Granville IllinoisATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Granville, Illinois.
1. St. Paul Mine
HISTORIC COAL MINING SITE
St. Paul Mine is a historic coal mining site established in 1903 that played a significant role in transforming Granville from a farming center to a commercial hub. Visitors can explore the mining heritage that shaped the economic development of this region. The mine represents an important part of Illinois' industrial past and offers insights into the working conditions of early 20th century miners.
2. Berry Mine
COAL MINING HERITAGE
Berry Mine, established in 1905, is a historic coal mining site that contributed to the regional economic growth near Granville. The mine serves as a testament to the area's rich coal mining history and industrial heritage. Visitors interested in Illinois' mining past can appreciate the significance this operation had on local communities and development.
3. Starved Rock State Park
CANYONS AND EAGLES
Starved Rock State Park offers breathtaking views of numerous canyons carved into sandstone bluffs along the Illinois River. During winter months, visitors can witness majestic bald eagles soaring above the park, creating an unforgettable wildlife viewing experience. The park features miles of well-marked hiking trails that lead to stunning waterfalls, scenic overlooks, and historic sites throughout its 2,630 acres.
4. Illinois & Michigan Canal
HISTORIC WATERWAY TRAIL
The Illinois & Michigan Canal is a 96-mile historic waterway that connected Chicago to the Illinois River and played a crucial role in the development of the region. Completed in the mid-1800s, this engineering marvel helped transform Chicago into a major transportation hub and commercial center. Today, visitors can explore the canal path for hiking, biking, and learning about the industrial heritage that shaped Illinois.
5. Route 66 Heritage Corridor
MOTHER ROAD NOSTALGIA
The Route 66 Heritage Corridor preserves the nostalgic charm of America's most famous highway as it passes through Illinois. Visitors can experience classic diners, museums, tourist stops, and iconic neon signs that harken back to the golden age of automobile travel. The corridor offers a glimpse into American road trip culture and the freedom of the open road that defined mid-20th century travel.
6. Heritage Corridor Ale Trail
CRAFT BEER EXPERIENCE
The Heritage Corridor Ale Trail guides craft beer enthusiasts through a collection of local breweries in the Illinois & Michigan Canal region. Each brewery offers unique flavors that often incorporate local ingredients and pay homage to the area's rich cultural history. Visitors can sample distinctive craft beers while learning about the brewing traditions and innovations that make this trail a must-visit for beer aficionados.
7. Matthiessen State Park
DELLS AND CANYONS
Matthiessen State Park features spectacular dells, canyons, streams, prairie, and forest areas spread across nearly 2,000 acres of natural beauty. The park's main attractions include the Upper and Lower Dells, formed by erosion of sandstone formations, creating dramatic canyons and unique geological formations. Hiking trails wind through lush vegetation, alongside cascading waterfalls, and offer glimpses of diverse wildlife in this pristine natural setting.
8. Buffalo Rock State Park
RIVER BLUFFS SANCTUARY
Buffalo Rock State Park sits majestically on a bluff overlooking the Illinois River, offering panoramic views of the surrounding valley. The park is home to American bison that roam in an enclosed pasture, providing visitors with a glimpse of these magnificent animals that once dominated the Illinois prairie. Nature lovers can explore the park's numerous hiking trails that wind through diverse ecosystems, including prairie restorations and river bluff forests.
9. Hegeler Carus Mansion
VICTORIAN ARCHITECTURAL GEM
The Hegeler Carus Mansion is an opulent 1874 Second Empire mansion that stands as a stunning example of high-style Victorian architecture in the Illinois Valley. Designed by acclaimed architect W.W. Boyington, the mansion features 57 rooms filled with original furnishings and artwork that transport visitors back to the Gilded Age. This National Historic Landmark offers guided tours that highlight the influential Hegeler family's contributions to industry, philosophy, and publishing in America.
10. Reddick Mansion
ITALIANATE HISTORICAL TREASURE
Reddick Mansion is an impressive Italianate structure built in 1858, standing as one of the most distinguished pre-Civil War homes in Illinois. The mansion features elaborate plasterwork, ornate marble fireplaces, and period furnishings that showcase the opulence of 19th-century architecture and design. Visitors can take guided tours to learn about William Reddick, a prominent local businessman and politician whose legacy continues through this beautifully preserved historic landmark.
11. Lock 16 Visitor Center
CANAL HISTORY HUB
The Lock 16 Visitor Center serves as the headquarters for the Illinois & Michigan Canal National Heritage Corridor, offering comprehensive information about the historic waterway and surrounding attractions. The center is housed in a beautifully restored building where visitors can explore exhibits detailing the canal's construction and its impact on regional development. Canal boat rides depart from this location during the summer months, allowing guests to experience canal travel as it was in the 19th century.
12. Weber House and Garden
ARTISTIC HISTORIC ESTATE
Weber House and Garden is a remarkable early 20th-century estate featuring a Tudor Revival home surrounded by meticulously designed formal gardens. Created by artist and architect Joseph Weber, the property showcases his artistic vision through architectural details, handcrafted furnishings, and harmonious landscape design. Visitors can tour the house filled with Weber's artwork and explore the enchanting gardens that blend European formality with native plantings in a uniquely American interpretation.
13. LaSalle County Historical Museum
LOCAL HERITAGE COLLECTION
The LaSalle County Historical Museum houses an extensive collection of artifacts, photographs, and documents that chronicle the rich history of this Illinois region. Exhibits range from Native American artifacts to displays on canal construction, coal mining, and agricultural development that shaped local communities. The museum offers visitors an immersive journey through time, highlighting significant events and everyday life in LaSalle County from prehistoric times to the present day.
14. Grand Village of the Illinois
NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE
The Grand Village of the Illinois is an important archaeological site that was once home to a large settlement of Illinois Confederation Native Americans. This historic location was documented by French explorers in the 17th century and served as a significant cultural and trading center for indigenous peoples. Visitors can explore interpretive displays that explain the daily life, customs, and eventual displacement of the Illinois tribes who once thrived in this river valley region.
15. Dayton Bluffs Preserve
NATURAL RIVER SANCTUARY
Dayton Bluffs Preserve encompasses 253 acres of pristine natural landscape along the Fox River, featuring woodland bluffs, prairie restoration areas, and archaeological sites. The preserve protects several Native American burial mounds and historic pioneer cemeteries, offering a unique blend of cultural and natural heritage. Hiking trails wind through diverse ecosystems, providing opportunities for birdwatching, photography, and peaceful immersion in the Illinois wilderness.