2013 Travel Guide
Enjoy Illinois App
Showing 1-96 of 189 items
Lake Shelbyville
The 11,000-acre Lake Shelbyville offers plenty of outdoor activities, including boating, fishing, hunting, camping, hiking, biking and swimming. Sun yourself on one of the public beaches or dock your boat at one of three marinas located around the lake.
CITY: Shelbyville
11 - 13
Touchstone Energy Balloon Fest
Come and enjoy watching as these balloons are filled and then take off for various areas. Friday night is a launch from Forest Park, Saturday morning, they will launch from various locations and try to hit their targets as they float through the air. There will be a Balloon glow and basket burn at the Dam Spillway area Saturday night with food and entertainment. You can meet the pilots on Friday evening. Sunday morning will be another opportunity to watch. These colorful balloons will be launched daily (weather permitting) and you can watch as they fly and do tasks around the Lake Shelbyville area.
CITY: Shelbyville
Firefly Grill
Firefly Grill is a modern roadhouse restaurant located on the shores of Lake Kristie. This wonderful place operates on an oasis of American fresh cuisine in the heart of the Midwest. Firefly's menu changes daily and boasts fresh seafood, oak fire steaks and brick oven pizzas. Firefly uses local ingredients whenever possible and fresh herbs and vegetables from their garden. The beautiful facility and grounds make this the perfect place for a wedding or group event. Cooking demonstrations and tours are also available.
CITY: Effingham
Jun 2
Funfest for Air-cooled VW
This FunFest is Mid America Motorworks way of saying "Thank You" to all VW enthusiasts. The three-day event is the best Air-Cooled enthusiasts party anywhere. Expect to see more than 1,000 VWs and 8,000 enthusiasts. This is not your typical car show. With non-juried fun judging, one of a kind expert seminars and a guest list including some of the best-known names in the VW world, it's no wonder that Funfest has become a must-attend event.
CITY: Effingham
Tuscan Hills Winery
Tuscan Hills Winery, recently opened in 2011, is located on Historic Hills Drive, directly behind the Harley Barn. This winery is located on eight picturesque acres which helps bring an Old World Tuscan feel to the heart of Effingham. The owners are focused on creating elegant, approachable, and perfectly balanced wines of the highest quality. Wine tastings, along with space available for reservations makes this a must stop for group tours. Tuscan Hills Winery wants you to "Come as our guest, but leave as our friends."
CITY: Effingham
15 - 18
Windsor Harvest Picnic
Come and enjoy this family-friendly festival which is in its 117th year. Entertainment comes to you in gospel, country and rock, with entertainers from as far away as Australia and Country Star "Eddie Raven". Fountain City Amusements provide a carnival atmosphere with plenty of food served by various organizations as well as the Ice Cream Social. There is also a 5K run/walk, a pedal tractor pull, parade, and a raffle drawing.
CITY: Windsor
26 - 27
Findlay Walleye Festival
This yearly festival has plenty of entertainment, food and fun. The Walleye is a feature for the festival with the fish being served daily. There will be plenty of entertainment (bands), an ice cream social, fireworks on Friday-Saturday if rain. Kids games, a farmer's market, tractor pull, car, truck, & motorcycle show, a 5K event and plenty more. A large parade starts at 10am on Saturday and there will be plenty of kids activities and games both days.
CITY: Findlay
My Garage Museum Collection
Showcasing classic and one-of-a-kind Corvettes and memorabilia, My Garage Museum is a must-see attraction for any car enthusiast. Corvettes on display include Indy pace cars, racing machines, the last C-4 and the first 21st century model.
CITY: Effingham
Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site
The last home of Thomas and Sarah Lincoln, Abraham Lincoln's parents. It shares the site with the Sargent farm, an 1840's living history farm.
CITY: Lerna
12 - 12
Sculptures on the Avenue
Come explore the sculptures that have transformed the City of Effingham's avenues into an art gallery. Over 30 sculptures created by some of the Midwest's best known and unknown sculptors bring life to the streets of Effingham as part of the annual "Sculptures on the Avenues" outdoor exhibition. Sculptures on the Avenues is a self-guided walking tour that begins at City Hall, located at 201 E. Jefferson Ave. From there, the exhibition winds in and out of Downtown Effingham. An informative guide, which facilitates a walking tour, is available at the Effingham Visitors Center or City Hall.
