2013 Travel Guide
Enjoy Illinois App
Showing 1-96 of 168 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
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
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
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
Vandalia State House
Step inside the Illinois’ oldest surviving State Capitol building. Vandalia was the fourth statehouse in Illinois, and is best known for the era when Abraham Lincoln served in the Illinois House of Representatives. Visitors can enjoy guided tours of this restored landmark.
CITY: Vandalia
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
Oak Terrace Resort & Spa
The Inn overlooks a championship golf course with each room featuring a private balcony overlooking the course. Offers 37 rooms, indoor pool, and hot tub. This 3-story full service resort and day spa is a Chalet nestled in the woods overlooked Lake Beyers. With 2 fireplaces, 9 treatment rooms, nail salon, full service hair salon, hydrotherapy tubs. Oak Terrace has meeting and banquet facilities, bar and restaurant, 18-hole golf course, fitness center, Zumba classes, tennis, hiking, and boating, hotel and villa accommodations. Also houses Lakeview Spa with a full compliment of services and a Boutique. There is a 66 acre fishing lake and easy access to boat parking. Wi-Fi.
CITY: Pana
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
Historic National Road Scenic Byway
The National Road is called the "road that built the nation" because it was the first highway in American history. Today the National Road in Illinois covers 164 miles, from Marshall and the Wabash Valley, to East St. Louis and the Mississippi River.
CITY: Greenville
Civil War Monument at the Veterans' Memorial
This monument honors generations of soliders who sacrificed their lives for their country.
CITY: Greenville
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
Ten Talents Gallery and Gifts
Ten Talents Gallery features handmade, individual, and unique items by Illinois artists. We offer such items as jewelry, watercolors, ceramics, wood carvings, and much more.
CITY: Greenville
Anderson Prairie
This 25-acre wildlife park, featuring remnants of the original tallgrass Illinois prairie, features a butterfly house.
CITY: Pana
American Farm Heritage Museum
Farm implements, tools, tractors, and other equipment are featured that date back 100 years. The museum is open for special events including the Outhouse Festival in the fall.
CITY: Greenville
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Rock Kreations
Unique rock carvings, leather, purses, jewelry, pipes, and hand- carved miniatures.
CITY: Shelbyville
White Tail Crossing Cabin Village
Eighteen units are available with 1-5 bedrooms. All cabins are very nice, spacious and well-appointed with kitchens, fireplaces, front porches. There are 2 swimming pools, 2 fishing ponds, private hiking trails, 3 hole golf course and much more. Five full hookup campsites are also available. Open March to December 20th every year.
CITY: Shelbyville
Forsee Vineyards
Surrounded by stately oaks, Forsee Vineyards offers estate handcrafted wine in a serene country atmosphere. Sit on the patio and listen to music or take your favorite glass and stroll the six acres of vineyards.
CITY: Coffeen
Lincoln Prairie Trail
This paved hiking and biking trail follows a historic rail bed for 15 miles across the Illinois prairie.
CITY: Pana
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
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
A Buck or More
A Buck or More offers flowers, gift baskets, parcels, party favors, supplies, and services.
CITY: Greenville
Vandalia Lake Camping
Vandalia Lake provides high quality camping facilities for overnight camping. The campground includes sites with electric outlets, modern shower with flush toilets, and a dump station for recreational vehicles. Campgrounds are open from Memorial weekend through last weekend in September.
CITY: Vandalia
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
Carlyle Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area
As a major stopping point for migrating ducks and geese, this 9,486-acre area offers excellent public waterfowl hunting opportunities.
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
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
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
Wolf Creek Lodge
Your "Cabin at the Lake," fully furnished cabins. Enjoy a peaceful, wooded country setting on over 20 acres bordering U.S. Army Corps of Engineers property. 1, 2, & 3 bedroom units include full kitchens, porches, and patios, grills, and campfire rings.
CITY: Shelbyville
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
Coffeen Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area
22 species of fish are found in this lake, including bass, white crappie, channel catfish, bullhead, yellow bass, bluegill, and carp. This 1,100-acre lake is surrounded by native oak and hickory forests. Picnicking, hiking, and limited hunting and trapping.
