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History & Culture

History & Culture

Downstate Illinois Historical Sites

Downstate Illinois was made for road trips! There is no shortage of historic sites in our region, and we know that history buffs are always on the lookout for places that they haven’t explored yet. With the help of our road trip itineraries, you can discover all that our 21 counties have to offer — from family fun to outdoor adventures and shopping sprees. 

ASC Memorial Sculpture

 Ruma, Illinois
Visit the ASC Memorial Sculpture in front of the convent of the Adorers of the Blood of Christ. The statue honors t...more!

Charter Oak Schoolhouse

 Schuline, Illinois
This building is a study in physics as well as history as it was designed to withstand strong winds and capture lig...more!

Cohen House

 Chester, Illinois
This beautifully restored mid-1800's home has cobalt blue windows that were described in a book by author Mark ...more!

The Creole House

 Prairie du Rocher, Illinois
The house built in 1800 is an example of a combination of French and American architecture. Tours by appointment....more!

Fort de Chartres

 Prairie du Rocher, Illinois
The 1750's French Colonial fort is built atop the original stone foundation. Inside the fort is the restored po...more!

Fort Kaskaskia State Historic Site

 Ellis Grove, Illinois
Fort Kaskaskia State Historic Site preserves the time-worn earthen remains of Fort Kaskaskia, constructed by the Fr...more!

Garrison Hill Cemetery

 Ellis Grove, Illinois
This cemetery was created when graves were moved from Kaskaskia Island to Fort Kaskaskia State Historic Site in the...more!

Governor Bond Memorial Evergreen Cemetery

 Chester, Illinois
Visit the Governor Bond State Memorial, which marks the burial site of the first Governor of Illinois, Shadrach Bon...more!

Immaculate Conception Chapel

 Kaskaskia, Illinois
The Kaskaskia Bell State Memorial is home to the Kaskaskia Bell. France's King Louis XV gifted the 140-pound be...more!

Joseph Park

 Prairie du Rocher, IL
Located just outside American Legion Post 622, this small memorial to American veterans features decommissioned fie...more!

Kaskaskia Bell Shrine and the Liberty Bell of the West

 Kaskaskia Island, Illinois
The bell was rung as the island was captured from the British during the Revolutionary War by Col. George Rogers Cl...more!

Kaskaskia Immaculate Conception Church

Kaskaskia, Illinois
We are a Catholic Church, located in Kaskaskia Illinois, the first state capital of Illinois....more!

Kaskaskia-Cahokia Trail Coalition

 Prairie du Rocher, Illinois
King Louis XV of France, that is! French colonists gave this name to the Kaskaskia-Cahokia Trail (KCT) in the early...more!

Mary's River Covered Bridge

 Chester, Illinois
Built in 1854 as part of a planked toll road, Mary's River Covered Bridge is a must-see for any history buff. I...more!

Pierre Menard House

 Ellis Grove, Illinois
This 1800's house was the home of Illinois' first Lt. Governor when Kaskaskia was the first State Capital....more!

Popeye & Friends Character Trail

 Chester, Illinois
Popeye stands tall in the Elzie C. Segar Memorial Park by the Visitors Center in Chester. Search through town for h...more!

Randolph County Museum & Archives

 Chester, Western
See an old electric chair (last used to execute a woman who killed her brother), and many county & Native Ameri...more!

Red Bud Area Museum

 Red Bud, Illinois
The beautiful Opera House, built in 1855 in downtown Red Bud, is the site of the new Red Bud Area Museum. German se...more!

Spinach Can Collectibles Museum

 Chester, Illinois
This is the home of the official Popeye Fan Club at the 1875 Opera House. See memorabilia dating back to the early ...more!

Downstate Illinois Events

Downstate Illinois Events

Explore Our Event Calendar
Whether you’re looking for a festival, marathon or something family-friendly to bring the kids to, Downstate Illinois has something for everyone. The region hosts over 900 events each year, and we pride ourselves on providing the most accurate event information so that you don’t miss a thing.
Travel Ideas

Travel Ideas

Check Out Our Blog
From outdoor recreation and adventure to foodies and family fun, we have the trip ideas to plan the perfect vacation.
Road Trip Itineraries

Road Trip Itineraries

21 Counties made for Road Trips
Downstate Illinois was made for road trips! With the help of our road trip itineraries, you can discover all that our 21 counties have to offer — from family fun to outdoor adventures and shopping sprees. 
Check out our calendar of events!
Money Shoot

Money Shoot

 February 3, 2025 - August 29, 2025 @ 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM
North American Outfitters | Highland, IL
Nature in the Arts

Nature in the Arts

 February 12, 2025 @ 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Douglas-Hart Nature Center | Mattoon, IL
Chocolate and Wine Pairing Class

Chocolate and Wine Pairing Class

 February 12, 2025 @ 6:30 PM - 6:30 PM
Warren James Winery | Mattoon, IL

View Entire Events Calendar

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