CITY: Effingham
Buxton's Garden Farm
Pull up to Buxton's roadside stand to buy in-season vegetables, pumpkins and festive Indian corn.
CITY: Sullivan
20 - 22
Tower Hill Fall Festival
Held in the Village Park. This is the 27th year for the festival which has unique activites such as the Produce "500" which features vehicles made from produce from as small as a grape to as large as a watermelon. It also has a car and motorcycle show, garden tractor pulls, a tractor show, plenty of kids games a parade Saturday at 4:00 pm and entertainment along with the annual demo derby on Sunday.
CITY: Tower Hill
Lithia Rental Cabins
Formerly Lakeside Cabins. There are 4 cabins with full kitchenettes, screened porches, boat parking with electric. Also a 2 bedroom house, and 3 bedroom house. Campfire rings, grills, picnic tables, playground. Fishing Guide Service is available. Open April-October.
CITY: Shelbyville
Family Aquatic Center
This aquatic center has a frog slide, water slide, wet playground area, a sand playground, concessions, a shaded picnic area and a bath house.
CITY: Shelbyville
Evergreen Tree Walk
The Evergreen Tree Walk features over 90 species of trees indigenous to Illinois. Markers beside the trees list the common and Latin names of each species. The tree walk is a relaxing experience, especially after a long day of travel.
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
Whitley Creek Recreation Area
This campground has 81 campsites, most of which are shaded.
CITY: Sullivan
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
Moore Home
This is the preserved home of Reuben Moore and his wife Matilda, who was a daughter of Sarah Bush Lincoln and stepsister of Abraham Lincoln. The frame Moore Home dates back to the late 1850s.
CITY: Lerna
Oak Terrace Lodge
Four guest bedrooms, three baths, two fireplaces, patio, deck, private loft master suite with whirlpool and suana. Beautiful A-frame nestled in rustic timber overlooking pond.
CITY: Pana
Lake Sara
A quiet cove at dawn, where the only sound is the whir of a casting reel and the gentle splash of the fly hitting the water’s surface...that’s Lake Sara. A sunny afternoon slalom skiing behind a powerboat or running along the beach...that’s Lake Sara. A family picnic in the grass at water’s edge or a family reunion, with fried chicken and the works, under one of the pavilions...that’s Lake Sara. Lake Sara is an 800-acre recreational lake nestled into a wooded shoreline, encircled by a winding road. Spend a day, a week, or a season on the shores of Lake Sara. Lake Sara has something for everyone, in every season of the year.
CITY: Effingham
Willow Ridge Vineyards & Winery
Family owned and operated on a Sesquicentennial farm. Nestled in a rural setting, there is a relaxing Tuscan style atmosphere. Facilities include a banquet room that seats 190 people and a wine tasting room with seating for an additional 40 people. Both are available to rent for special occasions.
CITY: Shelbyville
Lake Shelbyville - Bo Wood Recreation Area
Most of the campsites in this 82 site campground are shaded. Located on Lake Shelbyville, beach nearby.
CITY: Sullivan
Anderson Prairie
This 25-acre wildlife park, featuring remnants of the original tallgrass Illinois prairie, features a butterfly house.
CITY: Pana
Grandpa's Place
Antiques, collectibles, and things in between. Monday-Friday call for appt.
CITY: Jewett
Sullivan Marina
Located on a serene wooded hilltop, gently slopes into a full-service marina and restaurant situated on Lake Shelbyville.
CITY: Sullivan
Douglas-Hart Nature Center
Explore 70 acres of prairie, wetlands and forest habitat.The Visitor Center features interpretive exhibits, sensory displays and live critters, including a bird observation area.
CITY: Mattoon
John Boos & Company
John Boos & Co. is the oldest industry in Effingham, open since 1887. John Boos products, butcher blocks and cutting boards, are being used by celebrity chefs throughout the U.S. Some celebrity chefs currently using the products are Charlie Trotter, Ming Tsai, Paul Kahan, and Susan Spicer at Bayona Restaurant in New Orleans, just to name a few. In addition, the country's premier food channel, "The Food Network," features chefs, such as Mario Batali and Emeril Lagasse, who prepare meals every day on John Boos cutting boards. A factory outlet and showroom is open to the public for tours, groups, or just to purchase the products.
