Woodson IllinoisATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Woodson, Illinois.
1. Big Eli Ferris Wheel #17
HISTORIC CARNIVAL RIDE
The Big Eli Ferris Wheel #17 is a popular historical attraction in Woodson that delights visitors of all ages. Visitors can experience the nostalgic charm of this classic carnival ride while enjoying panoramic views of the surrounding area. The well-maintained Ferris wheel represents an important piece of Americana and local heritage.
2. AMVETS Post 100
VETERANS COMMUNITY CENTER
AMVETS Post 100 serves as both a community gathering place and a tribute to local veterans in Woodson. The facility hosts various events throughout the year and provides support services for veterans and their families. Visitors can learn about military history and the contributions of local service members while enjoying the welcoming atmosphere.
3. Bowl Inn
LOCAL BOWLING ALLEY
Bowl Inn offers a classic American bowling experience for families and friends in Woodson. The alley features well-maintained lanes, rental equipment, and a casual snack bar serving traditional bowling alley fare. Visitors can enjoy friendly competition in this nostalgic setting that has been entertaining locals for generations.
4. Danenberger Family Vineyards
LOCAL WINE EXPERIENCE
Danenberger Family Vineyards offers a delightful wine tasting experience near Woodson in the neighboring town of New Berlin. Visitors can sample locally produced wines while enjoying the picturesque vineyard setting and learning about the winemaking process. The vineyard frequently hosts events including live music, making it a cultural hub for the region.
5. Clayville Historic Site
19TH CENTURY PIONEER VILLAGE
Clayville Historic Site preserves a 19th-century pioneer village that offers visitors a glimpse into early Illinois settlement life. The open-air museum features restored buildings, including the Broadwell Inn and Tavern built in 1824, which served travelers on the Sangamon River. Visitors can explore historical exhibits, attend seasonal events, and experience living history demonstrations that bring the past to life.
6. Illinois College
HISTORIC EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION
Illinois College, founded in 1829, is one of the oldest colleges in Illinois with a picturesque campus featuring historic architecture and beautiful grounds near Woodson. Visitors can stroll through the campus to admire buildings like Beecher Hall, the oldest college building in Illinois, and enjoy the educational atmosphere. The college offers cultural events, art exhibits, and performances that are open to the public throughout the year.
7. Morgan County Fairgrounds
AGRICULTURAL EVENT CENTER
The Morgan County Fairgrounds hosts the annual county fair and numerous other events throughout the year near Woodson. Visitors can experience traditional agricultural exhibitions, carnival rides, food vendors, and live entertainment during fair season. The venue serves as a cultural hub for the region, celebrating the area's agricultural heritage and providing family-friendly entertainment.
8. Future Champions Sport Complex
MODERN ATHLETIC FACILITY
Future Champions Sport Complex offers state-of-the-art athletic facilities for various sports and recreational activities near Woodson. The complex features multiple playing fields, courts, and training areas designed to accommodate tournaments, leagues, and casual play. Visitors can enjoy watching sporting events or participating in recreational activities in this modern facility that serves athletes of all ages.
9. Jacksonville Community Park
OUTDOOR RECREATION AREA
Jacksonville Community Park provides extensive outdoor recreational opportunities for visitors and locals alike near Woodson. The well-maintained park features playgrounds, picnic areas, walking trails, and sports facilities spread across beautifully landscaped grounds. Families particularly enjoy the seasonal splash pad, open green spaces for games, and the peaceful atmosphere perfect for relaxation.
10. Woodlawn Farm
UNDERGROUND RAILROAD SITE
Woodlawn Farm stands as a significant historical site that served as a station on the Underground Railroad, helping enslaved people seek freedom in the 1800s. Visitors can tour the preserved farmhouse and learn about the courage of both freedom seekers and those who helped them on their dangerous journey to liberty. The farm offers educational programs that highlight this important chapter in American history and Illinois' role in the abolitionist movement.
11. Governor Duncan Mansion
HISTORIC GUBERNATORIAL RESIDENCE
The Governor Duncan Mansion preserves the elegant 1834 home of Illinois' sixth governor, Joseph Duncan, located near Woodson. Visitors can tour this Greek Revival mansion filled with period furnishings, artwork, and personal items belonging to the Duncan family. The beautifully restored residence offers insight into 19th-century political life and the domestic arrangements of Illinois' early leadership.
12. Lincoln's New Salem
ABRAHAM LINCOLN HISTORIC SITE
Lincoln's New Salem is a meticulously reconstructed 1830s village where Abraham Lincoln spent his formative years as a young adult near Woodson. The open-air museum features 23 historically accurate buildings including homes, workshops, stores, and a tavern that represent the community where Lincoln lived and worked. Costumed interpreters demonstrate period crafts and daily activities, bringing to life the environment that helped shape the future president.
13. Old State Capitol
HISTORIC GOVERNMENT BUILDING
The Old State Capitol is a Greek Revival-style building that served as Illinois' statehouse from 1839 to 1876, where Abraham Lincoln delivered his famous "House Divided" speech. Visitors can explore the restored legislative chambers, offices, and courtrooms where Lincoln practiced law and important state business was conducted. The building stands as a centerpiece of downtown Springfield and offers guided tours that highlight Illinois' political history and Lincoln's rise to prominence.
14. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum
PRESIDENTIAL HISTORY EXPERIENCE
The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum offers a world-class immersive experience chronicling the life and legacy of America's 16th president. The facility combines traditional artifacts with cutting-edge technology, including holographic theaters, special effects, and interactive exhibits that bring Lincoln's story to life. Visitors can view rare historical documents, explore full-scale recreations of Lincoln's homes, and gain insight into the pivotal events of his presidency and the Civil War era.
15. Dana-Thomas House
FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT MASTERPIECE
The Dana-Thomas House is a stunning example of Frank Lloyd Wright's Prairie School architecture, designed in 1902 for socialite Susan Lawrence Dana. The 12,000-square-foot home features over 100 pieces of original Wright-designed furniture, art glass, and light fixtures spread across 35 rooms. Visitors can tour this architectural gem to appreciate Wright's innovative design principles, including open floor plans, horizontal lines, and integration with nature that revolutionized American residential architecture.