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Community Attractions

Alwerdt’s Gardens: 6 acres of gardens with more than 1000 varieties of herbs, annuals and perennials. The gardens are located 1 mile south of I-70 on US 128 South of Altamont. Winter hours are by appointment only. Spring – Monday – Saturday, 8am – 4pm and Sunday Noon – 4pm. Summer – Monday – Saturday 10am – 5pm.

Ballard Nature Center: The Center consists of 210 acres, including 100 acres of woodlands, 15 acres of restored prairie, 10 acres of shallow water wetlands and 85 acres of agricultural land. The Center is located on Route 40 East of Altamont – Phone: 618.483.6856. Naturalist on staff at the Visitor’s Center Monday – Friday 8am – 4pm. Volunteer staffed on weekends. Trails are open dawn to dusk.

Ben Winter Steam Engine Museum: The site houses a significant collection of historic / cultural artifacts of 19^th and early 20^th century related to steam powered farm equipment and farming methods of the period. Some of the items in the collection are rare and all are in working condition. Housing 15 farm thresher steam engines, several gas and oil engines, model railroads, and a number of other antiques, the Ben Winter’s Museum is a wonderful place to stop. Tours are by appointment only, and the museum is located 1 mile west on 900^th Street – Phone: 618.483.6665.

Altamont Living Museum: This public performing arts center is housed in a 1912 former Presbyterian Church. The stamped tin ceilings, chandeliers and oak pews remain intact. The Museum is located at 112 South Main Street – Phone: 618.483.5348.

Charles M. Wright House: http://www.wrightmansion.org  Constructed in 1889, the 18 room mansion is an excellent example of Italianate architecture built and furnished in the Victorian period – much of the furniture and carpets are original. The Wright House is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and located at West Jackson Ave. and North Main Street – Phone: 618.483.6397. Open Sundays; June, July and August 2pm – 4pm. There is a modest fee to tour the home and group tours are by appointment only.

Cumberland Presbyterian Church: Enjoy viewing outstanding stained glass windows, one of which is a portrait of Abraham Lincoln. The Lincoln stained-glass window was donated to the church in 1914 by local Union Civil War Veterans. Located at 16 N. Central Ave – Phone 217.932.5404

Fairview Park: Built at the turn of the 20th Century, this park once hosted some of the best horse racing in central Illinois.  Today the park’s ponds, playground, and beautiful flowers make it a wonderful spot for a picnic.  Many activities and festivities, including the annual Bluegrass Festival, are located there.

Stone Arch Bridge: Located east of Clark Center, this bridge was built at the same time as the one near Marshall. Please contact the National Road Association for assistance with the best viewing locations.

Bull Durham Mural: (circa: 1908) When the former Leo Hiken Furniture Store was demolished, this quaint tobacco advertisement was revealed on the side wall of the adjacent building. The sign is well preserved because it was covered by the neighboring building for many years. The fence was not part of the original sign, but was added later for the modesty of the bull. It is one of only 6 such signs remaining in the country.

Collinsville Burying Ground: Established in 1822, this is one of the oldest registered cemeteries in Illinois.

Miner’s Institute: In 1918, each Collinsville coal miner donated on percent of his wages to finance the $139,000 needed to construct this building.

World’s Largest Catsup Bottle: http://www.catsupbottle.com  Built in 1949, the Brooks Catsup Bottle, actually a 100,000 gallon elevated water tank, is an excellent surviving example of roadside art. The origins of this type of structure parallel the growth of automobile travel. While the original company served by the tower is gone, it remains in good integrity and has become a tourist attraction in its own right. The water tower can be seen on Highway 159 at the south edge of Collinsville. Phone 618-344-8775.

Splash City Family Waterpark: http://www.splashcity.org  Located in the East Port Plaza, Splash City provides a variety of waterpark fun in a family-oriented environment. Group rates are available. Pavilions are available for private parties, school, service or church organizations, family reunions and corporate picnics. Phone: 618.346.4571.

Gateway International Speedway: http://www.gatewayraceway.com  In the shadow of the famous St. Louis Arch, Gateway International Raceway offers Midwestern race fans a menu of NASCAR’s Busch and Craftsman Nationals, in a complex that includes a lighted 1.25 mile oval and a NHRA championship drag racing facility. Located at 700 Raceway Blvd, just off I-70 in Madison. Phone: 618.875.7550 Facilities open Monday-Friday 8am 5pm.

