Buckley IllinoisATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Buckley, Illinois.
1. Watseka Theatre
HISTORIC ENTERTAINMENT VENUE
The Watseka Theatre is a beautifully restored historic venue that offers live performances and cultural events near Buckley. Visitors can enjoy concerts, comedy shows, and theatrical performances in an intimate setting with excellent acoustics. The theatre serves as a cultural centerpiece for the area, bringing entertainment options to local residents and tourists alike.
2. Harvest Moon Twin Drive-in Movie Theatre
NOSTALGIC OUTDOOR CINEMA
Harvest Moon Twin Drive-in Movie Theatre offers a nostalgic movie-watching experience under the stars with two screens showing current films. Visitors can enjoy the charm of a classic American pastime while watching movies from the comfort of their vehicles. This family-friendly attraction frequently hosts special events and themed movie nights throughout the season.
3. Hardy's Reindeer Ranch
FESTIVE FAMILY FARM
Hardy's Reindeer Ranch offers visitors the unique opportunity to see and interact with real reindeer in central Illinois. The ranch features seasonal activities including a corn maze, Christmas tree farm, and special holiday events that delight visitors of all ages. Guests can take guided tours to learn about the reindeer and enjoy the rustic atmosphere of this family-owned attraction.
4. Wildlife Prairie Park
NATIVE SPECIES CONSERVATION
Wildlife Prairie Park spans over 2,000 acres and showcases more than 100 animal species native to Illinois, including bison, black bears, and cougars. Visitors can explore the park via scenic hiking trails or take a train ride through the various natural habitats. The conservation-focused park offers educational programs and unique overnight lodging options for an immersive wildlife experience.
5. Monticello Railway Museum
HISTORIC TRAIN EXPERIENCE
The Monticello Railway Museum preserves railroad history through its impressive collection of historic locomotives, passenger cars, and railroad artifacts. Visitors can enjoy scenic train rides on restored vintage trains, including special themed events like The Bunny Eggspress and seasonal steam engine excursions. The museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the importance of rail transportation in America's development.
6. Schitts & Giggles Gift Boutique
UNIQUE LOCAL SHOPPING
Schitts & Giggles Gift Boutique offers a delightful shopping experience featuring unique gifts, home decor, and locally made products. Visitors can browse through an eclectic collection of items, from quirky novelties to elegant keepsakes. The boutique provides a personal shopping atmosphere with friendly service that reflects the charm of small-town Illinois.
7. Shawnee National Forest
NATURAL WILDERNESS ADVENTURE
Shawnee National Forest spans 280,000 acres of protected wilderness in southern Illinois, offering dramatic landscapes including sandstone bluffs and lush valleys. Visitors can experience the forest canopy through exhilarating zipline tours that provide unique aerial views of this Midwest natural treasure. The national forest features numerous recreation opportunities, from hiking and camping to horseback riding and rock climbing at famous formations like Garden of the Gods.
8. Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve
SCENIC OUTDOOR RECREATION
Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve encompasses over 900 acres of beautiful natural landscapes, including woodlands, prairies, and a scenic 38-acre lake. Visitors can enjoy numerous recreational activities including fishing, boating, hiking, and golfing at the 18-hole championship course. The preserve also features the Museum of the Grand Prairie, botanical gardens, and a covered bridge, making it a diverse destination for nature lovers.
9. Middle Fork River Forest Preserve
STARGAZING AND NATURE
Middle Fork River Forest Preserve is Illinois' first designated International Dark Sky Park, offering exceptional stargazing opportunities away from light pollution. The preserve features miles of hiking trails through diverse habitats, a campground, and access to the scenic Middle Fork of the Vermilion River, Illinois' only National Scenic River. Visitors can enjoy wildlife viewing, paddling, fishing, and astronomy programs throughout the year.
10. Allerton Park and Retreat Center
HISTORIC GARDENS AND ART
Allerton Park and Retreat Center features 1,500 acres of formal gardens, natural areas, and a historic mansion filled with art and architectural treasures. Visitors can wander through themed gardens decorated with impressive sculptures, including the famous Fu Dog Garden and The Sun Singer statue. The park offers miles of hiking trails through woodlands and along the Sangamon River, creating a perfect blend of art, history, and nature.
11. Chanute Air Museum
AVIATION HISTORY COLLECTION
The Chanute Air Museum preserves the legacy of the former Chanute Air Force Base through exhibits showcasing military aviation history. Visitors can explore a collection of historic aircraft, military equipment, and interactive displays that highlight technological advancements in flight. The museum honors the thousands of airmen trained at this facility from 1917 until its closure in 1993.
12. Kickapoo State Recreation Area
WATER RECREATION PARADISE
Kickapoo State Recreation Area features clear, deep-water ponds formed from former mining operations, now transformed into a recreational haven. Visitors can enjoy year-round activities including canoeing, kayaking, fishing, hiking, and camping across the park's 2,842 acres. The park is also known for its scuba diving opportunities, mountain biking trails, and seasonal hunting areas.
13. Homer Lake Forest Preserve
FAMILY-FRIENDLY NATURE CENTER
Homer Lake Forest Preserve centers around a beautiful 80-acre lake surrounded by woodlands, prairies, and wetlands. The Natural Playscape and Interpretive Center offer interactive exhibits and programs that help visitors connect with nature through hands-on experiences. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy fishing, hiking, picnicking, and wildlife viewing throughout the seasons.
14. Curtis Orchard & Pumpkin Patch
APPLE PICKING ADVENTURE
Curtis Orchard & Pumpkin Patch is a family-friendly farm attraction offering seasonal apple picking, pumpkin harvesting, and farm activities. Visitors can enjoy the country store with fresh baked goods, navigate through a corn maze, and participate in various children's activities including a petting zoo. The orchard hosts special events throughout its season, making it a popular destination for families seeking agricultural experiences.
15. Iroquois County State Wildlife Area
BIRDWATCHING AND HUNTING
Iroquois County State Wildlife Area encompasses over 2,400 acres of diverse habitats including hardwood forest, grasslands, and wetlands that attract abundant wildlife. Visitors can enjoy excellent birdwatching opportunities with over 200 species recorded, including sandhill cranes and numerous waterfowl during migration seasons. The area provides hunting access, hiking trails, and opportunities to observe native prairie plants and wildlife in their natural environment.