Maquon IllinoisATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Maquon, Illinois.
1. Rock Springs Conservation Area & Nature Center
NATURE TRAILS AND WILDLIFE
Rock Springs Conservation Area & Nature Center invites visitors to explore scenic hiking trails, woodlands, and prairies teeming with wildlife. The nature center features educational exhibits about the local ecosystem and seasonal events for all ages. This well-maintained area is ideal for families, nature lovers, and those seeking recreation close to Decatur.
2. Scovill Zoo
FAMILY-FRIENDLY ANIMAL ENCOUNTERS
Scovill Zoo offers visitors a chance to see over 400 animals from around the world in a compact, family-friendly setting along Lake Decatur. The zoo includes interactive exhibits, a popular miniature train ride, and seasonal events for children. Its diverse animal collection and well-kept grounds make it a top destination for families in Central Illinois.
3. Governor Oglesby Mansion
HISTORIC GOVERNOR'S HOME
The Governor Oglesby Mansion showcases the elaborate 1870s Italianate home of three-time Illinois Governor, U.S. Senator, and Civil War General Richard J. Oglesby. Restored to reflect its 19th-century origins, the mansion offers guided tours detailing its historic architecture and stories of prominent political figures. It remains a treasured landmark in Decatur's West William Street historic district.
4. Homestead Prairie Farm
LIVING HISTORY EXPERIENCE
Homestead Prairie Farm at Rock Springs Conservation Area brings history to life in and around the restored Trobaugh-Good House, representing rural Illinois in 1860. Guests can explore period furnishings, agricultural artifacts, and skilled interpreters portraying everyday pioneer life. The site is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, making it an educational highlight for families and school groups.
5. Children's Museum of Illinois
INTERACTIVE LEARNING FOR KIDS
The Children's Museum of Illinois provides hands-on exhibits and creative play spaces designed to inspire imagination in young visitors. Spanning two stories and 27,000 square feet, the museum features activities ranging from science experiments to an actual helicopter and firetruck. It caters to children ages 2-10 and is a favorite family destination in Decatur.
6. Wabash Depot Antique Mall
ANTIQUE SHOPPING HUB
Wabash Depot Antique Mall, set in a historic train station, invites treasure hunters to browse two floors filled with antiques, collectibles, and vintage décor. Knowledgeable staff and a wide variety of booths guarantee a unique shopping experience. The beautifully preserved depot architecture adds to the mall's nostalgic charm.
7. Sand Creek Conservation Area
SCENIC OUTDOOR ESCAPE
Sand Creek Conservation Area offers 755 acres of woodlands, prairies, and creek valleys perfect for hiking, horseback riding, and picnicking. The trails wind past wildflower meadows and scenic overlooks, making it a tranquil retreat just south of Decatur. Interpretive signage educates visitors about the area's natural history and native species.
8. Kirkland Fine Arts Center
PERFORMING ARTS VENUE
Kirkland Fine Arts Center, located at Millikin University, hosts concerts, theater performances, dance recitals, and art exhibitions throughout the year. The state-of-the-art auditorium is renowned for its acoustics and elegant setting. Its diverse programming attracts students, locals, and out-of-town visitors seeking cultural enrichment.
9. Paris-Springfield Road
HISTORIC PIONEER ROUTE
Paris-Springfield Road is one of Central Illinois's earliest pioneer routes and a notable historic corridor. Abraham Lincoln famously traveled this path during his legal and political career. Interpretive markers along the way narrate the route's significance and its role in regional development.
10. Bethel School
RESTORED ONE-ROOM SCHOOLHOUSE
Bethel School allows visitors to experience a preserved one-room country school typical of 19th-century rural Illinois. Guided tours recount the educational traditions and daily life of students from a bygone era. The school is located within Friends Creek Conservation Area and remains a cherished site for local history enthusiasts.
11. Rock Springs Bottling Plant
EARLY 20TH CENTURY INDUSTRY
The Rock Springs Bottling Plant, founded in the early 1900s by Charles M. Parker, once supplied locally sourced spring water to Decatur residents. Visitors can learn about the industrial innovations and bottling techniques of the era. The site is part of the broader historic attractions at Rock Springs Conservation Area.
12. Sangamon River Mill
HISTORIC MILLING LANDMARK
Sangamon River Mill stands as a testament to early grist milling in Macon County, with its origins tracing back to the county's pioneer days. Interpretive displays highlight the significance of grain mills in sustaining the early agricultural economy. The preserved site lies along the banks of the Sangamon River within the conservation area.
13. James Millikin Homestead
VICTORIAN ERA MANSION
The James Millikin Homestead is a beautifully restored Victorian mansion that once belonged to Millikin University's founder. Guests enjoy guided tours that showcase elegant period furnishings, original woodwork, and gardens. This historic property provides insight into Decatur's Gilded Age wealth and philanthropy.
14. Lincoln Trail Homestead State Park
PARK WITH LINCOLN TIES
Lincoln Trail Homestead State Park marks the location of Abraham Lincoln's first home in Illinois. The park offers hiking trails, picnic spots, and interpretive displays recounting Lincoln's early years. Located near Harristown, it is a significant site for both nature lovers and history enthusiasts.
15. Chief Wapello's Memorial Park
NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE
Chief Wapello's Memorial Park honors the legacy of the Meskwaki leader and serves as a gathering place for cultural events and education. The park features memorials, interpretive signage, and tranquil spaces for reflection. It is an important heritage site in the Kirkwood area, celebrating local indigenous history.