4th of July Celebraalong Main Street in Oblong. The Oil Field On Saturday, September 21, the City tion. Features carnival rides, food booths, Museum in Oblong features two buildings of Robinson will host its third annual nightly entertainment, car show, baseball of displays, tools, books and literature, Fest-Of-Ale in the Robinson City Park. and softball tournaments, firework show working models and photographs regarding in Robinson City Park. Call City Hall at the boom days of oil discovery in Crawford 618-544-7616 or visit www.cityofrobinson.com. County in the early 1900s. July 20-27: Crawford County Fair. Oblong fairgrounds. Visit Palestine is the oldest town in the state of Illinois still in its original location. The entire business district is listed on the National www.crawfordfair.com. August 2, 3: Robinson Citywide Garage Sales. Contact the Historic Register, and many turn-of-the-century buildings house art galleries, antique and collectable stores, and gift shops. Visitors Chamber of Commerce at 618-546-1557 for a list of those particcome from all around to visit this historic village full of rich his- ipating in this annual event. August 2-4: Hutsonville River Fest. Car Show, entertainment, tory. Palestine is home to the Fife Opera House, the annual Pioneer City Rodeo and Labor Day Festival, and many other history-rich vendors, parade and food, in downtown Hutsonville. Visit www.facebook.com/groups/Hutsonville.River.Fest/. events throughout the year. August 9-11: Oblong Antique Tractor and Engine Show. ObHustonville, at the Wabash River bridge on the northeast edge of the county, features the Hutson Memorial Village. A “town” long fairgrounds. August 10-12: Flat Rock Homecoming. Visit the Village of Flat made up of original, furnished log cabins, a log barn, and log church, is named in honor of the Isaac Hutson family, which was Rock for a weekend full of activities including food, vendors, and massacred by Indians in 1813. Every even year, the event is re- a parade. August 29-September 2: Annual Pioneer City Labor Day Fesenacted, and a number of family oriented events are held at the tival and Rodeo. Pioneer City Arena. Leaverton Park & Main Street complex throughout the year. Flat Rock gets a big “thumbs up” when it comes to a great milk- Palestine play hosts to a street fair, carnival, and the PRCA rodeo. PAGE 54 | 2019 Discover Visitor & Vacation Guide To Central Illinois
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Call the Palestine Chamber of Commerce at 618-586-2222, visit www.pioneercity.com or email PalestineCofC@verizon.net. September 21: 3rd Annual Crawford County Fest-Of-Ale. The city of Robinson will host its third annual craft beer festival in the Robinson City Park. Craft beer vendors, wine, food and entertainment highlight afternoon activities. For more information and tickets, visit www.ccfestofale.com. October 4, 5: Annual Heath Toffee Festival and Parade. Located on the square in Robinson. Celebrating the delicious Heath Candy Bar, created in 1928 by Heath Brothers Confectionary in Robinson. Call 618-546-1557. October 5, 6: Annual Wabash Valley Wine & Arts Festival. Several wineries provide various wines for tasting as you stroll Main Street in Palestine and enjoy artworks from numerous artists from the Wabash Valley area. Call Susan Goodwine at 618-586-2035. October 26: Annual Oblong Fall Follies and “Spooktacular” Band Fest and Parade. Features night parade, band field competition, food, crafts, and entertainment on the square in Oblong. Call 618-592-4355. November 22-24: Lighting of Christmas displays. Downtown Robinson. Santa arrives, food booths, games for kids, train ride, silent auction of decorated Christmas Trees, and a night parade on Saturday. Call the Chamber of Commerce at 618-546-1557. November 22, 23: Weekend before Thanksgiving Crawford County Retailer’s Holiday Open Houses. Begins at 9 a.m. Travel Route 33 through Robinson and Palestine to find that perfect Christmas gift. Call the Robinson Area Chamber of Commerce at 618-546-1557.
Pelican Cove Aquatic Park features a splash pad and two water slides.
November 23: Weekend before Thanksgiving Palestine Preservation Projects Society Cookie Walk. Fife Opera House opens at 9 a.m. Browse table after table of homemade cookies for purchase. Call Nita Jochim at 618-586-2427. November 29: Friday after Thanksgiving Leaverton Park Holiday Lighting Festival. Begins at 5 p.m. Leaverton Park in Palestine comes alive with more than 40,000 lights and displays. Enjoy hot chocolate and cookies with Santa, and listen to area church choirs and singing groups caroling. Watch the fireworks and enjoy cornbread and beans, hotdogs and desserts served by the Lions club. Call the Palestine Chamber of Commerce at 618-586-2222.
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EFFINGHAM: EFFINGHAM COUNTY
Effingham: The Best In Service And Hospitality
ocated in Central Illinois where Interstate 57 meets I-70, the cross, which expand a full 113 feet, are a welcoming signal to apcity of Effingham has something for everyone. With 17 hoproaching travelers. For more information, visit www.crossusa.org. tels and more than 65 restaurants, Mid America Motorworks’ My Garage Museum: Located on the northeast side of Effingham provides the very best in service Effingham, My Garage Museum is a one-ofand hospitality. a-kind museum that houses vintage The Effingham Performance Center, Corvettes, Volkswagens and thousands of Cross at the Crossroads, Firefly Grill, Mid America Motorworks’ My Garage Mupieces of Corvette history and memorabilia. seum, Tuscan Hills Winery, Hodgson Mill There is no admission charge. The museum Mercantile Retail Store, John Boos & Co. is open six days a week. For more information, visit www.mamotorworks.com. Outlet Showroom and Lake Sara are just a Sculptures on the Avenue: Sculptures on few of the many attractions that make Effingham a tourism destination for thousands the Avenue is an annual outdoor art exhibit of travelers each year. that brings an array of artwork to downtown The city also hosts several annual events Effingham and features some of the Midincluding the Artisan Fair and Effingham west’s best-known and unknown sculptors. Cruise Night in May, Moccasin Creek FesEntering its 21st year, Sculptures on the Avtival in June, the Effingham JAM in July, enue is a self-guided walking tour that winds Summer Sundown Music Festival in Septhrough downtown Effingham. Come explore tember, Chili Fest in October and Wonderthe sculptures that have transformed the city’s land in Lights during the Christmas avenues into an art gallery. For more information, visit www.visiteffinghamil.com or call season. Effingham and surrounding area 217-342-5310. attractions include: The Effingham Performance Center: Firefly Grill: Firefly Grill is a modern Located on the north side of Effingham roadhouse restaurant located on the shores along Outerbelt West, is a 1,564-seat theof Kristie Lake. Chef Niall Campbell and his ater that hosts 30 performances a year. wife, Kristie, own and operate this oasis of Local, regional, and national acts are farm and table cuisine in the heart of the scheduled to perform, with categories inMidwest. It has been recognized for its efcluding country, southern gospel, pop/top forts in going green, its unique events, and 40, contemporary Christian, comedy, jazz, its beautiful rural setting. Firefly’s everThe Cross At The Crossroads dance, classical, and bluegrass. Headlining changing menu boasts fresh, sustainable seafood, prime steaks, brick oven pizzas and soulful American-fresh acts include Plain White T’s; Don Felder, formerly of the Eagles; Lou cuisine. Firefly is passionate about sourcing the best ingredients, many Gramm: “The Jukebox Hero;” and Trace Adkins. For more informaof which are grown in their on-site organic garden. Garden tours and tion, visit www.theepc.org or find tickets on Ticketmaster. The Cross at the Crossroads: Located on the south side of Effingcooking demonstrations make this a must stop for group tours. Firefly ham, the cross stands 19 stories tall alongside one of America’s most Grill was recently honored as part of Enjoy Illinois’ “Illinois Made” traveled interstate corridors. Approximately 53,600 people view the program. For more information, visit www.ffgrill.com. 198-foot tall symbol of love and hope each day. The open arms of the Legacy Harley Davidson: Legacy Harley Davidson is located just off I-57 and I-70, on Althoff Avenue. “The Harley Barn,” as it is known, houses new and pre-owned motorcycles, along with clothing, merchandise, parts and much more. The folks at the Harley Barn invite visitors to attend one-of-a-kind events held throughout the year. For more information on the store and events, visit www.legacyhd.com. Tuscan Hills Winery: Tuscan Hills Winery is located on Historic Hills Drive, directly behind the Harley Barn. This winery features eight picturesque acres, which helps bring an Old World Tuscan feel to the heart of Effingham. The owners are focused on creating elegant, approachable and perfectly balanced wines of the highest quality. They recently added the “Stellar Cellar” to host various parties. Wine tastings and tours, along with space available for reservations, make this a must stop for group tours. Check out the winery’s website for its live events each week, including live music, dueling pianos and murder mystery theater dinners. For more information, visit www.effinghamwinery.com.
