Anna IllinoisATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Anna, Illinois.
1. Annabelle Market
LOCAL SHOPPING EXPERIENCE
Annabelle Market is a charming local marketplace in Anna where visitors can browse a variety of unique items and locally made goods. The market offers a welcoming atmosphere for tourists and locals alike to discover handcrafted products and regional specialties. Visitors will appreciate the small-town charm and friendly service that embodies the spirit of Southern Illinois.
2. Quick's Skating Rink
FAMILY FUN ON WHEELS
Quick's Skating Rink offers nostalgic roller skating fun for visitors of all ages in Anna. The rink provides a lively environment with music and lights that create an entertaining experience for families and friends. Skating sessions are a perfect activity for those looking to enjoy some active recreation during their visit to Southern Illinois.
3. Union County Country Club
SCENIC GOLFING EXPERIENCE
Union County Country Club welcomes golf enthusiasts to enjoy its well-maintained course nestled in the picturesque landscape of Anna. The club offers a challenging yet enjoyable golfing experience with scenic views of the surrounding countryside. Visitors can relax at the clubhouse after a round and enjoy the hospitality that this local gem provides.
4. Stinson Memorial Public Library
HISTORIC ARCHITECTURAL GEM
Stinson Memorial Public Library stands as a remarkable architectural treasure designed by Walter Burley Griffin in 1913-14 and now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The library features distinctive design elements that make it a must-see for architecture enthusiasts visiting Anna. Beyond its historical significance, the library continues to serve as a cultural center for the community and offers a peaceful retreat for book lovers.
5. St. Ann's Episcopal Church
RESTORED HISTORIC SANCTUARY
St. Ann's Episcopal Church, built in 1886 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, captivates visitors with its beautiful stone architecture and recent restoration. The quaint church features stunning arches, wood floors, and ceilings that showcase craftsmanship from another era. History enthusiasts will appreciate the preservation efforts undertaken by the P.A.S.T. organization to maintain this important piece of Anna's heritage.
6. P.A.S.T. Heritage House
JOURNEY THROUGH LOCAL HISTORY
The P.A.S.T. Heritage House offers visitors a fascinating glimpse into the region's past through its historic 1847 structure and collection. Open Sunday afternoons from mid-June through October, this museum provides an opportunity to explore local history and genealogy in a preserved setting. The dedicated volunteers of the P.A.S.T. Historic Society maintain this important cultural asset that helps tell the story of Union County.
7. Rendleman Orchards
FRESH FARM EXPERIENCE
Rendleman Orchards delights visitors with its fresh, locally grown peaches and apples in a picturesque farm setting near Anna. The orchard offers a true farm-to-table experience where guests can select seasonal fruits directly from the source. Families particularly enjoy the authentic agricultural atmosphere and the sweet flavors of freshly harvested produce that captures the essence of Southern Illinois farming traditions.
8. Bald Knob Cross
INSPIRING HILLTOP MONUMENT
Bald Knob Cross stands majestically atop one of the highest points in Southern Illinois, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. This impressive 111-foot-tall white cross serves as both a religious symbol and a popular tourist destination that draws visitors from across the region. The peaceful setting and spectacular vistas make this an ideal spot for contemplation and photography, especially during sunrise and sunset.
9. Shawnee National Forest
NATURAL WILDERNESS PLAYGROUND
Shawnee National Forest surrounds Anna with its beautiful rolling hills and diverse ecosystems, offering countless outdoor recreational opportunities. Visitors can explore miles of hiking trails, discover unique rock formations, and observe abundant wildlife in this natural treasure of Southern Illinois. The forest's changing seasons provide year-round appeal, from spring wildflowers to spectacular fall foliage that transforms the landscape into a colorful canvas.
10. Shawnee Hills Wine Trail
REGIONAL WINE ADVENTURE
The Shawnee Hills Wine Trail invites visitors to explore a collection of award-winning wineries nestled among the beautiful landscapes near Anna. Each vineyard offers a unique tasting experience featuring wines produced from locally grown grapes that express the distinctive terroir of Southern Illinois. Wine enthusiasts can spend a day or weekend touring the scenic route, enjoying vineyard views, and sampling the diverse selection of wines that has put this region on the map for oenophiles.
11. Lincoln Douglas Debate Site
HISTORIC POLITICAL LANDMARK
The Lincoln Douglas Debate Site commemorates the third of the famous 1858 senatorial debates between Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas that took place in Jonesboro near Anna. This historic landmark offers interpretive displays that help visitors understand the significance of these debates in American political history. History buffs will appreciate standing on the grounds where these two political giants once articulated their positions on the pressing issues of pre-Civil War America.
12. Bollinger Mill and Covered Bridge
PICTURESQUE HISTORIC SITE
Bollinger Mill and Covered Bridge presents a charming scene that combines a historic mill with one of the few remaining covered bridges in the region. Visitors can explore the four-story mill building and learn about its operation while enjoying the picturesque view of the red covered bridge spanning the nearby creek. This well-preserved site offers excellent photography opportunities and a peaceful setting to appreciate early American engineering and architecture.
13. Castle Park
FAMILY-FRIENDLY RECREATION SPOT
Castle Park offers a delightful recreational space for families visiting Anna with its unique castle-themed playground structures that spark children's imaginations. The park provides shaded areas for picnics and gathering, making it an ideal spot for a relaxing break during your exploration of the area. Locals and tourists alike appreciate this well-maintained community space that showcases Anna's commitment to family-friendly amenities.
14. Chocolate Factory
SWEET TREAT DESTINATION
The Chocolate Factory tempts visitors with its array of handcrafted chocolates and confections made with care in Anna. Guests can observe parts of the chocolate-making process and select from a variety of sweet treats to enjoy immediately or take home as edible souvenirs. The delightful aromas and friendly service create a memorable stop for anyone with a sweet tooth exploring Southern Illinois.
15. Anna Farmers Market
LOCAL FLAVORS AND CRAFTS
Anna Farmers Market brings together local growers, artisans, and food producers to offer visitors a true taste of Southern Illinois. The market features seasonal produce, handmade crafts, baked goods, and other regional specialties in a friendly, community atmosphere. Travelers will enjoy the opportunity to connect with local culture through this authentic shopping experience that showcases the agricultural bounty and creative talents of the area.