Girard IllinoisATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Girard, Illinois.
1. Doc's Just Off 66
HISTORIC ROUTE 66 GEM
Doc's Just Off 66, formerly Doc's Soda Fountain, is a beloved landmark in Girard that showcases the town's Route 66 heritage. Visitors can enjoy old-fashioned soda fountain treats while exploring Deck's Pharmacy Museum, which preserves 117 years of pharmaceutical history across three generations of the Deck family. This nostalgic establishment offers a delightful glimpse into America's past with its authentic atmosphere and memorabilia collection.
2. Whirl-A-Whip
CLASSIC 1950S DRIVE-IN
Whirl-A-Whip is a charming classic 1950's drive-in located at 309 N. 3rd St. in Girard that continues to delight visitors with its retro ambiance. The establishment offers delicious food and an impressive selection of 50 different ice cream flavors during the summer months. Travelers along Route 66 often make this nostalgic eatery a must-visit stop for its authentic mid-century American dining experience.
3. Oak Hills Country Club & Winery
GOLF AND WINE EXPERIENCE
Oak Hills Country Club & Winery combines two leisurely pursuits in one beautiful location near Girard. Visitors can enjoy a round of golf on well-maintained greens followed by wine tasting featuring local varieties. The venue offers a perfect day out for both golf enthusiasts and wine connoisseurs looking to relax in Illinois' picturesque countryside.
4. Ron's Redbird Cafe
LOCAL DINING FAVORITE
Ron's Redbird Cafe serves as a popular gathering spot for locals and travelers alike in Girard. The cafe offers hearty, home-style meals in a friendly atmosphere that captures the essence of small-town Illinois hospitality. Visitors appreciate the authentic dining experience and opportunity to interact with locals while enjoying classic American comfort food.
5. Atomic Tunes Sports Bar
MUSIC AND SPORTS VENUE
Atomic Tunes Sports Bar provides entertainment and refreshment for Girard residents and visitors looking for evening activities. The venue combines live music performances with sports viewing opportunities, creating a lively social atmosphere. Patrons can enjoy drinks, food, and camaraderie while experiencing the local nightlife scene.
6. Girard Historic Square
PRESERVED SMALL-TOWN ARCHITECTURE
Girard Historic Square showcases several well-preserved buildings that tell the story of the town's development through architectural styles. Notable structures include the Ring Building with its ornamental Mesker sheet metal and cast-iron facades, and the handsome former People's Bank building constructed in 1919. History enthusiasts will appreciate seeing the fading ghost sign on the old brick Hall Brothers Lunchroom building, a visual reminder of Girard's commercial past.
7. Hidden Ridge at Otter Lake
LAKESIDE CAMPING EXPERIENCE
Hidden Ridge at Otter Lake offers a tranquil camping experience near Girard for outdoor enthusiasts. The campground provides access to Otter Lake's recreational opportunities including fishing, boating, and swimming. Nature lovers can enjoy the serene environment while still being conveniently close to Route 66 attractions.
8. 1926 Route 66 Alignment
HISTORIC HIGHWAY SECTION
The 1926 Alignment of Route 66, now designated as Illinois Route 4, passes through Girard and offers history enthusiasts a chance to drive on the original Mother Road. This historic stretch of highway represents an important piece of American transportation heritage and connects travelers to numerous attractions along its path. Visitors can follow the same route that early motorists took during the golden age of automobile travel.
9. Deck's Pharmacy Museum
VINTAGE APOTHECARY COLLECTION
Deck's Pharmacy Museum preserves the fascinating history of a family-run pharmacy that served Girard for 117 years across three generations. Located within Doc's Soda Fountain at 133 S 2nd St, this free museum displays an impressive collection of pharmaceutical memorabilia and equipment. Visitors can step back in time while exploring the authentic artifacts that showcase the evolution of medicine and community healthcare in small-town America.
10. Nilwood
QUAINT ROUTE 66 TOWN
Nilwood is a tiny historic town located just four miles down old Route 66 from Girard that offers visitors a glimpse into rural Illinois life along the Mother Road. This small community maintains its authentic charm and serves as another point of interest for Route 66 enthusiasts exploring the area. Travelers can experience the slower pace and friendly atmosphere that characterizes the small towns that once thrived along America's most famous highway.
11. Macoupin County Historical Society Museum
REGIONAL HISTORY COLLECTION
The Macoupin County Historical Society Museum in nearby Carlinville preserves and showcases the rich history of the entire county that includes Girard. Housed in historic buildings, the museum features exhibits on local industries, agriculture, and daily life throughout different periods. Visitors can explore artifacts, photographs, and documents that tell the story of Macoupin County's development and the lives of its residents.
12. Macoupin County Courthouse
MAGNIFICENT HISTORIC ARCHITECTURE
The Macoupin County Courthouse in Carlinville, just a short drive from Girard, stands as one of Illinois' most impressive county courthouses with its Renaissance Revival architecture and massive dome. Completed in 1870, this architectural marvel earned the nickname "Million Dollar Courthouse" due to its extravagant cost and grandeur that far exceeded typical county buildings of the era. Visitors can admire the ornate interior details, including a spectacular central rotunda, while learning about the controversial history behind this oversized monument to local government.
13. Lake Carlinville
OUTDOOR RECREATION AREA
Lake Carlinville offers a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities within easy driving distance of Girard. The lake provides facilities for fishing, boating, and picnicking in a scenic natural setting. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy a day by the water while exploring the greater Macoupin County area.
14. Beaver Dam State Park
NATURAL WOODED GETAWAY
Beaver Dam State Park, located near Girard in Macoupin County, offers 750 acres of wooded landscape featuring hiking trails, fishing spots, and camping facilities. The park centers around a scenic 59-acre lake that provides opportunities for boating and observing local wildlife in their natural habitat. Nature lovers can explore the diverse ecosystem while enjoying recreational activities throughout different seasons.
15. Carlinville Historic District
ARCHITECTURAL HERITAGE TOUR
The Carlinville Historic District, a short drive from Girard, features numerous well-preserved buildings including many Sears Catalog Homes that form one of the largest collections of these mail-order houses in the United States. Visitors can take self-guided walking tours to admire the distinctive architectural styles ranging from Victorian mansions to Craftsman bungalows that line the charming streets. History and architecture enthusiasts will appreciate the stories behind these structures that reflect the area's economic and social development through the decades.