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golf courses, Cardinal and Fore-Way, just minutes from the lake. For Effingham Visitor Center: The Effingham Visitor Center, located off exit 160, offers services to travelers including maps, guides and more information, visit www.visiteffinghamil.com. brochures. Stop in for a free Effingham souvenir. Coupon and disDr. Charles M. Wright House: The Dr. Charles M. Wright House count books are also available at the Visitor Center. Call 217-342in Altamont was built in 1889. The 18-room mansion is now a museum 5310 or visit www.visiteffinghamil.com. that features original furnishings, including Wonderland in Lights: Each year, the carpets. The doctor’s surgery room, nursery city of Effingham and the Effingham Conand library are highlights of the tour. The muvention and Visitors Bureau turn the Comseum is open Sundays from 2 to 4 p.m., April through October. For a tour on other days, munity Park on East Temple Avenue into a call 618-483-6397. www.wrightmansion.org. winter wonderland. The Wonderland in Lights is a drive-through light display that Monastery Museum: The Monastery features a variety of lighted holiday scenes. Museum in Teutopolis is a window into the Santa visits the Wonderland in Lights each history of the settlers of the Teutopolis reSaturday to hand out toys to the children. gion and the Franciscans who ministered to The display opens on Thanksgiving Day them. The museum houses antique bibles, and runs through the New Year. For more hand-scribed books, furnishings, clothing, holiday displays, head to downtown Effintoys and elaborate documents that offer a John Boos & Co. Outlet gham and check out the 3-D displays on the glimpse into the past. Call 217-857-6404. courthouse lawn. For more info, visit www.visiteffinghamil.com. Frye Pottery: Frye Pottery is located in a beautiful country setting. Harmony Playground: Harmony Playground is a new inclusive Artists Tim and Pam Frye have been professional potters for nearly 30 years and produce award winning ceramic art, as well as functional playground accessible to all children, adults and veterans. The playstoneware pottery designed for everyday use. A restored dairy barn ground features wheelchair-friendly ramps, accessible swings, as well houses their working studios and gallery with a selection of pottery as musical elements designed to help children who face sensory chalpieces for sale. Visit www.fryepottery.com. lenges. Visit www.effinghamparkdistrict.org. Stang Arts Studio & Gallery: Nestled in downtown Effingham, 2019 Effingham Calendar of Events Stang Arts features art classes for both children and adults, along with Dates subject to change. Please call ahead for specific information and additional activities. events throughout the year, such as paint parties. Make sure to stop by and check out the art gallery or book an event. For more informaApril TBD: Blessing of the Bikes. 217-342-3494 tion, call 850-960-0106. or www.legacyhd.com. John Boos & Co. Outlet: John Boos & Co. is the oldest manuApril 6: Lake Sara Dam Run. www.lakesaradamrun.com. April 20: National Fishing Lure Collector Show. 217-644-2294 or facturer of butcher blocks and metal tables in the industry. The first www.nflcc.org. butcher blocks were made in Conrad Boos’ blacksmith shop in EffApril 26, 27: Hobnob Spring Market. www.hobnobmarket.com. ingham more than 130 years ago. John Boos & Co. hours are 8 a.m. May-October: Farmer’s Market. Saturdays through October. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday. John Boos Butcher Blocks are used by several celebrity chefs, ineffinghamfarmersmarket@gmail.com. cluding Emeril Lagasse and Rachel Ray, who gave John Boos’ May 3, 4: Artisan Fair. 217-342-5310 or blocks away on her talk show. The butcher blocks can also be found www.effinghamartisanfair.com. on popular Food Network shows such as Chopped. Groups are welMay 17: Effingham Spring Cruise Night. www.visiteffinghamil.com. come to come and learn about the history of John Boos, and shop June 1: Middle of America Craft Brew Fest. in the store. For more information, call 217-347-7790 or visit www.effingbrewcompany.com. www.butcherblockspecialist.com. June 7-9: VW Funfest. 866-350-4539 or www.funfestacvw.com. Hodgson Mill Mercantile: The Mercantile was opened in 2014. June 20-23: Moccasin Creek Fest. Since 1882, Hodgson Mill has been grinding whole grains and making www.moccasincreekfestival.com. nutritious foods that are full of natural flavor but free of artificial adJuly TBD: EffingHAM-JAM BBQ Cookoff. 217-342-4147. ditives and coloring. For more than a century, its customers have been July 4: 4th of July Celebration. 217-342-5310. enjoying the taste and reaping the health benefits of whole grains. The July 27-August 3: Effingham Co. Fair. new store features Hodgson Mill products, other local products and hard to find cooking gadgets. Along with the retail store, an education www.effinghamcountyfair.com. center will offer a wide variety of classes, from baking to healthy eatSeptember 6, 7: Hobnob Harvest Market. ing. The cooking center is open and cooking classes are available. For www.hobnobmarket.com. September 13-15: Summer Sundown Music Festival. a schedule, visit www.hodgsonmill.com. For more information, call www.summersundownfest.com. 800-347-0105. September 19-22: Corvette Funfest. 866-309-3973 or Ballard Nature Center: The Ballard Nature Center is located just www.corvettefunfest.com. minutes west of Effingham, nestled into a wooded area near National October 4: United Way Witches Ball. 217-342-3824 or Road U.S. 40. Miles of wooded trails, dozens of species of birds and the natural setting offer a true outdoor experience. Dioramas and inwww.effinghamunitedway.org. teractive exhibits offer entertainment and effortless education on the October 5: Effing Oktoberfest. www.effingbrewcompany.com. flora and fauna of this region. The trails and outdoor area are open October 12: Chili Fest. 217-342-4147. October 27: Halloween Parade. 217-342-4147. from dawn until dusk. The center is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., MonNovember-December: Wonderland in Lights. Thanksgiving – New day through Friday, and from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday. For more Year’s Day. 217-342-5310 or www.visiteffinghamil.com. information, call 618-483-6856. November 30: Hometown Christmas. 217-342-5310 or Lake Sara: Lake Sara is an 800-acre recreational lake nestled into www.visiteffinghamil.com. a wooded shoreline, encircled by a winding road. Also, visit nearby PAGE 58 | 2019 Discover Visitor & Vacation Guide To Central Illinois
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DECATUR: MACON COUNTY
Decatur-Forsyth: You’ll Find Something For Everyone Here
Mari-Mann Herb Farm is designated as an official Illinois herb garden.
building is filled with antique dealers and vintage items. Breweries: Decatur is now home to three craft breweries and taprooms: Decatur Brew Works, Door 4 Brewing Company, and the newest addition, Golden Fox Brewing. Catering to the true beer lover, spend a day searching for the perfect beer — you just might find it right here. In addition to great beer, the breweries often host fun special events and activities. Events: More than 300 events and festivals take place in the Decatur-Forsyth area each year, encompassing arts, crafts, music, dance, fun fairs, sports, and just about anything else you can imag-
Prices, Special Offers Expire Dec. 31, 2019
entrally located in the heart of Illinois, the city of Decatur is a jewel of a community, nestled alongside 32 miles of scenic Lake Decatur shoreline. With a rich history, vibrant downtown, fun attractions and diverse dining options, there is truly something for everyone. The Village of Forsyth, located on the north end of Decatur, is a thriving community with dozens of popular restaurants, shopping centers and a multi-plex theater. With a combined total of 22 hotels and motels, more than 70 locally-owned restaurants, plus numerous venues, parks, and sporting facilities, the Decatur-Forsyth area is big enough to offer a wide variety of fun events and entertainment options, but small enough to give visitors that hometown feel and service. With so many things to see and do, it can be hard to decide where to spend time. Request a free copy of the official Decatur-Forsyth Visitor Guide at www.decaturcvb.com for a complete list of area attractions, but in the meantime, here are a few ideas to get your itinerary started. Antiques & Collectibles: With more than 10 antique and collectible shops in Macon County, offering thousands of square feet to explore, you’ll need an entire weekend to go treasure hunting here. Locals say you shouldn’t miss the Wabash Depot Antique Centre, the longtime headquarters for the Wabash Railroad Company, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. In its heyday, all tracks led to the depot. Now restored to its early 20th century rail depot grandeur, this impressive 10,000-square-foot
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2019 Decatur Calendar of Events
Dates subject to change. Please call ahead for specific information and additional activities. Updated information can be found at www.decaturcvb.com.
The Wabash Depot Antique Centre is over 10,000 square feet of beautifully restored marble floors and columns with stained glass windows and tube chandeliers. Built in 1901, the depot is on the National Register of Historic Places. Wabash Depot Antique Centre in Decatur is truly a showplace with a lot of history.
