Oakland

OAKLAND: COLES COUNTY

Oakland: Much To See And Do In A Small-Town Setting

Enjoy the experience of a visit to small town life in Oakland, 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 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 a concession with food and drinks. 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 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.

Penn Central Depot in Oakland

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, city parks, medical health clinic, K-12 school and shopping. Oakland also 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

Attend any one of the many events held throughout the year. Stop by and visit the kick-off to spring with the Easter Egg Hunt on April 16 or visit the City-Wide Yard Sale, held during the first Saturday in May.

Independence Pioneer Village, located a quarter of a mile north of Oakland, is a log cabin village venue available from May 1-October 31. Visit Village’s Facebook page for a 2022 schedule of events, or call 217-4602290 to make an appointment for a tour or for more information.

Join the Oakland Chamber for the annual Jonah Fish Fry on July 9 at Oakland Lake Park. All fathers and sons are invited to attend the 27th Annual Father’s & Son’s Weekend October 20-23. This four-day

Oakland Continued On Page 42

2022 Oakland Calendar of Events Dates are subject to change. Please call 217-346-2125 for specific information and additional activities.

April 16: Easter Egg Hunt and Chalk Art. Noon on the square

May 1-October 31: Independence Pioneer Village available for events or tours. For more information, call 217-460-2290 or visit the Village’s Facebook page.

May 7: City-Wide Spring Yard Sale. Oakland and Hindsboro.

May 21: Rutherford Rumble Car Show. Dr. Rutherford compound on Route 133. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

June 11: Little Miss, Jr. Miss and Miss Oakland Pageant. Oakland School Gymnasium at 6 p.m.

July 2: VFW Car Show. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Call Sandy or Bill for more information at 217-246-1602 or 217-508-7706. 4th of July Celebration TBA: Call 217-346-2125, for more information.

July 9: Oakland Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Jonah Fish Fry Fundraiser. Oakland Lake Park from 4-7 p.m.

August 13: Walnut Point 5K Walk/Run and Biathlon. For more information and to sign up go to runreg.com.

August 27: City-wide fall garage sale. Oakland and Hindsboro.

September 11: Ice Cream Social. Helen’s Park Gazebo on Route 133.

September 23: 4th Annual Cruis’n In the Park. Walnut Point State Park.

October 20-23: 28th Annual Father’s and Son’s Weekend. Walnut Point State Park. For more information, visit fathersoncamp.org.

October 31: Halloween Party/Costume Contest. Oakland School All Purpose Room.

November 5: Oakland United Methodist Women’s Annual Soup Supper and Silent Auction. 4-7 p.m. at 13 Washington Street, Oakland.

December 3: Breakfast with Santa. Lake Crest Elementary School, All Purpose Room.

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