Katherine Dunham Museum: http://www.eslarp.uiuc.edu/kdunham  Katherine Dunham is an American dancer, choreographer, anthropologist and major contributor to modern dance. While teaching at Southern Illinois University she became interested in improving the opportunities for youth in East St. Louis. The result was the creation of a Performing Arts Center and founding the Katherine Dunham Museum and Children’s Workshop which houses her collections of artifacts from travel, research and professional career. The museum is located at 532 North 10^th Street – Phone: 618.271.3367

Casino Queen: http://www.casinoqueen.com  The Casino Queen offers a new up-scale casino-hotel and a state-of-the-art RV park, located directly across the river from St Louis and the Gateway Arch. Over 28,000 sq. ft. of space, on 3 decks, provides exciting gaming opportunities including slots and table games. An on-site hotel offers spacious comfortable rooms and a variety of dining options. An RV Park is also available on the property with 3 levels of service for travelers with motorhomes or campers. Mass transit (Metro Link) train station on the Casino parking lot allows travel to the downtown waterfront of St. Louis as well as other downtown attractions. The Casino Queen is located at 200 South Front St. – Phone: 800.777.0777. Open from 9am – 7am Daily.

Eads Bridge: The bridge, completed in 1874, was designed by James B. Eads, the first he designed and the only one he built, is significant due to its unique design, methods and materials. It was the first bridge to use steel as the primary material. The largest bridge at the time, it held the record for the largest spans until 1932. The bridge features a cantilever design and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is open to foot and vehicle traffic.

Convention & Visitors Bureau: http://www.visiteffinghamil.com  Located at 201 E. Jefferson Avenue, at the corner of Jefferson and 3^rd – Phone 217.342.5310 or 800.772.0750 Open Monday – Friday 8am to Noon and 1pm to 5pm.

Effingham County Courthouse: Built in 1871, this National Register of Historic Places site features an outstanding Italianate façade and Second Empire architecture with a clock cupola. A memorial statue on the grounds is dedicated to Thomas Howard, Earl of Effingham, who resigned his commission as deputy marshal for King George III rather than draw his sword against American colonists. Located on Jefferson Avenue at 3^rd Street – Phone 800.772.0750. Open Monday – Friday 8am-4pm.

Heart Theatre: Enjoy a current movie at this original art-deco 1930’s era theatre. Located at 133 E. Jefferson Avenue.

My Garage Corvette Museum: http://www.mamotorworks.com/mygarage/mygarage.html  Vintage corvettes and memorabilia owned by Mid-America Motorworks. Included are vintage and one-of-a-kind corvettes set against a 1950s/1960s backdrop with storefronts and jukebox music. Located at Route 45 North of I-70 – Phone 217.347.5591 or 800-500-1500. Open April through October.

Cross at the Crossroads: The Cross Foundation completed a 198 foot Cross at the intersection of Interstates 57 & 70 in Effingham, Illinois. The site is intended to serve as a beacon of hope to the 50,0000 travelers estimated to pass the site each day. Located on Pike Avenue – Phone 217.347.2846

Sculptures on the Avenue: Each year, outdoor sculptures can be found throughout the community of Effingham. The sculptures change annually and feature the works of Midwest artists. This project is based upon the permanent sculpture by Leonardo Nierman, Flame of Hope, which is located in front of the municipal building.

Lake Sara: A 586 acre lake 5 miles northwest of Effingham on Route 32-33 North.

Cahokia Mounds Historic Site: http://www.cahokiamounds.com  Cahokia Mounds is the largest pre-historic site north of Mexico. The inhabitants of this city were from the Mississippian Culture (800AD – 1400AD). At its height, the city, arranged around open plazas, had approximately 20,000 residents. A great wooden stockade encircled the Central Ceremonial Precinct. A total of 120 mounds were built in the area, as well as several Woodhenges, used as solar calendars. Cahokia is designated as a United Nations World Heritage Site. Located at 30 Ramsey St. – Rt. 40 / Old Collinsville Road. Phone: 618.346.5160; the interpretive center is open 9am – 5pn Wednesday – Sunday. Grounds are open from dawn to dusk.