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Mayaways, Wisa, Nastercard, Discover ¦ Ph: 217-233-0800 ¦ Gax: 217-233-0801 780 F. Cerro Hordo Ttreet ¦ Decatur, IM 62523 Kust North of Fldorado Ttreet/Route 36
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ine. Local favorites include the Argenta IceFest, Downtown Mardi Gras, Corks & Forks, Forsyth Classic on the LPGA Symetra Tour, Warrensburg Corn Festival, USTA/Ursula Beck Pro Tennis Classic, Decatur Celebration, Mount Zion Pony Express Days, Arts in Central Park, Decatur’s Smokin’ BBQ Festival, Downtown Decatur Christmas Walk, and many more. There is always something fun happening in the Decatur-Forsyth area.
Family Fun: Pack up your vehicle and bring the kids over to enjoy good family fun at some great attractions that are part of the Decatur Park District. Overlook Adventure Park features two 18hole mini golf courses, a high ropes course, and batting cages, nestled in the hills of Nelson Park. Just down the road, take a walk on the wild side at Scovill Zoo. One of just 210 zoos accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, Scovill Zoo has hundreds of wild and domestic animals from Madagascar to Australia and every Downtown Decatur. Photo: Aloft Imagery
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March 23, 24: KIDS FEST. Decatur Civic Center - Ameren Illinois Arena. March 30: Penguin in the Park 5K. Fairview Park. March 30: Mini Jazz Festival. Decatur Conference Center & Hotel. March 30: Sleeping Beauty with Alabama Ballet. Kirkland Fine Arts Center. April 4, 6: Pride of the Prairie Spring Marble Show. Country Inn and Suites. April 5-7: Dr. Cue Billiards Tournament. Decatur Conference Center & Hotel. April 6, 7: Decatur Spring Train Fair. Decatur Civic Center - Ameren Illinois Arena. April 12-14: The Midstate Cup Soccer Tournament. Decatur Soccer Complex. April 12-14: USA Northern National Qualifier - Girl’s Fastpitch. Rotary Park. April 25: Corks and Forks. Decatur Conference Center & Hotel. April 27, 28: NSA Tournament - Girl’s Fastpitch. Rotary Park. May 5: Beginning of the Year Car, Truck & Motorcycle Show. Decatur Civic Center. May 17-19: Corvair Museum Convention, Car Show, & Swap Meet. Chevrolet Hall of Fame/Corvair Museum. May 18: Finders Spring Market. Decatur Conference Center & Hotel. June 4-9: Macon County Fair. Macon County Fairgrounds. June 10-16: Forsyth Classic - 35th Anniversary. Hickory Point Golf Course. June 10-16: Optimists International Jr. Golf Tournament. Red Tail Run Golf Course. July 4-7: USA Girls Class A&B 10U State Tournament. Forsyth Park. July 11-14: USA Girls Class B 16U State Tournament. Rotary Park. July 19-21: USA Men’s D&E Slowpitch State Tournament. Rotary Park. July 25-27: Warrensburg Corn Festival. Main Street, Warrensburg. July 27-August 4: USTA/Ursula Beck Pro Tennis Classic. Fairview Park Tennis Complex. August 2-4: Decatur Celebration. Downtown Decatur. August 24: Decatur Craft Beer Festival. Downtown Decatur - 100 N. Water St. August 27-29: Farm Progress Show. Progress City, USA. September 13, 14: Decatur’s Smokin’ BBQ Festival. Central Park; downtown Decatur. September 14: Finders Fall Market. Decatur Conference Center & Hotel. September 15: Shoreline Classic - 30th Anniversary. Nelson Park. September 20-22: Arts in Central Park. Downtown Decatur. October 12: Finders Holiday Market. Decatur Conference Center & Hotel. November 16, 17: Midwest Taekwondo Championship. First Church of the Nazarene. December 4: Christmas Walk. Downtown Decatur.
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Decatur Forsyth decaturcvb.com
217.423.7000
Historic
Vibrant
Proud
First Settled in 1820
7 Art Galleries
Decatur 9/11 Memorial
Established as the Macon County seat in 1829
Scovill Sculpture Park & Other Public Art, Including More Than 20 Murals
Original Home of the Chicago Bears
Site of Lincoln’s Presidential Nomination in 1860 First Post of the Grand Army of the Republic in 1866 Transfer House built in 1896 Millikin University founded by James Millikin in 1901 Avon Theatre Opened in 1916 and Still Running!
Over 300 Annual Events & Festivals Diverse Dining Options Unique Local Boutiques, Specialty Shops, Antique & Collectible Centers
Biennial Exhibit Site of the Farm Progress Show at Progress City USA Soybean Capital of the World Decatur Celebration
3 Craft Breweries
49 Public Parks & 10 Nature Areas
8 Performance Venues
World War II Memorial
You’ll find life in the middle!
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BLOOMINGTON: MCLEAN CO.
Bloomington: Home Of The American Passion Play, Central Illinois Antique Dealers Association
The American Passion Play takes you to Palestine, 30 A.D. You'll travel with Christ, seeing the world as He saw it. You'll follow His ministry and life from the Sermon on the Mount to the Resurrection and Ascension. You'll hear His words, as vital to you now as they were to the people of his time. The American Passion Play, unlike other passion plays, dramatizes Jesus' entire ministry, rather than just the events from the Passion Week onward. His teachings on faith, love, justice and righteousness are still our best hope for solving today's complex problems. The message of his three-year ministry has a larger meaning for our daily lives than do the emotions of Passion American Passion Play Week alone. The play is historically accurate. The settings and costumes re-create the first century Galilee. The text is taken from the King James Version of the Bible, and the performers bring this magnificent language to life. This year, 2019, is the 96th season. The American Passion Play of Bloomington, Illinois was conceived by Delmar D. Darrah to show the life
and ministry of Christ as a vital, living force. Although this is one of the oldest continuously performed Passion Plays in the United States, it is not a static drama. The production has changed to reflect modern historical knowledge of the era but has remained true to the teachings of Jesus. The actors are non-professionals with a spiritual dedication to their parts and to the American Passion Play. As performers, they share in a community of faith with the audience and give testimony to the contemporary power of Christ's teachings. The renovated Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts (formerly the Scottish Rite Temple) is the home of the American Passion Play. The Central Illinois Antique Dealers Association is a non-profit business association with a membership of over 60 antique dealers located throughout Central Illinois. Members adhere to the highest ethical conduct in the business of dealing with antiques. Each dealer is duly registered with the State of Illinois Department of Revenue and meets the association's strict membership requirements. The primary purpose is to promote public interest in, and education about antiques, while conducting honest business dealings in a fair and friendly manner. The association meets the 3rd Tuesday of the month, from February to October. These are dinner meetings that are held at various restaurants in the area, and feature a program on a topic related to antique collecting. In addition, the association sponsors one or two events during the year. These usually consist of a visit to a Central Illinois historical site and a lunch. The association sponsors two antique shows during the year. These are held in Bloomington, IL. Visit www.centralilantiquedealers.org.
Celebrating Its 97th Anniversary In 2020 2020 PERFORMANCE DATES: Saturday, March 14
Saturday, March 21
Saturday, March 28 Sunday, March 29 Saturday, April 4 All performances start at 1 p.m.
