De Land IllinoisATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near De Land, Illinois.
1. Monticello Railway Museum
HISTORIC RAIL EXPERIENCE
The Monticello Railway Museum offers visitors a chance to experience the golden age of rail travel through its collection of preserved locomotives and train cars. Guests can enjoy scenic train rides through the Illinois countryside on select days, making it a perfect family-friendly attraction. The museum features educational exhibits about railroad history and the important role trains played in the development of Central Illinois.
2. Monticello Family Bowl
FAMILY FUN CENTER
Monticello Family Bowl provides entertainment for all ages with its well-maintained bowling lanes and friendly atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy casual or league bowling along with arcade games and snack options in this local community hub. The facility offers special events and pricing options throughout the week, making it an affordable entertainment option for families.
3. Clinton Lake State Recreation Area
OUTDOOR RECREATION PARADISE
Clinton Lake State Recreation Area spans thousands of acres around a 4,900-acre reservoir, offering abundant opportunities for boating, fishing, and swimming. The park features extensive hiking and biking trails that wind through diverse habitats including woodlands, prairie, and shoreline areas. Visitors can camp at one of several campgrounds, spot local wildlife, or simply enjoy picnicking along the scenic lake shores.
4. Prairie Fire Glass
ARTISAN GLASSBLOWING STUDIO
Prairie Fire Glass offers visitors the rare opportunity to watch skilled artisans create stunning glass pieces in a working hot glass studio. The attached gallery showcases and sells beautiful handcrafted items including vases, ornaments, paperweights, and jewelry. Visitors can sometimes schedule glassblowing classes to try this ancient art form under expert guidance.
5. Allerton Park and Retreat Center
HISTORIC ESTATE GARDENS
Allerton Park and Retreat Center is a 1,500-acre estate featuring formal gardens, natural areas, and a historic mansion donated to the University of Illinois. Visitors can explore miles of hiking trails through woodlands and along the Sangamon River, or admire the numerous sculptures and themed gardens throughout the property. The park's unique blend of natural beauty and artistic elements makes it one of the most distinctive attractions in central Illinois.
6. De Land Carnegie Library
HISTORIC LITERARY LANDMARK
The De Land Carnegie Library stands as a historic landmark in this small Illinois community, originally funded by the Carnegie Corporation in 1912. Though the original library building was closed in 2009, the library continues to serve the community from a nearby location, maintaining its importance as a cultural center. The building represents an important piece of De Land's history and the early 20th century push to establish public libraries across America.
7. Weldon Springs State Park
NATURAL RECREATION AREA
Weldon Springs State Park offers visitors over 440 acres of natural beauty, featuring a spring-fed lake perfect for fishing and non-motorized boating. The park includes several miles of hiking trails through woodlands and restored prairie, providing opportunities to observe diverse wildlife and plant species. Camping facilities, picnic areas, and educational programs make this a versatile destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
8. Bryant Cottage State Historic Site
POLITICAL HISTORY PRESERVED
Bryant Cottage State Historic Site preserves the 1856 home where Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas allegedly planned their famous debates. The modest four-room cottage is furnished with period pieces that reflect rural Illinois life in the mid-nineteenth century. Visitors can take guided tours to learn about the cottage's historical significance and the pivotal Lincoln-Douglas debates that shaped American politics.
9. Lodge Park
RIVERSIDE NATURAL AREA
Lodge Park offers visitors a peaceful natural retreat along the Sangamon River with opportunities for fishing, hiking, and wildlife observation. The park features picnic areas and shelters nestled among mature trees, making it a perfect spot for family gatherings or quiet contemplation. Its location just outside Monticello makes it easily accessible while still providing a sense of being immersed in nature.
10. Monticello Main Street
CHARMING HISTORIC DISTRICT
Monticello Main Street invites visitors to explore a well-preserved historic downtown district filled with unique shops, restaurants, and architectural gems. The area hosts regular events throughout the year, including farmers markets, festivals, and holiday celebrations that showcase the community's vibrant spirit. Visitors can enjoy the small-town charm while browsing antique stores, sampling local cuisine, or simply admiring the historic courthouse and surrounding buildings.
11. Piatt County Museum
LOCAL HERITAGE COLLECTION
The Piatt County Museum preserves and displays artifacts and photographs documenting the rich history of the region. Exhibits highlight pioneer life, agricultural development, and notable local figures who shaped the county's growth. Visitors can gain insight into rural Illinois history through carefully curated displays of household items, farming implements, and personal mementos from past generations.
12. Goose Creek Pathway
SCENIC WALKING TRAIL
Goose Creek Pathway offers a peaceful walking and biking trail that winds through Monticello alongside the picturesque Goose Creek. The paved pathway connects several parks and neighborhoods, providing both recreation and practical transportation routes for locals and visitors. Beautiful natural scenery, including seasonal wildflowers and wildlife sightings, makes this an enjoyable outdoor experience year-round.
13. Clinton Area Farmers & Artisans Market
LOCAL PRODUCE SHOWCASE
The Clinton Area Farmers & Artisans Market brings together local producers offering fresh vegetables, fruits, meats, and handcrafted items in a friendly community atmosphere. Visitors can interact directly with farmers and artisans while learning about sustainable agriculture and traditional crafts practiced in the region. The market operates seasonally, providing a colorful and delicious glimpse into the agricultural bounty of central Illinois.
14. Wabash Trail
HISTORIC RAILWAY PATH
The Wabash Trail follows the route of the former Wabash Railroad, offering cyclists and pedestrians a flat, accessible path through scenic countryside. Trail users can enjoy views of farmland, streams, and wooded areas while learning about the railroad's historical significance through interpretive signage. The trail connects to other regional pathways, making it part of an expanding network of recreational routes in central Illinois.
15. Historical Society of De Land
COMMUNITY HERITAGE CENTER
The Historical Society of De Land preserves artifacts, documents, and photographs that tell the story of this small Illinois community founded in 1873. Visitors can learn about the town's railroad origins, agricultural heritage, and the various families who shaped local development over generations. The society maintains collections related to Thomas E. Bondurant, the town's founder, and offers insight into rural Illinois life during different historical periods.