Bath IllinoisATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Bath, Illinois.
1. Midstate Dragway
HIGH-SPEED RACING EXCITEMENT
Midstate Dragway offers thrilling drag racing events for motorsport enthusiasts in central Illinois. Visitors can watch cars compete at high speeds on the quarter-mile track while enjoying the energetic atmosphere. The facility hosts regular weekend races during the season, creating an exciting destination for racing fans of all ages.
2. The Hang-Up Boutique
UNIQUE LOCAL SHOPPING
The Hang-Up Boutique provides a charming shopping experience with a selection of unique clothing, accessories, and gifts. This highly-rated local store offers visitors the opportunity to find one-of-a-kind items not available in chain retailers. Shoppers appreciate the personal service and carefully curated merchandise that reflects the character of small-town Illinois.
3. Hand Of Fate Brewing Company
CRAFT BEER DESTINATION
Hand Of Fate Brewing Company welcomes beer enthusiasts to sample craft beverages in their welcoming taproom. Visitors can taste a variety of house-brewed beers while learning about the brewing process from knowledgeable staff. The brewery has earned a strong reputation with its 4.6/5 rating, making it a must-visit spot for craft beer lovers passing through Bath.
4. Past Charm Antiques
VINTAGE TREASURES GALORE
Past Charm Antiques delights collectors and casual browsers with its extensive selection of vintage items and collectibles. This perfectly-rated shop (5.0) offers a journey through history with furniture, decor, and curiosities from various eras. Treasure hunters often spend hours exploring the ever-changing inventory that provides glimpses into America's past.
5. Lincoln's New Salem State Historic Site
LINCOLN'S FORMATIVE YEARS
Lincoln's New Salem State Historic Site reconstructs the 1830s village where Abraham Lincoln spent his formative years as a young adult. Visitors can explore over 20 historically accurate buildings and interact with costumed interpreters demonstrating period crafts and daily life. This living history museum provides an immersive experience into the environment that helped shape the 16th president of the United States.
6. Lincoln Courthouse Museum
PRESIDENTIAL LEGAL HISTORY
The Lincoln Courthouse Museum preserves the judicial environment where Abraham Lincoln practiced law during his early career. Visitors can see original artifacts and exhibits detailing Lincoln's development as a prairie lawyer before his presidency. The museum's 4.3/5 rating reflects its value in providing insight into this less-known aspect of Lincoln's life journey.
7. St. Fidelis Catholic Church
HISTORIC RELIGIOUS ARCHITECTURE
St. Fidelis Catholic Church stands as an important historical and spiritual landmark in the Bath community. The church features traditional architecture and beautiful interior elements that reflect its religious heritage. Visitors appreciate both the peaceful atmosphere for reflection and the historical significance of this longstanding house of worship.
8. Rainbow Ranch Petting Zoo
INTERACTIVE ANIMAL EXPERIENCES
Rainbow Ranch Petting Zoo offers visitors close encounters with a diverse collection of friendly animals including llamas, alpacas, and even a zebra and camels. Children and adults alike can enjoy feeding and petting the various residents in a family-friendly environment. The hands-on experience provides both entertainment and educational opportunities about animal care and habitat.
9. Simonton Orchards
FRESH SEASONAL HARVESTS
Simonton Orchards invites visitors to experience the joy of harvesting their own fresh seasonal produce directly from the source. This family-owned operation allows guests to pick everything from strawberries to apples depending on the growing season. For those short on time, the orchard offers pre-picked options that still provide the farm-fresh quality without the fieldwork.
10. The Original Springs
HISTORIC MINERAL SPA
The Original Springs continues a long tradition of wellness through its historic mineral baths and modern spa services. Visitors can enjoy the heated indoor pool while also experiencing therapeutic treatments including massages, facials, and aromatherapy. This destination combines relaxation with a rich history of mineral springs believed to have healing properties.
11. Dr. Robert C. Poos Home
VICTORIAN ERA ARCHITECTURE
The Dr. Robert C. Poos Home from 1888 preserves a stunning example of Victorian architecture and interior design. Visitors can tour the meticulously restored residence furnished with authentic period pieces that transport guests back in time. The home offers a glimpse into the lifestyle of prominent families in late 19th century Illinois.
12. Schlosser Complex
TURN-OF-CENTURY WORKING LIFE
The Schlosser Complex preserves multiple turn-of-the-century buildings including a harness shop, commercial laundry, and family home. Guided tours allow visitors to experience the daily routines and working conditions of middle-class Americans from this important transitional era. This historical site provides an authentic connection to the past through its well-preserved structures and period-appropriate furnishings.
13. Washington County Lake
OUTDOOR RECREATION DESTINATION
Washington County Lake offers a variety of outdoor recreational activities for nature enthusiasts and families. Visitors can enjoy fishing, boating, picnicking, and hiking in this scenic natural setting. The lake provides a peaceful retreat where wildlife observation and photography opportunities abound throughout the changing seasons.
14. Carlyle Lake
PREMIER WATER RECREATION
Carlyle Lake, Illinois' largest man-made lake, provides over 26,000 acres of water surface for boating, fishing, and water sports enthusiasts. Surrounding the lake are beaches, campgrounds, hiking trails, and wildlife observation areas that attract outdoor adventurers year-round. The lake hosts annual fishing tournaments and sailing regattas while serving as an important habitat for migratory birds.
15. World Shooting & Recreational Complex
PREMIER SHOOTING FACILITY
The World Shooting & Recreational Complex spans 1,600 acres with state-of-the-art facilities for trap, skeet, and sporting clays shooting. This world-class venue hosts major competitions including the Grand American World Trapshooting Championships that attract participants from across the globe. Beyond shooting sports, the complex offers camping, fishing, and other outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy.