Hull IllinoisATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Hull, Illinois.
1. Hull Museum
LOCAL HISTORY AND HERITAGE
The Hull Museum is housed in an old bank building and is operated by 'Hull History Lives, Inc.', offering a glimpse into the area's past. Visitors can explore local memorabilia and access a library section with genealogical records, old clippings, and other resources for tracing family histories. The museum is accessible by appointment only and includes the historic Hull Livery Stable as part of its collection.
2. Mark Twain Cave and Cameron Cave
HISTORIC UNDERGROUND EXPLORATION
Mark Twain Cave and Cameron Cave offer visitors a fascinating underground adventure near Hull, Illinois. These historic caves feature guided tours through limestone labyrinths that inspired scenes in Mark Twain's famous novels. Visitors can enjoy the constant 52-degree temperature while learning about the caves' rich history, including their use by Native Americans and as a hideout for Jesse James.
3. Cave Hollow West Winery
LOCAL WINES AND RELAXATION
Cave Hollow West Winery provides a delightful wine-tasting experience near the Hull area. Visitors can sample locally produced wines in a charming setting that complements a day of exploring nearby attractions. The winery offers a relaxing atmosphere where travelers can unwind and enjoy regional flavors.
4. Mississippi River
MIGHTY RIVER ADVENTURES
The Mississippi River forms the western border of Hull, Illinois, offering spectacular views and recreational opportunities. Visitors can enjoy fishing, boating, wildlife watching, and scenic drives along this iconic American waterway. The river played a significant role in Hull's history, including during the Great Floods of 1993 and 2008 when the community experienced substantial flooding.
5. Lovers Leap
SCENIC BLUFF OVERLOOK
Lovers Leap provides breathtaking panoramic views of the Mississippi River valley from a towering bluff. This natural landmark is steeped in romantic legend about two Native American lovers who reportedly leaped to their deaths rather than be separated. Visitors can enjoy hiking to the summit and photographing the spectacular vistas of the river and surrounding landscape.
6. Mt Olivet Cemetery
HISTORIC FINAL RESTING PLACE
Mt Olivet Cemetery serves as the final resting place for many historic figures from the region near Hull. Visitors can explore this peaceful setting with its ornate monuments and beautiful landscaping that reflect the area's history. The cemetery offers both historical interest and a serene environment for quiet contemplation.
7. Pike County Fair
TRADITIONAL COUNTY CELEBRATION
The Pike County Fair takes place during the third week of July in Pleasant Hill, offering a quintessential rural Illinois experience. Visitors can enjoy traditional fair attractions including livestock exhibitions, carnival rides, food vendors, and local entertainment. This annual event showcases the agricultural heritage and community spirit of Pike County where Hull is located.
8. Hull Livery Stable
HISTORIC TRANSPORTATION RELIC
The Hull Livery Stable stands as a preserved reminder of transportation history in this small Illinois village. This historic structure is part of the Hull Museum collection and offers insights into the community's past. Visitors can view this authentic piece of local architecture that once served as an essential business in the early days of Hull.
9. Jane Addams Hull House Museum
SOCIAL REFORM LEGACY
The Jane Addams Hull House Museum preserves and celebrates the legacy of pioneering social worker and Illinois native Jane Addams. Exhibits and educational programs depict the life and work of this courageous advocate who established one of America's most influential settlement houses. Visitors can explore the historic site to learn about social reform movements and their impact on American society.
10. Garfield Park Conservatory
URBAN BOTANICAL PARADISE
The Garfield Park Conservatory offers a lush escape from the city with its extensive collection of plant species displayed in stunning indoor gardens. Visitors can wander through multiple display houses featuring desert plants, tropical specimens, and seasonal flower shows throughout the year. This botanical gem provides educational opportunities and natural beauty regardless of Chicago's weather conditions.
11. Art Institute of Chicago
WORLD-CLASS ART COLLECTION
The Art Institute of Chicago houses one of the finest art collections in the world, including works by numerous master artists across centuries and cultures. Visitors can view famous pieces like American Gothic, Nighthawks, and A Sunday on La Grande Jatte among thousands of other artworks spanning 5,000 years of human creativity. Special exhibitions like the Frida Kahlo collection complement the permanent holdings, offering fresh perspectives for returning visitors.
12. Adler Planetarium and Astronomy Museum
GATEWAY TO THE UNIVERSE
The Adler Planetarium invites visitors to explore the mysteries of the cosmos through interactive exhibits and spectacular sky shows. As America's first planetarium, this institution combines historical astronomical instruments with cutting-edge space science displays. Guests can gaze at distant galaxies through telescopes, experience immersive dome presentations, and discover the wonders of our universe.
13. Chicago Museum Campus
CULTURAL LEARNING DESTINATION
The Chicago Museum Campus houses three of the city's leading institutions—the Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, and Adler Planetarium—all in one spectacular lakefront setting. Visitors can experience natural history, marine life, and astronomy within walking distance of each other along the shores of Lake Michigan. This cultural complex offers a full day of educational exploration for travelers of all ages seeking intellectual stimulation and entertainment.
14. Irish American Heritage Center
CELTIC CULTURAL CELEBRATION
The Irish American Heritage Center celebrates the rich traditions and contributions of Irish and Irish American culture in a welcoming environment. Visitors can explore exhibits, attend performances of traditional music and dance, and participate in cultural events throughout the year. The center serves as both a museum and a community gathering place that keeps Irish heritage vibrant in the American Midwest.
15. Amazing Scavenger Hunt
INTERACTIVE EXPLORATION ADVENTURE
The Amazing Scavenger Hunt offers an interactive way to discover the Hannibal area near Hull, Illinois through challenging clues and engaging activities. Participants follow a specially designed route that highlights important landmarks, historical sites, and hidden gems in the region. This family-friendly adventure combines entertainment with education, making it an ideal activity for visitors wanting to experience the area's attractions in a unique way.