Philo IllinoisATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Philo, Illinois.
1. Daly's Sports Bar
FRIENDLY LOCAL WATERING HOLE
Daly's Sports Bar is a clean, welcoming establishment in Philo that offers visitors a taste of local hospitality. The venue features outdoor tables and numerous TVs throughout the customer areas, making it perfect for catching a game. Visitors can expect to mingle with friendly locals while enjoying the relaxed atmosphere.
2. Meadowbrook Park
PRAIRIE AND RECREATION OASIS
Meadowbrook Park is a versatile recreational area open daily from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., featuring a farm, play structures, and acres of restored prairie. The park includes several gardens and trails, making it ideal for nature lovers and families alike. Cyclists often use it as a refreshment break to refill water bottles and use the restroom facilities.
3. Hale Park
VILLAGE'S CENTRAL GATHERING SPACE
Hale Park, named after village founder Philo Hale, serves as the main recreational area on the north end of Philo. The park offers reserved spaces for family reunions and other community gatherings throughout the year. Its central location makes it a convenient meeting point for both locals and visitors exploring the small village.
4. Misty Pines Stables
EQUESTRIAN ADVENTURES AWAIT
Misty Pines Stables offers horseback riding tours for visitors wanting to experience the countryside from a different perspective. The stable provides a rustic escape from city life, allowing guests to connect with nature and animals. Riders can enjoy the picturesque rural landscapes surrounding Philo while learning horsemanship skills.
5. Barnhart Prairie Restoration
SERENE WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
Barnhart Prairie Restoration is a beautiful natural area teeming with wildlife and offering visitors peaceful solitude. Located along East Old Church Road, this restored prairie showcases the region's native ecosystem in its natural glory. Nature enthusiasts can observe diverse plant species and wildlife while enjoying the tranquility that comes from being immersed in this preserved habitat.
6. Dana Colbert Park
FISHING AND RECREATION AREA
Dana Colbert Park spans just over 50 acres and remains open from dawn to dusk daily, providing ample recreational opportunities. The property features a small reservoir that's open for fishing, appealing to anglers of all skill levels. Visitors can also enjoy the paved trails that wind through the park, making it perfect for walking, jogging, or cycling.
7. Salt Fork Bridge
SCENIC RIVER CROSSING
The Salt Fork Bridge on County Road 2125 East offers visitors a picturesque crossing over the Salt Fork River. The bridge is surrounded by lush, green farmland during summer months, creating a quintessential Midwestern landscape. The river area below is enveloped by trees and natural vegetation, providing a beautiful contrast to the agricultural fields that dominate the region.
8. Philo Water Tower
CENTER OF THE UNIVERSE
The Philo Water Tower stands as an iconic landmark in this small Illinois village, famously painted with the legend 'Center of the Universe' alongside the local zip code. This quirky attraction demonstrates the charming small-town humor and pride of Philo's residents. Photographers and travelers seeking unusual landmarks often stop to capture this unique water tower that gives Philo a distinct personality.
9. Salt Fork River
NATURAL WATERWAY RETREAT
The Salt Fork River winds through Champaign County, creating a natural corridor amid the agricultural landscape. The waterway is flanked by trees and vegetation, offering a habitat for local wildlife and birds. Visitors can experience the peaceful flow of the river from various access points, including bridges and nearby parks.
10. University of Illinois Arboretum
BOTANICAL EDUCATION CENTER
The University of Illinois Arboretum serves as a living laboratory and public garden showcasing diverse plant collections and landscapes. Visitors can explore themed gardens, including the Japan House Gardens, Miles C. Hartley Selections Garden, and the Idea Garden maintained by Master Gardeners. The arboretum offers educational opportunities, peaceful walking paths, and seasonal displays of flowers and foliage throughout the year.
11. Krannert Art Museum
FINE ARTS DESTINATION
Krannert Art Museum houses the University of Illinois' extensive art collection, spanning ancient to contemporary works from various cultures. Visitors can explore diverse exhibitions featuring paintings, sculptures, decorative arts, and cultural artifacts in thoughtfully curated spaces. The museum offers educational programs, guided tours, and special events that engage both the campus community and general public with the visual arts.
12. Allerton Park
HISTORIC GARDENS AND MANSION
Allerton Park encompasses a 1,500-acre estate featuring formal gardens, natural areas, and a historic mansion built in the early 20th century. Visitors can wander through themed gardens adorned with notable sculptures, explore miles of hiking trails through woodlands and along the Sangamon River, or tour the Georgian-style mansion. The park hosts various events throughout the year, including concerts, weddings, and educational programs in this picturesque setting.
13. Homer Lake Forest Preserve
OUTDOOR RECREATION PARADISE
Homer Lake Forest Preserve centers around a 80-acre lake surrounded by woods, prairies, and wetlands that offer diverse recreational opportunities. Visitors can fish from the shoreline or piers, paddle canoes and kayaks across the calm waters, or hike miles of trails through varied ecosystems. The preserve's Interpretive Center provides educational exhibits about local natural history and hosts programs for all ages throughout the year.
14. Curtis Orchard & Pumpkin Patch
FAMILY FARM ATTRACTION
Curtis Orchard & Pumpkin Patch offers seasonal family entertainment with apple picking, a pumpkin patch, and various farm activities from July through December. Visitors can enjoy fresh apple cider donuts, browse the country store filled with homemade products, or navigate the corn maze during autumn months. Children particularly love the play areas, petting zoo, and tractor rides that make this working orchard a popular destination for families.
15. Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve
YEAR-ROUND RECREATION AREA
Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve encompasses 900 acres of diverse landscapes including woodlands, restored prairies, and the namesake lake that provides multiple recreational opportunities. Visitors can golf at the 18-hole course, boat on the lake, hike through natural areas, or explore the early American history at the Museum of the Grand Prairie located within the preserve. The Mabery Gelvin Botanical Garden showcases formal plantings and water features in a tranquil setting that changes with the seasons.