Nilwood IllinoisATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Nilwood, Illinois.
1. Historic Route 66 – Girard to Nilwood Segment
CLASSIC HIGHWAY HISTORY
The Historic Route 66 segment from Girard to Nilwood is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a must-see for any road trip enthusiast. This stretch showcases the original Portland concrete slab from the early 1920s, featuring two narrow lanes and unique 90-degree curves. Visitors enjoy driving a piece of authentic American transportation history as they journey through rural Illinois landscapes.
2. Turkey Tracks on Route 66
QUIRKY ROADSIDE ODDITY
Turkey Tracks is a charming roadside sign marking a spot where wild turkeys accidentally stepped in the wet cement during the construction of Route 66 in the 1920s. Today, visitors can view both the sign and the turkey footprints still preserved in the old highway. This unusual and lighthearted stop provides a quirky photo opportunity and a direct link to the area's history.
3. Macoupin County Courthouse
ARCHITECTURAL LANDMARK
The Macoupin County Courthouse in Carlinville is a towering example of 19th-century civic architecture, renowned for its grand limestone columns and storied history. Completed in 1870, this courthouse was once touted as the largest in the world outside Washington, D.C. Visitors can admire its stately façade and explore the surrounding square, which frequently hosts community events and markets.
4. Carlinville Historic Square
DOWNTOWN GATHERING PLACE
Carlinville Historic Square is the vibrant heart of Carlinville, lined with beautifully preserved buildings from the late 1800s and early 1900s. This bustling district offers boutique shopping, local dining, and a lively atmosphere steeped in history. Walking the square, visitors can experience small-town charm and access seasonal festivals and outdoor entertainment.
5. Standard Addition (Sears Houses)
HISTORIC HOME COLLECTION
The Standard Addition neighborhood in Carlinville features one of the largest concentrations of Sears kit homes in the United States. Built in the 1910s for coal miners, these iconic homes exemplify early 20th-century ingenuity and community planning. Guided and self-guided walking tours are available for visitors interested in unique architecture and American social history.
6. Carlinville Market Days
COMMUNITY EVENT SERIES
Carlinville Market Days are popular monthly events bringing together local vendors, artisans, and food trucks on the historic town square. Shoppers can find everything from antiques and crafts to fresh produce and homemade treats. The festive atmosphere makes it a favorite for families and visitors exploring the area.
7. Black Diamond Days Festival
SUMMER HERITAGE FESTIVAL
Black Diamond Days is an annual festival in Gillespie that celebrates the region's coal mining heritage with three days of entertainment, parades, and fair rides. The festival includes live music, a carnival, craft vendors, and a classic car show. This is a beloved tradition for both locals and visitors seeking a taste of small-town Illinois festivity.
8. Litchfield Museum & Route 66 Welcome Center
ROUTE 66 EDUCATION
The Litchfield Museum & Route 66 Welcome Center offers interactive exhibits chronicling the history of America's Mother Road and the community's local lore. Artifacts, photographs, and classic car displays delight fans of Americana and travelers retracing Route 66. Museum staff provide tips and stories to enrich any historic drive through central Illinois.
9. Lake Carlinville
OUTDOOR RECREATION SPOT
Lake Carlinville is a serene focal point for fishing, boating, and picnicking just outside the city center. With well-maintained trails and scenic water views, it's an inviting place for day hikes, birdwatching, and relaxing by the shore. The lake area is ideal for families seeking a peaceful nature getaway.
10. Mother Jones Monument
LABOR HISTORY MEMORIAL
The Mother Jones Monument in Mount Olive commemorates the famed labor organizer Mary Harris 'Mother' Jones, who is buried in the Union Miners Cemetery. The monument attracts labor historians and those interested in social justice, providing insight into the struggles of American workers in the early 20th century. Interpretive plaques and statues enrich the experience for visitors.
11. Gillespie Coal Museum
MINING HERITAGE CENTER
The Gillespie Coal Museum preserves the story of the region's coal mining roots with displays of equipment, photographs, and personal accounts. Located in downtown Gillespie, the museum attracts those curious about industrial history and the lives of miners. Interactive exhibits and knowledgeable docents make for an educational stop.
12. Benld Area Historical Museum
LOCAL HISTORY EXHIBIT
The Benld Area Historical Museum showcases artifacts and stories from Benld and the surrounding communities, emphasizing the region's immigrant and mining history. Displays include vintage photographs, memorabilia, and rotating exhibits on local culture. It's a fascinating stop for travelers seeking to better understand central Illinois.
13. Cannonball Jail
QUIRKY JAIL LANDMARK
The Cannonball Jail in Carlinville is a historic jail constructed in 1869, named for the distinctive cannonballs used in its iron construction. Known as one of the most unique jails in the Midwest, it offers guided tours where visitors can explore the original cells and learn about its storied past. The jail is a favorite for history buffs and those interested in unusual architecture.
14. Bunker Hill Historic Area
PIONEER-ERA TOWN
The Bunker Hill Historic Area offers visitors a glimpse into central Illinois' pioneer past through well-preserved buildings and local museums. The area hosts community events and festivals that celebrate the town's rich heritage. It's perfect for travelers looking to explore authentic small-town history.
15. Virden Miner's Memorial Park
MINING MEMORIAL PARK
Virden Miner's Memorial Park honors the miners who contributed to the development of southern Illinois with monuments and interpretive displays. The park features walking paths, picnic areas, and art installations related to the area's coal mining legacy. It's a reflective space for both learning and relaxation.