Cherry IllinoisATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Cherry, Illinois.
1. Cherry Miner's Cemetery
HISTORIC MINING MEMORIAL
Cherry Miner's Cemetery stands as a solemn tribute to the area's mining heritage and those who lost their lives in the industry. Visitors can walk among the historic gravestones that tell the story of Cherry's past and the families who shaped the community. The peaceful grounds offer a quiet place for reflection and an opportunity to connect with local history.
2. Wild Bill Hickok Memorial
WESTERN LEGEND MONUMENT
The Wild Bill Hickok Memorial commemorates one of America's most famous frontiersmen and legendary figures of the American West. This monument and statue pays tribute to James Butler 'Wild Bill' Hickok, known for his skills as a gunfighter and scout. Visitors can learn about Hickok's colorful life and his impact on American frontier history through informative displays at the site.
3. Magic Waters Waterpark
FAMILY-FRIENDLY AQUATIC FUN
Magic Waters Waterpark offers an exciting array of water slides, pools, and attractions perfect for cooling off during hot Illinois summers. This family-friendly outdoor water park maintains high standards for safety, cleanliness, and customer service, ensuring a pleasant experience for visitors of all ages. Located just off the Interstate, the park provides convenient access to thrilling water adventures including towering slides, lazy rivers, and splash zones for younger children.
4. Baumann Park & Lake
SCENIC OUTDOOR RECREATION
Baumann Park & Lake serves as a picturesque natural retreat offering various outdoor activities including fishing, picnicking, and walking trails. The serene lake provides a beautiful backdrop for family gatherings, with well-maintained facilities including pavilions and playgrounds. Visitors can enjoy seasonal events at the park, making it a year-round destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
5. Valley Orchard
FRESH FRUIT PICKING
Valley Orchard invites visitors to experience the joy of picking their own fresh, seasonal fruits directly from the trees. This family-friendly attraction offers a variety of apples, cherries, and other fruits depending on the season, along with a farm store selling homemade goods. The orchard hosts special seasonal events including hayrides, corn mazes in the fall, and educational tours that showcase sustainable farming practices.
6. Kishwaukee River Forest Preserve
NATURAL RIVER ECOSYSTEM
Kishwaukee River Forest Preserve offers visitors a chance to explore pristine natural habitats along one of northern Illinois' most scenic waterways. The preserve features miles of hiking trails winding through woodlands, prairies, and riverside environments where wildlife viewing opportunities abound. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy fishing, canoeing, and kayaking on the river, or simply relax in the tranquil setting that showcases the diverse ecosystems of the region.
7. Blackhawk Springs Forest Preserve
WOODLAND HIKING PARADISE
Blackhawk Springs Forest Preserve encompasses beautiful woodland and riparian habitats with clear springs and streams flowing through the property. Hikers can traverse well-maintained trails that showcase the preserve's diverse plant and animal life, including rare and endangered species. The preserve offers excellent bird watching opportunities, making it a favorite destination for nature photographers and wildlife enthusiasts throughout the changing seasons.
8. Bureau County Historical Society Museum
LOCAL HERITAGE COLLECTION
The Bureau County Historical Society Museum houses an impressive collection of artifacts, photographs, and documents chronicling the rich history of Bureau County, where Cherry is located. Visitors can explore multiple gallery rooms featuring exhibits on pioneer life, agricultural development, and the cultural heritage of the region. The museum regularly hosts special events and educational programs that bring local history to life for guests of all ages.
9. Starved Rock State Park
DRAMATIC RIVER CANYONS
Starved Rock State Park, a short drive from Cherry, features spectacular sandstone canyons formed by glacial meltwater along the Illinois River. Visitors can hike more than 13 miles of well-marked trails that lead to breathtaking waterfalls, towering bluffs, and scenic overlooks that change with the seasons. The park's historic lodge offers dining and accommodation options, making it possible to extend exploration of this natural wonder that stands in stark contrast to the surrounding prairie landscape.
10. Matthiessen State Park
HIDDEN DELLS EXPERIENCE
Matthiessen State Park showcases a hidden network of dells, canyons, and streams just a short distance from Cherry, Illinois. The park's unique geological formations include moss-covered canyon walls, delicate mineral deposits, and seasonal waterfalls that create a magical atmosphere for hikers and photographers. Visitors can explore both the Upper and Lower Dells areas via well-maintained trails that provide access to some of Illinois' most picturesque natural landscapes.
11. Illinois Valley Community College
EDUCATIONAL CULTURAL HUB
Illinois Valley Community College serves as both an educational institution and cultural center hosting various performances, art exhibits, and community events throughout the year. The campus features attractive grounds with walking paths, sculpture installations, and seasonal gardens that are open to the public. Visitors from Cherry and surrounding communities can attend theatrical productions, musical performances, and lecture series that enrich the cultural landscape of the region.
12. Buffalo Rock State Park
HISTORIC BLUFF VIEWS
Buffalo Rock State Park sits atop a bluff that was once an island in the Illinois River, offering spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding river valley. The park preserves not only natural features but also large earthen sculptures known as the Effigy Tumuli, representing native animals of the region. Visitors can enjoy picnic areas, hiking trails, and interpretive displays that explain both the geological and cultural significance of this unique landmark.
13. Reddick Mansion
ITALIANATE ARCHITECTURAL GEM
Reddick Mansion stands as one of Illinois' finest examples of Italianate architecture, built in 1858 for William Reddick, a prominent 19th-century businessman and politician. The carefully restored mansion features period furnishings, ornate plasterwork, and beautiful gardens that transport visitors back to the Victorian era. Guided tours reveal fascinating stories about the mansion's residents and its role in local history, including its connection to the famous Lincoln-Douglas debates.
14. Washington Park
HISTORIC DOWNTOWN GREEN SPACE
Washington Park serves as the historic central square of Ottawa, site of the first Lincoln-Douglas debate in 1858 and now a beautifully maintained green space in the heart of the city. The park features monuments, fountains, and landscaped gardens that provide a peaceful retreat for residents and visitors alike. Throughout the year, the park hosts community events, concerts, and festivals that celebrate the cultural heritage of the region not far from Cherry.
15. LaSalle County Historical Society Museum
RIVER VALLEY HERITAGE
The LaSalle County Historical Society Museum complex includes multiple historic buildings that preserve and showcase the rich heritage of the Illinois River Valley region near Cherry. Visitors can explore a 19th-century one-room schoolhouse, blacksmith shop, and the main museum building housing thousands of artifacts related to local history. The society regularly hosts living history demonstrations, workshops, and special exhibits that bring the past to life and highlight the area's agricultural and industrial development.