CITY: Coffeen
The Thrift Shop
Opened in 1990 to help raise money for the local hospital and nursing home, The Thrift Shop is filled with bargains, hard-to-find items, and new and used merchandise.
CITY: Greenville
Bock Sculpture Museum
The museum, located in the original college building on the campus of historic Greenville College, features hundreds of sculptural pieces by Richard Bock, best known for his work with famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright.
CITY: Greenville
Gregory's Resort Motel and Cabins
Come stay in one of the 12 clean, comfortable rooms or a cabin after a long day of fishing or playing! 60 seconds from boat launch. Adjacent to Lithia Campground and Marina. Boat hook-ups, bait shop & store. Pavilions, grills and fire pits. Borders U.S. Army Corps of Engineers property. Open April 1st - October 30th every year. Has free Wi-Fi.
CITY: Shelbyville
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
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
Brazle Haus Bed and Breakfast
Modern Alpine home reflects heritage. View beautiful scenery. Fireplace, TV, VCR, books, and games in common areas. Full breakfast. Twenty minutes from Vandalia.
CITY: Brownstown
Ramsey Lake State Park
A one-mile walking trail winds through the park, and a 13-mile horse trail is located at the north end alongside a campground for horses.
CITY: Ramsey
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
Vandalia Artworks Gallery
The gallery uses exhibit space in the Fayette County Museum. Special exhibits are scheduled through the year.
CITY: Vandalia
One Room Schoolhouse Museum
Bring your children and show them a glimpse into education before the 20th century. Located on the Jr. High grounds, this schoolhouse was restored by the Bond County Retired Teachers Association.
CITY: Greenville
Bond County One Room School Museum
This museum is a living monument to the more than 72 one-story schools throughout the nation that served to educate children and host community gatherings.
CITY: Greenville
Lithia Resort
Located at the southeast end of Lake Shelbyville and 1/4 mile from Lithia Springs Marina and access area for launching boats. Wireless internet in office. Lithia Lodge, Luxury Cabins, Motel Rooms. 12 rooms and 10 Luxury cabins. Campfire rings, grills, picnic tables, playground, parking with electric, catch and release fishing pond. Fishing Guide Service Available. Open April-November every year.
CITY: Shelbyville
The Shelby Inn
Charming lodging with Victorian and modern-styled rooms. Registration and office in a turn-of-the-century, restored National Registry Home. Standard, Deluxe, and King accommodations. 45 rooms; Free Wi-Fi, expanded boat parking with electricity; 24 hour voice mail; flat screen TVs w/cable; comfortable and charming setting; convenient to golf, boat ramps, recreational areas, attractions & events. AAA rated. 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
Madonna of the Trail Statue
The Madonna is one of 12 statues in the U.S. that honors the pioneer women who traveled along the National Road.
CITY: Vandalia
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
Buck Stop Archery
Newly opened archery shop in downtown Shelbyville. Carry hunting supplies and accessories, clothing, and more.
CITY: Shelbyville
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
Historic Montgomery County Courthouse
This historic courthouse was built circa 1858.
CITY: Hillsboro
Jake's Antiques & Amish Warehouse
Antiques & Oak reproductions. Mattresses, Amish made furniture, Bicycles, Yard Decorations and furniture.
CITY: Shelbyville
Rainmaker Campground
Approximately 25 weekend sites and 200 permanent sites on the east side of Litchfield's Lake Lou Yaeger. Site offers trail hikes, lake frontage, 30 amp RV service, city water and convenience store.
CITY: Butler
Lincoln Marker
Vandalia, Illinois is where Abraham Lincoln began his historical political career and his life and achievements are commemorated on the marker.
CITY: Vandalia
The Shaker Loft Bed & Breakfast
Contemporary B&B. Shaker loft with king-size bed, Amish room with queen bed, quilt room with full bed. Wooded lakeside serenity, 18-hole golf course, driving range, boating and fishing available, reservations required.
CITY: Pana
Spillway Motel
"The Best Motel by a Dam Site" located across from the Lake Shelbyville Dam, on the Kaskaskia River. Twenty-One 2-3 bed units with Wi-Fi, microwave, refrigerator, TV, hair dryer, Jacuzzi suite available. All rooms are ground floor. Free electric hook-ups for over 30 boats. Excellent location for fisherman, boaters, water skiers, sunbathers, picnickers and passers by. Bait Shop.
