Huey IllinoisATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Huey, Illinois.
1. Twelve Oaks Vineyard
LOCAL WINE TASTING EXPERIENCE
Twelve Oaks Vineyard offers visitors a delightful wine tasting experience in the heart of rural Illinois. The vineyard features locally produced wines in a serene countryside setting perfect for relaxation. Visitors can sample various wine varieties while enjoying the peaceful ambiance of this highly-rated local establishment.
2. Carlyle Sailing Association
BOATING AND SAILING FUN
The Carlyle Sailing Association provides excellent sailing opportunities on Carlyle Lake, the largest lake in Illinois. Visitors can enjoy various sailing activities, boat rentals, and sailing lessons for all experience levels. The association is well-regarded for its friendly atmosphere and beautiful lake views that attract water enthusiasts year-round.
3. Eldon Hazlet State Park
OUTDOOR RECREATION PARADISE
Eldon Hazlet State Park encompasses stunning natural landscapes with extensive camping facilities and a clean, spacious swimming pool. The park offers numerous outdoor activities including hiking trails, fishing spots, and wildlife viewing opportunities throughout its expansive grounds. Nature lovers will appreciate the well-maintained campsites and recreational facilities that make this park a perfect outdoor getaway.
4. Crooked Creek Winery
RUSTIC WINE EXPERIENCE
Crooked Creek Winery invites guests to sample their distinctive locally-produced wines in a charming countryside setting. The winery combines a rustic atmosphere with quality wine production that showcases the region's viticultural potential. Visitors can enjoy tastings, tours, and special events in this beloved local establishment that captures the essence of Illinois wine country.
5. Centralia Carillon
MUSICAL TOWER MONUMENT
The Centralia Carillon stands as a musical monument in the heart of Centralia, featuring a tower of bells that plays melodies throughout the day. This distinctive landmark provides both visual appeal and melodic entertainment for visitors and locals alike. The carillon represents an important cultural touchstone for the community and offers a unique audio experience not commonly found in small Illinois towns.
6. Centralia Area Historical Museum
THREE FLOORS OF HISTORY
The Centralia Area Historical Museum showcases the region's rich railroad history through three stories of compelling exhibits including vintage photographs and Civil War artifacts. Visitors can explore the museum's extensive collections, including artifacts from the #5 Mine Disaster such as detonators, lunch buckles, and rescue equipment. This free-to-visit attraction even features a real caboose available for tours, making it a fascinating destination for history enthusiasts.
7. Bob Eversgerd's Civil War Fort
HANDCRAFTED HISTORICAL REPLICA
Bob Eversgerd's Civil War Fort stands as an impressive replica built by a single dedicated craftsman just outside of Germantown. The fort features a 22-foot-high entrance, exact replicas of Civil War cannons, log cabins, and a jail constructed mainly from remnants of old nineteenth-century buildings. Visitors can arrange private tours of this spectacular labor of love by scheduling an appointment in advance.
8. General Dean Suspension Bridge
HISTORIC RIVER CROSSING
The General Dean Suspension Bridge stands as a remarkable historical structure that has served the Clinton County area for generations. This picturesque bridge offers visitors both historical significance and scenic views of the surrounding waterway. The distinctive suspension design makes it a popular spot for photographers and history enthusiasts exploring Clinton County's architectural heritage.
9. Clinton County Historical Museum
1800S HERITAGE COLLECTION
The Clinton County Historical Museum occupies a beautiful late 1800s private home that has been transformed into a repository of local history and culture. This must-see attraction houses numerous artifacts that tell the story of Clinton County's agricultural and mining heritage through carefully curated exhibits. Visitors can step back in time while exploring the historical items and learning about the people who shaped this region of Illinois.
10. Breese Historical Park & Garden
PEACEFUL HISTORICAL GROUNDS
Breese Historical Park & Garden offers visitors a tranquil space to enjoy beautifully maintained gardens and historical displays. The park combines natural beauty with educational elements that highlight the region's past through thoughtful landscaping and informative exhibits. Visitors can stroll through the gardens, relax in the peaceful surroundings, and gain insight into local history in this charming community space.
11. The Cholera Cross
SOLEMN HISTORICAL MONUMENT
The Cholera Cross stands as a solemn memorial to those who perished during historic cholera epidemics that once swept through the region. This meaningful monument serves as both a historical marker and a place of reflection for visitors interested in the area's past challenges. The cross represents an important chapter in local history, commemorating the resilience of early settlers who faced devastating disease outbreaks.
12. Coal Miners' Monument
TRIBUTE TO MINING HERITAGE
The Coal Miners' Monument honors the significant contribution of miners to the development and economy of Clinton County. This thoughtful memorial pays tribute to the hardworking individuals who labored in the region's mines, often in dangerous conditions. Visitors can learn about the important role of coal mining in shaping the area's history and development through this respectful commemorative site.
13. Wamac's #5 Mine Memorial
MINING DISASTER REMEMBRANCE
Wamac's #5 Mine Memorial commemorates the tragic mining disaster that had a profound impact on the local community and mining history. The memorial preserves the memory of those lost and serves as an educational site about mine safety and the human cost of coal extraction. Visitors can reflect on the historical significance of mining in the region while paying respects to those who lost their lives in this industry.
14. Vietnam Memorial
HONORING LOCAL VETERANS
The Vietnam Memorial in Clinton County stands as a tribute to local service members who served during the Vietnam War. This meaningful monument honors the sacrifice and dedication of area veterans who answered their nation's call to service. Visitors can pay their respects and learn about the county's contribution to this significant period in American history through this thoughtfully designed memorial.
15. Carlyle Lake Public Beaches
REFRESHING LAKESIDE RECREATION
Carlyle Lake features four public beaches that offer excellent swimming opportunities in Illinois' largest manmade lake. The beaches provide clean sandy shores, designated swimming areas, and basic amenities for visitors seeking summer recreation. Families particularly enjoy these well-maintained beaches that combine water activities with picturesque views of the surrounding landscape.