Fairmount Park: http://www.fairmountpark.com  Located just west of Collinsville, the one mile oval is the only thoroughbred race track in southern Illinois. There are two chutes for six furlong and 1 ¼ miles races. Construction began 1924 by Culfash & Edwards and completed by Colonel Bradley and Matt Winn, with the design fashioned after Churchill Downs. A modern grandstand, paddock area, and simulcast center are feature attractions. Their address is 9301 Collinsville Road – Phone: 618.345.4300 or 314.436.1516.

Horseshoe Lake: Horseshoe Lake State Park in Madison County is located minutes away from downtown St. Louis, just off Highway 111. Locally, the park is known for its waterfowl, dove hunting, and bass fishing. Horseshoe Lake itself is an ancient oxbow lake, formed when the Mississippi River changed its course and cut a new channel through the bottomlands. When the river receded, the oxbow lake was left behind. Archaeological evidence found on-site indicates that Native Americans used the area as a food source around 800 A.D.

Carnegie Library: Built in 1904 with an endowment from the famous industrialist, Andrew Carnegie, the old library has been renovated and served as an antique shop and most recently plans are in the works for the library to be the new home of the Railroad Museum.

The Downtown District: On the National Register of Historic Places, the downtown district contains many 19th Century buildings and restored second-story overhanging porches, many of which house interesting tourist shops and businesses.

The Johnson Building: Located next to the depot, the Johnson Building is the home of the Cumberland County Historical and Genealogical Society and houses early Greenup artifacts.

Cameo Winery: Complimentary tasting and gift shops. The winery boasts its own National Road Red wine. Located at 400 Mill Road – Phone 217.923.9963. Open Tuesday – Saturday 10am – 5pm; Sunday Noon – 5pm.

Cumberland County Covered Bridge: Completed in 2000, this beautiful timber bridge replaced an early 20^th century metal and concrete bridge. The Cumberland County Highway Department opted to construct a bridge in a design similar to the original 1830’s covered bridge which was lost to a flood. A reproduction Jackson Truss bridge built in the exact spot as the original, which crossed the Embarras (pronounce "Ambraw") River in the 1830s.  The award-winning bridge is the "longest-strongest single-span bridge" of its type in the world.  A young Abraham Lincoln, and his father Tom, purportedly helped build the original bridge. Located west of Greenup – Phone 217.849.3441

1870 St. Louis, Vandalia, and Indianapolis Railroad Depot Museum: http://www.greenupdepot.org  Nicely restored local and regional history museum. The depot contains many artifacts from the days when railroading was king and a working diorama over the history of American Railroading in HO scale. Tours are by Appointment only. Located at 213 West Cumberland Street - Phone 888.268.0042 or 217.923.9306

Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site: An 86-acre historic site owned and operated by the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency. The site includes an accurate reproduction of the Lincolns’ two-room cabin that was constructed on the original cabin site, a working living history farm and a second farmstead, depicting the 1840’s rural life in Illinois. Located at 400 S. Lincoln Highway Road in Lerna – Phone: 217.345.1845. Open year-round Wednesday – Sunday from 8:30am until dusk. Visitor Center is open Wednesday – Sunday 9am – 5pm, April - October, and Wednesday – Sunday 9am – 4pm, November – March; closed on the winter holidays.

Fox Ridge State Park: Located at 18175 State Park Road, Charleston – Phone 217.345.6416

Globe Theatre: Enjoy a current movie at this 4-screen theatre. Visit the Coffee shop after the show. The theatre is located at 105 North Third Street – Phone: 618.664.4400.

Bock Sculpture Museum: The museum houses about 300 pieces of sculpture created by Richard Bock, an associate of Frank Lloyd Wright. Several items designed by Wright are also on display. The house interior is beautifully restored to the late 19^th century. Tours are available by appointment, as the museum is located on the Campus of Greenville College – Phone: 618.664.6724.

Hogue Hall: Hogue Hall was the original structure of Almira College. Chartered in 1855, the college is representative of the 19^th century movement for women’s education and liberation. It was the first women’s college established in southern Illinois. The school was renamed Greenville College in 1892 when it became a co-educational institution. The Hall is located at 315 E. College Avenue – Phone: 618.664.2800.

