Strawn IllinoisATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Strawn, Illinois.
1. Strawn Park
COMMUNITY GATHERING SPACE
Strawn Park serves as a versatile community space perfect for family gatherings or casual recreation. The park features a basketball court, playground equipment, and a screened-in outdoor pavilion for various activities. It also includes an indoor community room with a full kitchen, making it an ideal venue for hosting events of all kinds.
2. The Country Cupboard
LOCAL FAVORITE EATERY
The Country Cupboard is a highly-rated establishment in Strawn with a perfect 5-star rating from visitors. This local eatery offers homestyle cooking and a warm, welcoming atmosphere that appeals to both locals and travelers. Visitors can enjoy traditional American fare while experiencing authentic small-town Illinois hospitality.
3. Kilgus Farmstead
FARM-FRESH DAIRY EXPERIENCE
Kilgus Farmstead is a popular agricultural attraction near Strawn that has earned a perfect 5-star rating from visitors. This working dairy farm offers tours where visitors can learn about sustainable farming practices and see how milk products are produced. The farmstead also features a store where guests can purchase fresh dairy products, meats, and other locally-made goods.
4. The Depot
HISTORIC RAILWAY STATION
The Depot in nearby Dwight is a historic railway station built in 1891 in the Richardson Romanesque architectural style. Now listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1982, it houses the Dwight Historical Society Museum and offices of the Dwight Economic Alliance. The building stands as one of the few remaining original railroad stations between Chicago and St. Louis that showcases the distinctive architectural design of the 1880s.
5. David Strawn Art Gallery
HISTORIC ART VENUE
The David Strawn Art Gallery is housed in a historic home in downtown Jacksonville, Illinois, serving as a unique cultural landmark in the region. This converted residence now operates as an art gallery showcasing rotating exhibitions of local and regional artists' work. The gallery offers visitors a chance to experience both architectural history and contemporary artistic expression in one memorable location.
6. Central Park Historic Murals
PUBLIC ART DISPLAY
Central Park historic murals stand as an artistic tribute to the region's rich heritage and have earned a perfect 5-star rating from visitors. These detailed public artworks depict significant moments and themes from the area's history, bringing the past to life through vibrant imagery. Alongside the murals, visitors can also view war memorials honoring local veterans who served their country.
7. Harvest Moon Twin Drive-in Movie
NOSTALGIC CINEMA EXPERIENCE
The Harvest Moon Twin Drive-in Movie theater offers a nostalgic cinema experience that harkens back to America's golden age of automobiles and film. Visitors can enjoy current releases from the comfort of their vehicles while experiencing this increasingly rare form of entertainment. The drive-in features two screens, concessions, and creates a perfect setting for family outings or romantic evenings under the stars.
8. Emington Park
MEMORIAL PLAYGROUND SPACE
Emington Park features poignant memorial swing sets dedicated to three children who tragically passed away on December 16, 2011. This thoughtful community space offers a place for reflection while providing recreational opportunities for local families. The park serves as both a playground and a reminder of community resilience in the face of tragedy.
9. Griffin Museum of Science and Industry
INTERACTIVE LEARNING CENTER
The Griffin Museum of Science and Industry stands as one of Illinois' premier educational attractions, offering visitors an immersive experience into various scientific and technological wonders. The museum features numerous interactive exhibits that encourage hands-on learning about everything from basic physics to cutting-edge innovations. Visitors of all ages can explore extensive collections of artifacts, participate in live demonstrations, and engage with exhibits that make complex scientific concepts accessible and entertaining.
10. Adler Planetarium
CELESTIAL DISCOVERY CENTER
The Adler Planetarium invites visitors to explore the mysteries of the cosmos through state-of-the-art exhibits and immersive sky shows. As America's first planetarium, this iconic institution combines historical astronomical artifacts with modern interactive displays that bring the universe within reach. Visitors can gaze at the stars in the domed theater, learn about space exploration, and gain a deeper appreciation for humanity's place in the vast cosmic landscape.
11. Shoreline Sightseeing Architecture River Tour
ARCHITECTURAL BOAT EXCURSION
The Shoreline Sightseeing Architecture River Tour offers a unique perspective of Chicago's world-renowned architectural masterpieces from the water. Knowledgeable guides narrate the journey, sharing fascinating details about the city's buildings and their historical significance as visitors cruise along the Chicago River. This popular attraction provides perfect photo opportunities of the skyline while delivering an educational experience about the evolution of American architecture.
12. Dwight Historical Society Museum
LOCAL HISTORY COLLECTION
The Dwight Historical Society Museum, housed in the historic Depot building, preserves and showcases the rich heritage of this central Illinois community. Visitors can explore exhibits featuring artifacts, photographs, and documents that tell the story of Dwight's development from its early days to the present. The museum provides a fascinating glimpse into small-town American life and the impact of the railroad on community growth and prosperity.
13. Livingston County Courthouse
HISTORIC GOVERNMENT BUILDING
The Livingston County Courthouse stands as an impressive architectural landmark in downtown Pontiac, showcasing classic government building design. This historic structure serves not only as a functioning courthouse but also as a symbol of the county's rich legal and civic history. Visitors can admire the building's distinctive exterior features and, when permitted, explore the dignified interior spaces that have witnessed decades of local governance and justice.
14. Route 66 Association Hall of Fame & Museum
HISTORIC HIGHWAY MEMORABILIA
The Route 66 Association Hall of Fame & Museum celebrates the iconic Mother Road that played a crucial role in American transportation history. Housed in a historic fire station in downtown Pontiac, the museum displays an extensive collection of Route 66 memorabilia, vintage signs, classic cars, and engaging exhibits. Visitors can immerse themselves in the nostalgia of America's highway culture while learning about the road's impact on communities throughout Illinois and beyond.
15. Pontiac-Oakland Automobile Museum
VINTAGE CAR COLLECTION
The Pontiac-Oakland Automobile Museum showcases a stunning collection of vintage Pontiac and Oakland vehicles, documenting the evolution of these classic American car brands. Visitors can admire meticulously restored automobiles spanning several decades, along with related memorabilia, advertisements, and dealership items. The museum offers car enthusiasts and history buffs alike a fascinating journey through automotive design, innovation, and the cultural significance of these beloved vehicles.