Banner IllinoisATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Banner, Illinois.
1. Big Creek Park Pool
REFRESHING SUMMER RETREAT
Big Creek Park Pool offers visitors a refreshing escape during the hot Illinois summers. The well-maintained swimming facility provides a perfect recreational opportunity for families and individuals of all ages. Visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and various water activities in this community gathering spot.
2. Cobblestone Corner Antiques
VINTAGE TREASURE HUNTING
Cobblestone Corner Antiques invites visitors to explore a fascinating collection of vintage treasures and collectibles. The shop features a diverse array of antiques that reflect the rich history and cultural heritage of the region. Treasure hunters and history enthusiasts will appreciate the carefully curated selection of unique items available for purchase.
3. Pekin Park District
OUTDOOR RECREATION PARADISE
Pekin Park District encompasses beautiful green spaces, walking trails, and recreational facilities near Banner. The district offers visitors numerous outdoor activities including golfing, hiking, picnicking, and seasonal events throughout the year. Nature lovers will appreciate the well-maintained landscapes and abundant wildlife viewing opportunities within these public spaces.
4. Cloud Gate
CHICAGO'S ICONIC BEAN
Cloud Gate, commonly known as 'The Bean,' is an iconic sculpture located in Chicago's Millennium Park that reflects the city's skyline and visitors in its mirror-like surface. This public art piece created by artist Anish Kapoor has become one of the most photographed landmarks in Illinois. Visitors can walk around and under the massive stainless steel structure for unique perspectives and photo opportunities.
5. Frederick C. Robie House
FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT MASTERPIECE
Frederick C. Robie House stands as one of Frank Lloyd Wright's most significant Prairie style architectural achievements, built in 1909. The building is recognized as a U.S. National Historic Landmark and showcases Wright's revolutionary design principles that influenced modern architecture. Visitors can tour this masterpiece to appreciate its horizontal lines, overhanging eaves, and innovative open floor plan that revolutionized American home design.
6. University of Illinois Arboretum
BOTANICAL RESEARCH PARADISE
The University of Illinois Arboretum spans 160 acres of meticulously landscaped gardens, featuring over 2,500 trees and shrubs, 12,000 perennials, and more than 200,000 bulbs. Established in 2001, this public garden and research facility showcases plant species native to Illinois alongside exotic varieties from around the world. Visitors can explore quiet wooded corners, open green vistas, and themed garden areas throughout this botanical paradise.
7. DuSable Bridge
HISTORIC CHICAGO CROSSING
The DuSable Bridge features stunning Art Deco design elements including fluted piers and stylized reliefs depicting Native American figures. Four large bronze sculptures designed by James Earle Fraser adorn the bridge, representing allegorical themes related to Chicago's history and culture. Visitors can enjoy spectacular views of the Chicago River and city skyline while crossing this iconic downtown landmark.
8. Banner Marsh State Fish and Wildlife Area
PREMIER OUTDOOR RECREATION
Banner Marsh State Fish and Wildlife Area offers excellent fishing, hunting, and wildlife observation opportunities across its expansive wetlands and waterways. The preserve features multiple lakes and ponds that attract diverse bird species, making it a popular destination for birdwatchers and photographers. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy boating, hiking, and seasonal hunting within this natural habitat that was reclaimed from former strip mining operations.
9. Rice Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area
WATERFOWL HUNTING PARADISE
Rice Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area provides premier waterfowl hunting opportunities near Banner, attracting sportsmen throughout the season. The conservation area encompasses wetlands, backwater lakes, and bottomland forests that serve as important habitat for migratory birds and native wildlife. Visitors can also enjoy fishing, hiking, and wildlife photography throughout this scenic Illinois River Valley destination.
10. Wildlife Prairie Park
NATIVE SPECIES SANCTUARY
Wildlife Prairie Park showcases native Illinois animals including bison, wolves, bears, and wildcats in naturalistic habitats spanning over 2,000 acres. The park combines wildlife viewing with recreational activities such as hiking, biking, and seasonal events throughout the year. Families can enjoy the unique lodging options, train rides, and educational programs that highlight conservation efforts and Midwestern ecosystems.
11. Dickson Mounds Museum
ANCIENT NATIVE AMERICAN HISTORY
Dickson Mounds Museum explores 12,000 years of Native American history in the Illinois River Valley through archaeological exhibits and interactive displays. The museum site was once a burial mound complex and now serves as an important educational center for understanding prehistoric cultures. Visitors can view ancient artifacts, participate in special events, and learn about the anthropological significance of this National Historic Site.
12. Emiquon National Wildlife Refuge
WETLAND RESTORATION WONDER
Emiquon National Wildlife Refuge represents one of the largest floodplain restoration projects in the Midwest, transforming farmland back into vital wetland habitat. The refuge attracts hundreds of thousands of migratory birds each year, creating spectacular wildlife viewing opportunities for nature enthusiasts. Visitors can explore observation decks, hiking trails, and waterways while witnessing this successful conservation effort along the Illinois River.
13. Riverfront Park
ILLINOIS RIVER VIEWS
Riverfront Park offers visitors stunning panoramic views of the Illinois River along with recreational amenities in the historic river town of Havana. The park features a boat launch, fishing access, picnic facilities, and events throughout the year including summer concerts and festivals. Visitors can enjoy watching river traffic, spotting wildlife, and connecting with the waterway that has shaped the region's culture and economy for generations.
14. Chautauqua National Wildlife Refuge
BIRD MIGRATION SPECTACLE
Chautauqua National Wildlife Refuge hosts incredible concentrations of waterfowl during spring and fall migrations, with peak numbers reaching hundreds of thousands of birds. The refuge encompasses over 4,600 acres of Illinois River floodplain including lakes, marshes, and bottomland forests that provide critical habitat. Visitors can observe diverse wildlife from designated viewing areas, hike interpretive trails, and participate in seasonal guided tours of this important conservation area.
15. Spoon River Scenic Drive
AUTUMN COLORS ROUTE
Spoon River Scenic Drive winds through picturesque rural landscapes near Banner, showcasing spectacular fall foliage during the annual October festival weekends. The route connects charming small towns, historic sites, and artisan markets where visitors can experience local culture and heritage. Travelers along this scenic byway will discover covered bridges, historic cemeteries made famous by Edgar Lee Masters' poetry, and breathtaking vistas of the Spoon River Valley.