St. Elmo IllinoisATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near St. Elmo, Illinois.
1. Driftstone Pueblo
NATIVE AMERICAN ART GALLERY
Driftstone Pueblo offers visitors a remarkable collection of Native American handmade art, sculptures, paintings, instruments, jewelry, and geodes. This cultural treasure trove showcases the rich artistic heritage of indigenous peoples through carefully curated displays. Visitors can explore and purchase authentic pieces while learning about Native American artistic traditions.
2. Deken Park
SCENIC COMMUNITY PARK
Deken Park is a beloved recreational space in the heart of Saint Elmo where residents and visitors gather for outdoor activities. The park offers green spaces perfect for picnics, casual sports, and community events throughout the year. Families particularly enjoy the relaxing atmosphere and amenities that make it a central gathering spot in the community.
3. Lake Nellie
SERENE FISHING DESTINATION
Lake Nellie provides a peaceful retreat for fishing enthusiasts and nature lovers in Saint Elmo. The tranquil waters offer excellent fishing opportunities while surrounded by natural beauty that changes with the seasons. Visitors can enjoy quiet contemplation, wildlife watching, or recreational fishing at this local aquatic gem.
4. Tower Lake
OUTDOOR RECREATION AREA
Tower Lake stands as one of Saint Elmo's premier outdoor destinations for water recreation and relaxation. The lake features opportunities for fishing, boating, and shoreline activities throughout the warmer months. Nature enthusiasts appreciate the diverse ecosystem that thrives around this picturesque body of water.
5. St. Elmo Community Park
FAMILY-FRIENDLY RECREATION SPACE
St. Elmo Community Park District offers residents and visitors alike a well-maintained recreation area with multiple amenities. The park features playground equipment, picnic facilities, and open spaces for various outdoor activities throughout the year. Community events and gatherings frequently take place in this central green space that serves as a social hub for the city.
6. St. Elmo Golf Course
SCENIC GOLFING EXPERIENCE
St. Elmo Golf Course welcomes golfers of all skill levels to enjoy its well-maintained fairways and greens. The course offers a challenging yet accessible golfing experience in a scenic rural Illinois setting. Golfers appreciate the friendly atmosphere and the opportunity to play a round while taking in the natural beauty of the surrounding countryside.
7. Veterans Memorial Wall
TRIBUTE TO MILITARY SERVICE
The Veterans Memorial Wall stands as a solemn tribute to those who served in the armed forces from the St. Elmo area. Located at 220 E Cumberland, this granite monument was established around 2015 to honor local veterans' sacrifices and contributions. Visitors can reflect on the service of community members while appreciating this contemporary memorial set in a peaceful park setting.
8. Smith Aviation Field
HISTORIC AIRFIELD SITE
Smith Aviation Field, built in 1926 on the west side of town, once served as a popular destination for stunt flying, wing walkers, and parachute jumping. The historic airfield was regularly visited by Charles Lindbergh and became an important hub during the local oil boom of the 1930s when oil executives flew in, earning St. Elmo the nickname "Little Tulsa." Though now abandoned, this site represents an important piece of local aviation history that once connected the small town to the golden age of flight.
9. National Road Heritage
HISTORIC TRANSPORTATION ROUTE
The National Road, commissioned by President Thomas Jefferson in 1806, runs through St. Elmo as part of its historic route from Maryland to the Mississippi River. Today, visitors can travel along U.S. Route 40, which follows the course of this pioneer highway that played a crucial role in westward expansion. History enthusiasts can appreciate how this important transportation artery influenced the development of St. Elmo, which began as a settlement called Howard's Point along this historic route.
10. Fayette County Museum
LOCAL HISTORY COLLECTION
The Fayette County Museum preserves and displays artifacts that tell the rich history of the region including St. Elmo and surrounding communities. Housed in a historic building in nearby Vandalia, the museum offers visitors a glimpse into the pioneer past, agricultural heritage, and development of Fayette County. Exhibits feature photographs, tools, household items, and documents that bring local history to life for curious visitors.
11. Vandalia State House
FORMER ILLINOIS CAPITOL
The Vandalia State House, located in the Fayette County seat of Vandalia, served as Illinois' third capitol building from 1836 to 1839 and is where Abraham Lincoln began his political career as a state legislator. The historic Greek Revival structure has been restored to its 1830s appearance and contains period furnishings and exhibits about early Illinois government. Visitors from St. Elmo can easily make the short trip to tour this significant historic site that represents an important chapter in state history.
12. Kaskaskia River State Fish & Wildlife Area
OUTDOOR SPORTSMAN'S PARADISE
Kaskaskia River State Fish & Wildlife Area offers outdoor enthusiasts from St. Elmo and beyond access to extensive hunting, fishing, and wildlife viewing opportunities. The conservation area encompasses thousands of acres along the Kaskaskia River with diverse habitats supporting deer, turkey, waterfowl, and numerous fish species. Visitors can enjoy seasonal hunting, year-round fishing, boating, hiking, and wildlife photography in this natural treasure of Fayette County.
13. Ramsey Lake State Recreation Area
WATER RECREATION DESTINATION
Ramsey Lake State Recreation Area provides a scenic 1,980-acre park centered around a beautiful 90-acre lake just a short drive from St. Elmo. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy fishing, boating, swimming, camping, picnicking, and hiking trails that showcase the natural beauty of the region. The park's diverse ecosystems support abundant wildlife viewing opportunities, making it a perfect destination for nature photographers and birdwatchers throughout the year.
14. Historical Railroad Depot
TRANSPORTATION HERITAGE SITE
The Historical Railroad Depot represents St. Elmo's important connection to railroad history, with the town having been established in 1871 and later developed around rail transportation. The east-west railroad that connected St. Elmo with Vandalia played a crucial role in the town's growth and economic development in the late 19th century. Visitors interested in transportation history can appreciate this physical reminder of how railroads shaped small Midwestern communities like St. Elmo.
15. Eagle Creek State Park
LAKESIDE NATURE RETREAT
Eagle Creek State Park, located within driving distance of St. Elmo, offers visitors access to the shores of Lake Shelbyville with beautiful woodland and shoreline landscapes. The park features camping facilities, hiking trails, boating access, fishing opportunities, and seasonal hunting areas spread across thousands of acres. Nature lovers from St. Elmo can enjoy this regional treasure that showcases the natural beauty of central Illinois throughout all four seasons.