Visa/Mastercard
For 2018 Performances, call for details: 800-354-9640 Offer Expires Dec. 31, 2019
309-829-3903 • Fax: 309-828-5557
American Passion Play
600 N. East Street • P.O. Box 3354 • Bloomington, IL 61702-3354
tickets@americanpassionplay.org
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PONTIAC: LIVINGSTON COUNTY
Pontiac: Plan A Stress-Free Trip On Route 66
t is a universally accepted fact that taking even a short vacation from daily stress will improve your quality of life. If you are looking for a day trip, a weekend get-a-way, or a major multi-day road trip to recharge your batteries, Pontiac, IL, is the place to visit. With something for everyone, you can’t go wrong in Pontiac. For the art enthusiast, Pontiac has 25 large, colorful, outdoor murals created by an international group of artists known as the “Walldogs.” In addition, 17 miniature art cars are scattered around downtown sidewalks — each one decorated by a local artist or group. The Pontiac Community Art Center is a studio, teaching space, gallery and retail sales outlet for locally produced work. Pontiac is also home to the one-of-a-kind Museum of the Gilding Arts. Created by the international Society of Gilders, the museum focuses on the history, craft and art of using thin sheets of precious metal in design and décor. Also on display is the Swift Collection, a meticulous re-creation of the turn of the century M. Swift and Sons gold beating room. For Route 66 heritage travelers, Pontiac has one of the best museums located along the Mother Road. The Illinois Route 66 Hall of Fame & Museum houses a collection of images, artifacts, and stories about the nation’s most famous road. In the museum, are several displays related to internationally famous Route 66 artist and icon Bob Waldmire; including his “Road Yacht,” VW Microbus, and displays of artwork. Pontiac has been described as “A jewel of Route 66 preservation,” and is proud to share its “kicks on Route 66” with the national and international traveling public. Prefer the great outdoors? Pontiac boasts 11 city parks on more than 100 acres including a championship Disk Golf Course as well as a Recreation Complex with multiple baseball, football, basketball, tennis, and sand volleyball courts, a playground, and a dog park. The scenic Vermilion River flows through town and is crossed by three swinging pedestrian bridges offering a unique view and experience (Pontiac is the only Midwest town to boast three swinging bridges). Just outside the city limits is the Humiston Woods Nature Preserve. Also located on the Vermilion River it includes 335 acres of forest, 8 acres of prairie, and 7 hiking trails. Pontiac offers many opportunities to explore the past. Most famously, the city has many connections to our nation’s 16th president, Abraham Lincoln. From the historic Strevell House, to nine Looking for Lincoln way-side exhibits and the life-sized Lincoln statue, visitors can walk in Lincoln’s footsteps and learn more about this important historical figure. Historians will also find much to appreciate at the Livingston County War Museum. Staffed by veterans, the museum pays tribute to the men and women from Livingston County who served in the nation’s military since World War I. “Motor heads,” as car enthusiasts are affectionately called, will appreciate another one-of-a-kind museum — The Pontiac-Oakland Automobile Museum and Resource Center. With classic Oaklands and cool Pontiacs, this museum is the only one dedicated just to these two automobile brands. The museum is also home to one of the largest collections of oil cans and antique road maps around. The displays change often, so each trip to the PontiacOakland museum is sure to display something new and interesting. Just want to be entertained? Visit the Eagle Performing Arts and Conference Center. The Eagle, located in the nostalgic downtown district, offers dinner theater, concerts, conferences, receptions, as well as other special events. Check the event calendar for many outdoor music and theatrical programs each summer. While in downtown, give yourself time to explore the unique shops and boutiques, bakery and coffee shops, restaurants, and a wine tasting, too. To learn more about Pontiac, visit www.pontiac.org, or call the Pontiac Tourism office at 815-844-5847. The tourism office will help you plan a stress-free trip unique to your interests. 2019 Pontiac Calendar of Events
Dates subject to change. Please call ahead for specific information and additional activities.
May 4: Red Carpet Corridor Festival. Downtown. May 4: Swinging Bridges Fine Arts Fair. Downtown. May 4: The Newspapers of Abe Lincoln exhibit opening. Strevell House. June 13-16: “Guys and Dolls,” Summer Theater. Chautauqua Pavilion. July 10-14: “Willy Wonka,” Summer Theater. Chautauqua Pavilion. August 3: Jolly Corks Wine Festival. Pontiac Elks Lodge. August 8-11: “The Vermillion Epic,” Summer Theater. Chautauqua Park. August 29-September 2: Threshermen’s Reunion. Threshermen’s Park. September 1: Threshermen’s Parade. Downtown. September 21, 22: GTOAA all Pontiac Car Cruise and Show. Downtown. October 26: Fall Fest. Chautauqua Park.
Pontiac Tourism 815.844.5847 · visitpontiac.org Performances at The Eagle Performing Arts Center:
February 8-10 and 15-17: April 5-7 and 12-14: I Love You, You’re Perfect, Carol Burne Skits Now Change - Dinner Theater Dinner Theater March 9: The Cat’s Pajamas A Capella Group
October 11-13 and 18-20: Unnecessary Farce Dinner Theater
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GREENVILLE: BOND COUNTY
Greenville: Agriculture History, Dairy Tours, Museums And Outdoor Activities For Family Fun
ocated where State Route 127 intersects with Interstate 70, less than an hour’s drive from downtown St. Louis, Greenville, IL, was founded in 1815 and is the county seat of Bond County. The town’s roots in agriculture, industry and education have shaped its reputation as a hardworking, innovative and caring community. The area’s agricultural heritage is spotlighted at several local attractions. Perhaps the region’s most popular draw is the Marcoot Jersey Dairy and Creamery. Located at 526 Dudleyville Road and operated by a family with several generations in the dairy business, the creamery has garnered national and regional coverage for its world-class cheeses. Tours of the farm’s cheese-making operations and dairy barns are offered year-round. The community’s newest endeavor, the Milkhouse at Rolling Lawns Farm, is sure to be a hit with families and milk lovers of all kinds. The American Farm Heritage Museum on Museum Avenue, parallel to I-70, provides a hands-on historic view of American farming. The American Farm Heritage Museum is also home to a 15-inch gauge passenger train and a replica of Hill’s Fort, an early 19th century fort that served as the first county seat.
Ride a goat with a friend. Yeah, we’re a weird place. ►The DeMoulin Museum is one that we'll remember long after larger, slicker attractions are forgotten.
Roadside America
205 S. Prairie Greenville www.demoulinmuseum.org
Group tours welcome!
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John Goldsmith presenting a seminar at the DeMoulin Museum.
Greenville College was founded in 1855 as an all-female school, Almira College. In 2017, the college transitioned to a university. The original Almira College building, 315 E. College, now houses the Richard W. Bock Sculpture Museum. Bock’s sculptures were often incorporated into the work of architect Frank Lloyd Wright. Greenville is also home to DeMoulin Bros. & Co., a factory founded in 1892 that is today a leading maker of marching band uniforms. The DeMoulin Museum, 205 S. Prairie St., provides a fascinating look at the company’s origin as a manufacturer of fraternal lodge initiation devices. Visitors will love the interactive displays and will even have a chance to ride the goat at a museum people truly have to experience to believe. Constructed through a gift from steel magnate and philanthropist, Andrew Carnegie, the Greenville Public Library is one of Greenville’s favorite architectural and cultural gems. The One Room School Museum, which takes visitors back in time to experience the days of a young child in the 19th and early 20th century, is open by appointment. The Bond County Historical Society’s Hoiles-Davis Museum, 318 W. Winter, showcases Civil War artifacts, vintage clothing and toys, and ephemera related to local history, including a visit from Abraham Lincoln during his 1858 U.S. Senate campaign and from Ronald Reagan during his 1980 presidential run. Each site is marked.
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place in between. Take a ride on the Z.O.O. Express train or hop on the Endangered Species Carousel. Visit www.decatur-parks.org for hours and fees. History: Decatur has an impressive history dating to 1829, when Macon County was carved out of the rich central Illinois soil. There were few settlers and no town to serve as a county seat. To fill the need, a new city, comprised of four-square blocks, was laid out on a bend of the Sangamon River and named after Commodore Stephen Decatur, a U.S. naval hero of the battle of Tripoli. Among its first residents was the family of a young Abraham Lincoln who first came to Decatur in March of 1830 and split rails at a log cabin west of town. The future president of the United States would be tied to the city of Decatur for the next three decades. He practiced law at the then log cabin courthouse. He gave his famous “Stump Speech” at the corner of Main and Merchant that propelled him to the political forefront, and, ultimately, being nominated for president by John Palmer during the 1860 Illinois Republican Convention at the site of “The Wigwam” on North Water Street. Fifteen wayside exhibits in Decatur have been produced as part of the Looking for Lincoln initiative — follow the trail with the Shadows of Lincoln brochure to walk in the footsteps of our nation’s 16th president. Other notable historic figures with ties to Decatur include Illinois Governor Richard Oglesby, James Millikin, founder of Millikin University, A.E. Staley and Hieronymus Mueller. Museums: What do classic cars, water pressure valves, a log courthouse, the Chicago Bears — originally founded as the Decatur Staleys — and a 7,000-square-foot law enforcement-themed exhibit including a real police helicopter, all have in common? They are all part of the exciting displays that you can discover in Decatur’s seven museums dedicated to preserving the past, embracing the future, and having fun while doing it. Check-out the full list of area museums in the Decatur-Forsyth Visitor Guide. Public Art: With seven art galleries, the Scovill Sculpture Park, and an exciting movement that has brought more than 20 vibrant murals to life on the sides of various buildings and structures, Decatur is home to a thriving public art scene. Visit www.decaturarts.org/comunity-arts/ to view the interactive Map to Public Art in Decatur. Restaurants: Getting hungry? With plenty of options from American eateries, farm-to-table, fine dining, tasty desserts, specialty drinks, zesty ethnic fare, and everything in between, the DecaturForsyth area offers a tantalizing culinary experience sure to delight even the pickiest of eaters. Shopping: Whether you prefer an indoor mall, a quaint gift boutique, or an entire shopping district, the Decatur-Forsyth area is the right spot for your next shopping excursion. Hickory Point Mall in Forsyth is home to favorites such as Von Maur, Hobby Lobby, Kohls, TJ Maxx, Ulta, and an array of other stores where you are certain to find something to your liking. Downtown Decatur is home to historic Merchant Street with locally owned stores and restaurants, while the stores on Main, Prairie, Water Street, and the West Main Village offer unique shops with unusual and one-of-a-kind items to pique your interest. Mari-Mann Herb Farm: People who love the outdoors will enjoy Mari-Mann Herb Farm, 1405 Mari-Mann Lane, one of the Midwest’s oldest and largest herb farms. Mari-Mann offers luncheons by appointment, tours and a shop where a wide variety of natural herbal and homeopathic items are sold. For more information, call 217-429-1404, or visit www.marimann.com. Wabash Depot Antique Centre: Located at 780 E. Cerro Gordo St., the center is a 10,000-square-foot restored train depot with beautiful marble columns and floors, stained glass windows, tube chandeliers and antiques of every kind. Call 217-233-0800.
