Vandalia

Vandalia: Fertile Ground For History Buffs, Plus Downtown Shopping And Eateries

Standing 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 capitol 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.

The Vandalia Statehouse

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 Lincoln that is

etched with the initials “A.L.” The mu- vegetables, handmade cabinets, furniture seum is open Monday through Saturday, and rugs. A variety of repair shops, harness 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and tack and other services can also be

One block west on 5th Street, visitors can found, along with a country store that see the only National Road Interpretive serves homemade lunches Monday through Center in Illinois. The National Road was Saturday, with its Saturday special being the first and only totally federally funded the amazing soft pretzels. road in the country. Here visitors can learn Lake Vandalia, northwest of the city on the history of travel and transportation in Illinois Route 185, is a 660-acre lake with the early days of the country. The Center re- swimming, camping, boating/fishing facilminds visitors that Vandalia was the termi- ities, and nature walks that the entire family nus of the National Road, which began in can enjoy. The beach has a bathhouse and Baltimore, MD. The Center routinely adds picnic area. Many fishing tournaments are exhibits to its fine collection. The Interpre- conducted each year, as well as the Lions tive Center is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. National Road Interpretive Center Club Fireworks on the weekend nearest to the 4th of July. Camping at the lake is

On the corner of the Old State Capitol Lawn visitors can find the available May through mid-October. Madonna of the Trail Statue. This is one of 12 statues in the United Ramsey Lake State Park, 12 miles north of the city, has more States on the National Road honoring the pioneer women who than 1,900 acres for hunting, fishing, hiking, horseback riding, walked behind the wagons to open the west. The statues were do- snowmobiling, camping, picnicking and more. There are shelters, nated by the Daughters of the cabins and trailer spaces for rent. A small concession business is American Revolution (DAR) located in the park. and dedicated in 1928 and In addition, Vandalia has multiple day spas, the Vandalia Golf 1929. and Country Club and Indian Springs Golf Course. Vandalia isn’t just a place The 35-foot Kaskaskia Supply fire breathing dragon can be visfor history buffs, it is also a ited at Veterans Avenue and Rock Island Avenue. Purchase your thriving community of quaint “Dragon Tokens” to catch the real magic, and watch the beast come shops, new restaurants and alive with glowing red yes and fire blowing from its snout 16 feet patios and period style lights overhead. This unique attraction makes for a great photo op and and benches, making for a re- the kids will love it. laxing downtown experience. With so many exciting new and historical activities, it makes Downtown shops include: sense to spend the night in Vandalia. With clean, comfortable lodgBernadine and Betty’s Bou- ing accommodations and an excellent selection of shops and restautique, Country Folk, Iya’s rants, visitors are certain to be well fed and rested for another day and Friends, Ruby Layne of exploring, or for the return trip home. Boutique, Tiger Lily Florist Visitors can also enjoy more than 60 acres of parks and walking & Gifts, The Turning Leaf, trails. and many more shops and Vandalia hosts a plethora of events all year including Abraham businesses. Lincoln’s Birthday in February, the Grand Levee in June, Olde Downtown restaurants in- Tyme Christmas in November and The Statehouse GALA in De-

Madonna of the Trail Statue clude Baan Thai, Blind Society, The Copper Penny, El cember. For a complete calendar of events, call 618-283-2728, or visit vandaliaillinois.com. Taco Fiesta, Gallatin Street Grille, and many more locally owned restaurants. 2021 Vandalia Calendar of Events

Charters Patio is directly across the street from the Vandalia Dates subject to change. Please call ahead Statehouse State Historic Site, and is the host of many outdoor for specific information and additional activities. events all year long including live music throughout the spring, summer, and fall months as well as Food Truck Friday. May 8: Vandalia Farmers’ Market.

Just south of the downtown area visitors can walk along the for- June 12: Vandalia Farmers’ Market. mer historic Illinois Central Railroad to the beautiful scenery that June 18, 19: Grand Levee. is the Kaskaskia River. Visitors can enter the trail behind the Fayette July 4: Lions Club Firework Display. County Health Department at 416 W. Edwards Street. They can July 10: Vandalia Farmers’ Market. enjoy the “Did You Know” signs that are spread throughout the trail August 14: Vandalia Farmers’ Market. to learn the history of the railroad, and about Abraham Lincoln’s September 11: Vandalia Farmers’ Market. involvement with the railroad in Vandalia. September 25: Wine and Ale with Abe StreetFest.

While staying in Vandalia, visit The Dutch Prairie Mennonite October 30: Vandalia Halloween Parade. Shops and Settlement Area, which are southeast of the city and November 12, 13: Olde Tyme Christmas. home to many cottage industries. Handcrafted items are produced December 3: Statehouse GALA. at more than 20 businesses on the prairie, including fruits, flowers, December 11: Statehouse Christmas Open House.