Burnt Prairie IllinoisATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Burnt Prairie, Illinois.
1. Burnt Prairie Grand Antique Mall
ANTIQUE LOVER'S PARADISE
The Burnt Prairie Grand Antique Mall is a 6,000 square foot building featuring a large selection of antiques, collectibles, decor and furniture. Visitors can explore multiple dealers' collections in this antique lover's paradise located in the heart of Burnt Prairie. The mall provides a wonderful opportunity for treasure hunters looking for unique items and vintage memorabilia.
2. Hanna House Museum
HISTORIC LOCAL HERITAGE
The Hanna House Museum offers visitors a glimpse into the local heritage of the region with its well-preserved historical exhibits. Rated 5.0 by visitors, this museum houses a collection of artifacts and memorabilia documenting the area's rich history. Travelers can experience the authentic charm of a bygone era through the carefully curated displays.
3. Wayne County Early History Museum
LOCAL HISTORICAL TREASURES
The Wayne County Early History Museum is connected to the Fairfield Public Library and showcases the rich heritage of the region. Exhibits include Civil War artifacts, early Fairfield scenes and clothing, WWI memorabilia, and photos from the Sexton Factory. Visitors can immerse themselves in the local history through the comprehensive collection maintained by the Wayne County Historical Society.
4. Wayne County Courthouse
HISTORIC GOVERNMENT BUILDING
The Wayne County Courthouse is a historic government building in Fairfield built in the 1890s that serves as the central location for county government business. The courthouse features a permanent exhibit of 40 historical photographs spanning from the 1800s through the 1960s, funded by the Wayne County Historical Society. Visitors can admire both the architectural significance of the building and the historical photographs displayed in the main hallways.
5. Sam Dale Lake State Conservation Area
OUTDOOR RECREATION PARADISE
Sam Dale Lake State Conservation Area offers outdoor enthusiasts a variety of recreational activities including fishing, boating, and hiking. The conservation area features a scenic lake surrounded by natural woodlands that provide habitat for diverse wildlife species. Visitors can enjoy camping facilities, picnic areas, and peaceful natural surroundings throughout all four seasons.
6. Atkinson Forest State Habitat Area
NATURAL WOODLAND TRAILS
The Sam & Florence Atkinson Forest State Habitat Area provides scenic hiking and walking paths through preserved woodland environments. Nature enthusiasts can observe local flora and fauna while enjoying the tranquility of this protected natural space. The habitat area offers a perfect retreat for those looking to connect with nature and experience the native ecosystems of southern Illinois.
7. The Atheneum
CULTURAL HERITAGE CENTER
The Atheneum, rated 4.2 by visitors, serves as a visitor center and museum showcasing the history of New Harmony. The distinctive modern architecture of the building creates a striking contrast to the historic surroundings of the area. Visitors begin their tour of New Harmony here, gaining insights into the utopian communities that once thrived in this historic town.
8. Cathedral Labyrinth
SPIRITUAL WALKING MEDITATION
The Cathedral Labyrinth, rated 4.7 by visitors, offers a peaceful walking meditation experience based on ancient spiritual traditions. This replica of the famous labyrinth at Chartres Cathedral in France provides a contemplative path for reflection and mindfulness. Visitors can enjoy the serene setting while walking the circular path that symbolizes life's journey and inner peace.
9. Roofless Church
UNIQUE SPIRITUAL ARCHITECTURE
The Roofless Church, rated 4.4 by visitors, is an innovative architectural space designed by Philip Johnson that creates an open-air sanctuary beneath the sky. This unique structure features a dome-shaped bronze sculpture by Jacques Lipchitz called 'The Descent of the Holy Spirit' as its centerpiece. Visitors experience a profound sense of spiritual openness in this unconventional church that symbolizes unity among all faiths.
10. Working Men's Institute & Library
HISTORIC EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION
The Working Men's Institute & Library, rated 4.3 by visitors, is Indiana's oldest continuously operating library, founded in 1838. This historic institution houses a museum with unique artifacts, geological specimens, and cultural exhibits that tell the story of the region. Visitors can browse the library's collection and explore the museum to gain insights into the intellectual history of New Harmony.
11. Cedarhurst Center for the Arts
CULTURAL ARTS COMPLEX
Cedarhurst Center for the Arts offers visitors a comprehensive cultural experience with its museum, sculpture park, and performance venue. The center's 90-acre campus features over 85 outdoor sculptures displayed among beautiful woodlands and well-maintained grounds. Art enthusiasts can explore rotating exhibitions in the museum galleries and attend various cultural events and performances throughout the year.
12. Rend Lake Antique Mall
VAST ANTIQUE COLLECTION
The Rend Lake Antique Mall spans 12,000 square feet right off I-57, featuring multiple dealers showcasing a diverse selection of antiques and collectibles. Treasure hunters can browse through furniture, decor items, and vintage collectibles from various eras all under one roof. The mall provides an extensive shopping experience for antique enthusiasts looking to discover unique pieces with historical significance.
13. Rend Lake
PREMIER OUTDOOR RECREATION
Rend Lake offers 19,000 acres of water surrounded by 20,000 acres of land dedicated to outdoor recreation and wildlife conservation. Visitors can enjoy fishing, boating, swimming, hunting, camping, and hiking among the numerous recreational facilities around the lake. The area also features golf courses, restaurants, and the Southern Illinois Art & Artisans Center for a complete vacation experience.
14. Lincoln Trail State Memorial
HISTORIC PRESIDENTIAL CONNECTION
Lincoln Trail State Memorial commemorates the site where Abraham Lincoln first entered Illinois in 1830, establishing a significant connection to the region's history. The memorial features a scenic recreation area with opportunities for camping, fishing, boating, and picnicking alongside its historical importance. Visitors can learn about Lincoln's early life in Illinois while enjoying the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape.
15. Wayne Fitzgerrell State Park
LAKESIDE NATURAL BEAUTY
Wayne Fitzgerrell State Park spans 3,300 acres of land along the eastern shore of Rend Lake, offering spectacular views and diverse recreational opportunities. The park provides excellent facilities for camping, hiking, boating, fishing, hunting, and wildlife observation throughout its scenic landscape. Visitors can spot bald eagles during winter months and enjoy the abundant wildlife that makes this park a nature lover's paradise.