Westville IllinoisATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Westville, Illinois.
1. Forest Glen Preserve
NATURAL PARADISE FOR EXPLORERS
Forest Glen Preserve is an expansive 1,800-acre natural sanctuary founded in 1968 that offers visitors a diverse range of outdoor activities. The preserve features four registered Illinois Nature Preserves within its boundaries, including Duffin Woods, Forest Glen Seep, Howard's Hollow Seep, and Doris L. Westfall Prairie. Visitors can enjoy hiking, fishing, canoeing, and camping, as well as climb a 72-foot tower that provides spectacular views of the Vermilion River bottoms.
2. Westville Depot & Historical Museum
RAILROAD AND MINING HISTORY
The Westville Depot & Historical Museum is a non-profit restoration project dedicated to preserving the local history of the area. It houses a fascinating collection of artifacts from the C&EI Railroad as well as coal mining history that played a significant role in the region's development. Visitors can step back in time and learn about the industrial heritage that shaped Westville and the surrounding communities.
3. Destiny's Gaming
ENTERTAINMENT FOR GAME ENTHUSIASTS
Destiny's Gaming offers an exciting venue for gaming enthusiasts in Westville. The establishment provides a variety of gaming options for visitors looking for indoor entertainment and social interaction. Gamers of all skill levels can enjoy a welcoming atmosphere while engaging in their favorite pastime.
4. Lucky Dogs Slots
GAMING AND ENTERTAINMENT VENUE
Lucky Dogs Slots is a popular gaming destination in Westville offering slot machines and gaming entertainment. The venue provides a lively atmosphere for adults looking to try their luck and enjoy some recreational gaming. Visitors can experience the thrill of gaming in a local establishment that adds to Westville's entertainment options.
5. Julees Shooting Star Tavern
LOCAL WATERING HOLE
Julees Shooting Star Tavern is a beloved local establishment serving as a gathering place for Westville residents and visitors alike. The tavern offers refreshing drinks, a friendly atmosphere, and a chance to mingle with locals while experiencing authentic small-town Illinois culture. Visitors can enjoy the casual ambiance and potentially live entertainment that makes this spot a fixture in the Westville community.
6. Sportsman Inn
RUSTIC DRINKING ESTABLISHMENT
The Sportsman Inn serves as a traditional gathering spot for locals and visitors in Westville. This establishment offers a relaxed environment where patrons can enjoy drinks and potentially bar food while soaking in the local atmosphere. Sports enthusiasts might find this venue particularly appealing for its likely focus on sporting events and outdoor recreation culture.
7. Curtis Orchard & Pumpkin Patch
FAMILY-FRIENDLY AGRICULTURAL ATTRACTION
Curtis Orchard & Pumpkin Patch is a charming agricultural attraction located near Westville that offers seasonal family fun with apple picking and pumpkin harvesting. The orchard provides visitors with a taste of rural Illinois through its farm activities, country store, and homemade treats. Families can enjoy the pastoral setting while participating in various seasonal events that celebrate the agricultural heritage of the region.
8. Hardy's Reindeer Ranch
UNIQUE ANIMAL EXPERIENCE
Hardy's Reindeer Ranch offers visitors a unique opportunity to see and interact with real reindeer in the heart of Illinois. This distinctive attraction features seasonal activities including a corn maze, pumpkin patch, and Christmas tree farm depending on the time of year. Guests can enjoy wagon rides, learn about reindeer care, and participate in special events that make this ranch a memorable destination in the region near Westville.
9. Rantoul Half Century of Progress Farm Show
AGRICULTURAL HISTORY EXHIBITION
The Rantoul Half Century of Progress Farm Show is an impressive agricultural exhibition that showcases farming equipment and techniques spanning fifty years of agricultural advancement. Visitors can witness live demonstrations of vintage farming equipment alongside modern machinery, providing a fascinating contrast of agricultural evolution. This biennial event draws farming enthusiasts from across the Midwest to celebrate the region's rich agricultural heritage.
10. Middle Fork Canoe
RIVERSIDE ADVENTURE EXPERIENCE
Middle Fork Canoe offers adventurous visitors the opportunity to explore the scenic waterways near Forest Glen Preserve in Westville. Paddlers can navigate the gentle currents of the Middle Fork of the Vermilion River while enjoying the natural beauty and wildlife that surrounds this pristine water trail. The experience provides a peaceful retreat from everyday life as guests glide along one of Illinois' most picturesque river systems.
11. Vermilion County Museum
REGIONAL HISTORICAL TREASURE
The Vermilion County Museum preserves and showcases the rich history of the county that encompasses Westville and surrounding communities. The museum features exhibits on local pioneers, industrial development, and notable residents who shaped the region's cultural identity. Visitors can explore artifacts, photographs, and interactive displays that bring the area's past to life in engaging and educational ways.
12. Kickapoo State Recreation Area
OUTDOOR RECREATION PARADISE
Kickapoo State Recreation Area is a popular outdoor destination near Westville featuring clear streams, deep-water ponds, and lush woodlands spread across more than 2,800 acres. The park offers excellent opportunities for fishing, boating, hiking, camping, and hunting throughout its diverse landscape. Visitors can also explore the unique topography created by former surface mining operations that have been reclaimed by nature and transformed into a recreational haven.
13. David S. Palmer Arena
REGIONAL ENTERTAINMENT VENUE
David S. Palmer Arena serves as the premier indoor entertainment and sporting venue in the Vermilion County area near Westville. The multi-purpose facility hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including concerts, ice hockey games, figure skating competitions, and trade shows. Visitors from Westville and surrounding communities gather at this arena to enjoy entertainment options that might otherwise require traveling to larger metropolitan areas.
14. Lincoln Park
HISTORIC COMMUNITY GATHERING SPACE
Lincoln Park is a historic green space that has served as a community gathering place for generations of residents in the Danville area near Westville. The park features beautiful mature trees, recreational facilities, and seasonal flower displays that enhance its natural beauty throughout the year. Visitors can enjoy peaceful walks, picnic areas, playground equipment, and various community events that take place in this beloved public space.
15. Bunker Hill Historic Area
NATURAL AND HISTORICAL SITE
The Bunker Hill Historic Area preserves a significant natural and historical landscape not far from Westville. This site features distinctive geological formations alongside remnants of early European settlement in the region. Visitors can hike scenic trails while learning about both the natural history and human heritage that make this area an important part of Vermilion County's identity.