Rochester IllinoisATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Rochester, Illinois.
1. Sangchris Lake State Park
SCENIC OUTDOOR RECREATION
Sangchris Lake State Park offers visitors 57 miles of shoreline with over 735 residential sites and eight public parks. The park features multiple public boat docks and launches, making it perfect for water recreation activities. Nature enthusiasts can enjoy the pristine landscape while exploring the various amenities throughout this beautiful state park.
2. Rochester Community Park
FAMILY-FRIENDLY RECREATION AREA
Rochester Community Park serves as a central recreational hub for both residents and visitors. The park offers various outdoor facilities for sports and leisure activities year-round. Families particularly enjoy the open spaces and amenities available for community gatherings.
3. Dollars & Cents Coin Shop
RARE COIN COLLECTION
Dollars & Cents Coin Shop is Rochester's premier destination for coin collectors and enthusiasts. The shop specializes in gold, silver, coins, and rare collectibles, serving Springfield, Taylorville, Decatur, Chatham, Pana, and surrounding areas. Numismatists will appreciate the expertise and selection available at this specialty store.
4. Walnut Street Winery
LOCAL WINE TASTING
Walnut Street Winery invites visitors to enjoy tastings and tours in the heart of Rochester. The winery offers a relaxing atmosphere where guests can sample locally produced wines while learning about the winemaking process. Wine enthusiasts particularly appreciate the unique flavors and the opportunity to experience Illinois viticulture firsthand.
5. Buckhart Tavern
HISTORIC LOCAL WATERING HOLE
Buckhart Tavern represents one of Rochester's beloved nightlife destinations with a rich local history. Visitors can enjoy the authentic small-town tavern atmosphere while mingling with locals and fellow travelers. The establishment offers a genuine glimpse into the social fabric of the Rochester community.
6. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum
PRESIDENTIAL HISTORY EXPERIENCE
The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum stands as one of the most significant historical attractions in the region near Rochester. Visitors can explore extensive exhibits featuring artifacts, interactive displays, and immersive experiences that chronicle Lincoln's life and presidency. History enthusiasts will appreciate the comprehensive approach to presenting Lincoln's legacy and its impact on American history.
7. Illinois State Capitol
ARCHITECTURAL GOVERNMENT LANDMARK
The Illinois State Capitol building showcases impressive architecture and serves as the center of state government near Rochester. Visitors can tour the historic structure with its distinctive dome and observe the legislative chambers where state laws are created. The building's ornate details and historical significance make it an essential stop for anyone interested in Illinois politics and history.
8. Lincoln's Tomb
PRESIDENTIAL MEMORIAL SITE
Lincoln's Tomb serves as the final resting place of President Abraham Lincoln, his wife Mary, and three of their four sons. The impressive granite monument stands in Oak Ridge Cemetery and attracts visitors from around the world who come to pay respects to the 16th president. The site includes a 117-foot tall obelisk and bronze statues depicting various periods of Lincoln's life.
9. Lincoln Home National Historic Site
PRESIDENTIAL FAMILY RESIDENCE
The Lincoln Home National Historic Site preserves the only home Abraham Lincoln ever owned, located in a historic neighborhood near Rochester. Visitors can tour the restored 12-room house where Lincoln lived with his family from 1844 until he left for the White House in 1861. The surrounding four-block area includes several other restored buildings that help recreate the neighborhood as Lincoln would have known it.
10. Washington Park Botanical Gardens
DIVERSE FLORA COLLECTION
Washington Park Botanical Gardens offers visitors a stunning display of plant collections across its beautifully landscaped grounds near Rochester. The gardens feature a conservatory with tropical plants, rose garden, and seasonal outdoor displays that change throughout the year. Plant enthusiasts can enjoy educational programs and special events while exploring the diverse botanical collections.
11. Knights Action Park
FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT COMPLEX
Knights Action Park provides families with a complete entertainment experience featuring water slides, pools, and dry attractions near Rochester. Visitors can enjoy the water park during summer months and the adjacent entertainment options including mini-golf, go-karts, and batting cages. The park has been a popular destination for generations of families seeking affordable fun and outdoor recreation.
12. Dana-Thomas House
FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT MASTERPIECE
The Dana-Thomas House represents one of Frank Lloyd Wright's most complete and best-preserved architectural works in the Springfield area near Rochester. The 12,000-square-foot house features 35 rooms with over 250 art glass doors, windows, and light panels that showcase Wright's distinctive Prairie Style. Visitors can tour this architectural gem and admire the original Wright-designed furniture, art glass, and light fixtures.
13. Illinois State Museum
NATURAL HISTORY EXPLORATION
The Illinois State Museum showcases the natural history, anthropology, and art of Illinois through engaging exhibits and collections near Rochester. Visitors can explore displays ranging from prehistoric fossils to contemporary art, with special emphasis on the state's unique natural environments and cultural heritage. The museum offers educational programs and changing exhibitions that appeal to curious minds of all ages.
14. Henson Robinson Zoo
FAMILY WILDLIFE EXPERIENCE
Henson Robinson Zoo houses over 90 species of animals from around the world in naturalistic habitats near Rochester. Visitors can observe native wildlife alongside exotic species while learning about conservation efforts and animal behaviors. The zoo offers educational programs, special events, and interactive experiences designed to create connections between people and the animal kingdom.
15. Old State Capitol
HISTORIC GOVERNMENT BUILDING
The Old State Capitol stands as a beautifully restored Greek Revival building where Abraham Lincoln served as a legislator and delivered his famous "House Divided" speech. Visitors can tour the legislative chambers, supreme court room, and offices where Illinois government operated from 1839 to 1876. The building played a significant role in Lincoln's political career and serves as an important landmark in understanding Illinois history.