Beardstown IllinoisATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Beardstown, Illinois.
1. Lincoln Courthouse Museum
HISTORIC LEGAL LANDMARK
The Lincoln Courthouse Museum in Beardstown preserves the site of a famous trial that helped build Abraham Lincoln's reputation as a lawyer. Visitors can explore the second floor museum which features Lincoln memorabilia and artifacts from this historic legal case where Lincoln famously used a farmer's almanac to undermine prosecution testimony. The courthouse has been immortalized in American culture through Norman Rockwell's painting depicting the trial scene.
2. Mile 88 Riverside Park
SCENIC RIVERFRONT RECREATION
Mile 88 Riverside Park offers a lovely green space for outdoor recreation along the Illinois River in Beardstown. Visitors can stroll along the peaceful riverfront, enjoy the natural scenery, or participate in seasonal festivals held in the park. The park serves as a perfect escape for nature lovers looking to experience the tranquility of the Illinois River landscape.
3. Rollin on the River Rink
FAMILY SKATING FUN
Rollin on the River Rink provides an entertaining skating experience for Beardstown residents and visitors alike. The skating rink offers a fun indoor activity option perfect for family outings or social gatherings regardless of weather conditions. Skaters of all skill levels can enjoy rolling around the rink while enjoying music and a lively atmosphere.
4. Conner Family Amusements, Inc.
CARNIVAL ENTERTAINMENT PROVIDER
Conner Family Amusements brings carnival entertainment to Beardstown and surrounding areas through various events throughout the year. The company provides rides, games, and typical fair attractions that create a festive atmosphere for community celebrations. Visitors can experience the thrill of carnival rides and classic midway games when Conner Family Amusements sets up in town.
5. The Shoppe
LOCAL RETAIL EXPERIENCE
The Shoppe offers a unique shopping experience in downtown Beardstown with a selection of local goods and specialty items. Visitors can browse through merchandise that often reflects the town's character and Illinois heritage. The store provides both tourists and locals with an opportunity to find distinctive gifts and keepsakes from Beardstown.
6. Beardstown Park District
COMMUNITY RECREATION CENTER
The Beardstown Park District manages various recreational facilities and programs for community members and visitors to enjoy. Their offerings include parks, sports fields, and seasonal activities designed for people of all ages throughout the year. The Park District serves as a hub for community gatherings and healthy outdoor activities in Beardstown.
7. Schmoldt Park
PEACEFUL COMMUNITY GREEN
Schmoldt Park provides Beardstown residents and visitors with a welcoming outdoor space for relaxation and recreation. The park features green areas perfect for picnicking, casual sports, or simply enjoying fresh air in a maintained setting. Families particularly appreciate the park's accessible location and clean environment for children to play.
8. Thomas Beard's Log Cabin Site
TOWN FOUNDER'S LEGACY
The historic site of Thomas Beard's log cabin marks the spot where Beardstown's founder first settled in 1819. This location at the edge of the Illinois River commemorates where Beard established a trading post and ferry service that would eventually grow into the town. Visitors interested in local history can learn about the early frontier days and how this small trading post evolved into the present-day community.
9. Illinois River Waterfront
SCENIC RIVER VIEWS
The Illinois River Waterfront in Beardstown offers picturesque views and recreational opportunities along this historic waterway. Visitors can watch river traffic, enjoy fishing spots, or simply take in the natural beauty that has shaped the town's identity since its founding. The waterfront remains an important part of Beardstown's character and economy, connecting the present-day community to its river trading past.
10. Jim Edgar Panther Creek State Fish & Wildlife Area
VAST OUTDOOR RECREATION
Jim Edgar Panther Creek State Fish & Wildlife Area offers over 16,000 acres of natural landscapes just a short drive from Beardstown in nearby Cass County. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy hunting, fishing, hiking, camping, and wildlife observation throughout this expansive conservation area. The diverse habitats support a wide variety of plant and animal species, making it a paradise for nature photographers and wildlife watchers.
11. Sanganois State Fish & Wildlife Area
WETLAND WILDLIFE HAVEN
Sanganois State Fish & Wildlife Area preserves important wetland habitats along the Illinois River basin near Beardstown. This conservation area is renowned for excellent waterfowl hunting and fishing opportunities in its backwater lakes and sloughs. Visitors can observe numerous bird species, especially during migration seasons when the wetlands become critical stopover habitat.
12. Lincoln's New Salem State Historic Site
LIVING HISTORY VILLAGE
Lincoln's New Salem State Historic Site recreates the 1830s village where Abraham Lincoln spent his early adulthood, located within driving distance of Beardstown. The reconstructed log cabins and buildings feature period furnishings and costumed interpreters who demonstrate 19th-century frontier life. Visitors can walk the same paths Lincoln walked while learning about his formative years before he became the lawyer who would later gain fame in the Beardstown Courthouse.
13. Dickson Mounds Museum
NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE
Dickson Mounds Museum, located in the nearby Illinois River Valley, showcases 12,000 years of Native American heritage and culture that once thrived in the region around Beardstown. The museum features archaeological artifacts, interactive exhibits, and educational programs about the indigenous peoples of the Illinois River watershed. Visitors gain insight into the rich Native American history that predates European settlement, complementing the Native American relics also found in Beardstown's Lincoln Museum.
14. Anderson Lake State Fish & Wildlife Area
PREMIER FISHING DESTINATION
Anderson Lake State Fish & Wildlife Area offers excellent fishing and hunting opportunities within a reasonable drive from Beardstown. The 1,366-acre shallow lake and surrounding natural areas provide habitat for numerous fish species and waterfowl. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy fishing, hunting, boating, and wildlife observation in this scenic natural setting.
15. Emiquon National Wildlife Refuge
RESTORED WETLAND ECOSYSTEM
Emiquon National Wildlife Refuge represents one of the most ambitious floodplain restoration projects in the Midwest, located in the Illinois River Valley near Beardstown. This wetland complex has been restored to its natural state after decades of agricultural use, creating critical habitat for migratory birds and aquatic species. Visitors can observe remarkable concentrations of waterfowl, enjoy fishing, or hike trails while experiencing this ecological success story.