CITY: Effingham
General Dacey Trail
This trail is a multi-use recreational trail -- accessed mainly by walkers, runners, and bikers. As you move along the pathways of the Dacey Trail, you will find nature at its best -- with many scenic views of Lake Shelbyville. The trail is being added to and improved each year and runs through parts of Shelbyville, Forest Park, and the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers Lake Shelbyville. You can begin the trail at Forest Park or at the Dam West Recreational Area (9th St.).
CITY: Shelbyville
Rock Kreations
Unique rock carvings, leather, purses, jewelry, pipes, and hand- carved miniatures.
CITY: Shelbyville
15
Shelby County 4H & Jr. Fair
One of only a few fairs that still highlight their 4H and Juniors. The fair includes dog care and obedience, judging in livestock, poultry, rabbits, lambs, produce, flowers, plants, and many other subjects. The Food Shack serves plenty of great food each day of the fair manned by the various 4H Clubs in Shelby County. The fair wraps up with the popular livestock auction and team penning.
CITY: Shelbyville
Deer Trail Golf Course
Nine holes of golf located next to Lake Shelbyville at the old "Country Club." Come and enjoy a round of golf and then come and enjoy food and a refreshment while looking over the Lake.
CITY: Shelbyville
11 - 13
Scarecrow Daze Festival
During the 17th Annual Scarecrow Daze Festival, the entire city of Shelbyville is decorated with scarecrows. With a different theme every year, entrants decorate their homes and businesses to the theme. There is also a large parade on Saturday, kids' games, a beer tent, music, a quilt show, and plenty of food and crafts, in downtown Shelbyville. Held in conjunction with Touchstone Energy Balloon Fest.
CITY: Shelbyville
Vahlings Vineyards & Winery
All wines are fermented and bottled on site at this family-owned winery.
CITY: Stewardson
Arches Antique Marketplace
Antiques of all sizes and descriptions, from books and clothing to kitchen utensils and baby items.
CITY: Findlay
Graber Produce Patch
This roadside produce stand offers asparagus, radishes, eggplant and sweet corn.
CITY: Sullivan
Shelbyville State Fish and Wildlife Area
A 6,400-acre wildlife area on the north end of Lake Shelbyville. Hunting for waterfowl, forest and upland game is popular. Boat access is provided to accommodate anglers and hunters.
CITY: Bethany
Meadowview Golf Course
This 18-hole, par 72 course features moderate to gently rolling terrain, manicured greens, a full-service pro shop and a food court.
CITY: Mattoon
Dec 30
Shelbyville Festival of Lights
Come to Shelbyville and take a drive through Forest Park as it is lit up for the Holiday season. Different themed areas delight with the centerpiece being a large carousel placed on the Historical Chautauqua Auditorium. These lights are put in place each year by volunteers and new lights and themed areas are added yearly. Candy Cane lane is to honor loved ones. Come enjoy the Victorian Village, Santa's Shop, the North Pole, Bethlehem, and others.
CITY: Shelbyville
Nature's Bounty
Buy dried herbs and flowers, or pick your own red and golden delicious apples.
CITY: Sullivan
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
Ballard Nature Center
Located just minutes outside of Effingham, Ballard Nature Center is home to dozens of species of birds and wildlife. Natural prairie, wetlands, butterfly and hummingbird gardens, ponds, and creeks round out the outdoor experience. Activities at the Nature Center includes trail walks, kids' fishing, bird watching, picnics, and much more. An indoor activity center provides plenty for the whole family to do any time of year.
CITY: Altamont
Dec 25
Mattoon Lightworks
Enjoy the lights of the season in beautiful Peterson Park. Over 50 magnificent light displays, many of which are animated. Definitely a site to see! Drive through at your leisure evenings starting at 5pm. Over 15,000 visitors each year see this great display of holiday lights. Admission is free, donations accepted.
CITY: Mattoon
Lincoln Prairie Trail
This paved hiking and biking trail follows a historic rail bed for 15 miles across the Illinois prairie.