Decatur/Forsyth: Continued From Page 60
Greenville offers a variety of antique and specialty shopping as well as many of dining options. Unique dining is available at Adam Bros. Coffee House, Mario’s Pizza, Joe’s Pizza and Pasta, Corner Café or The Family Vine, featuring the locally-made Traub Haus label wine.
Car Cruise on the Greenville square
Recreational opportunities include Governor Bond Lake, Kingsbury Park District’s nature preserve, Skate Park, and Patriot’s Park. Bond County includes more than 100 miles of county roads that provide ideal biking and motorcycle rides. For more information, visit www.greenvilleillinois.com or call 618-664-1644. We welcome you to plan your next day trip or weekend getaway to our charming town. 2019 Greenville Calendar of Events Dates subject to change. Please call ahead for specific information and additional activities.
May 4: Car Cruise on the Greenville square. June 8: Train Collector’s Show at American Farm Heritage Museum. June 15: Greenville Graffiti Car Show featuring special guests. June 29: Hummingbird Festival at Stoecklin’s Orchard. July 6: Fourth Fest with fireworks, free concert featuring Confederate Railroad. July 26-28: Farm Heritage Days at American Farm Heritage Museum. August 1-6: Bond County Fair. September 14: Car Cruise on the Greenville square. Early October: Fall Fest on the Farm at Marcoot Jersey Creamery. October 5: Apple Day in downtown Greenville. November 30: Come Home for Christmas downtown celebration. Thanksgiving to New Year’s: Annual Christmas Lights Display.
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VANDALIA: FAYETTE COUNTY
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Vandalia: Lincoln, National Road Historical Sites, Shopping, Outdoor Activities Await
tanding in the foyer of the Old State Capitol, one might expect a young Abraham Lincoln to come bounding down the winding staircase after a House of Representatives session. The oldest remaining state capitol building in Illinois is located at the intersection of the National Road (U.S. 40) and U.S. Route 51 in the city of Vandalia. The restored building welcomes visitors who want to experience the early years of Lincoln’s career (1834-1839). Ten Lincoln Wayside Exhibits have been erected. Eight are around the capital at Rogier Park and at the Old State Cemetery. These storyboards feature little known facts from President Lincoln’s life and times in Vandalia. Visitors may not know that Lincoln proposed to a woman named Mary Owens before he met Mary Todd, or that Lincoln and Stephen Douglas first met here. Also, Lincoln’s first official stand against slavery was in Vandalia. The Vandalia Statehouse is open May through Labor Day, Tuesday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. post Labor Day. Located across the street from the Capitol is Lincoln Park, featuring a life-size bronze statue of Abraham Lincoln designed by world-renowned Lincoln sculptor, John McClarey.
Directly north of the old Capitol is the Fayette County Museum, located in the historic Presbyterian Church built in 1867. The building is on the National Register of Historic Places and houses Lincoln-era memorabilia and artifacts of the people living in the county. Of special interest is an original paper press from the Capitol, and visitors can hold a hand tool traced back to Mr. Lincoln that is etched with the initials, “A.L.” The museum is open Monday through Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. One block west on 5th Street, visitors can see the only National Road Interpretive Center in Illinois. The National Road was the first and only totally federally funded road in the country. Here visitors can learn the history of travel and transportation in the early days of the country. The Center reminds visitors that Vandalia was the terminus of the National Road, which began in Baltimore, MD. The Center routinely adds exhibits to its fine collection. The Interpretive Center is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. On the corner of the Old State Capitol Lawn visitors can find the Madonna of the Trail Statue. This is one of 12 statues in the United States on the National Road honoring the pioneer women who walked behind the wagons to open the west. The statues were donated by the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) and
Vandalia, Illinois
Visit
iV sit
Vandalia is the cultural crossroads of early Illinois government, Abraham Lincoln influence, famous roads, interpretive centers, early nineteenth century historic sites, outdoor recreation for the adventurous... and even its own Fire Breathing Dragon!
Vandalia State House • Early Lincoln Sites Museums & Galleries • Lodging • Historic National Road Restaurants • Golf Courses • Lakes & Trails
For a Schedule of Events or a FREE Brochure:
VandaliaIllinois.com
618.283.2728
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dedicated in 1928 and 1929. Vandalia isn’t just a place for history buffs or those seeking heritage information, it is also a thriving community of quaint shops, new restaurants, period style lights and benches, making for a relaxing downtown experience. Downtown shops include: Country Folk, Habitat for Humanity Resale Shop, L&M Antiques, Something Special Florist, Iya’s and Friends, The Turning Leaf, Tiger Lily Florist & Gifts, and many more quaint businesses. Located across the street from the capitol is Lincoln Park, Downtown restaurants are featuring a life-size bronze statue of Abraham Lincoln. Capitol View Steakhouse, The Blind Society, Gallatin Street Grille and El Toro Restaurant. In addition, there are five hotels, cabins, a bed and breakfast and plenty of other interesting places to shop and dine throughout the city. Just south of the downtown area visitors can walk along the former historic Illinois Central Railroad to the beautiful scenery that is the Kaskaskia River. Visitors can enter the trail behind the Fayette County Health Department at 416 W. Edwards Street. They can enjoy the “Did You Know” signs that are spread throughout the trail to learn the history of the railroad, and about Abraham Lincoln’s involvement with the railroad in Vandalia. While staying in Vandalia, visit The Dutch Prairie Mennonite Shops and Settlement Area, which are southeast of Vandalia and home to many cottage industries. Handcrafted items are produced at more than 20 businesses on the prairie, including fruits, flowers, vegetables, handmade cabinets, furniture and Looking for Lincoln? rugs. A variety of repair shops, harA visit to Vandalia is a must. ness and tack and other services can
also be found, along with a country store that serves homemade lunches Monday through Saturday, with its Saturday special being the amazing soft pretzels. Lake Vandalia, northwest of the city on Illinois Route 185, is a 660-acre lake with swimming, camping, boating/fishing facilities, and nature walks that the entire family can enjoy. The beach has a bathhouse and picnic area. Many fishing tournaments are conducted each year, as well as the Lions Club Fireworks on the weekend nearest to the 4th of July. Camping at the lake is available May through mid-October. Ramsey Lake State Park, 12 miles north of the city, has more than 1,900 acres for hunting, fishing, hiking, horseback riding, snowmobiling, camping, picnicking and more. There are shelters, cabins and trailer spaces for rent. A small concession business is located in the park. In addition, Vandalia has multiple day spas and Indian Springs Golf Course. Foresee Winery, the Buckstop 3-D Archery, and Sandy Run Hunt Co., a hunting club with upland bird hunting and trophy whitetail, are also in the area. At Sandy Run, special birds are chokers, pheasants and quail. Dogs can be provided. The Kaskaskia Supply fire breathing dragon can be visited at Veterans Avenue and Rock Island Avenue. Visitors can also enjoy more than 60 acres of parks and walking trails. Vandalia is celebrating its 200th Birthday Bicentennial in 2019, so be on the lookout for a list of activities on its website. For a complete calendar of events, call 618-283-2728, or visit www.vandaliaillinois.com.
2019 Vandalia Bicentennial Event
Events are subject to change. Please call ahead for specific information and additional activities.
June 13-16: Bicentennial Celebration. Downtown Vandalia. Period events, free community concert, community dinner, community church service and more. Visit the 2019 Bicentennial page at www.vandaliaillinois.com for a complete schedule and time of events. 2019 Discover Visitor & Vacation Guide To Central Illinois | PAGE 67
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JACKSONVILLE: MORGAN COUNTY
Jacksonville: Underground Railroad History, Arts, Festivals
onveniently located between Springfield, IL, and St. Louis, MO, Jacksonville is a thriving community rich in historical treasures, unparalleled educational institutions, growing businesses, and hospitality all its own. For the history lovers, the city’s rich heritage includes numerous interesting sites that help make the past relevant to all generations. Come follow in the footsteps of Abraham Lincoln through historic Jacksonville. See the actual places and hear the real stories of Lincoln as told by his friends and associates, while Looking for Lincoln in Jacksonville. Be sure to take part in the historic homes walking tour as well.
Jacksonville is not lacking in the areas of sports and recreation. Multiple golf courses, an award-winning lake for fishing, parks, campgrounds, and athletic opportunities are just moments away. Visitors will find lots to do, both night and day. Staying one night or even a week? Jacksonville offers national brand hotels as well as a locally-owned bed and breakfast in the historical part of town. Want to camp? Jacksonville offers that, too. There are three great locations that individuals and/or families can enjoy. Choices are numerous, and visitors will be sure to have fun (and maybe even learn a few things, too). Further information is available by calling the Jacksonville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau at 800-593-5678 or visiting www.jacksonvilleil.org. 2019 Jacksonville Calendar of Events
Dates subject to change. Please call ahead for specific information and additional activities.
Hardees Cruise Night 2018
Jacksonville was one of the many stations along the Underground Railroad and one of the busiest during the mid-1800s. Although most are private residences, many of the homes used in the Underground Railroad can still be seen in Jacksonville, including Woodlawn Farm. Woodlawn is the showcase homestead of Jacksonville’s extensive Underground Railroad network, which visitors can experience firsthand. Lastly, a trip to Jacksonville is not complete without a visit to the historic Governor Joseph Duncan Mansion, the only governor’s mansion still standing in the state (other than Springfield, of course). For visitors who would like to explore their “artsy” side, visit the beautiful grand structure of the David Strawn Art Gallery. This gallery features monthly changing art exhibits and permanent collections, which include displays of Miriam Cowgur Allen Doll Collection. The Jacksonville Symphony Society is one of the top orchestras in the state, and visitors can even catch a live theater production at the Playhouse on the Square. No visit to Jacksonville is complete without visiting the newly restored downtown. Visitors will find entertainment, dining, and shopping all in the heart of this downtown community.
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Every Friday May 31-August 2 (excluding July 5th &12th): FREE Concert Series. Downtown Jacksonville. Presented by Jacksonville Main Street. June 8: 5th Annual Spring Cruise Nite. June 8: 23rd Annual Downtown Car Show. Downtown Jacksonville. July 4: 4th of July Celebration & Parade. Nichols Park. Parade, concessions, kids’ events, live entertainment, fireworks, and more. July 9-14: Annual Morgan County Fair. Morgan County Fairgrounds. Games, rides, and big band entertainment. Check calendar at www.jacksonvilleil.org for concert information. July 26, 27: River Country Quilt Show. Jacksonville High School. August 1: DAR Annual Ice Cream Social. Lawn of Governor Duncan Mansion. Benefits the maintenance/refurbishing of the mansion. August 3: Artisan Fair & Craft Brew Festival. Downtown Jacksonville. Sponsored by Jacksonville Main Street. Craft brew, Midwest makers, and artisans all in one place. August 31-September 2: 21st Annual Prairieland Chautauqua. Location TBD. September 21: 35th Annual Cruise Nite and Car Show. September 27-29: 50th Annual Fall Festival & Steam Show Days. Prairie Land Heritage Museum. October 26: Jacksonville Main Street’s Pumpkin Festival. Downtown Jacksonville. November 22-24: Pathway Services Festival of Trees. Pathway Services Unlimited. December 1: Pilot Club’s 35th Annual Holiday Home Tour.
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LITCHFIELD: MONTGOMERY COUNTY
Litchfield: Route 66 Adventures, Dining, Outdoor Fun
itchfield, IL, is conveniently located on Interstate 55 and Route 66, 45 miles south of Springfield, IL, and 60 miles north of St. Louis, MO. This tourist destination satisfies the needs of both nature lovers and Route 66 fans. While traveling Route 66, do not miss the opportunity to stop in Litchfield. Grab a doughnut at Jubelt’s Bakery & Restaurant, which has provided tasty treats to Mother Road visitors since 1922, or have a delicious meal at the Ariston Café, one of the oldest restaurants along all of Route 66. When your appetite is satisfied, walk across the street and immerse yourself in Route 66 and local history at the Litchfield Museum & Route 66 Welcome Center. If you cruise the Mother Road on a motorcycle, make a pit stop at nearby 2019 Litchfield Calendar of Events
Dates are subject to change. Call ahead for specific information and additional activities. More events at www.VisitLitchfield.com/events, or call 866-733-5833.
April-October: Litchfield Pickers Market: Vintage & Antique Market. Second Sunday of month, 9-3, (April 14, May 12, June 9, July 14, August 11, September 8, October 13.) Downtown. www.VisitLitchfield.com. May 10, June 7, July 12, August 9, September 6: Highway 55 Cruise In. From 6 to 8 p.m. 217-324-3455, kdhwy55@outlook.com. Thursday nights, June 6 through July 25: Live in Library Park. Free musical performances. 6-8 p.m. www.VisitLitchfield.com. March 28-30: Bye Bye Birdie. High School musical. 815-545-1883 April 20: Litchfield Spring Duathlon. 2-mile run, 12-mile bike, 2-mile run. 10 a.m. Litchfield H.S. www.mmmultisport.com. June 15: Goldwing Road Riders Assoc Bicycle Rodeo. 217-801-8814 June 22: Fit for Life-Classic. 1 mile, 5K or 10K 7 a.m. Lake Lou Yaeger. 217-313-0226/618-972-7240. June 29: 5K Freedom Fun Run/Walk. 7:30 a.m. Lake Lou Yaeger. 866-533-583. July 4: Boat Regatta. Lake Lou Yaeger. 2 p.m. July 4: Music by the Lake. 7 p.m. Lake Lou Yaeger, www.VisitLitchfield.com. July 4: Firework Display. 9:30 p.m. Launch from Marina 1. Litchfield.com. July 20: Big Dawg Dare. 5K mud run with obstacles. 8 a.m. Wolff Farms. bigdawgdare@hotmail.com. www.bigdawgdare.com. September 6, 7, 8: RC Jet Rally. Remote control jet rally. September 6, 7, 9 a.m to 5 p.m.; September 8, 9 a.m. to noon. Litchfield Municipal Airport. 217-556-4299. Litchfieldil.com/airport. September 7: Litchfield TriathLou. 7:30 a.m. Lake Lou Yaeger, Beach House. www.racemaker.org/event/litchfield-triathlou-triathlon. September 8: Stewart’s Deep Rock Car Cruise www.facebook.com/stewartsdeeprock/. September 20, 21: Party in the Park. Noon-11 p.m. Downtown. 217-324-2533. www.litchfieldchamber.com. October 12: Harvest Hootenanny. Timed 5K and biathlon, and untimed 1-mile race. 9 a.m. Lake Lou Yaeger, 217-313-0226/618-972-7240. www.mmmultisport.com. Halloween Events: Halloween Parade & Trick or Treating. Christmas Events: Visit www.VisitLitchfield.com/events.
