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MATTOON: COLES COUNTY
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Mattoon: Built On Hospitality, Railroads And Baseball — A Charming Visit Awaits
attoon takes a great deal of pride in being a “railroad town,” tracing its history to the mid-1800s, when railroaders constructed the Terre Haute and Alton Railroad. One of the most treasured buildings in downtown Mattoon is the Mattoon Depot, home of both an active Amtrak station, the Mattoon Tourism and Arts Office and the Coles County Historical Society. The restored depot is just one example of how Mattoon continues to grow and flourish, while retaining its small-town charm. During the past decade, downtown Mattoon has experienced its own renaissance, including the new public Heritage Park, located across from the depot. Other examples of growth include murals, streetscapes and thriving businesses that are locating in the downtown area. A visit to downtown Mattoon should be on your list. 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
a oon Illinois ourism and Arts 8 PAGE 38 | 2022 Discover Visitor & Vacation Guide To Central Illinois
Mattoon, provide many forms of recreation, including fishing, boating, water skiing, sailing and camping. 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 golf. Mattoon, also known for its hospitality and bagels, has many annual events including Bagelfest each July. Murray Lender, of Lender’s Bagels, sparked an idea more than 30 years ago with a free bagel breakfast to introduce bagels to the city. Then, community leaders established Mattoon’s Bagelfest, an annual multi-day event. The festival annually draws about 40,000 people. Collectively, the group consumes around 40,000 bagels, which are served by volunteers at the festival.
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