Bradford IllinoisATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Bradford, Illinois.
1. Rock Island Trail
SCENIC HIKING ADVENTURE
The Rock Island Trail offers visitors a beautiful natural escape with well-maintained hiking paths through the Illinois countryside. Hikers can enjoy seasonal foliage, wildlife sightings, and the peaceful atmosphere that makes this trail highly rated among visitors. The trail provides an excellent opportunity for outdoor recreation for people of all ages and fitness levels.
2. A Few of My Favorite Things Flower & Gift Shop
CHARMING LOCAL GIFT SHOP
A Few of My Favorite Things Flower & Gift Shop is a highly-rated specialty store offering unique gifts and beautiful floral arrangements in Bradford. Visitors can browse through a carefully curated selection of items perfect for souvenirs or gifts for loved ones back home. The shop provides a personalized shopping experience with friendly service that has earned it a perfect 5-star rating.
3. Tanners Orchard
FAMILY-FRIENDLY FARM EXPERIENCE
Tanners Orchard welcomes visitors to experience farm life and seasonal activities just outside Bradford. Guests can pick their own fresh fruits in season, enjoy farm-made treats, and participate in family-friendly activities throughout the year. The orchard offers a taste of rural Illinois life with its country store, seasonal events, and agricultural experiences.
4. Elsie Drawyer Hodges Park
FAMILY RECREATION HAVEN
Elsie Drawyer Hodges Park features a beautiful gazebo and shelter that serves as a community gathering place in Bradford. Visitors can enjoy the basketball courts for some friendly competition or let children explore the playground equipment. The park provides a peaceful green space perfect for picnics, relaxation, or community events throughout the year.
5. Fuertges Park
DOWNTOWN GREEN OASIS
Fuertges Park offers a tranquil retreat in the heart of downtown Bradford for both locals and visitors. This beautiful little park provides a perfect spot to take a break while exploring the village's downtown area. Visitors can enjoy the landscaped surroundings and appreciate a moment of relaxation in this charming village green space.
6. Bradford Swimming Pool
COMMUNITY AQUATIC CENTER
The Bradford Swimming Pool stands as the only public pool in Stark County, making it a popular destination during the warm summer months. Visitors can cool off with a refreshing swim, with family passes available and swimming lessons offered for those looking to improve their skills. The pool typically operates from Memorial Day weekend through late August, providing seasonal aquatic recreation for people of all ages.
7. Bradford Public Library
LITERARY COMMUNITY HUB
The Bradford Public Library welcomes book lovers and knowledge seekers at its convenient location adjacent to Elsie Hodges Park. Visitors can browse the collection, use research resources, or simply enjoy a quiet reading space in this community-focused facility. The library serves as a cultural center for the village with regular hours throughout the week except Sundays and holidays.
8. Starved Rock State Park
MAJESTIC NATURAL WONDER
Starved Rock State Park offers breathtaking views of its famous sandstone canyons, seasonal waterfalls, and miles of wooded hiking trails just a drive from Bradford. Visitors can explore the park's unique geological formations, observe diverse wildlife, and learn about the area's rich Native American history. The park's eastern trails are particularly popular for sunrise hikes and special events like National Trails Day.
9. Matthiessen State Park
HIDDEN CANYON TREASURE
Matthiessen State Park showcases dramatic canyons, streams, prairie, and forest in a less crowded alternative to nearby Starved Rock. Hikers can discover stunning rock formations, seasonal waterfalls, and abundant wildlife along well-maintained trails. The park offers both upper and lower dells with unique perspectives on the beautiful canyon landscapes carved by the Vermilion River.
10. Wildlife Prairie Park
NATIVE SPECIES SANCTUARY
Wildlife Prairie Park provides a natural habitat for native Illinois wildlife species including bison, wolves, bears, and birds of prey within driving distance of Bradford. Visitors can observe these magnificent animals in naturalistic enclosures, explore miles of hiking trails, and participate in educational programs throughout the year. The park combines conservation, education, and recreation in a unique outdoor experience featuring animals that once roamed the Illinois prairie.
11. Peoria Riverfront Museum
CULTURAL LEARNING CENTER
The Peoria Riverfront Museum serves as the region's premier interdisciplinary learning center with art, science, history and achievement galleries in the heart of the Peoria metropolitan area. Visitors can explore interactive exhibits, view planetarium shows, and experience the giant screen theater showing educational and entertaining films. The museum offers rotating exhibits and permanent collections that celebrate the natural, cultural, and artistic heritage of Central Illinois.
12. Bishop Hill State Historic Site
SWEDISH COLONY HERITAGE
Bishop Hill State Historic Site preserves a remarkable Swedish religious colony founded in 1846 with beautifully restored buildings and cultural artifacts. Visitors can step back in time while touring the historic structures, learning about the communal lifestyle of the colonists, and viewing the impressive collection of folk art. The site offers a glimpse into 19th-century immigrant life through museums, shops, restaurants, and special events celebrating Swedish-American heritage.
13. Jubilee College State Historic Site
HISTORIC EDUCATIONAL LANDMARK
Jubilee College State Historic Site preserves the remains of an educational institution founded in 1839 by Episcopal Bishop Philander Chase. Visitors can tour the restored original college building, explore the surrounding natural areas with hiking trails, and learn about frontier education in Illinois. The site combines historical significance with outdoor recreation opportunities across its 3,200 acres of woods and prairie.
14. Dickson Mounds Museum
NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE
Dickson Mounds Museum illuminates 12,000 years of Native American heritage in the Illinois River Valley through archaeological artifacts and interactive exhibits. Visitors can explore the relationship between people and their environment throughout prehistoric times through detailed displays and educational programs. The museum campus includes archaeological sites, restored prairie, and nature trails that complement the indoor exhibits.
15. Caterpillar Visitors Center
INDUSTRIAL INNOVATION SHOWCASE
The Caterpillar Visitors Center showcases the history, present operations, and future innovations of the world-famous heavy equipment manufacturer headquartered in the Peoria area. Visitors can climb aboard massive machines, experience interactive exhibits about global infrastructure development, and learn about sustainability initiatives in modern manufacturing. The center provides an engaging look at how Caterpillar's iconic yellow equipment has helped build our modern world from its Illinois roots.