Niehaus Cycle Sales. As dusk approaches, experience a true drive-in movie at the Litchfield Skyview Drive-In, the oldest continuously operated drive-in on Route 66. Do not worry, if you are not able to make a movie, stop when you can and view the Roadside exLitchfield Museum & hibit. Make sure you take Route 66 Welcome Center a picture of yourself with the giant screen behind you. When you venture into the heart of Litchfield’s downtown, you will see the historic Litchfield Carnegie Library building, completed in 1905. The library maintains its original façade. While you are viewing an original Carnegie building, make sure to check out the Veteran’s Memorial Garden on the east side. If you time your vacation correctly, you can shop the Litchfield Pickers Market, which is the region’s largest open air, vintage and antique market. If a nature retreat is more your style, Litchfield has what you need. Grab your binoculars as well as your camera and head five miles west of Route 66 into the heart of Litchfield and visit Lake Lou Yaeger. There you will be engulfed by the picturesque scenery of a 1,400-acre public lake, complete with picnic areas in multiple locations. Continued On Page 74
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SPRINGFIELD: SANGAMON COUNTY
Springfield: Rich In Lincoln And Mother Road History
braham Lincoln’s hometown, a stop along Route 66 and the capital of Illinois, Springfield is a vibrant and historic city filled with world-class sites and attractions combined with a friendly small-town atmosphere. Nothing brings Lincoln to life like Springfield. Some of the many historic sites and museums tourists will want to visit include the Lincoln Home National Historic Site, the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, the Old State Capitol, the Lincoln Tomb, New Salem and Frank Lloyd Wright’s Dana-Thomas House. The iconic Route 66 runs through the center of town. Travelers along the Springfield is the home of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. “Mother Road” often stop at the Cozy Dog Drive In, Route 66 Motorheads Bar, 2019 Springfield Calendar of Events Dates subject to change. Please call ahead for specific information and additional activities. Grill and Museum or attend the International Route 66 Mother Road Festival, held September 27-29, 2019. March 22-24: Springfield RV & Camping Show. BOS Center Plan a trip today to the always legendary Springfield. Explore 1 Convention Center Plaza. Scheduled for March 22 from noon amazing cuisine and make sure to try the city’s signature horseto 7 p.m., March 23 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and March 24 from shoe sandwich. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. New for 2019, visit the spectacular renovation of the Illinois May 10, 11: 12th Annual World Famous Fat Ass 5K & Street Governor’s Mansion. Take the whole family to Kidzeum to disParty for Charity. Downtown Springfield. Food, beer, and encover learning through play, or take part in Abe’s Hat Hunt, a tertainment along the race route followed by a street party with scavenger hunt at various downtown historic attractions. a hog roast and music. Fat Ass Craft Beer and Cigar Festival For more information about Springfield, visit www.visitspringsponsored by Security Bank on May 10 before the 5k. Featuring fieldillinois.com or call 800-545-7300. food trucks, three bands and a hog wing eating contest. All profits go to charity. May 18, 19: Old Capitol Art Fair. Old State Capitol Downtown Complex. May 19 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and May 20 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, visit www.socaf.org. June 2-7: 58th International Carillon Festival. Thomas Rees Memorial Carillon, 1740 W. Fayette Ave. For more information, visit www.carillonrees.org/events/carillon-festival. July 26, 27: Downhome Music, Beer and Art Festival. Downwake up on the bright side® town at 7th & Washington. Showcases original music and art while introducing festival goers to a variety of craft beers. For more information, call 217-638-4768, or visit www.downhome• 40" HDTV musicfest.com. • Free Wireless High-Speed Internet Access August 8-18: Illinois State Fair. Illinois State Fairgrounds. • Free Bright Side Breakfast® Fairgrounds are open from 7 a.m. to midnight. For more infor• Free Local Calls mation, visit www.illinois.gov/statefair/info/pages/default.aspx • Free Parking or call 217-782-6661. • Business Center September 27-29: 18th Annual International Route 66 • Indoor Swimming Pool Mother Road Festival. Downtown Springfield. More than 1,000 • Fitness Center 1121 Lajune Dr. cool cars and 80,000 spectators will roll into the heart of Spring• Bright Side Market Springfield, Illinois field’s historic downtown for a weekend of family fun in the sun and non-stop live music and entertainment. Come celebrate the golden age of Route 66. For more information, call 317-236www.LQ.com 6515 or visit www.route66fest.com.
217-697-5686
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Knight’s Action Park: Where Fun Is A Family Tradition
miss the high-speed fun of un is a family tradition at Knight’s Action Park, the Royal Flush. a fully equipped amusement park that’s open all year long. Knight’s is the place where fun rules. Need a few moments to With a dry park, water park, and endless outdoor enrelax? Escape the summer tertainment— including a twin drive-in theater — heat in our 400,000-gallon Knight’s Action Park is Illinois’ leading destination for wave pool or float around local family fun. in our action river. You At Knight’s Action Park, kids of all ages play and can also navigate the lake practice all year. Knight’s offers a 50-tee driving range aboard a four seat Paddle Boat. (including 10 heated tees), batting cages, arcade Have smaller children? games, and two miniature golf courses. The fun Check out our New for doesn’t stop there. Rev your engines and race on our GoKart track or 2019 Sprayground – built New for 2019: Sprayground delight your famto have more accessible ily with fun at exciting heights features. Or let them enjoy Seal Bay and other kiddie play areas. aboard the Paratrooper and the At Knight’s Action Park, there is something for everyone. Big Wheel. Like movies? Watch current films throwback style at our Route During the summer months, 66 Twin Drive-In Theater. From April through September, the Route join us at Knight’s Action Park’s 66 Twin Drive-In shows double features on two giant screens. Splash Kingdom. Checkout our Knight’s Action Park is located at exit Bermuda Triangle slide tower 96 off interstate 72 in Springfield. with three exciting and thrilling A tradition for fun, excitement, slides. Test your nerves on the sports, games and entertainment, hair-raising Devil Ray as you Knight’s Action Park Knight’s Action Park welcomes guests speed down a nearly vertical insynonymous with family fun. cline and backup again. Don’t of all ages to WHERE FUN RULES!
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JERSEYVILLE: JERSEY COUNTY
Jerseyville: Festivals, Historical Sites In Hometown Setting
ocated about an hour’s drive north of St. Louis, MO, on U.S. Highway 67, Jerseyville, IL’s, motto is, “Close to the crowd…but not in it!” The town is the county seat of Jersey County. The county’s western border is the Illinois and Mississippi rivers. Jerseyville is rich in history, and offers many recreational activities and sites, as well as family-friendly festivals and events. The most famous Jerseyville landmark is the Cheney Mansion, on the grounds of the 3-acre Jersey County Historical Society. The mansion was built in 1827 as a four-room private residence, and was the first home in the area that was not a log cabin. At that time, the small community was called Hickory Grove. A few years later, the home was sold and turned into a tavern, called the Little Red House, as it was located on a stagecoach line. In 1834, a post office was added to the modest settlement consisting of the Little Red House and three log cabins. At that time, the city officially became known as Jerseyville, in honor of the first settlers who came to the area from New Jersey. In 1839, Jersey County officially broke away from Greene County to gain an identity of its own, and Jerseyville was named the county seat.
Crowd enjoying one of Jerseyville’s special events.
During the era of slavery, many Jersey County residents were sympathetic to the plight of the slaves and felt it was their duty to assist however they could. Many years later, it was discovered that the basement of the Cheney Mansion had been turned into a stop for the Underground Railroad. Today, visitors to the Cheney Mansion can view the tiny room where slaves were hidden until they could continue their journey to freedom. In 1839, Dr. Edward D’Arcy, who had served as a physician for George Washington, once again converted the tavern to a private residence. D’Arcy made several additions to the Red House, including the north wing, which housed a doctor’s office and had a separate entrance. D’Arcy and his wife had two daughters. The elder, Catherine, married Prentiss Dana Cheney, a business associate of her father’s, for which the mansion is named. Also on the Jerseyville Historical Society’s grounds are the one-room Lone Star School, which opened in 1887, and the one-room Union Forest Church, both of which were orignally located in rural Jersey County. Thanks to donations over the years, both structures contain the original furnishings. In addition, the site has three log cabins, depicting the original cabins in Hickory Grove, that contain period-correct furnishings. The site also includes a genealogy research center and a museum. The Historical Society’s premier event of the season is the Apple Festival, which takes place the first Saturday in October. It offers visitors an opportunity to experience some of the fascinating history of Jerseyville through tours of the historic structures located on the Cheney Mansion grounds. There are also many local vendors who show off an array of crafts and delicious food available for purchase. Harkening back to a time when it was second nature for people to park PAGE 72 | 2019 Discover Visitor & Vacation Guide To Central Illinois
their cars and take a stroll, downtown Jerseyville has several new eateries and places to gather. Each of these establishments add to the unique experience of a night out in downtown Jerseyville, where visitors can catch glimpses into, both the past, and future of the charming town. Jerseyville is a prime example of an American hometown. Have dinner, see a movie, and finish the evening with ice cream or a drink. For those looking for some family fun, there’s no shortage of options throughout the year. Everyone is welcome at the Jersey County Fairgrounds for the stunning fireworks display every Fourth of July at dusk. A week later, the fairgrounds hosts the Jersey County Fair. The six-day event kicks off each year on the Tuesday after July 4th with the annual Fair Parade down historic State Street. This exciting tradition brings out county residents and thousands of visitors who look forward to watching local businesses and organizations put their best foot forward with intricate floats and endless amounts of treats and goodies. The rest of the week is filled with a talent show, fair queen pageant, truck and tractor pulls, demolition derby, animal and vegetation displays, and numerous rides, games, and other activities for the entire family. In September, the annual St. Francis/Holy Ghost Harvest Fest is held on the grounds of St. Francis church and school at 506 South State Street. Each year, the community comes together for three days of kids games, petting zoos, live entertainment, basket raffles, bingo, and a range of food choices that are hard to beat. The festival is concluded on Sunday evening with the raffle drawing grand prize of $10,000. In November, Jerseyville is proud to host the Downtown Country Christmas Festival, a celebration of childhood memories. Located in historic downtown the Saturday after Thanksgiving, the city is transformed to kick off the holiday season. Boasting of more than 50,000 lights, there is no shortage of activities for people of all ages sponsored by local businesses, churches, and organizations. Attractions include games for the kids, photos with Santa, Elf School, Mrs. Clause’s Bake Shoppe, entertainment by the school district and local bands. Other Christmas Festival events include a free holiday movie at the Stadium Theatre, Jersey County Catholic Youth Ministries Christmas Craft Bazaar, an exhibitor tent, and, most importantly, the lighting of the city Christmas tree. There are four parks in Jerseyville, including Dolan Park, located across from Wock Lake. The park is home to a myriad of outdoor athletic activities, including baseball, softball, soccer and flag football, as well as Doner Pool. The town’s Joseph R. Susnig Center hosts youth boys and girls basketball games. Jersey County is also the home of the largest state park in Illinois. Pere Marquette State Park is an 8,050-acre protected area in southwestern Jersey County. It is located near the city of Grafton, IL, at the confluence of the Mississippi and Illinois rivers. The Great River Road National Scenic Byway runs through the western edge of the county. For more information, call the Great Rivers and Routes Tourism Bureau at 800-258-6645, the Jersey County Business Assoc. at 618-639-5222, or Jerseyville Tourism at 618-498-3312 or visit www.jerseyville-il.us. 2019 Jerseyville Calendar of Events
Dates subject to change. Please call ahead for specific information and additional activities.
