Hanaford IllinoisATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Hanaford, Illinois.
1. Hanaford Village Historic District
LOCAL HISTORY AND HERITAGE
The Hanaford Village Historic District offers visitors a glimpse into the unique dual-identity community once known as both Smothersville and Logan. Visitors can explore the legacy of this coal mining town that was renamed for land speculator John P. Hanaford and later for the John A. Logan Coal Company. The district showcases the cultural heritage of Southern Illinois and the impact of coal mining on small rural communities.
2. Garden of the Gods
SPECTACULAR ROCK FORMATIONS
Garden of the Gods is a stunning geological marvel located in the Shawnee National Forest featuring dramatic sandstone rock formations that were sculpted over millions of years. Visitors can hike the observation trail to witness breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding forest and unique rock structures with names like Camel Rock, Mushroom Rock, and Devil's Smoke Stack. The area is particularly magnificent during fall when the forest transforms into vibrant autumn colors, making it a photographer's paradise.
3. Benton City Park
RECREATION AND RELAXATION
Benton City Park serves as the recreational heart of Franklin County, offering various outdoor amenities for visitors of all ages. The park features walking trails, sports facilities, and picnic areas where families can enjoy a day of relaxation surrounded by nature. Located just 6 miles from Hanaford, this community gathering spot hosts seasonal events and provides a peaceful escape from everyday life.
4. Franklin County Historical Museum
LOCAL HERITAGE PRESERVATION
The Franklin County Historical Museum preserves and showcases the rich history and culture of the region through various exhibits and artifacts. Visitors can explore displays about the area's coal mining heritage, agricultural development, and the stories of local communities including Hanaford. The museum offers a fascinating journey through time, highlighting significant events and personalities that shaped Franklin County's identity.
5. Millstone Bluff Archaeological Site
NATIVE AMERICAN HISTORY
Millstone Bluff Archaeological Site is a significant historical landmark that provides insights into Native American history in Southern Illinois. Visitors can hike to the top of the bluff to see rock art, remains of a stone fort, and evidence of a Mississippian village that once thrived in the area. The site offers educational interpretive signs that explain the cultural significance and archaeological discoveries made at this important historical location.
6. Rend Lake
OUTDOOR RECREATION PARADISE
Rend Lake is one of Southern Illinois' largest recreational lakes, spanning 18,900 acres with 162 miles of shoreline for boating, fishing, and water sports. Visitors can enjoy multiple beaches, campgrounds, hiking trails, and golf courses surrounding the lake, making it a complete outdoor destination. The lake is known for excellent crappie, catfish, and bass fishing, attracting anglers throughout the year to test their skills in these bountiful waters.
7. Wayne Fitzgerrell State Park
LAKESIDE NATURAL BEAUTY
Wayne Fitzgerrell State Park encompasses 3,300 acres of scenic land along the eastern shore of Rend Lake, offering diverse recreational opportunities. The park features extensive hiking and equestrian trails that wind through woodlands and open fields, providing glimpses of the abundant wildlife that calls this area home. Visitors can enjoy camping, picnicking, bird watching, and seasonal hunting in this beautifully maintained natural area that showcases the best of Southern Illinois landscapes.
8. Thompsonville Mine Memorial
COAL MINING HERITAGE
The Thompsonville Mine Memorial pays tribute to the coal mining industry that was once the economic backbone of the region, including nearby Hanaford. Visitors can learn about the challenging conditions miners faced, the mining disasters that occurred in the area, and the cultural impact of coal mining on local communities. Located just 5 miles from Hanaford, this memorial serves as an important reminder of the sacrifices made by generations of coal miners in Southern Illinois.
9. Fort de Chartres
FRENCH COLONIAL HISTORY
Fort de Chartres is a meticulously reconstructed 18th-century French fortress that once served as the French administrative center in the Illinois Country. Visitors can explore the stone fort with its powder magazine, guardhouse, and museum that houses artifacts from the French colonial period. The fort hosts several annual events including the Wine & Music Festival and the Rendezvous, where reenactors in period clothing demonstrate aspects of colonial life from the 1700s.
10. Misselhorn Art Gallery
REGIONAL ARTISTIC EXPRESSION
The Misselhorn Art Gallery showcases the works of local and regional artists, celebrating the creative spirit of Southern Illinois. Visitors can admire various art forms including paintings, sculptures, photography, and crafts that reflect the cultural and natural beauty of the region. The gallery regularly hosts changing exhibitions, workshops, and cultural events that provide enriching experiences for art enthusiasts and casual visitors alike.
11. Kaskaskia Island
LIBERTY BELL OF WEST
Kaskaskia Island is home to the oldest church in Illinois and the historic Liberty Bell of the West, which predates the famous Philadelphia Liberty Bell. Visitors can explore the unique geography of this island that became separated from the mainland when the Mississippi River changed course in 1881, creating the only Illinois land west of the Mississippi. The site holds significant historical importance as it was once the first capital of Illinois and a center of French colonial influence in the region.
12. Cache River State Natural Area
ANCIENT CYPRESS SWAMPS
The Cache River State Natural Area features some of the oldest living trees east of the Mississippi, including thousand-year-old cypress trees in pristine wetlands. Visitors can paddle through the ancient cypress-tupelo swamp on guided canoe tours, observing unique ecosystems that are home to over 100 endangered or threatened species. The area contains diverse habitats from swamps to bluffs, creating an environment often compared to Louisiana bayous but surprisingly located in Southern Illinois.
13. Bald Knob Cross
MONUMENTAL SPIRITUAL LANDMARK
Bald Knob Cross stands as an impressive 111-foot-tall monument atop one of the highest points in Southern Illinois, visible for miles around. Visitors can climb to the observation deck for spectacular panoramic views of the Shawnee National Forest and the surrounding countryside spanning three states. The site includes a welcome center that explains the history and significance of this spiritual landmark that has drawn pilgrims and tourists since its completion in 1963.
14. Trail of Tears State Forest
HISTORIC WOODLAND PATHS
Trail of Tears State Forest preserves 5,114 acres of natural woodland along one route of the historic Trail of Tears, where Cherokee people were forcibly relocated in the 1830s. Visitors can hike through diverse forest ecosystems featuring hardwood ridges, deep ravines, and clear streams while reflecting on the somber history that gives the forest its name. The area offers camping, picnicking, and wildlife viewing opportunities in a peaceful setting that combines natural beauty with historical significance.
15. Lincoln Heritage Museum
PRESIDENTIAL HISTORY SHOWCASE
The Lincoln Heritage Museum offers visitors an immersive journey through the life and legacy of America's 16th president, Abraham Lincoln. Through innovative exhibits combining artifacts, interactive displays, and storytelling techniques, guests experience the transformation of Lincoln from a frontier boy to one of history's most revered leaders. The museum houses an impressive collection of original Lincoln artifacts and documents that provide authentic connections to this influential historical figure with deep Illinois roots.