CITY: Pana
Olivier's Country Creations & Gifts
Fabric, craft supplies, beads, finished crafts, gifts, handmade quilts, birdhouses, collectibles, books, videos, furniture, and much more.
CITY: Strasburg
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
The Wishing Well
Unique Antiques & Home Decor. Come in a see the antiques, quilts, inspirational signs, framed prints, candles, Pipberry Accents, Jim Shore, primitives.
CITY: Shelbyville
Rosamond Grove Cemetery
Located on a high mound overlooking the prairie, this cemetery is home of the famous Lincoln the Orator statue by artist J. Mulligan and the Lincoln-commissioned cannon called Mary Lincoln.
CITY: Pana
Coon Creek Lodge
Seven clean and comfortable kitchenette rooms with living room, kitchen, bedroom and bath within walking distance of Coon Creek Beach and Boat Ramp. Rooms are equipped with pots and pans, table settings, coffee maker & toaster, towels, and bed linens. Only 1/2 mile from Lake Shelbyville. Open April - November.
CITY: Shelbyville
The Little Theatre On The Square
A Professional Actor Equity Association-affiliated theatre performing Broadway musicals and comedy. Produces five mainstage shows from mid-June to mid-August. Three theatres for young audiences, shows, in addition to a fall, Christmas, & spring show.
CITY: Sullivan
Dr. Charles Wright House
Built in 1889 by Dr. C.M. Wright, this stately Renaissance Revival home holds three generations of Wright family furnishings, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
CITY: Altamont
Super 8
Suites available, small pets allowed, cable/movies, kitchenettes aveniable, in-room safe, FREE super start breakfast from 6:00 am - 10:00 am.
CITY: Effingham
Mattoon Welcome Center/Peterson House
The historic Peterson House serves as the Mattoon Welcome Center, offering information about area events and attractions.
CITY: Mattoon
Country Charm Bed and Breakfast
The delightful, historic colonial was built in 1858 and sits on a 1/2 acre parcel that boast beautiful views of a mini orchard. There are 4 nostalgic rooms on the 2nd floor. There is boat and RV parking. Open all year and has Wi-Fi. No pets allowed.
CITY: Shelbyville
Shelby County Historical and Genealogical Society
Historical items are displayed throughout this former jail and previous sheriff's residence. Tour the basement where the old jails cells are located, or trace your family tree.
CITY: Shelbyville
Wal-Mart Supercenter
Newly expanded, this Wal-Mart Supercenter has everything from groceries with deli, meat, and fish departments, to a pharmacy, one-hour photos and vision center. They also have clothing, furniture, gardening supplies, along with much, much more
CITY: Effingham
Coyote Cabins - Fishing Lair
Fishing Lair is a 2 bedroom retreat stocked with bottled water, coffee and snacks. The first night offers a crockpot dinner with fresh bread. Enjoy fishing, hiking, horseback riding, mini-golf, golf, live theatre just minutes away.
CITY: Sullivan
Martin Ranch Bed & Breakfast
Newly constructed French Country style home located on 100 acres featuring equine hotel, nature trails, and fishing pond. The outdoors is as enchanting and as lively as it is indisde. Each of the 4 guest rooms is tastefully decorated.
CITY: Effingham
Comfort Suites - Effingham
All suites with kitchenettes. Accessible rooms, FREE local calls& HBO.
CITY: Effingham
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
Angus Links
18-hole golf course set in the countryside of Windsor. GPS ADDRESS: 1300 N 3050 E
CITY: Windsor
Motel 6 - Effingham
Outdoor pool and Evergreen rooms which are filtered for people with allergies.
CITY: Effingham
Buck Stop Archery
Newly opened archery shop in downtown Shelbyville. Carry hunting supplies and accessories, clothing, and more.
CITY: Shelbyville
Righter's Christmas Tree Farm
Cut your own Christmas scotch and white pine trees here.
CITY: Sullivan
Moran Orchard
Pick your own strawberries in season, and buy fall apples, Indian corn, pumpkins and gourds.
CITY: Trilla
Paradise Inn - Effingham
Small pets allowed, cable/movies, bus parking, adjacent to restaurants.
CITY: Effingham
Abe Lincoln Motel
American family owned and operated for over 20 years. AM coffee and local calls free. Some kitchenettes available.
CITY: Effingham
Effingham County Courthouse
The current courthouse was built in 1871 after Effingham was named the county seat. The courhouse retains a pristine exterior and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
CITY: Effingham
Our Old House
1200 Square foot house with 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths, central air. Garage with electricity. Fully equipped kitchen, washer & dryer, all linens provided, satellite TV. Free Wi-Fi, Stocked fishing pond, fishing guide service available Campfire ring, 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, BBQ grills, swimming pool, electric boat parking. Pets allowed. Open all year.
CITY: Shelbyville
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
Comfort Inn - Effingham
Indoor pool, sauna, whirlpool, exercise room, FREE continental breakfast, in-room safe, and 5 whirlpool suites
CITY: Effingham
U.S. Grant Motel
Experience a fun, comfortable stay. Free continental breakfast. Clean rooms, affordable rates.
CITY: Mattoon
Eagle Creek State Park
A favorite of walkers and hikers, this park offers year-round camping and scenic hiking trails, many of them hugging Lake Shelbyville, Eagle Creek has 163 vehicular campsites, with 148 of those being Class A sites with electricity, picnic tables, and showers. There are 56 sites available by reservations made at least 2 weeks in advance by mail.
CITY: Findlay
Possum's Treasures
Shelbyville's most unique gift shop with gift Items for all ages. Realistic wildlife figurines, handcrafted gemstone jewelry, specialty cookbooks for camping, RV's etc., gourmet foods, tapestries, Amish jams, butters, jelly, and mustard. Stash teas, Jelly Belly, novelty T-shirts and Lake Shelbyville Souvenirs.
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
Timber's Lodge
Three Story, six bedroom log home on 30 acres with fireplace, large deck, kitchen, central air, spa, large meeting room, trail rides, continental breakfast, TV, VCR, 5-person spa, gas grill and 2 charcoal grills. Next to Hidden Springs State Forest.
CITY: Strasburg
Howard Johnson - Effingham
Meeting facilities, handicap access, free breakfast, small pets allowed, indoor pool, bus parking, meeting services available, free movie rental.
CITY: Effingham
Niemerg Family Winery
This father-son operation produces a wide variety of wines with grapes imported from throughout the U.S., including Illinois, Michigan and California. The winery features a tasting room and outdoor seating.
CITY: Findlay
Jake's Antiques & Amish Warehouse
Antiques & Oak reproductions. Mattresses, Amish made furniture, Bicycles, Yard Decorations and furniture.
CITY: Shelbyville
5 - 5
Okaw Valley Orchard Inn
A simple and relaxing country atmosphere abound at our barn-style bed and breakfast situated on a family-run orchard. Each room has it's own private bathroom and wireless internet! Full country breakfast offered each morning.
CITY: Sullivan
The Tower of Baa-Goat
The one and only goat tower in the U.S. It is modeled after a tower that Dave and Marcia Johnson saw in a wine magazine from S. Africa. The original goat tower was in Portugal. The Johnston's tower is 31 foot tall and has 5,000 bricks with 276 spiral steps that encompass the tower.
CITY: Windsor
Legacy Harley Davidson
Legacy Harley-Davidson is not only a great place to stock up on the latest Harley-Davidson gear, but it is an attraction that brings thousands of visitors to the area. The Harley Barn houses new and pre-owned motorcycles, along with clothing, merchandise, parts, and much more. The folks at the Harley Barn also invite travelers to visit their one-of-a-kind events that they hold throughout the year at the barn.
CITY: Effingham
Sally's On The Square
Charming restaurant in a restored turn of century building located on the south side of monument square in a historical section of downtown with unique storefront columns. Serving breakfast all day long. Salad Bar, Senior Discount everyday.
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
Whalen's West Side Floral
Unique and one-of-a-kind floral designs and home decor. Small, cozy shop that will delight and inspire.
CITY: Shelbyville
Country School Market
Housed in a closed school, this historic brick school building has found a new purpose. It now houses the Country School Market with consignment rooms with antiques, crafts, collectibles, jewelry, books, furniture, railroad items, farm toys, and much more.
CITY: Findlay
