20 Attractions to Explore Near Woodlawn Farm

Beecher Hall, is a historic Italianate home that dates back to the late 1800s. Built by Samuel Nesbitt of Jacksonville, the home features charming ceramic tile fireplaces and an impressive wood stairway. The surrounding grounds are breathtaking and feature a large brick barn and granary, picturesque landscaping and gardens, as well as a three-story carriage house. Beecher Hall is a popular spot for weddings and photoshoots due its grandeur beauty capabilities.

Clayville is the site of the once thriving town which grew up around a grist mill in 1836. The settlement was home to merchants specializing in small-town services and offerings such as a post office, blacksmith shop, general store and schoolhouse. It serves as an important reminder of everyday life during the 19th century. Today, visitors can explore many original artifacts from the period including log cabins, outbuildings and other structures scattered around the grounds.

This 4,000-acre area near the Sangamon River. Visitors can go canoeing or boating on a 25-acre lake, take advantage of numerous fishing opportunities, hunt waterfowl, explore nature trails that crisscross the property or try their hand at archery. People with off-road vehicles can find miles of ATV trails throughout the park or take a self-guided auto tour around the grounds. The park has something for everyone from campers to birdwatchers and naturalists.

Starhill Forest Arboretum, is a stunning display of natural beauty. Stretching across 625 acres of lush forest, this arboretum not only has a wide variety of amazing plants and trees but also hosts educational activities to foster understanding and appreciation for the environment. Visitors to the arboretum can enjoy the diverse plant life including oaks, maples, hawthorns, hickories and beeches as well as wildflowers like trilliums and ferns during hikes throughout the park.

Lincoln's Old Salem, is a beautifully preserved little town gives an incredible insight into the United States of America in its formative years, with many 19th century buildings and features still intact. You'll feel as if you've stepped back in time during your visit, with plenty to explore such as the Busey-Hanna log house and living history museum. Of particular interest to Abraham Lincoln enthusiasts is the preservation of his circuit court where he practised law when visiting old Salem.

The Thomas Rees Memorial Carillon is an impressive sight. The 75-bell carillon tower stands over 100 feet tall and houses the largest set of bells in the Midwest. Tuned to concert pitch and equipped with original wind-powered machinery, these bells produce a sound that carries for miles around. The extensive system of cables within the tower allows for a variety of musical selections from classic sacred hymns to patriotic songs.

Otter Lake Park is a stunning recreational area that should not be missed. With over 217 acres of parkland and 4 miles of shoreline along the picturesque Otter Lake, visitors can partake in a vast array of outdoor activities. Whether you want to explore the trails or the lake itself, there's something for everyone! In addition, Otter Lake Park boasts an abundance of wildlife including bald eagles and white-tailed deer. There are also plenty of camping sites for those who want to stay overnight.

Washington Park, is a popular destination for local residents and tourists alike. Surrounded by dense forest and picturesque rolling hills, this well-maintained park also has numerous amenities to enjoy such as a beach – perfect for swimming on hot summer days – a playground for children to explore, camping sites along the lake shore, picnic areas with barbecues and covered shelters, walking trails, fishing spots with ample supply of fish for anglers of all levels.

The Illinois Korean War Memorial was built to honor the brave soldiers who fought for freedom and democracy during the Korean War. Located on the grounds of Camp Lincoln, in Springfield, IL, this memorial features a striking statue of a soldier with his head bowed, paying tribute to those who served. Additionally, the memorial features two walls inscribed with the names of all 93 Illinoisans who gave their lives in this war.

The Illinois Vietnam Veterans Memorial is a powerful tribute to those who answered the call of duty. Located on the grounds of the state Capitol complex, the monument recognizes veterans of all branches of service who served during the United States involvement in Vietnam, as well as those killed or missing in action. The names of more than 2,120 deceased servicemen and women are listed chronologically by date they lost their lives, ranked highest-to-lowest by branch.

The Illinois State Museum is an incredible institution portraying the state's natural and cultural history. Featuring permanent collections, exhibitions, programs and special events, visitors can learn about the geology, paleontology and anthropology of this midwestern region. There are also interactive galleries highlighting archaeology, botany and zoology that engage all ages.

The Sugar Creek Covered Bridge is a beautiful remnant of the area's history that still stands proudly today. Built in 1858, it is currently the oldest known covered bridge structure in the state. The bridge itself spans 155 feet over the river and its unique design features two layers of lattice trusses with its roof made from white pine planks and tar painted red. It has been used for everything from wagon teams to automobiles over its long life and continues to be a popular site for visitors.

The Air Combat Museum is one of the most remarkable attractions in the area. It showcases an amazingly detailed collection of aviation artifacts and memorabilia dating back to World War I. A striking feature is the F-14 Tomcat cockpit that visitors can climb into for a truly extraordinary experience. The museum also offers its guests many other educational opportunities as well, such as guided tours that highlight the history of military aviation and explain basic interworking of its components.

Dana Thomas House, is an excellent example of American Prairie-style architecture. Built in 1902 by master-architect Frank Lloyd Wright, this stunning house stands today as a showcase of his unique and innovative design concepts. The Dana Thomas House contains 38 rooms and over 100 sculptures, along with a collection of furniture custom built by Wright. Although the house is now primarily a museum showcasing the work of one of the world’s most influential architects.

The Dana Thomas House, is a stunning example of the Prairie style of architecture that was popularized by Frank Lloyd Wright. It was commissioned in 1902 by local industrialist and philanthropist Susan Lawrence Dana, who wanted a building that would be both useful and beautiful. The house is built from varied materials including Indiana limestone, stained glass windows, cypress paneling, and Sioux quartzite tile edging.

The Illinois Governor's Mansion, is a beautiful reminder of the history of this state. Built in 1855 as a private residence by Archbishop John Lancaster Spalding, it was renovated and passed to the state when Rod Blagojevich became Governor in 2003. Every detail of the exterior boasts grandeur, including twelve columns that form four imposing porticos and intricate Italianate-style roof brackets adorning each window and door.

The Vachel Lindsay Home is a wonderful reminder of the distinguished poet, speaker, and artist Vachel Lindsay. The home was constructed in 1876 and has been restored to seem as it did during his lifetime. The house contains many original furnishings and artifacts from the time that he and his family lived. The outdoor garden has recreated plantings based on those that were observed by neighbors when Vachel was living there. The house is open to visitors.

Kidzeum of Health and Science is a unique family-friendly attraction that seeks to educate visitors about their health, science and the environment. The museum offers interactive, hands-on activities for people of all ages such as creating a mock medical lab where children can learn about biology or explore the sounds of nature in an outdoor music park. Kidzeum also houses educational exhibits such as a human body exhibit complete with sensory experiences.

The Bressmer building, is an architectural marvel. Built in 1854 by William Bressmer to house his shoe business, the building has been lovingly preserved through both time and changes in ownership. It combines Greek Revival and Gothic Revival styles to make a unique and distinct look, while still maintaining its function as a commercial space. The two-story facade features cast iron columns with Corinthian capitals that support the second floor balcony.

This Cathedral is a breathtaking site deservingly renowned for its beautiful architecture and rich Catholic history. Established in 1853 by Bishop John Mary Odin, who would later become the first Archbishop of New Orleans, this stunning interior is considered one of the most important Gothic Revival-style churches located within the Midwest. Home to many artworks, including two original bronze doors depicting of images of the Old Testament by Italian artist Padovano Pucci.