20 Attractions to Explore Near J. H. Hawes Elevator

The Lincoln Heritage Museum situated in the city of Lincoln, the museum houses an impressive collection of artifacts related to Abraham Lincoln and his life. Visitors can explore a variety of exhibits that focus on Lincoln’s impact on American history—including the Embalmed Body Exhibit which contains actual items from his funeral in 1865. The museum also features a permanent collection featuring significant moments from his presidency and various other milestones.

The Postville Courthouse State Historic Site is a place of history and beauty. Built in 1840, the courtroom is well-preserved and represents a reminder of our country’s legal past. The courthouse held public trials, jury deliberations, hearings, as well as political speeches and other important town meetings during its 129 year tenure. Tourists can stand in the room where Abraham Lincoln attended court sessions and see how it played an important part of Illinois' history.

Mount Pulaski Courthouse State Historic Site preserves a 19th Century courthouse building. This stately Greek-Revival building served as the county seat of Logan County from 1848 until 1855 and still stands today much as it did when Abraham Lincoln once argued cases here as an attorney in the 1840s. It contains two courtroom chambers along with office spaces that are preserved demonstrating how local government was conducted in an earlier time.

The 3rd Sunday Market is a great place for a variety of activities and fun. Every month, dozens of vendors come to the market to showcase their homemade goods and wares that shoppers can take home. There are also food vendors offering delicious treats such as farm-fresh items, homemade jams and jellies, specialty coffees, soups and other lunchtime offerings. The market is open on the third Sunday of each month from 10am-2pm and features live music.

Miller Park Zoo, is a great place for families to explore and discover a variety of wildlife. The zoo contains more than 50 species of animals and birds, including rarer creatures such as red pandas and nilgai antelope. The animal enclosures are large and range from wooded areas to prairies. From the prairie house you can watch prairie dogs scurrying around their burrows and see white-tail deer up close.

Weldon Springs State Park is a nature lover's paradise. Spanning over 1,550 acres of forests, rivers and marshlands, it offers an incredible amount of natural beauty for visitors to explore. The park includes a public beach and pool as well as recreational opportunities such as fishing, canoeing and birdwatching. With 15 miles of trails, adventurers can take peaceful walks in the woods or challenge themselves with more advanced hikes on steep terrain.

Evergreen Memorial Cemetery is a peaceful and serene place set in the rolling hills that span the county. Established in 1949, this cemetery provides citizens of surrounding counties a place to commemorate their loved ones with burial services, dedications, and other honors. With a variety of features such as picturesque gardens and mausoleums, this cemetery is a testament to the natural beauty of central Illinois. In

Grossinger Motors Arena is the ideal venue for hosting a variety of events. Whether it's a concert, corporate gathering, or sporting event, the arena can accommodate any occasion. With its 15,500 seating capacity and state-of-the-art facilities, the atmosphere inside Grossinger Motors Arena is one of energy and excitement. There are concessions stands with snacks and drinks as well as modern amenities like complimentary Wi-Fi.

The Constitution Trail offers a wide variety of recreational and fitness opportunities. Running 35 miles through six cities, the trail provides a safe place for running, biking, and walking - interconnecting parks and natural areas from northeast to southwest Mclean County. The trail has numerous powerful historical nodes that are excellent for educational excursions. Visitors can take advantage of five accessible natural areas along the way.

McLean County Museum of History is committed to connecting communities and preserving its history. The museum showcases the rich cultural heritage of the county through an array of fascinating exhibits, educational programs, activities, lectures and guided tours. From famous figures like Abraham Lincoln to everyday life during the Civil War, visitors can learn about all things related to Mclean County during a visit to this museum.

The David Davis Mansion is an elegant brick house built in the Federal style. Constructed between 1872 and 1876 by the Supreme Court Justice of the same name, the home of Justice Davis and his wife Sarah was occupied by them until he passed in 1886. It operated as a private residence until 1957 when it was opened to the public as a museum. Today, visitors can explore the restored grounds and interior spaces of this historic estate complete with formal gardens, stables and other outbuildings.

Illinois State University is a public university located in Mclean County, Illinois. Established in 1857 as a teachers college, it has since grown into one of the top-ranked universities in Illinois. ISU offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs across eight different colleges: Arts and Sciences, Business, Education, Fine Arts, Health Sciences, Nursing and Applied Health Sciences, and Technology. ISU is home to a diverse and engaging community of learners.

The Normal Theater is a great place to take in a movie in an old-fashioned setting. Located in the heart of Bloomington, this theater has been showing classic films for over sixty years. Stepping inside is like stepping back into the good old days when the movie going experience was more than simply watching the latest blockbuster. The Normal Theater rewards its guests with comfortable seating, top-of-the-line audiovisuals, delicious concessions and weekly movie specials.

Sprague's Super Service Station, is a fantastic option for all your automotive needs. From a full service car wash to oil changes and repairs, they have it all. They offer top-of-the-line parts as well as high-quality services provided by experienced technicians. Their team of friendly staff goes the extra mile to ensure customer satisfaction. Not only that, but their prices are extremely competitive and they provide loca customers with unbeatable discounts.

Clinton Lake is one of the premier spots for outdoor recreation in the state of Illinois. Boating, swimming and fishing are some of the great activities you can enjoy on its 6,200 acre surface area. Clinton Lake also offers plenty of trails and campsites to explore, and its many forests provide a perfect setting for quiet contemplation, bird watching and stargazing. The lush landscape contains many different species of plant life, animals, reptiles and fish as well.

The Prairie Aviation Museum is an outstanding resource for aviation enthusiasts of all kinds. With over 40 aircraft, both civilian and military, dating from World War I to the present day on display, the Museum showcases a wide array of historic aircraft that have influenced modern aviation. Visitors can explore interactive exhibits and watch film documentaries to get a better understanding of the history and development of the airplane. The Museum also offers guided tours and lectures.

Clinton Lake State Recreation Area provides an excellent day trip for residents and visitors alike. With 6,781 acres of land plus the secretively tucked-away 568-acre lake, there is plenty of room to explore. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities like camping, boating, fishing and swimming in the clear waters. Picnic areas are plentiful along with 20 miles of trails that support horseback riding and mountain biking; walking trails also provide a peaceful environment.

Moraine View State Recreation Area is a popular attraction for outdoor-lovers seeking some true adventure! With almost 2000 acres of rolling terrain, visitors to Moraine View can enjoy activities ranging from fishing and camping to hiking and boating. Those looking to take in the full experience of the recreation area can rent one of the lodges or cottages, which are surrounded by tranquil lake views and a relaxing atmosphere.

Lake Eureka Park is a 175 acre public park which contains a 27-acre lake and offers endless recreational activities. Visitors to the area can enjoy swimming and fishing in the lake, as well as boat rentals, camping, trails for hiking and biking, a large playground and pavilion with picnic tables. Whether you’re looking for intense outdoor adventure or just an afternoon of relaxation by the lake - Lake Eureka Park has something for everyone.

From the calm waters and wooded hills, to the warm summer days spent fishing or swimming on its shoreline, there's something special about this spot that can't be matched. The lake has a maximum depth of 18 feet and covers an area of 20 acres, making it easily accessible for visitors and locals alike. The local wildlife adds to the beauty of the lake as visitors pass along its trails and pathways, spotting everything from ducks to deer in their natural habitats.