Village of Windsor IllinoisATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Village of Windsor, Illinois.
1. Wolf Creek State Park
LAKESIDE OUTDOOR RECREATION
Wolf Creek State Park encompasses 11,100 acres of water, 250 miles of shoreline, and large tracts of carefully maintained indigenous woodlands ideal for camping, horseback riding, and boating. Visitors can enjoy swimming at the beach or taking leisurely strolls through nearby forests with abundant wildlife including deer, pheasant, rabbits, wild turkey, and songbirds. Located eight miles northwest of Windsor, this park offers diverse outdoor activities including boat fishing, water skiing, pontoon boating, and windsurfing on the glittering expanse of the lake.
2. Johnson's Goat Tower
UNIQUE RURAL ATTRACTION
Johnson's Goat Tower is a distinctive farm attraction located outside Windsor where visitors can call to see the goats climbing their unique tower structure. This quirky rural destination provides a charming photo opportunity and glimpse into local farm life. The tower has become one of Windsor's most notable attractions, offering a unique stop for travelers exploring the area.
3. Windsor Harvest Picnic
HISTORIC COMMUNITY FESTIVAL
The Windsor Harvest Picnic is the longest running festival in the State of Illinois, celebrating its 126th event. Taking place at Windsor City Park, this multi-day community celebration typically occurs in August and offers a variety of activities and entertainment for visitors of all ages. The festival represents a significant cultural tradition for the community of Windsor, drawing visitors from throughout the region.
4. General Dacey Trail
MULTIPURPOSE OUTDOOR PATH
The General Dacey Trail is a multipurpose path ideal for hiking, biking, running, bird watching, geocaching, and photography in the Shelbyville area near Windsor. The trail features two one-mile loops traversing woods and lakefront areas, with projections for expansion to over seven miles of developed paths. Different sections of the trail cover the Dam West Recreation Area, Dam overlook rest area, Army Corps of Engineers Visitors Center, Forest Park, and wooded areas along Lake Shelbyville.
5. Lake Shelbyville
RECREATIONAL WATER DESTINATION
Lake Shelbyville offers extensive recreational opportunities with its 11,100 acres of water and 250 miles of shoreline near Windsor. Visitors can enjoy water activities including swimming, fishing, boating, water skiing, pontoon boating, and windsurfing throughout the warmer months. The lake is surrounded by carefully maintained indigenous woodlands that provide beautiful scenery and additional outdoor recreation options.
6. Windsor City Park
COMMUNITY RECREATION AREA
Windsor City Park serves as the community's main recreational area and hosts the historic Windsor Harvest Picnic festival. The park offers various amenities for local residents and visitors, providing a peaceful spot for picnics, sports, and community gatherings. This central green space contributes to Windsor's small-town charm and community-focused atmosphere.
7. Wolf Creek Lodge
RUSTIC LAKESIDE ACCOMMODATIONS
Wolf Creek Lodge offers visitors comfortable accommodations near the beautiful Wolf Creek State Park and Lake Shelbyville. The lodge provides a convenient base for exploring the natural attractions of the area, including hiking trails, fishing spots, and water activities. Guests can enjoy rustic comfort while having easy access to the outdoor recreational opportunities that abound in the Windsor region.
8. Wolf Creek Beach
FAMILY-FRIENDLY SWIMMING AREA
Wolf Creek Beach provides visitors with beach access and swimming opportunities in the Windsor area. The beach features family-friendly attractions including a frog slide, water slide, one-meter drop slide, wet and sand playground areas, and a shaded picnic area. Additional amenities include concessions, a food area, and a bathhouse, making it a complete recreational destination for summer enjoyment.
9. Eagle Creek State Park
NATURAL RECREATION AREA
Eagle Creek State Park is located on the western shores of Lake Shelbyville, offering outdoor recreation opportunities near Windsor. Visitors can enjoy camping, hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing in this scenic natural area. The park complements Wolf Creek State Park on the opposite shore, providing additional options for nature enthusiasts exploring the region.
10. Forest Park
WOODED COMMUNITY PARK
Forest Park in nearby Shelbyville offers woodland trails and outdoor recreation opportunities a short drive from Windsor. The park connects to the General Dacey Trail system, providing access points for hiking, running, and enjoying nature. Its Scout Cabin area serves as one of the trailheads for the expanding trail network in the region.
11. Dam West Recreation Area
LAKESIDE OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
The Dam West Recreation Area, also known as 9th Street Recreation Area, provides access to Lake Shelbyville and outdoor activities near Windsor. This area serves as a trailhead for the General Dacey Trail, offering parking and access to scenic paths. Visitors can enjoy lake views, wildlife observation, and connections to other recreational sites in the region.
12. Army Corps of Engineers Visitors Center
EDUCATIONAL LAKE INFORMATION
The Army Corps of Engineers Visitors Center provides information about Lake Shelbyville and the surrounding recreational areas near Windsor. Visitors can learn about the history, ecology, and management of this important water resource and its impact on the region. The center serves as an educational stop along the General Dacey Trail system, offering context for the natural and man-made features of the area.
13. Spillway Recreation Area
SCENIC WATER FEATURE
The Spillway Recreation Area features the lower spillway of Lake Shelbyville, creating a scenic destination for visitors near Windsor. This engineering feature controls water levels and creates interesting water flows that attract photographers and nature enthusiasts. The area is connected to the General Dacey Trail system, making it accessible as part of a larger outdoor exploration experience.
14. Glenwood Cemetery
HISTORIC BURIAL GROUNDS
Glenwood Cemetery offers historical interest for visitors exploring the Shelbyville area near Windsor. The cemetery is connected to the General Dacey Trail system, allowing for contemplative walks through this peaceful, historic site. Visitors interested in local history and architecture can appreciate the grave markers and monuments that reflect the region's past.
15. Downtown Shelbyville
HISTORIC TOWN CENTER
Downtown Shelbyville offers shopping, dining, and historical architecture a short drive from Windsor. The charming town center connects to the General Dacey Trail system, making it accessible for visitors exploring the region on foot or bicycle. Visitors can experience small-town Midwestern culture while enjoying local businesses and community amenities in this nearby hub.