Thayer IllinoisATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Thayer, Illinois.
1. Maggie's Restaurant
HISTORIC ROUTE 66 DINING
Maggie's Restaurant is a historic establishment dating back to 1926 and stands as a landmark on the original Route 66 alignment. Travelers can experience authentic American cuisine in this nostalgic setting that has served hungry motorists for nearly a century. The restaurant offers visitors a genuine taste of Route 66 history while providing a glimpse into small-town Illinois culture.
2. Thayer Village Hall
LOCAL HISTORIC BUILDING
The Thayer Village Hall serves as the civic center of this former coal mining community established on the 1926-30 Route 66 alignment. The hall stands as a testament to the village's long history and continues to be an important gathering place for local residents. Visitors interested in small-town Americana will find the building representative of the architectural style of early 20th century municipal buildings in rural Illinois.
3. Old Garage
VINTAGE ROUTE 66 ARCHITECTURE
The Old Garage in Thayer represents an authentic piece of automotive history along the historic Route 66. This structure recalls the early days of automobile travel when gas stations and repair shops were essential stops for motorists traversing the Mother Road. Architecture enthusiasts and Route 66 aficionados will appreciate this preserved example of roadside Americana.
4. Sugar Creek Covered Bridge
HISTORIC WOODEN BRIDGE
Sugar Creek Covered Bridge is a picturesque wooden structure that stands as one of the few remaining covered bridges in Illinois. The bridge offers visitors a charming glimpse into 19th-century engineering and has become a popular spot for photographers and history enthusiasts alike. Its peaceful setting over Sugar Creek provides a tranquil escape just a short drive from Thayer.
5. Apple Barn
LOCAL PRODUCE MARKET
The Apple Barn is a beloved local market offering fresh seasonal produce, homemade goods, and farm-to-table treats near Thayer. Visitors can browse through an impressive selection of locally grown apples, pumpkins, and other seasonal fruits and vegetables depending on the time of year. The rustic barn setting creates a charming atmosphere that celebrates the agricultural heritage of central Illinois.
6. Lake Springfield Marina
WATERFRONT RECREATION CENTER
Lake Springfield Marina offers boating enthusiasts and outdoor lovers access to the beautiful 4,200-acre Lake Springfield just a short drive from Thayer. Visitors can rent boats, enjoy waterfront dining, or simply relax while taking in views of the expansive reservoir. The marina serves as a hub for water recreation activities including fishing, sailing, and kayaking throughout the warmer months.
7. Danenberger Family Vineyards
LOCAL WINERY EXPERIENCE
Danenberger Family Vineyards provides wine enthusiasts with a taste of Illinois viticulture in a picturesque countryside setting near Thayer. The family-owned winery offers tastings of their award-winning wines produced from locally grown grapes in a modern tasting room. Visitors can enjoy live music events, food pairings, and winery tours while experiencing the emerging wine culture of central Illinois.
8. Southwind Park
ACCESSIBLE OUTDOOR RECREATION
Southwind Park is an innovative, fully accessible 80-acre park designed to accommodate visitors of all abilities within a short drive from Thayer. The park features sensory gardens, accessible playgrounds, fishing ponds, and miles of paved trails for everyone to enjoy. Its commitment to universal accessibility makes it a standout recreational facility in central Illinois and a model for inclusive outdoor spaces.
9. Route 66 Alignment
HISTORIC HIGHWAY SEGMENT
The original 1926-30 Route 66 alignment passes directly through Thayer, offering road trip enthusiasts an authentic piece of American highway history. Visitors can drive this historic stretch of the Mother Road and imagine the early travelers who passed through this small coal mining village during the golden age of automobile tourism. Historical markers and preserved roadside structures help tell the story of how Route 66 transformed small communities like Thayer across the American landscape.
10. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum
PRESIDENTIAL HISTORY CENTER
The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum stands as the most visited presidential museum in the nation, located in nearby Springfield, a short drive from Thayer. Visitors can experience immersive exhibits using cutting-edge technology to bring Lincoln's story to life, from his humble beginnings to his presidency and tragic assassination. The museum houses an unparalleled collection of Lincoln artifacts and documents, making it an essential destination for history enthusiasts visiting the region.
11. Dana-Thomas House
FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT ARCHITECTURE
The Dana-Thomas House represents one of Frank Lloyd Wright's most complete and best-preserved early Prairie style homes, located in Springfield not far from Thayer. This 12,000-square-foot architectural masterpiece features over 250 art glass doors and windows, along with original Wright-designed furniture and light fixtures. Visitors can tour this stunning example of Wright's organic architecture and experience the innovative design principles that revolutionized American residential architecture.
12. Illinois State Capitol
HISTORIC GOVERNMENT BUILDING
The Illinois State Capitol stands as an impressive Renaissance Revival structure crowned with a 361-foot dome that dominates the Springfield skyline, accessible to Thayer residents and visitors. The ornate interior features grand staircases, stained glass windows, and intricate architectural details including statues and paintings depicting Illinois history. Free guided tours allow visitors to see the legislative chambers where state government continues to operate while learning about Illinois political history.
13. Lincoln Home National Historic Site
PRESIDENTIAL RESIDENCE LANDMARK
The Lincoln Home National Historic Site preserves the only home Abraham Lincoln ever owned, located in the heart of Springfield just a short drive from Thayer. The restored 1860s neighborhood surrounding the home provides visitors with a glimpse into Lincoln's life before his presidency. Rangers guide tourists through the twelve-room house where Lincoln lived with his family for 17 years before departing for Washington D.C. in 1861.
14. Carpenter Park Nature Preserve
OLD GROWTH FOREST SANCTUARY
Carpenter Park Nature Preserve protects one of the few remaining old-growth forests in central Illinois, offering a peaceful natural retreat near the Thayer area. The 434-acre preserve features hiking trails that wind through towering trees, some over 200 years old, and past spring wildflower displays that carpet the forest floor. Visitors can observe diverse wildlife including deer, foxes, and numerous bird species while experiencing a landscape that resembles pre-settlement Illinois.
15. Sangamon County Historical Society Museum
REGIONAL HERITAGE COLLECTION
The Sangamon County Historical Society Museum showcases the rich heritage of the county that includes Thayer and surrounding communities through engaging exhibits and preserved artifacts. Visitors can explore displays highlighting the region's development from frontier settlement through coal mining boom to modern times. The museum's collection includes photographs, documents, and objects that tell the story of everyday life in central Illinois communities like Thayer throughout different historical periods.