Greenup IllinoisATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Greenup, Illinois.
1. Cameo Vineyards
LOCAL WINE TASTING EXPERIENCE
Cameo Vineyards offers visitors a charming wine tasting experience in the heart of Greenup. Visitors can sample locally produced wines while enjoying the peaceful countryside setting. The vineyard provides a perfect retreat for wine enthusiasts looking to discover unique Illinois flavors.
2. Cumberland County Covered Bridge
ILLINOIS' LONGEST COVERED BRIDGE
The Cumberland County Covered Bridge stands as the longest covered bridge in Illinois, stretching 200 feet across the Embarras River in Greenup. Built in 2000, this structure is a reconstructed version of the original 1832 bridge that was washed away multiple times throughout history. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll through the bridge to admire the gorgeous trusses that support this impressive structure.
3. Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site
PRESIDENTIAL FAMILY HISTORY
The Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site preserves a replica of Thomas Lincoln's home, father of President Abraham Lincoln, set on 86 acres of historical parkland. The two-room saddlebag-style log cabin features two main rooms and a loft space that once housed up to 18 family members. Though Abraham Lincoln had moved out by the time his father lived here, the site offers a fascinating glimpse into 19th-century pioneer life and presidential family history.
4. Greenup Depot
HISTORIC RAILWAY STATION
The Greenup Depot represents an important piece of local transportation history in this small Illinois town. The historic railway station has been preserved to showcase the role of rail travel in developing the region. Visitors can explore this piece of Americana that connects Greenup to the broader narrative of Midwestern railway expansion.
5. Illinois Military Museum
HONORING MILITARY HERITAGE
The Illinois Military Museum in Greenup showcases artifacts and exhibits honoring the state's rich military history. Visitors can explore collections that span multiple conflicts and learn about the contributions of Illinois citizens to American military efforts. The museum provides an educational experience that connects local heritage to national service and sacrifice.
6. Cumberland County Historical & Genealogical Society
LOCAL HISTORY ARCHIVES
The Cumberland County Historical & Genealogical Society preserves the rich history of Greenup and surrounding communities through extensive archives and exhibits. Researchers and history enthusiasts can access genealogical records, historical photographs, and artifacts that tell the story of the region's development. The society offers a window into the past for visitors interested in tracing family roots or understanding local cultural evolution.
7. Houghton Park
FAMILY-FRIENDLY RECREATION AREA
Houghton Park offers visitors a relaxing outdoor space for recreation and community gatherings in Greenup. The park features a popular concession stand where visitors can enjoy refreshments while taking advantage of the recreational facilities. Families appreciate the welcoming atmosphere and amenities that make this a local favorite for outdoor activities.
8. The Greenup Mill Cafe And Cocktail Lounge
LOCAL DINING EXPERIENCE
The Greenup Mill Cafe And Cocktail Lounge offers visitors a taste of local cuisine and culture in a charming setting. Patrons can enjoy delicious meals accompanied by specialty cocktails that showcase regional flavors. The establishment serves as both a dining destination and a gathering place for locals and tourists alike.
9. Fox Ridge State Park
SCENIC OUTDOOR ADVENTURES
Fox Ridge State Park, located near Greenup in Charleston, offers over 2,000 acres of wooded terrain with scenic hiking trails and outdoor recreation opportunities. Visitors can explore the eight miles of trails that wind through ravines and along ridges overlooking the Embarras River. The park provides facilities for camping, fishing, and picnicking, making it a perfect natural retreat for outdoor enthusiasts.
10. Lake Mattoon
WATER RECREATION DESTINATION
Lake Mattoon provides a refreshing water recreation destination near Greenup, with over 1,000 acres of surface area for boating, fishing, and swimming. Anglers can try their luck catching largemouth bass, crappie, and catfish in this popular fishing spot. The surrounding shoreline offers camping sites and picnic areas for visitors seeking a complete outdoor experience.
11. Peterson Park
LIGHTS AND RECREATION
Peterson Park in Mattoon is famous for its spectacular annual holiday light display that draws visitors from throughout the region including Greenup. Beyond seasonal attractions, the park offers year-round recreation with tennis courts, baseball fields, and playground equipment. Families particularly enjoy the miniature golf course and the beautifully landscaped grounds perfect for leisurely walks.
12. Lincoln Prairie Grass Trail
HISTORICAL BIKING PATH
The Lincoln Prairie Grass Trail stretches 12.6 miles between Charleston and Mattoon, offering a paved path for cyclists, joggers, and walkers near the Greenup area. The trail follows the former railroad corridor that once connected these communities, providing a historic route through the Illinois prairie landscape. Nature enthusiasts appreciate the opportunity to observe local wildlife and seasonal wildflowers along this scenic recreational pathway.
13. Mattoon Historical Museum
LOCAL HERITAGE COLLECTION
The Mattoon Historical Museum preserves the cultural heritage of the region with exhibits showcasing artifacts from the city's development since its founding in 1855. Visitors can examine collections of photographs, documents, and everyday items that tell the story of life in this Illinois railroad town. The museum provides context for understanding the shared history of communities in the area, including nearby Greenup.
14. Douglas-Hart Nature Center
NATIVE PRAIRIE ECOSYSTEM
The Douglas-Hart Nature Center features 70 acres of restored Illinois habitats including prairie, wetland, and forest ecosystems just a short drive from Greenup. Visitors can explore over two miles of walking trails while observing native plants and wildlife in their natural environment. The center offers educational programs and exhibits that highlight the importance of conservation and the natural history of central Illinois.
15. Lincoln Douglas Debate Museum
HISTORIC POLITICAL LANDMARK
The Lincoln Douglas Debate Museum commemorates the famous 1858 debate between Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas that took place in Charleston near Greenup. Visitors can learn about this pivotal moment in American political history through exhibits featuring period artifacts and interpretive displays. The museum offers insight into the issues of slavery and states' rights that dominated political discourse in pre-Civil War America.