Sumner IllinoisATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Sumner, Illinois.
1. Red Hills State Park
NATURE AND OUTDOOR RECREATION
Red Hills State Park offers visitors many good hiking trails that are popular with joggers and bikers. The park provides a serene natural setting outside of Sumner for outdoor recreation enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy various outdoor activities surrounded by the beautiful landscape of southern Illinois.
2. Berryville Vineyards
LOCAL WINE TASTING
Berryville Vineyards is a highly-rated winery in the Sumner area offering wine tastings and a relaxing atmosphere. Visitors can sample locally produced wines while enjoying the picturesque vineyard setting. The vineyard provides a perfect destination for wine enthusiasts looking to experience local flavors of Illinois.
3. New Leaf Fitness & Spa
WELLNESS AND RELAXATION
New Leaf Fitness & Spa offers wellness services and fitness facilities for health-conscious visitors and locals. The spa provides a range of relaxation treatments to help guests unwind and rejuvenate during their time in Sumner. With its excellent ratings, this establishment stands out as a premium wellness destination in the area.
4. Syd's Place
LOCAL DINING EXPERIENCE
Syd's Place is a popular dining establishment in Sumner known for its welcoming atmosphere and local cuisine. The restaurant has earned strong reviews from patrons, making it a go-to spot for visitors wanting to experience authentic local flavors. Guests can enjoy hearty meals in a casual setting that showcases the hospitality of small-town Illinois.
5. Rotary Park
COMMUNITY RECREATION AREA
Rotary Park serves as a central community gathering space in Sumner with perfect ratings from visitors. The park offers recreational facilities for families and individuals looking to enjoy outdoor activities. Visitors can appreciate the well-maintained grounds and amenities that make this park a beloved local landmark.
6. Lawrenceville City Park
FAMILY-FRIENDLY RECREATION
Lawrenceville City Park provides recreational facilities including playgrounds, picnic areas, and open spaces for community enjoyment near Sumner. The park serves as a central gathering place for local events and family outings in Lawrence County. Visitors can experience small-town charm while enjoying the well-maintained outdoor spaces and amenities.
7. Lincoln Trail State Park
HISTORICAL OUTDOOR RECREATION
Lincoln Trail State Park, located near Sumner in the region, commemorates Abraham Lincoln's journey through Illinois with hiking trails and a scenic lake. The park offers camping, fishing, and boating facilities for visitors seeking outdoor adventures in a historical setting. Nature enthusiasts can observe local wildlife while exploring the diverse ecosystems throughout the park's extensive grounds.
8. George Rogers Clark National Historical Park
REVOLUTIONARY WAR MEMORIAL
George Rogers Clark National Historical Park, located a short drive from Sumner across the state line, commemorates the Revolutionary War conquest of the Northwest Territory. The park features a grand memorial building and statue honoring George Rogers Clark and his achievements. Visitors can explore exhibits detailing this important chapter in American history while enjoying the park's location along the Wabash River.
9. Grouseland
PRESIDENTIAL HISTORIC HOME
Grouseland is the elegant former mansion of William Henry Harrison, built when he was governor of the Indiana Territory and before he became the ninth U.S. President. Located near Sumner in the regional area, this Federal-style home has been beautifully preserved and furnished with period pieces. Visitors can take guided tours to learn about early American history and Harrison's significant role in the development of the Northwest Territory.
10. Lawrence County Historical Society Museum
LOCAL HERITAGE COLLECTION
The Lawrence County Historical Society Museum preserves and displays artifacts and documents relating to the rich history of the area surrounding Sumner. Exhibits showcase pioneer life, local industry development, and notable historical events that shaped the region. Visitors can gain insights into the cultural heritage and historical significance of Lawrence County through the museum's carefully curated collections.
11. Olney City Park
HOME OF WHITE SQUIRRELS
Olney City Park is famous for its unique population of albino squirrels, making it a quirky attraction near the Sumner area. The park features recreational facilities, walking paths, and opportunities to spot the rare white squirrels that have become the town's mascots. Visitors often come specifically to photograph these unusual animals while enjoying the pleasant park environment.
12. Vincennes State Historic Sites
TERRITORIAL CAPITAL HISTORY
The Vincennes State Historic Sites encompass several important historical locations in the oldest city in Indiana, a short drive from Sumner. Visitors can explore the territorial capitol building, the Indiana Territory State Memorial, and other significant structures from the early American frontier period. The sites offer fascinating insights into the development of the Midwest and the expansion of the United States in its formative years.
13. Red Skelton Museum of American Comedy
COMEDIC HERITAGE CENTER
The Red Skelton Museum of American Comedy celebrates the life and career of comedian Red Skelton, a native of Vincennes near the Sumner region. Interactive exhibits showcase Skelton's contributions to American entertainment through radio, television, and film during his multi-decade career. Visitors can enjoy video clips of his performances, view memorabilia, and learn about the evolution of American comedy through the lens of this beloved entertainer.
14. Sam Dale Lake Conservation Area
FISHING AND WILDLIFE WATCHING
Sam Dale Lake Conservation Area offers outdoor enthusiasts a beautiful lake setting for fishing, boating, and wildlife observation within driving distance of Sumner. The conservation area encompasses over 1,300 acres of diverse habitats including woodlands, grasslands, and wetlands that support a variety of plant and animal species. Visitors can enjoy camping facilities, hiking trails, and picnic areas while immersing themselves in the natural beauty of southern Illinois.
15. Eastern Illinois Oil Field Museum
PETROLEUM INDUSTRY HERITAGE
The Eastern Illinois Oil Field Museum documents the important petroleum industry that transformed the economy of the region surrounding Sumner. Interactive displays and authentic equipment demonstrate the drilling and production processes that have been part of the area's industrial heritage for generations. Visitors can learn about the technological developments, economic impact, and cultural significance of oil production in southeastern Illinois through engaging exhibits and knowledgeable staff.