Malden IllinoisATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Malden, Illinois.
1. Petticoat Junction
HIDDEN GEM EATERY
Petticoat Junction is a charming local establishment in Malden that offers impeccable service and great food. Visitors praise this hidden gem for its welcoming atmosphere and quality dining experience. This is a must-visit spot for travelers exploring the small town of Malden.
2. Lovejoy Homestead
HISTORIC SPECIALTY MUSEUM
Lovejoy Homestead is a specialty museum in Malden that offers visitors a glimpse into the area's rich history. The museum has earned a solid 4.4 rating from visitors who appreciate its historical significance and educational value. History enthusiasts will find the carefully preserved artifacts and exhibits particularly engaging.
3. Beetz Me
WINE BAR & GIFTS
Beetz Me is a unique combination of specialty gift shop and wine bar located in Malden. With a strong 4.4 rating from visitors, this establishment offers a curated selection of gifts alongside a relaxing wine experience. Visitors can shop for unique souvenirs while enjoying a glass of wine in this distinctive local business.
4. The Milk Moustache
SPECIALTY GIFT SHOP
The Milk Moustache is a specialty and gift shop in Malden that provides visitors with unique shopping opportunities. Earning a solid 4.0 rating, this store offers distinctive items that make perfect souvenirs or gifts. Shoppers can find a variety of specialty products reflecting the local culture and charm of Malden.
5. Peru Mall
REGIONAL SHOPPING CENTER
Peru Mall is a significant shopping destination near Malden in the neighboring town of Peru. This regional mall offers a variety of retail options for visitors looking to shop during their stay in the area. Shoppers can find national brands alongside local retailers in this convenient shopping center.
6. Bureau County Fairgrounds
EVENTS & ENTERTAINMENT VENUE
Bureau County Fairgrounds is an important venue near Malden that hosts various events throughout the year. The fairgrounds become especially lively during the annual county fair, drawing visitors from throughout the region. Travelers can experience authentic local culture and entertainment at this traditional Midwestern venue.
7. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum
PRESIDENTIAL HISTORY EXPERIENCE
The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum in Springfield offers an immersive journey through the life and legacy of America's 16th president. State-of-the-art exhibits combine historical artifacts with modern technology to create an engaging educational experience. Visitors can explore Lincoln's personal and political life through interactive displays and detailed recreations of pivotal moments in American history.
8. Lincoln Home National Historic Site
PRESIDENT'S PRESERVED RESIDENCE
Lincoln Home National Historic Site preserves the only home Abraham Lincoln ever owned, located in downtown Springfield. The meticulously restored residence offers guided tours that provide insight into Lincoln's family life before the presidency. Visitors can walk through the same rooms where Lincoln lived from 1844 until departing for Washington in 1861.
9. Route 66 Attractions
HISTORIC HIGHWAY NOSTALGIA
Route 66 attractions in Central Illinois showcase the nostalgic appeal of America's most famous highway. Visitors can explore classic diners, kitschy roadside attractions, and vintage gas stations that harken back to the golden age of automobile travel. These preserved pieces of Americana provide perfect photo opportunities and a connection to an important chapter in American transportation history.
10. Illinois Shakespeare Festival
SUMMER THEATER CELEBRATION
The Illinois Shakespeare Festival in Normal presents professional productions of Shakespeare's works and other classics during the summer months. The festival combines exceptional theatrical performances with a festive atmosphere in a beautiful outdoor setting. Visitors can experience high-quality theater under the stars while enjoying this celebrated cultural tradition in Central Illinois.
11. Uptown Normal
VIBRANT COLLEGE DISTRICT
Uptown Normal is a lively neighborhood buzzing with youthful energy from the nearby Illinois State University and Illinois Wesleyan University. Visitors can browse unique record stores, dine at beloved pizza places, and experience the distinctive college-town atmosphere. The district offers a refreshing mix of shops, eateries, and cultural venues that appeal to visitors of all ages.
12. Lincoln's Law Offices
HISTORIC LEGAL WORKPLACE
Lincoln's Law Offices in Springfield preserve the space where Abraham Lincoln practiced law before becoming president. Visitors can see the actual rooms where Lincoln worked on cases and developed his legal expertise from 1843 to 1852. The site offers a fascinating glimpse into Lincoln's professional life and the early legal system in Illinois.
13. Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area
PRESIDENTIAL HISTORICAL REGION
The Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area encompasses numerous historical sites connected to Lincoln's life across Central Illinois. Visitors can follow in Lincoln's footsteps through preserved courthouses, historic towns, and other locations significant to his personal and professional development. This extensive heritage area provides a comprehensive understanding of how the Illinois prairie shaped one of America's greatest presidents.
14. Illinois State University
HISTORIC EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION
Illinois State University in Normal is a historic institution founded in 1857 as the first public university in Illinois. Visitors can explore the beautiful campus featuring a mix of historic and modern architecture spread across 1,000 acres. The university's museums, galleries, and performance venues offer cultural experiences open to the public throughout the year.
15. Illinois Wesleyan University
PICTURESQUE LIBERAL ARTS CAMPUS
Illinois Wesleyan University offers a picturesque campus with impressive architecture and beautifully landscaped grounds in Bloomington. Visitors can enjoy art exhibitions at the Wakeley Gallery, performances at the McPherson Theatre, and concerts at Presser Hall throughout the year. The compact 80-acre campus provides a serene environment for strolling and appreciating academic traditions dating back to 1850.