Hills Fort Site: Hills Fort was built on one acre about 1811, in what is now Mills Township. On September 4, 1814, four rangers were killed. A marker commemorates the event which is located on Millersburg Road and Hills Fort Avenue.

Carnegie Library: Built in 1904-1905, the library is a limestone and brick building constructed in the Classical Revival style and has maintained its design integrity. It was built, in part with a contribution from Andrew Carnegie, during the period of public library construction that swept the nation (1898-1919). The library is located at 414 West Main Street – Phone: 618.664.3115.

Hoiles-Davis Museum: The 1870’s house contains a museum with artifacts of local and national interest. The collection includes Victorian period furnishings, Civil War and WWI memorabilia and items related to local industrial development. The museum stands at 318 West Winter – Phone 618.664.1644.

One-Room School Museum: Located on Beaumont Street, on the Junior High School’s grounds, it is generally open on special downtown event days. Tours can be arranged by appointment only. Phone: 618.664.9272.

First City Hall Museum: A fine collection of Greenville memorabilia, general store collectibles, antique toys and advertising can be found in this small museum. This museum is located at 214 North Third Street – Phone: 618.664.1644.

Governor Bond Lake: 775 acres of man-made lake offers fishing, skiing, jet skiing, and cruising on pontoon boats. Camping is available at the marina. Phone: 618.664.0533.

Kaeser Park and Museum: Originally a stagecoach stop built in 1840, today, the brick structure houses a museum with historical items from Highland’s business community, city government and civic/social organizations. Located on Broadway and available for tours by appointment only – Phone: 618.654.3721.

Louis Latzer Homestead: Louis Latzer the founder of the Helvetia Milk Condensing Company (name later changed to Pet Milk). This unusual 1901 house features a telephone, running water, a manufactured gas light system, and speaking tubes between many of the rooms. Today, visitors can tour the restored Victorian home that Mr. Latzer built. Located on Old Trenton Road, south of Highland. Group tours are available – Phone: 618.654.3721.

Erwin Weder Museum: Turn of the century farm equipment and vehicles are housed in the old Schott’s Brewery.

Wicks Organ Company: The company started in the early 1900’s on the second floor of a jewelry and watch-making shop when three brothers responded to the request of the local parish for a new organ. The once small business, still family owned, now has organs worldwide. Today, visitors can see the painstaking process these artisans follow to build their world famous pipe organs. Tours are available. The company is now located at 1100 5^th Street – Phone: 877.654.2191.

Highland Silver Lake: This 550 acre municipal lake is considered a fine fishing lake. Located on State Route 143 – Northwest of Highland – Phone 618.654.1386.

Jewett Cemetery: The final resting place of Charles Hoover and Marcus Morgan who fought a duel in 1917 on the streets of this small town.

Visitors Center: Corner of Route 1 & Archer Ave. Open March – December 1pm – 3pm Phone 217.826.1044

Archer House: This National Register site was built in 1841 as a hotel and also served as a stagecoach stop. It is the oldest hotel in Illinois still in operation. Located at 717 Archer Avenue – Phone 217.826.8023

Clark County Historical Museum: Listed on the National Register, this 1838 Greek Revival structure served as the first courthouse until 1839. The building has been used as a store, post office and private home. Tours are by appointment only. Located at the southwest corner of Maple and 4^th Streets – Phone 217.826.2034

Stone Arch Bridge: Built between 1828 and 1837 by the Corps of Army Engineers and using local labor, this unique engineering site is one of the few remaining bridges of the original road still in use. The bridge was built in the 1830s of limestone and is held together with a keystone instead of mortar. Located just west of Marshall, the stone arch bridge is one of the few original bridges left on the National Road in Illinois. Contact the National Road Association for assistance with best viewing locations.

