Little Brick House

Listed on the National Register, it has six restored rooms with china, furniture, engravings, and books that belonged to the settlers when Lincoln attended the legislature.

CITY: Vandalia

Lincoln Park

Located across from the Statehouse in Vandalia, the park features a life-size, bronze statue of Abraham Lincoln. This is a favorite spot for photos with the 16th president.

CITY: Vandalia

Wilhelmina Art Gallery

Browse award-winning oil paintings by Wilma Woldt Krueger. Limited and open edition prints, landscapes, wildlife, still life and portraits are sold.

CITY: Effingham

Chautauqua Auditorium

Built in 1903, the auditorium is the largest building of its kind from anywhere in the world, and is included on the National Register of Historic Places. Above the stage are Grecian statues designed by Robert Root.

CITY: Shelbyville

Driftstone Pueblo

Driftstone Pueblo carries many craft supplies including sinew, heshi, findings and cords. Also, kid's toys, beads, jewelry, canes, soapstone, metaphysical items, artifacts, crystal cubes, knives, swords, and much more.

CITY: St. Elmo

Rock Kreations

Unique rock carvings, leather, purses, jewelry, pipes, and hand- carved miniatures.

CITY: Shelbyville

Fayette County Museum

Located behind the Statehouse in a century-old church, this museum is full of Lincoln-era memorabilia, including his letter cabinet and an axe carved with his initials.

CITY: Vandalia

National Road Interpretive Center

The National Road Interpretive Center in Vandalia, Illinois tells the story of the surveyors, laborers and travelers of the National Road, sometimes called the Cumberland Road or National Pike. The Interpretive Center is a museum with hands-on activities for children including a Conestoga wagon that the youngsters can load for its journey. Abraham Lincoln’s connection to Illinois National Road towns is also spotlighted. One of the largest artifacts is an original National Road timber dating to the 1830s. Visitors will develop a better understanding of the importance of this road to Illinois and American history as well as an appreciation for the people that were involved in its construction.

CITY: Vandalia

Ben Winter Museum

This museum's fascinating collection of memorabilia includes scale model locomotives and stationary industrial engines. Take a trip on the miniature train that travels through the surrounding orchards.

CITY: Altamont

Altamont Living Museum

Used today as a theater for live music and dance performances, as well as fine art exhibits, this 1912 church gives you a taste of "old-time religion" with its luminous stained-glass windows, curved oak pews and great acoustics.

CITY: Altamont

Olivier's Country Creations & Gifts

Fabric, craft supplies, beads, finished crafts, gifts, handmade quilts, birdhouses, collectibles, books, videos, furniture, and much more.

CITY: Strasburg

Cross at the Crossroads

Soaring nearly 200 feet into the Midwestern sky, the Cross is a landmark for the more than 19 million travelers who pass through Effingham each year along Interstates 57 and 70. Other features of the site include a visitor center, chapel and a 10 Commandments display.

CITY: Effingham

Clay County Museum

Housed in the old county jail, this museum is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

CITY: Louisville

Boarman Chevy BelAir Museum

This museum openin in 2005 with Bob's private collection. The building is decorated in 50's sock hop style with black and white checkered floors. The walls are lined with 50's memorabilia, chevy clocks and neon signs. A jukbox takes you back to that popular era. The museum has eight vintage cars as well as a 1993 Indy Pace Car with only 28 miles. Mr. Boarman restored most of the cars himself and has been collecting over 25 years.

CITY: Shelbyville

Best Wedding Chapel

This chapel, once a Catholic church, was purchased by the Best family who now offers it for weddings. Built in the 1870s, the chapel has its original 14-foot stained glass windows that complement the 33-foot cathedral ceiling.

CITY: Shelbyville

Effingham Performance Center

Arts Connection of Central Illinois has been established for the citizens of Effingham County and beyond to showcase arts and entertainment, to encourage interaction with and appreciation of live performance, to endorse the educational process and to enhance the quality of life and cultural vitality of the region.

CITY: Effingham

Veterans Educational Museum

Items on display are from the Civil War, WWI, WWII, Korea, Vietnam, and Desert Storm along with flags from 45 countries.

CITY: Vandalia

Vandalia Artworks Gallery

The gallery uses exhibit space in the Fayette County Museum. Special exhibits are scheduled through the year.

CITY: Vandalia

Stang Arts Studio & Gallery

Stang Arts Studio & Gallery features art classes for both children and adults, along with holding various events throughout the year. The artist, Jamie Stang, also specializes in "paint parties." These parties are great for a group, as they feature great food, drinks, music and art. Jamie helps visitors discover their inner-artist while relaxing in a chic studio-style atmosphere. Check out her gallery while you're there too.

CITY: Effingham