Carthage IllinoisATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Carthage, Illinois.
1. Carthage Jail
HISTORIC MORMON SITE
Carthage Jail is the historic site where Mormon leader Joseph Smith Jr. and his brother Hyrum were killed by an angry mob on June 27, 1844, which led to the Mormons' famous trek west. Visitors can tour the jail, explore the visitor's center with informative exhibits about this significant historical event, and walk through beautiful gardens featuring a life-size statue paying tribute to Joseph and Hyrum. The site is open daily with extended hours (9:00am-7:00pm Monday through Saturday, 12:30pm-5:00pm Sunday) for those wanting to learn about this pivotal moment in Mormon history.
2. Kibbe Hancock Heritage Museum
LOCAL HISTORY SHOWCASE
The Kibbe Hancock Heritage Museum is a well-curated showcase of local history and culture in Carthage. This history museum offers visitors a deep dive into the region's past through thoughtfully arranged exhibits and artifacts that tell the story of Hancock County. Visitors often praise the museum for its comprehensive collection and educational value.
3. Lake Hill Winery
RELAXING WINE EXPERIENCE
Lake Hill Winery offers excellent wines at affordable prices in a relaxing atmosphere in Carthage. Visitors can enjoy wine tastings while unwinding in the pleasant environment that's perfect for both relaxation and fun social gatherings. The winery has become a popular destination for locals and tourists alike seeking a taste of Illinois wine country.
4. Hancock County Historical Society
COUNTY HERITAGE CENTER
The Hancock County Historical Society preserves and showcases the rich heritage of the entire county from its Carthage location. This organization maintains historical records, photographs, and artifacts that document the development of the region through the centuries. Visitors interested in genealogy or local history will find valuable resources and knowledgeable staff to assist with research.
5. Carthage Park District
OUTDOOR RECREATION AREA
Carthage Park District provides residents and visitors with well-maintained outdoor recreational spaces throughout the city. These parks offer amenities such as playgrounds, sports fields, picnic areas, and walking paths for people of all ages to enjoy. The park system serves as a community gathering place and green space in the heart of Carthage.
6. Farmhouse Meat Co.
LOCAL ARTISAN MEATS
Farmhouse Meat Co. is a local meat processor offering the tri-state area's finest selection of beef, pork, and specialty meats in Carthage. Visitors can browse and purchase homemade products including beef sticks, summer sausage, bratwurst, and meat strips that showcase regional flavors. This establishment combines traditional butchery with modern culinary techniques to create quality meat products for locals and tourists alike.
7. The Legacy Theater
HISTORIC PERFORMANCE VENUE
The Legacy Theater in Carthage hosts various performances including Broadway shows, concerts, and community events throughout the year. This historic venue offers cultural enrichment through high-quality entertainment like Neil Berg's 100 Years of Broadway and other productions. The theater serves as an important cultural hub for Carthage and surrounding communities, bringing arts and entertainment to the region.
8. Los Charros
AUTHENTIC MEXICAN CUISINE
Los Charros is a popular restaurant in Carthage serving authentic Mexican and Spanish cuisine in a welcoming atmosphere. This dining establishment offers a variety of traditional dishes prepared with fresh ingredients and authentic recipes at moderate prices. Visitors and locals alike appreciate the restaurant for its flavorful food and cultural dining experience.
9. Wood Inn
CLASSIC AMERICAN PUB
Wood Inn is a beloved local establishment in Carthage serving American pub fare in a casual, friendly environment. The restaurant offers a menu of comfort food classics along with a selection of beverages in a traditional bar and pub setting. Visitors can enjoy the authentic small-town atmosphere while dining at this Carthage institution.
10. Taste of China
TRADITIONAL CHINESE RESTAURANT
Taste of China brings authentic Chinese cuisine to the heart of Carthage, offering traditional dishes prepared with care. The restaurant provides locals and visitors with a diverse menu of Chinese specialties in a comfortable dining environment. This establishment adds international culinary variety to the Carthage dining scene.
11. Busch Stadium
ICONIC BASEBALL VENUE
Busch Stadium, though located in St. Louis rather than Carthage, is a popular day trip destination for Carthage residents and visitors. This iconic baseball stadium is home to the St. Louis Cardinals and offers an exciting major league baseball experience just a few hours from Carthage. Sports enthusiasts can enjoy America's favorite pastime in a world-class facility with views of the famous Gateway Arch.
12. Gateway Arch
NATIONAL PARK MONUMENT
The Gateway Arch, while located in St. Louis rather than Carthage, is a convenient regional attraction for Carthage visitors seeking expanded experiences. This 630-foot stainless steel monument symbolizes the westward expansion of the United States and offers tram rides to the top for spectacular views of the Mississippi River and surrounding cityscape. Visitors from Carthage can participate in guided walking tours that provide historical context about this engineering marvel and American icon.
13. Nauvoo Historic District
MORMON HISTORICAL SITE
The Nauvoo Historic District, located near Carthage in Nauvoo, Illinois, preserves the site where Mormons established a thriving community in the 1840s before their westward migration. Visitors can explore restored and reconstructed buildings including the Nauvoo Temple, blacksmith shop, bakery, and homes that demonstrate 19th-century life. The historic district offers guided tours, demonstrations of period crafts, and insights into Mormon history that complement a visit to the Carthage Jail.
14. Argyle Lake State Park
SCENIC OUTDOOR RECREATION
Argyle Lake State Park, located near Carthage in McDonough County, offers 1,700 acres of natural beauty centered around a 93-acre lake. Visitors can enjoy fishing, boating, hiking trails, camping, picnicking, and wildlife viewing in this serene woodland setting. The park's rolling terrain, hardwood forests, and abundant wildlife make it a perfect day trip from Carthage for nature enthusiasts and outdoor recreation.
15. Hannibal Historic District
MARK TWAIN'S HOMETOWN
The Hannibal Historic District, located across the Mississippi River from Illinois in Missouri, celebrates the boyhood home of Samuel Clemens (Mark Twain) and the setting that inspired his famous novels. Visitors from Carthage can tour the Mark Twain Boyhood Home & Museum, explore limestone caves, and enjoy riverboat cruises on the mighty Mississippi. The charming riverside town offers numerous attractions related to Twain's literary legacy, including sites featured in The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.