Harlan Hall: With an opera house on the 2^nd floor and a 1^st floor livery stable, this 1872 building is a legacy of the trend in the 19^th and early 20^th centuries for communities to have facilities for live entertainment – an activity supported by transportation improvements such as the National Road and the railroad. The interior still has the original horseshoe shaped balcony. Located at 603 Locust Street – Phone 217.836.2498

Bandstand and Courthouse: Marshall has served as the Clark County seat since 1838 and the current courthouse dates from 1904. The period style bandstand, on the courthouse grounds, is still in use and every Friday evening mid-June through mid-August, the community band plays. Located at 501 Archer Avenue – Phone 217.826.8311

Lincoln Trail State Park: Located at 16985 East 1350^th Road (south of Marshall) – Phone 217.826.2222

Mill Creek Park: 7 miles northwest of Marshall on Lincoln Heritage Trail Road.

Lincoln School Museum: This is a traditional 1-room Schoolhouse. Originally built in 1888, and named in honor of Abraham Lincoln, it is a restored structure and an excellent example of pioneer culture of the early community building period that existed prior to and during the early days of the road in the 19^th century. Located 3.4 miles North at 7400 East 1500^th Road – Phone 217.382.6666 or 217.382.4765

Village Square Antiques: This building, originally the J. W. Long Blacksmith and Wagon Shop, has one of the first hand-operated elevators.

Lake Nellie: Boating and Fishing are available.

Driftstone Pueblo: A very unique place to shop and find Native American Indian crafts and southwestern decor.

Monastery Museum: Teutopolis became home to Franciscan Friars in 1858. The present museum, housed within the monastery, features religious artifacts from the Friars and local and regional collections depicting the pioneer era of the community. Located at 110 S. Garrett Street – Phone 800.772.0750. Open first Sunday of each month April – November. Group tours are done by appointment.

William W. Jarvis House: Built in 1867 in the Italianate style by William W. Jarvis, grandson of one of Troy’s first settlers.  The house is a private residence and is not open for tours.

John Carney House: Built around 1870, it is a wonderful example of Italian Villa architecture. U.S. Senator Paul Simon lived in the house from 1950 to 1974.  The house is a private residence and is not open for tours.

Tri-Township Park: With its walking trail, petting farm, and three playground areas, the park is a great place to stop and stretch your legs.

Fayette County Museum: Constructed in 1868 as a church, it is an example of early Gothic Revival style architecture. The structure is now the site of the county museum with interesting local, regional and period artifacts. The museum is located at 301 West Main Street – Phone: 618.283.4866. Operating hours are April – December, Monday – Saturday 9:30am – 4:30pm and Sundays 1pm – 4pm.

Little Brick House: This National Register building is an example of Italianate architecture 1860s middle class home and is remarkable for the number of preserved details in the windows and doors of the building. It houses the library of James Hall, who was an active writer and publisher in the mid 1800’s. The collection includes original manuscripts and letters. It represents literary work related to the region. The house is located at 621 St. Clair Street – Phone 618.283.0024.

Madonna of the Trail: One of 12 Madonnas set across the Old National Road in the late 1920’s by the D.A.R. as an historic tribute to pioneer women who once traveled the National Road to open the West. The 18’ Vandalia Madonna marks the end of the Old National Road, which rand from Cumberland, Maryland to Vandalia. It is located on the grounds of the Vandalia Statehouse.

Vandalia Statehouse State Historic Site: The Vandalia Statehouse is the oldest surviving Illinois capitol building. During the brief time state government was located at Vandalia, 1836-1839, the legislature enacted an ambitious public works program and promoted economic development. In 1837, legislators voted to relocate the government to Springfield and the last session met at Vandalia two years later. Restored in the 1930’s, the Vandalia Statehouse State Historic Site is managed by the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency. It’s located at 315 West Gallatin Street – Phone: 618.283.1161. Hours of operation as 9am – 5pm Wednesday – Saturday; Winter hours are 9am – 4pm.

Old State Cemetery: Established by the Legislature in 1823, the cemetery is the final resting place for many of the men and women who shaped Illinois. William C. Greenup, one of the surveyors of the original National Road alignment, is buried there.

Carlyle Lake: 26,000 acre lake and 11,000 acres of public land with camping, picnicking, swimming, boating, fishing and hunting. Just south of Vandalia – Phone: 618.594.2484.

Vandalia Lake: Picnicking, camping, fishing, boating, and swimming. Located on U.S. Highway 185 – Phone: 618.283.2728 or 618.283.4770.

(C) 2008 National Road Association