Weldon IllinoisATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Weldon, Illinois.
1. Weldon Springs State Park
RECREATIONAL PARADISE FOR ALL
Weldon Springs State Park is a 550-acre park offering comprehensive recreational opportunities year-round. Visitors can enjoy fishing, boating, picnicking, camping, hiking, and wildlife viewing during milder seasons, while winter activities include sledding, ice fishing, and cross-country skiing. The park features tournament-quality horseshoe pits and nearly every part is accessible in some form to those with disabilities.
2. Lakeside Trail
SCENIC LAKE LOOP
Lakeside Trail offers a picturesque 2-mile loop around the spring-fed lake at Weldon Springs State Park. The trail connects to several paved accessible paths that branch off, providing views of the 29-acre lake. Hikers regularly spot wildlife, including deer, along this popular trail.
3. Veteran's Point
MILITARY TRIBUTE AREA
Veteran's Point at Weldon Springs State Park is a lovely and inspiring tribute to military service members. The area provides a peaceful space for reflection with scenic views of the surrounding nature. Visitors describe it as a moving experience and an important part of their visit to the park.
4. Clinton Lake State Recreation Area
WATER RECREATION HUB
Clinton Lake State Recreation Area offers extensive outdoor activities centered around its large reservoir. Visitors can enjoy boating, fishing, swimming, and water sports during summer months, while the surrounding woodlands provide opportunities for hiking and wildlife observation. The recreation area is significantly larger than nearby Weldon Springs, offering more options for motorized watercraft.
5. Triple M Farm: Mariah's Mums & More
SEASONAL FLORAL FARM
Triple M Farm: Mariah's Mums & More is a highly-rated agricultural attraction featuring seasonal blooms and farm activities. Visitors can explore vibrant flower displays, particularly in autumn when chrysanthemums create spectacular color. The farm offers a rural experience with opportunities for photography and seasonal purchases.
6. Schoolhouse Trail
HISTORIC EDUCATIONAL PATH
Schoolhouse Trail is a popular hiking path at Weldon Springs that takes visitors past an old schoolhouse structure. The trail combines natural beauty with historical education, making it appealing to history enthusiasts and families. Hikers can learn about local educational history while enjoying the surrounding park environment.
7. Weldon Springs Lake
FISHING AND KAYAKING HAVEN
Weldon Springs Lake is a tranquil 29-acre, spring-fed body of water offering excellent fishing opportunities throughout the seasons. The lake features numerous well-maintained fishing platforms and docks, making it accessible for anglers of all abilities. Popular for kayaking and small fishing boats, it provides a quieter alternative to the more heavily trafficked Clinton Lake.
8. Allerton Park & Retreat Center
HISTORIC GARDEN ESTATE
Allerton Park & Retreat Center is a magnificent 1,500-acre estate featuring formal gardens, natural areas, and a historic mansion. Visitors can explore miles of hiking trails, discover over 100 ornamental sculptures, and admire the exceptional architecture of the main house. The park combines art, nature, and history in a setting that changes beautifully with the seasons.
9. University of Illinois Arboretum
ACADEMIC BOTANICAL COLLECTION
The University of Illinois Arboretum is an expansive living laboratory featuring diverse plant collections and themed gardens. Visitors can wander through the Japan House gardens, explore the extensive collections of trees and shrubs, and enjoy seasonal displays like the spring bulb garden. The arboretum serves both recreational and educational purposes with regularly scheduled events and programs.
10. Kaufman Lake
URBAN FISHING DESTINATION
Kaufman Lake is a popular urban fishing spot surrounded by a scenic walking path in Champaign. The lake is regularly stocked with fish and features accessible piers for anglers of all abilities. Visitors can enjoy the natural setting while still being conveniently located within city limits.
11. White Oak Park
FAMILY-FRIENDLY OUTDOOR SPACE
White Oak Park offers extensive recreational facilities for families and outdoor enthusiasts in the Bloomington area. The park features playgrounds, picnic areas, sport courts, and natural spaces for exploration. Visitors appreciate the well-maintained grounds and variety of activities available for all ages.
12. Spitler Woods State Natural Area
OLD-GROWTH FOREST PRESERVE
Spitler Woods State Natural Area preserves a rare stand of old-growth forest, offering visitors a glimpse of Illinois' original landscape. Hiking trails wind through majestic hardwood trees, some estimated to be hundreds of years old. The natural area is especially beautiful during spring wildflower season and fall foliage displays.
13. Anita Purves Nature Center
ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION HUB
The Anita Purves Nature Center serves as an educational gateway to understanding local ecosystems and wildlife. Interactive exhibits engage visitors of all ages, teaching about prairie, forest, and wetland habitats native to Illinois. The center offers regular programs, workshops, and serves as a trailhead for exploring the adjacent Busey Woods natural area.
14. DeWitt County Museum
LOCAL HISTORY COLLECTION
The DeWitt County Museum preserves and showcases the rich history of Clinton and surrounding communities. Housed in a historic structure, the museum features artifacts, photographs, and exhibits chronicling the development of the area from settlement to modern times. Visitors gain insight into local industrial, agricultural, and social history through carefully curated displays.
15. C.H. Moore Homestead DeWitt County Museum
VICTORIAN MANSION EXPERIENCE
The C.H. Moore Homestead stands as an impressive example of Victorian architecture and houses the DeWitt County Museum's extensive collections. Visitors can tour the beautifully preserved 1867 mansion with period furnishings that showcase wealthy rural life during the late 19th century. The property includes several outbuildings, gardens, and special exhibits highlighting local history and culture.