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Mattoon
Mattoon: Built On Hospitality, Railroads And Baseball — A Charming Visit Awaits
Mattoon 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.
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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 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.
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 35th anniversary of the festival, and is sure to be a great celebration with food, music, carnival and community.
For more information, or to sign up for the weekly event calendar, call 217258-6286 or 800-500-6286,
or visit mattoon.illinois.gov. Lake Paradise and Lake Mattoon provide many forms of recreation, including fishing, boating, water skiing, sailing and camping.
Bagelfest, an annual multi-day event, draws about 40,000 people. In 2022, the event is scheduled for July 19-23.
2022 Mattoon Calendar of Events Dates subject to change. Please call ahead for specific information and additional activities. For a full and continually updated list of Mattoon events, email tourism@mattoonillinois.org to sign up for an updated calendar of events to be emailed each week, or check out city of Mattoon on Facebook.
April 28-30: Mattoon Arts Council hosts the SIAW art workshop. May 14: Gardenfest in Lytle Park. June 10-12: Lake Mattoon Y-Flyer Regatta. June 18, 19: Lincoln Log Cabin Civil War Days. July 4: Mattoon Independence Day. Parade at 9 a.m. July 4: Independence Day Celebration. Fireworks at Coles County Airport. July 19-23: Annual Bagelfest Celebration. August 20: Coles County Memorial Authority Air Show. September 9, 10: Central Illinois CIL-CON. September 24, 25: Lincoln Log Cabin Harvest Frolic. October 13: Mattoon Chamber of Commerce Expo at Cross County Mall. October 28: Celebrate Downtown Mattoon Trunk or Treat. November 17: Mattoon Lightworks Walk Thru Night. One night only. November 18-December 28: Mattoon Lightworks. Peterson Park. December 3: Celebrate Downtown Mattoon Christmas.
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