Union Hill IllinoisATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Union Hill, Illinois.
1. Big River Fly Fishing
PREMIER FISHING CHARTER EXPERIENCE
Big River Fly Fishing offers excellent fishing charter tours in the Union Hill area with a perfect 5.0 rating from visitors. Travelers can experience guided fishing adventures with expert local knowledge of the best spots. This highly-rated attraction provides all the equipment needed for a memorable day on the water.
2. The Shop on Route 66
HISTORIC ROUTE 66 STOP
The Shop on Route 66 is a signature experience for visitors traveling through Union Hill on the historic highway. Visitors can browse unique merchandise and memorabilia related to America's most famous road. The shop opens at 9:00 AM and offers a nostalgic glimpse into Route 66 culture.
3. Kankakee River State Park
NATURAL RIVERSIDE RECREATION
Kankakee River State Park offers visitors a beautiful natural setting along the scenic Kankakee River near Union Hill. The park opens at 8:00 AM and provides opportunities for hiking, fishing, camping, and wildlife observation throughout the year. Visitors can enjoy miles of trails through diverse ecosystems including woodlands, prairie, and riverside environments.
4. Braidwood Area Historical Society
LOCAL HERITAGE PRESERVATION
The Braidwood Area Historical Society preserves and showcases the rich history of the region surrounding Union Hill. Visitors can explore exhibits featuring artifacts, photographs, and stories that highlight the area's coal mining heritage and cultural development. The society provides valuable insights into how the local communities evolved over time.
5. Illinois Railway Museum
AMERICA'S LARGEST RAILWAY MUSEUM
The Illinois Railway Museum stands as the largest railway museum in the United States, located in nearby Union, Illinois. Visitors can explore an impressive collection of historic locomotives, passenger cars, streetcars, and other railway equipment representing over a century of American rail history. The museum offers train rides on select equipment, allowing guests to experience rail travel from bygone eras.
6. McHenry County Historical Society and Museum
REGIONAL HISTORY SHOWCASE
The McHenry County Historical Society and Museum preserves and presents the rich history of McHenry County near Union Hill. Visitors can explore exhibits featuring artifacts, photographs, and interactive displays that bring the region's past to life. The museum offers insights into pioneer life, agricultural development, and the cultural evolution of communities in northern Illinois.
7. Bald Knob Cross of Peace
INSPIRING MOUNTAINTOP MONUMENT
The Bald Knob Cross of Peace stands majestically atop Bald Knob Mountain, the highest point in Southern Illinois. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, particularly spectacular during fall foliage season. This inspirational monument serves as a place for reflection and appreciation of natural beauty in Union County.
8. Union County State Fish & Wildlife Area
PREMIER WILDLIFE OBSERVATION DESTINATION
The Union County State Fish & Wildlife Area encompasses 6,202 acres in the Lower Mississippi River bottomlands division of Illinois. Nature enthusiasts can observe and photograph one of the few places in Illinois where large populations of wild geese can be seen in their natural habitat, with wintering populations exceeding 50,000 birds. Visitors can enjoy fishing on the area's two lakes from March 1 to October 15, while the southern 2,050 acres are designated as a Public Hunting Area.
9. Shawnee National Forest
NATURAL WILDERNESS EXPANSE
The Shawnee National Forest dominates Union County, offering visitors vast natural areas to explore and enjoy. Nature lovers can hike through diverse ecosystems including hardwood forests, cypress swamps, and dramatic rock formations. The forest provides opportunities for camping, wildlife viewing, photography, and connecting with the natural beauty of southern Illinois.
10. LaRue-Pine Hills Research Natural Area
UNIQUE ECOLOGICAL TREASURE
The LaRue-Pine Hills Research Natural Area offers a unique ecological experience within the Shawnee National Forest in Union County. Visitors can explore this biologically diverse area that features limestone bluffs, swamps, and an extraordinary concentration of plant and animal species. The area is especially known for its spring and fall snake migrations, when the Forest Service closes the road to protect migrating reptiles.
11. Trail of Tears State Forest
HISTORIC NATURAL REFUGE
Trail of Tears State Forest preserves both natural beauty and somber history related to the forced relocation of Native Americans in the 1830s. Visitors can hike through 5,114 acres of rugged terrain featuring mature upland forests, dramatic topography, and diverse wildlife. The forest offers opportunities for hiking, picnicking, and reflecting on an important chapter in American history.
12. Lincoln Memorial Park
HISTORIC DEBATE SITE
Lincoln Memorial Park in Jonesboro marks the historic site of one of the famous 1858 Lincoln-Douglas debates that shaped American politics. Visitors can stand where Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas once stood to discuss the pressing issues of their time, particularly slavery and states' rights. The park provides interpretive displays that help visitors understand the significance of these debates in the lead-up to Lincoln's presidency and the Civil War.
13. Union County Museum
REGIONAL HERITAGE COLLECTION
The Union County Museum in Cobden showcases the rich cultural heritage and history of Union County, Illinois. Visitors can explore exhibits featuring artifacts, photographs, and documents that tell the story of the region's development from early settlement through modern times. The museum provides valuable insights into local industries, notable residents, and significant historical events that shaped the county.
14. Jackson County Attractions
NEIGHBORING COUNTY EXPERIENCES
Jackson County, adjacent to Union County, offers additional attractions for visitors to the region. Travelers can explore Carbondale, home to Southern Illinois University, with its vibrant college town atmosphere and cultural offerings. The county features natural areas, wineries, and historical sites that complement a visit to Union Hill and Union County.
15. JALC Performing Arts Center
CULTURAL ENTERTAINMENT VENUE
The JALC Performing Arts Center at John A. Logan College provides cultural enrichment for the region near Union County. Visitors can enjoy a variety of performances including concerts, theatrical productions, dance recitals, and other cultural events throughout the year. The modern facility features excellent acoustics and comfortable seating, making it a premier destination for arts enthusiasts in southern Illinois.