April 19: Annual Easter Egg Hunt. Willow Rose Rehab & Health Care, 410 Fletcher St., at 10 a.m. Open to the public. April 20: Bunny Hop Breakfast. 8 to 11 a.m., Joseph R. Susnig Complex, 401 Mound St.; Pre-K through Grade 5; breakfast, coloring contest, pictures with the Easter Bunny. Registration required. $5 per person. April 20: Easter Egg Drop. Registration begins at 9 a.m. Main Event 10 a.m. to noon. Thousands of eggs are dropped onto the field from a hel-
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NOVEMBER
OCTOBER SEPTEMBER
JULY
JJUNE UNE
icopter. Open to the public. truck and tractor pulls, talent show, 2018’s Downtown Country Christmas Festival May 18: Opening Day at the Ball pageant, IPRA rodeo, vendors, food, Park. Dolan Park, June Street and East carnival rides (tickets or wristbands Carpenter Street. Free hotdogs and available). chips to all athletes wearing their 2019 July 9: Jersey County Fair Parade. P&R Jerseys. Downtown Jerseyville on Highway 67. May 27: Memorial Day Parade. More than 100 participant displays. Downtown. Services at Oak Grove August 4: D.A.R.E. Car Show. Jersey Cemetery at 9 a.m. High School, 801 N. State St. September 20-22: St. Francis/Holy May 31, June 1: Jerseyville FamGhost School Harvest Fest. Grounds of ily Festival. Lions Club & Wittman St. Francis Church, 506 S. State St., Parks, 305 N. Jefferson St., 5 p.m. music, food, raffles, kids activities, midnight May 31 and June 1 from 9 shows, and more. a.m. to midnight. Music, food venOctober 5: Jersey County Historical dors, beer garden and entertainment, Society Apple Festival. 601 N. State St., 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. Music, crafts, venFree movie in the park Sat. evening. LBS Sanctioned BBQ Competition. dors, hist. tours, food. Free. Open to the public. October 19, 20: JPRD Craft Show. Joseph R. Susnig Complex, 401 May 31, June 1: Heritage Festival. Jersey Co. Historical Society. 4-7 Mound St. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. and 11 a.m-3 p.m. Crafts, vendors and food. Forp.m. and 10 a.m-5 p.m. Historical tours. Activities for kids. Celebrate the merly the PAC High School Craft Fair. city turning 185 years old and Jersey Co. turning 180 years old. October 26: Halloween Festival. 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Costume judging May 31: Relay for Life. Wittman Park, Jerseyville Family Festival. for prizes, trick-or-treat to the State Street merchants, carnival games, June 1: Jerseyville Tourism Car Show. Lions Club Park. Registration hayride, blowup fun, hot dogs. 9 a.m., Judging at noon. Awards 4 p.m., Jerseyville Family Festival. November 2: Mother Son Superhero Night. 401 Mound St. 5:30 to 8 June 30: Community Splash and Watch Pool Party. Free. Party 7:30 p.m. Blowups, pizza, music activities. $25 per person. p.m., movie at dusk. Free popcorn. July 4: City of Jerseyville Fireworks. Dusk. Jersey County Fairgrounds, November 30: Downtown Country Christmas Festival, Inc., 2 - 8 p.m. 101 W. Fairgrounds Ave. No admission. downtownz on Highway 67. Local fare, kids activities, music, hay rides, visit Santa, and more. Free admission. July 8-14: Jersey County Fair. Celebrating 150 years. Jersey County November 30: Christmas Craft Bazaar. Hosted by Jersey County Fairgrounds, 101 W. Fairgrounds Ave. Family Christian Music Festival; Catholic Youth Ministries. Holy Ghost School Gym from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. 4-H show and auction; sheep, beef, rabbit, swine, goat and dairy shows,
AApple pple Festival Fes e tiv esti ivval aall
Our Community, Our History, Our Place To o Pictured: Wock Lake - Jerseyville Parks and Recreation Area
2019 Discover Visitor & Vacation Guide To Central Illinois | PAGE 73
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Stay up to date on events throughout East-Central Illinois! Visit our website or find us on Facebook® to register.
www.discovercentralillinois.com 217-268-4959
Illinois Amish Heritage Center: Continued From Page 17
PHASE I — 2018 PROGRESS The development of the new Amish Heritage Center is being accomplished in phases. In addition to the three special events in 2019, the Daniel Schrock house restoration is completed and can be used as an initial visitor center and offices. The two-story porch on the front of the Schrock house is unique to Illinois Amish houses and will be a defining feature of the house.
PHASE II — 2019 GOALS The restoration of the Moses Yoder house will be completed in 2019, along with completion of the permanent entrance and preliminary parking lot. Planning for the new 14,000-square-foot Museum Center is underway. The center will include state-of-the-art exhibits on Amish history and culture, an updated orientation film, a gallery for visiting exhibits, and a gift shop that features Amish-made crafts, quilts, foods and other items. Plans also call for hiring initial
Litchfield: Continued From Page 69
Self-guided hiking trails are available in the Shoal Creek Conservation Area, where you have the opportunity to spot many species of butterflies, birds, and other wildlife. The Route 66 Hike & Bike Trail is more than five miles round trip. The campgrounds at Lake Lou Yaeger are conducive to both RVs and tents, and camping cabins are available for renting. For equestrians, Lake Lou Yaeger is equipped with horse trails and a newly renovated equestrian campground. Lake Lou Yaeger is a public, city lake with two marinas for easy boat access, many points for shore fishing, and Milnot Beach for swimmers and sunbathers. Kayaks, paddle boards and corcls are available to rent at the beach. Access to the aquatic playground is included with your beach admission. With all of these fantastic sites, plus six hotels for your convenience and an endless supply of dining options, Litchfield is a must-see destination along your journey through central Illinois. PAGE 74 | 2019 Discover Visitor & Vacation Guide To Central Illinois
staffing for the site and a capital campaign will be conducted to fund the site development. In 2019, plans call for a workshop, and the addition of fences, orchard, garden and other features of the Yoder historic farm. The two part-time positions will expand, giving the site a period farmer and a director of marketing and tours. Construction of the Museum Center will take place as well as moving a historic Amish barn and school to the site. Also planned, is the hiring of an executive director.
PHASE III — 2020 GOALS Plans for 2020 include completion of construction projects, restoration of the barn and school. About $1.2 million has been raised in the local area for the initial moving and beginning the restoration of the two historic Amish houses. The whole project will cost more than $2 million, so everyone’s support will be important to the project’s success. A fundraising campaign is underway with a goal of $2.7 million.
EDUCATIONAL EMPHASIS Successful Amish museums and heritage centers can be found in Amish communities in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana and other areas. An Amish Heritage Center for the Illinois Amish is long overdue. More than 220,000 tourists visit the Arthur Welcome Center each year. Arthur Area Tourism Director Christy Miller estimates that maybe as many as a half million visitors come to the area each year. Most come to see Amish Country, and the new Amish Heritage Center will give them an educational and enjoyable introduction for their visit to the area. The Center will work with other attractions, hotels, and businesses in the area to market tour packages, attract bus tours, and make Illinois Amish Heritage Center a place of learning and hands on engagement in the living history farm. For more info, call Wilmer Otto at 217-721-9266. Also, look for the Illinois Amish Heritage Center at www.illinoisamish.org and on Facebook. 2019 Illinois Amish Heritage Center Events June 1: From Sheep To Quilts. Illinois Amish Heritage Center. August 2, 3: Steam Threshing Show. Illinois Amish Heritage Center. October 18, 19: Harvest to Home. Illinois Amish Heritage Center.
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