Abingdon IllinoisATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Abingdon, Illinois.
1. Giant Totem Pole
IMPRESSIVE WOODEN MONUMENT
The Giant Totem Pole, also known as 'Big Daddy,' is an impressive 83-foot wooden monumental sculpture located on Main Street in Abingdon. This massive totem pole was carved by artist Steve Greenquist in 1969 and features various images of objects, people, and animals, including a portrait of Abraham Lincoln. Despite not being built by native Illinois tribes, it remains a must-see attraction for visitors to Abingdon.
2. Abingdon Historical Society Museum
LOCAL HISTORY PRESERVED
The Abingdon Historical Society Museum offers visitors a fascinating glimpse into the rich history of this Illinois town. The museum preserves and showcases artifacts and stories from Abingdon's past, including its industrial heritage of over 150 factories that once operated there. Visitors can learn about prominent local businesses such as the American Sanitary Manufacturing Company and the Abingdon Sanitary Company that shaped the town's development.
3. Abbe Lanes Bowling & Entertainment
FAMILY FUN CENTER
Abbe Lanes Bowling & Entertainment provides a vibrant recreational venue for locals and visitors in Abingdon. This family-friendly facility offers bowling lanes, games, and entertainment options suitable for all ages. It serves as a social hub where people can gather for friendly competition and enjoyable leisure activities throughout the year.
4. Abingdon Park
OUTDOOR RECREATION SPACE
Abingdon Park offers residents and visitors a peaceful green space for outdoor recreation within the city limits. The park provides facilities for picnicking, sports, and leisure activities for families and individuals of all ages. Its convenient location makes it an accessible destination for enjoying nature and outdoor activities without traveling far from town.
5. Wildlife Prairie State Park
NATIVE WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
Wildlife Prairie State Park is a unique 2,000-acre zoological park featuring native Illinois wildlife in their natural habitat, located near Abingdon. The park offers hiking trails, camping facilities, and up-close encounters with animals like bison, wolves, bears, and eagles. Visitors can enjoy educational programs, seasonal events, and outdoor activities while learning about conservation efforts for Illinois' indigenous species.
6. Carl Sandburg State Historic Site
POET'S BIRTHPLACE MEMORIAL
The Carl Sandburg State Historic Site preserves the birthplace of the renowned American poet, writer, and folk musician Carl Sandburg in nearby Galesburg. This small Gothic cottage where Sandburg was born in 1878 has been restored and features period furnishings, personal artifacts, and exhibits about his life and literary contributions. Visitors can explore the grounds that include a garden, the Remembrance Rock where Sandburg's ashes are buried, and a visitor center with educational displays about his significance in American literature and culture.
7. Abingdon Farmers' Market
FRESH LOCAL PRODUCE
The Abingdon Farmers' Market brings together local farmers, artisans, and food producers to offer fresh, seasonal goods to the community. Visitors can browse stalls filled with locally grown produce, handmade crafts, baked goods, and specialty food items while connecting with the people who create them. The market represents an important cultural gathering spot that celebrates local agriculture and craftsmanship while supporting the regional economy.
8. Knox County Fair
ANNUAL AGRICULTURAL CELEBRATION
The Knox County Fair is a lively annual event featuring agricultural exhibits, carnival rides, live entertainment, and food vendors near Abingdon. This traditional county fair showcases livestock competitions, 4-H projects, tractor pulls, demolition derbies, and musical performances that highlight rural culture. Families can enjoy the nostalgic atmosphere of midway games, fair food, and community gatherings that have been a regional tradition for generations.
9. Great River Trail
SCENIC RIVERSIDE PATH
The Great River Trail is a 62-mile multi-use path running along the Mississippi River from the Quad Cities to Savanna, accessible from the Abingdon area. This scenic trail offers cyclists, hikers, and nature enthusiasts beautiful river views, wildlife watching opportunities, and connections to historic river towns. Travelers can experience diverse landscapes including wetlands, forests, and prairies while enjoying recreational access to one of America's most iconic waterways.
10. Abingdon Downtown
HISTORIC MAIN STREET
Abingdon's Downtown district preserves the charm and character of this historic Illinois town founded in 1836. Visitors can explore local shops, restaurants, and historic architecture that reflect the community's 19th-century roots and industrial heritage. The small-town atmosphere provides an authentic glimpse into rural Midwestern life while supporting local businesses that contribute to Abingdon's unique identity.
11. Western Illinois Animal Rescue
LOCAL ANIMAL WELFARE
Western Illinois Animal Rescue (WIAR) provides compassionate care and shelter for abandoned and homeless animals in the Abingdon region. This community-supported organization welcomes visitors interested in animal welfare, adoption opportunities, or volunteer experiences. The rescue contributes to local quality of life through humane education, pet adoption services, and community engagement programs focused on responsible pet ownership.
12. Underground Railroad Sites
CIVIL RIGHTS HERITAGE
Abingdon holds historical significance as a documented stop on the Underground Railroad that helped enslaved people escape to freedom in the 19th century. These historical sites represent an important chapter in American civil rights history and Illinois' role in the abolitionist movement. Visitors interested in this aspect of Abingdon's heritage can learn about the network of secret routes and safe houses that facilitated the journey to freedom for many seeking liberty.
13. Knox County Scenic Drive
FALL FESTIVAL ROUTE
The Knox County Scenic Drive is a popular annual fall festival that includes Abingdon as one of its featured stops along a picturesque route through Knox County. During this event, visitors can experience local crafts, food vendors, demonstrations, and historical exhibits that showcase the region's cultural heritage. The drive connects multiple communities through a seasonal celebration that highlights local traditions, rural landscapes, and small-town hospitality.
14. Seminary Street Historic District
RESTORED VICTORIAN SHOPS
The Seminary Street Historic District in nearby Galesburg features beautifully restored 19th-century buildings housing specialty shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions. This charming shopping destination offers unique retail experiences, locally-owned eateries, and preserved Victorian architecture in a pedestrian-friendly setting. Visitors from Abingdon can enjoy browsing antiques, artisan goods, and specialty foods while experiencing the historical ambiance of this award-winning preservation district.
15. Lake Storey Park
RECREATIONAL WATER ACTIVITIES
Lake Storey Park offers a 132-acre recreational lake and surrounding parkland for outdoor activities near Abingdon in neighboring Galesburg. Visitors can enjoy fishing, boating, swimming at the beach, hiking trails, picnic areas, and camping facilities throughout the seasons. The park provides a natural retreat for water sports, family gatherings, and nature appreciation with modern amenities and scenic landscapes.