Ashmore IllinoisATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Ashmore, Illinois.
1. World's Largest Statue of Abraham Lincoln
COLOSSAL LINCOLN TRIBUTE
The World's Largest Statue of Abraham Lincoln stands as a towering tribute to Illinois' most famous son. Located on the grounds of Bella Vita Private Resort between Charleston and Ashmore, this dramatic statue celebrates Lincoln's deep ties to Coles County, where he once lived and practiced law. Visitors can admire its scale and artistry while reflecting on Lincoln's enduring legacy in the region.
2. Airtight Bridge
HISTORIC RURAL MYSTERY
Airtight Bridge is infamous for its connection to the county's longest-standing unsolved murder, discovered beneath its remote structure. This secluded bridge, nestled between Ashmore and Charleston, attracts those intrigued by local lore and history. The setting is atmospheric, evoking both curiosity and a sense of mystery for adventurous visitors.
3. Prairie Observatory
ABANDONED ASTRONOMICAL LANDMARK
Prairie Observatory, once a center for astronomical research, now stands abandoned amid the prairies just outside Oakland. Its remaining structure invites history and science enthusiasts to glimpse the legacy of skywatching in central Illinois, though entry is not permitted for safety reasons. The site offers a unique, slightly haunting view into local scientific heritage.
4. Five Mile House
RESTORED HISTORIC STAGECOACH STOP
Five Mile House, located just outside Charleston, is a carefully restored 1840s stagecoach stop and living history site. The house regularly hosts educational events, heritage crafts, and demonstrations that depict pioneer life in 19th-century Illinois. It offers visitors an immersive step back into the region's early settlement era.
5. Ashmore Village Park
COMMUNITY GREEN GATHERING PLACE
Ashmore Village Park serves as the heart of local community life, offering open spaces for recreation and relaxation. The park hosts regular events, such as Tasty Tuesdays in summer, which feature food vendors and family-friendly activities. It's a pleasant spot for picnics, outdoor fun, and connecting with Ashmore residents.
6. Ashmore Harvest Festival
CELEBRATION OF LOCAL TRADITIONS
The Ashmore Harvest Festival, held annually in October, celebrates the town's agricultural heritage with food, games, music, and crafts. Originating as an ice cream social, it now revives decades of local tradition as the community's signature autumn event. It's a lively gathering where residents and visitors connect over shared history and festivities.
7. Winter Craft & Vendor Market
HOLIDAY SHOPPING EXTRAVAGANZA
The Winter Craft & Vendor Market in Ashmore welcomes holiday shoppers and craft enthusiasts each November. Local artisans and vendors offer handmade goods, décor, food items, and gifts with a festive spirit. It's an ideal place to find unique holiday treasures while supporting the local creative community.
8. Tasty Tuesdays at Village Park
WEEKLY SUMMER FOOD EVENT
Tasty Tuesdays bring together food trucks and local vendors every Tuesday evening during the summer at Ashmore Village Park. Visitors can sample a variety of culinary delights in a family-friendly, outdoor setting. The event fosters a sense of community while offering a fun midweek outing for all ages.
9. Recycle Day at Village Park
ANNUAL GREEN INITIATIVE
Recycle Day at Ashmore Village Park each September encourages local residents to embrace sustainability with dedicated recycling stations. The event accepts electronics, tires, pharmaceuticals, and traditional recyclables, helping to keep the community clean and green. It's a practical and environmentally conscious event that draws civic-minded locals together.
10. Pickleball for Fun
RECREATIONAL SPORTS GATHERINGS
Pickleball for Fun is a recurring activity at the Ashmore Community Center where residents gather for friendly matches. Open to all ages, these informal games foster fitness and camaraderie within the community. It's a great way for visitors to join in a favorite local pastime and meet new people.
11. Coles County Courthouse
HISTORIC JUSTICE CENTER
The Coles County Courthouse in Charleston is an architectural and historical landmark, well known for its association with Abraham Lincoln, who practiced law here. Its imposing classical structure dominates the city square and houses local governmental functions. Guided tours and special events reveal the rich stories behind its walls.
12. Fox Ridge State Park
SCENIC OUTDOOR RECREATION
Fox Ridge State Park, just south of Charleston, boasts rolling hills, dense forests, and peaceful hiking trails. Visitors enjoy picnicking, birdwatching, and fishing in a tranquil natural setting. The park offers a refreshing escape for outdoor enthusiasts looking to experience the best of central Illinois landscapes.
13. Lincoln Douglas Debate Museum
HISTORIC DEBATE EXHIBIT
The Lincoln Douglas Debate Museum, situated in Charleston, commemorates the famous 1858 debate between Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas. Through interactive exhibits, artifacts, and multimedia displays, visitors learn about the significance of the debates in American political history. It's an educational stop for those interested in Lincoln and the roots of the Civil War.
14. Douglas-Hart Nature Center
WILDLIFE AND NATURE TRAILS
The Douglas-Hart Nature Center in Mattoon spans 70 acres of prairie, wetland, and forest habitats, featuring more than three miles of trails. The center offers family-friendly interactive exhibits and regular programming focused on environmental education. It's a paradise for hikers, birdwatchers, and anyone seeking close encounters with Illinois wildlife.
15. Mattoon Bagelfest
ANNUAL FOOD FESTIVAL
Mattoon's annual Bagelfest is a summer celebration that pays tribute to the city's bagel-manufacturing heritage with live music, a parade, carnival rides, and endless bagels. The multi-day festival draws crowds from all over for its quirky charm and sense of fun. It's a must-visit for anyone interested in unique local traditions and tasty eats.