CITY: Shelbyville
Glen Carbon Heritage Museum
This museum is located in a beautiful brick building that is a renovated 1914 school located in the "Old Town" section of the Village. The museum has old dolls, weapons, pictures, and much more.
CITY: Vandalia
Heart Two Heart Jewelry & Collectibles
Heart Two Heart has a wonderful variety of fine jewelry and collectibles.
CITY: Greenville
Globe Theater
The marquee dates back to the 1920s, but the audio-visual equipment is state-of-the-art. Three screens show first run movies on the ground floor, with a coffee shop and bistro upstairs.
CITY: Greenville
Bottomley-Ruffing-Schalk Baseball Museum
This small museum honors professional baseball players from the surrounding area, including Cooperstown Hall of Famers Sunny Jim Bottomley, Charlie "Red" Ruffing and Ray "Kraker" Shalk.
CITY: Nokomis
The Shelbyville Connection
Name-brand clothing for less! Clothing and accessories for missy, petite and juniors.
CITY: Shelbyville
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
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
The Farmhouse Family Restaurant
The Farmhouse seats 92 people and has a reputation in the area for "down-home" cooking. There are lunch buffets daily and Friday and Saturday breakfast and dinner buffets.
CITY: Shelbyville
Hoiles-Davis Museum
Originally built as a private residence in the 1870s, the house now holds an extensive collection of Civil War memorabilia, World War I bond posters, Native American artifacts, domestic arts, and items from local manufacturers.
CITY: Greenville
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
Floral Designs by Cindy
A large inventory of fresh flowers, plants, European/dish gardens, contemporary and traditional arrangements, silk arrangements, wedding flowers, funeral designs, gourmet gift baskets, and candles.
CITY: Greenville
Bond County Courthouse
Surrounded by shops and restaurants on the square, the 19th-century courthouse offers a great view of the town's hundreds of flower and fruit trees in season.
CITY: Greenville
Civil War Monument at the Veterans' Memorial
Generations of soldiers who sacrificed their lives for their country are honored.
CITY: Greenville
Joe's Pizza and Italian Foods
Family friendly atmosphere with homestyle pizza and italian foods.
CITY: Shelbyville
Stone Coal Log Cabin Village
Original log buildings in this educational village are from Illinois' early prairie years.
CITY: Pana
The Farmers Monument
This impressive black granite piece located on the grounds of Vandalia's Tourist Information Center is a tribute to prairie farmers.
CITY: Vandalia
Chang's Chinese Restaurant
Chang's offers delicious Chinese food in a family friendly atmosphere with affordable prices and excellent service.
CITY: Greenville
Harkey House
This historic home is furnished with memorabilia from the early days of Montgomery County, and is open by appointment.
CITY: Hillsboro
Lu-Bob's Family Restaurant
Lu-Bob's has all your American favorites such as chicken, steak, potatoes, and much more, served with a smile.
CITY: Greenville
Iced
A baker's delight, this small cafe offers different flavors every day of the week. With unique cupcakes such as banana split, orange dreamsicle, margarita, along with everyday flavors. There are also unique cookie bars, cookies, cakes, and more along with coffees and teas. They will design unique creations for your party or get together or they can host your party right there in the shop.
CITY: Shelbyville
Old State Cemetery
Bronze markers give biographical information about prominent citizens from the earliest history of the community.
CITY: Vandalia
Gloria's Flowers and Gifts
Gloria's offers a large variety of fresh flowers, plants, contemporary and traditional arrangements, silk flowers, wedding arrangements, funeral designs, candles, and gourmet gift baskets.
CITY: Greenville
Vandalia Golf & Country Club
Opened in 1916, this nine-hole course features 2,782 yards of golf from the longest tees, for a par of 35.
CITY: Vandalia
Words, Wicks, and Wood
Come explore our wide variety of books or just simply find the book you've been looking for, as you discover the numerous titles available at this fine bookstore.
CITY: Vandalia
Archway Skydiving Center
Averaging over 10,000 skydives annually, more than 1,200 students make their first jump each year with high quality, USPA-rated instructors.
CITY: Vandalia
