Le Roy IllinoisATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Le Roy, Illinois.
1. Moraine View State Park
NATURAL BEAUTY AND RECREATION
Moraine View State Park offers visitors over 1,900 acres of natural beauty with hiking trails, fishing spots, and camping facilities. The park features a 158-acre lake perfect for boating and swimming during the warmer months. Visitors can enjoy bird watching, picnicking, and seasonal activities like cross-country skiing in winter.
2. Empire Township Museum
LOCAL HISTORY PRESERVED
The Empire Township Museum preserves and showcases the rich history of Le Roy and its surrounding areas. Housed in a historic building, the museum displays artifacts, photographs, and documents that tell the story of the community's development since its founding in 1835. Visitors can explore exhibits highlighting local agriculture, education, and daily life from bygone eras.
3. New & Renewed: An Artists Collective
LOCAL ART AND CRAFTS
New & Renewed is a vibrant artists collective that showcases the work of local artisans and craftspeople in Le Roy. The gallery features a diverse range of mediums including paintings, pottery, jewelry, and handcrafted items unique to the region. Visitors can browse, purchase one-of-a-kind pieces, and sometimes meet the artists who create these distinctive works.
4. LeRoy Country Club
GOLFING IN THE HEARTLAND
LeRoy Country Club offers a welcoming 9-hole golf course surrounded by the picturesque Illinois countryside. The well-maintained fairways and greens provide an enjoyable challenge for golfers of all skill levels. The clubhouse features dining options and is a popular gathering place for both golfers and community members.
5. Oak & Flame
LOCAL DINING EXPERIENCE
Oak & Flame is a popular dining establishment in Le Roy known for its welcoming atmosphere and delicious food. The restaurant specializes in hearty American cuisine with a focus on quality ingredients and traditional cooking methods. Visitors can enjoy everything from steaks and seafood to casual fare in a comfortable, family-friendly setting.
6. Timber Trails Private Horseback Trail Riding
EQUESTRIAN ADVENTURE AWAITS
Timber Trails offers private horseback riding experiences through the scenic countryside around Le Roy. Guided trail rides cater to both beginners and experienced riders, presenting a unique way to explore the natural beauty of central Illinois. The well-trained horses and knowledgeable guides ensure a safe and memorable outdoor adventure for visitors of all ages.
7. Le Roy Commercial Historic District
HISTORIC DOWNTOWN ARCHITECTURE
The Le Roy Commercial Historic District encompasses 27 buildings dating from 1870 to 1945, representing the town's main period of commercial development. Walking through the district's three blocks along East Center Street and North Chestnut Street, visitors can admire the well-preserved architecture that survived two major fires in 1892 and 1907. The district, listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1996, provides a glimpse into the economic and social history of this small Midwestern town.
8. Town Park
COMMUNITY GATHERING SPACE
Le Roy's Town Park serves as a charming community gathering space located at the west end of East Center Street. The park features a traditional band pavilion and a notable statue of Kickapoo chief Osaketa, honoring the area's Native American heritage. Originally intended as a town square, this green space provides a peaceful retreat amidst the historic commercial district.
9. Le Roy Town Hall
HISTORIC CIVIC BUILDING
The Le Roy Town Hall is a distinctive brick building constructed in 1902 that stands as a testament to the community's civic pride and history. Located within the Commercial Historic District, this building has served as the center of local government for over a century. Visitors can appreciate its historical architecture and significance to the development of Le Roy.
10. Sangamon River
NATURAL WATERWAY EXPERIENCE
The Sangamon River flows near Le Roy, offering outdoor enthusiasts opportunities for canoeing, kayaking, and fishing in central Illinois. This historic waterway, made famous in part by Abraham Lincoln's early adventures, winds through the beautiful countryside providing habitat for diverse wildlife and plant species. Visitors can access the river at various points for day trips or longer paddling excursions through the heart of Illinois.
11. McLean County Museum of History
REGIONAL HERITAGE SHOWCASE
The McLean County Museum of History, located in nearby Bloomington, preserves and interprets the rich heritage of the entire county including Le Roy's past. Housed in a magnificent historic courthouse, the museum features award-winning exhibits that bring to life the stories of the region's people, places, and events. Visitors can explore multiple galleries covering topics from indigenous peoples to agricultural development, immigration, and the area's role in American history.
12. David Davis Mansion
VICTORIAN ARCHITECTURAL GEM
The David Davis Mansion, also known as Clover Lawn, is a beautifully preserved 19th-century estate just a short drive from Le Roy in Bloomington. This elegant Victorian mansion was home to Judge David Davis, a U.S. Supreme Court Justice and friend of Abraham Lincoln, and showcases the lifestyle of wealthy Americans during the Victorian era. Visitors can tour the 36-room mansion with its period furnishings and learn about its significant place in both local and national history.
13. Miller Park Zoo
FAMILY-FRIENDLY ANIMAL ENCOUNTERS
Miller Park Zoo, located in nearby Bloomington, offers an engaging wildlife experience with over 170 animals representing species from around the world. Visitors can observe snow leopards, red pandas, Sumatran tigers, and many other animals in naturalistic habitats designed for animal welfare and conservation education. The zoo's intimate size makes it perfect for families, with interactive exhibits and educational programs that create meaningful connections between people and wildlife.
14. Constitution Trail
SCENIC URBAN PATHWAY
The Constitution Trail is a popular multi-use pathway spanning over 45 miles throughout the Bloomington-Normal area near Le Roy. Built on former railroad corridors, this scenic trail system offers paved surfaces ideal for walking, running, cycling, and inline skating throughout the year. The trail connects numerous parks, neighborhoods, and attractions, making it both a recreational destination and a practical transportation alternative for residents and visitors alike.
15. Ewing Manor and Gardens
HISTORIC ESTATE EXPERIENCE
Ewing Manor and Gardens features a stunning 1920s Channel-Norman style mansion set amidst beautiful landscaped grounds in nearby Bloomington. The estate was built for Hazle Buck Ewing, a philanthropist and social activist, and showcases impressive architectural details, period furnishings, and art collections that transport visitors back in time. The surrounding gardens, with their formal design and seasonal plantings, provide a peaceful retreat and serve as the summer home of the Illinois Shakespeare Festival.