Heyworth IllinoisATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Heyworth, Illinois.
1. Wild Harvest Honey Farm
SWEET LOCAL HONEY EXPERIENCE
Wild Harvest Honey Farm is one of the top attractions in Heyworth where visitors can learn about beekeeping and honey production. Visitors can explore the farm, observe the honey-making process, and purchase fresh local honey products directly from the source. The farm offers a unique agricultural experience that combines education with the opportunity to taste and buy authentic honey products.
2. Simpkins Military History Museum
HISTORICAL MILITARY ARTIFACTS
Simpkins Military History Museum houses an impressive collection of military artifacts from the Civil War through Desert Storm. The museum, which opened on March 19, 1989, displays the personal collection of Gary Simpkins that began in his bedroom before expanding to its current dedicated building. Visitors can explore exhibits featuring items from the Civil War, Spanish-American War, World Wars I and II, Korean War, Vietnam War, and the Cold War.
3. Illinois State University
PREMIER EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION
Illinois State University is a major educational institution located in Normal, just a short drive from Heyworth. The campus offers beautiful grounds, architectural points of interest, and various cultural events throughout the year. Visitors can explore the university's museums, attend theatrical performances, or enjoy sporting events at this historic institution founded in 1857.
4. Illinois Wesleyan University
HISTORIC LIBERAL ARTS CAMPUS
Illinois Wesleyan University features a picturesque campus with historic architecture in nearby Bloomington. Visitors can stroll through the beautiful grounds, attend performances at the university's theater and music venues, or view exhibitions at the campus art galleries. The university's arboretum and gardens also provide a peaceful retreat for nature enthusiasts.
5. Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts
CULTURAL ENTERTAINMENT HUB
The Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts serves as the cultural heart of the region, hosting a variety of performances throughout the year. The historic venue features Broadway shows, concerts, ballet performances, and community theater productions in a beautifully restored setting. Visitors can enjoy world-class entertainment in an intimate atmosphere that combines historic charm with modern amenities.
6. Grossinger Motors Arena
PREMIER ENTERTAINMENT VENUE
Grossinger Motors Arena is a multi-purpose entertainment venue hosting concerts, sporting events, and conventions in Bloomington. The arena features state-of-the-art facilities and can accommodate thousands of spectators for major performances and competitions. Visitors can check the arena's calendar for upcoming events ranging from ice hockey games to major musical acts and family entertainment.
7. Miller Park Zoo
FAMILY-FRIENDLY WILDLIFE EXPERIENCE
Miller Park Zoo offers an intimate wildlife experience with over 200 animals representing species from around the world. The zoo features exhibits including the Tropical America Rainforest, Wallaby Walkabout, ZooLab, and Children's Zoo where visitors can get up-close views of fascinating creatures. Families can enjoy educational presentations, feeding opportunities, and special seasonal events throughout the year.
8. Children's Discovery Museum
INTERACTIVE LEARNING PLAYGROUND
The Children's Discovery Museum provides hands-on educational experiences designed to spark curiosity and creativity in young minds. The three-story facility features interactive exhibits focused on science, technology, arts, and culture where children can learn through play and exploration. Families can spend hours engaging with the various stations that make learning fun while developing problem-solving skills and imagination.
9. Bloomington-Normal Factory Stores
DISCOUNT SHOPPING DESTINATION
Bloomington-Normal Factory Stores offers bargain hunters a variety of brand-name merchandise at discounted prices. The shopping center features outlet stores where visitors can find deals on clothing, accessories, home goods, and more from popular retailers. Shoppers can enjoy a day of retail therapy while saving significantly on favorite brands in this convenient location.
10. Redbird Arena
COLLEGIATE SPORTS VENUE
Redbird Arena is the home court for Illinois State University's basketball teams and volleyball programs. The 10,000-seat facility offers an electric atmosphere for collegiate sporting events with excellent sightlines and modern amenities. Sports enthusiasts can catch exciting NCAA Division I competition while experiencing the school spirit and traditions of the ISU Redbirds.
11. McLean County Museum of History
REGIONAL HERITAGE SHOWCASE
The McLean County Museum of History preserves and interprets the rich heritage of central Illinois through engaging exhibits and extensive archives. Housed in a magnificent historic courthouse, the museum features permanent and rotating exhibitions that tell the story of the region's development, notable figures, and cultural significance. Visitors can explore multiple floors of displays that bring local history to life through artifacts, photographs, and interactive elements.
12. Prairie Aviation Museum
HISTORIC AIRCRAFT COLLECTION
The Prairie Aviation Museum showcases historic aircraft and aviation memorabilia that highlight the region's contributions to flight. Visitors can explore both indoor exhibits and an outdoor air park featuring military and civilian aircraft spanning several decades of aviation history. The museum offers guided tours where aviation enthusiasts can learn about the engineering, historical significance, and personal stories behind each aircraft in the collection.
13. Weldon Springs State Park
NATURAL RECREATION AREA
Weldon Springs State Park offers 550 acres of natural beauty with hiking trails, fishing opportunities, and picnic areas for outdoor enthusiasts. The park features a 29-acre spring-fed lake where visitors can fish for bass, bluegill, and catfish or enjoy non-motorized boating in a serene setting. Nature lovers can explore several miles of trails through woodlands and restored prairie while observing diverse wildlife and seasonal wildflowers.
14. Moraine View State Park
LAKESIDE OUTDOOR RECREATION
Moraine View State Park encompasses over 1,900 acres of natural landscape centered around a 158-acre lake for year-round outdoor activities. Visitors can enjoy swimming, fishing, boating, hiking, camping, and picnicking during warm months, while winter offers opportunities for sledding, ice fishing, and cross-country skiing. The park's diverse habitats support abundant wildlife viewing and nature photography throughout its extensive trail system and shoreline.
15. The Shoppes at College Hills
UPSCALE RETAIL CENTER
The Shoppes at College Hills presents an open-air shopping experience featuring a mix of national retailers and local boutiques. The lifestyle center offers a pleasant atmosphere for shopping, dining, and services with landscaped walkways and seating areas throughout the complex. Visitors can browse fashion, home goods, and specialty items while enjoying the center's restaurants and seasonal community events.