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LITCHFIELD: MONTGOMERY COUNTY
Litchfield: Enjoy Route 66, Nature Attractions
As dusk approaches, experiitchfield, IL, is conveence a true drive-in movie at niently located on Inthe Litchfield Skyview Driveterstate 55 and Route In, the oldest continuously op66, 45 miles south of Springerated drive-in theater on field, IL, and 60 miles north Route 66. Do not worry, if you of St. Louis, MO. This tourist are not able to make a movie, destination satisfies the needs stop when you can and view of both nature lovers and the roadside exhibit. Make Route 66 fans. sure you take a picture of yourWhile traveling Route 66, self with the giant screen in the do not miss the opportunity to background. stop in Litchfield. Grab a When you venture into the doughnut at Jubelt’s Bakery heart of Litchfield’s down& Restaurant, which has protown, you will see the historic vided tasty treats to Mother Litchfield Carnegie Library Road visitors since 1922, or building, completed in 1905. have a delicious meal at the The library maintains its origiAriston Café, the oldest connal façade and is now home to tinuously operating restaurant Litchfield Museum & Route 66 Welcome Center. the Litchfield Tourism Office. along all of Route 66. When your appetite is satisfied, walk across the street and immerse your- All visitors are welcome. While viewing the original Carnegie self in Route 66 and local history at the Litchfield Museum & building, make sure to check out the Veteran’s Memorial Garden Route 66 Welcome Center. If you cruise the Mother Road on a mo- on the east side of the park. If you time your vacation correctly, you can shop the downtown Litchfield Pickers Market, which is torcycle, make a pit stop at nearby Niehaus Cycle Sales. 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. Self-guided hiking trails are available in the Shoal Creek Conservation Area, where visitors have the opportunity to spot many species of butterflies, birds, and other wildlife. The Route 66 Hike & Bike Trail is more than a 6.6-mile round trip, and another great hiking and biking adventure. The campgrounds at Lake Lou Yaeger are conducive to both RVs and tents, and camping cabins are available for renting. For equesAUTHENTIC ROUTE 66 NOSTALGIA trians, Lake Lou Yaeger is equipped with horse trails and a newly BEAUTIFUL LAKE LOU YAEGER renovated equestrian campground. CHARMING DOWNTOWN Lake Lou Yaeger is a public, city lake with two marinas for easy 300 ROOMS • 30+ RESTAURANTS 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 the beach admission. With all those 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.
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PAGE 58 | 2021 Discover Visitor & Vacation Guide To Central Illinois
2021 Litchfield Calendar of Events Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2021 Litchfield calendar of events was not finalized by the publishing date of “Discover Central Illinois Magazine.” Visitors are encouraged to visit the Litchfield Calendar of Events at VisitLitchfield.com/events, or call 866-733-5833, for updates.