Xenia IllinoisATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Xenia, Illinois.
1. Charley Brown Memorial Park
LOCAL RECREATION SPOT
Charley Brown Memorial Park is a highly-rated recreational area in Xenia, offering visitors a peaceful place to relax and enjoy outdoor activities. The park features open green spaces perfect for picnics, family gatherings, and casual sports activities. Visitors appreciate the well-maintained grounds and community-friendly atmosphere that makes this park a local favorite.
2. Smith Mill
HISTORIC MILLING SITE
Smith Mill stands as a perfectly-rated historical site in Xenia, preserving the area's agricultural and industrial heritage. This specialized museum showcases the traditional milling processes that were vital to the region's development and economy. Visitors can explore the history of grain processing and gain insight into the technological innovations that shaped local industry.
3. Flora Depot
RAILWAY HISTORY MUSEUM
Flora Depot is a well-preserved historical railway station turned specialty museum near Xenia that offers visitors a glimpse into the region's transportation history. The museum features exhibits on railroad operations, historical artifacts, and the impact of rail systems on local development. With its excellent ratings, the depot provides an educational experience about how railways connected small communities throughout Illinois.
4. Lincoln Trail State Park
NATURAL RECREATION AREA
Lincoln Trail State Park is a scenic natural area located within driving distance of Xenia, offering beautiful landscapes centered around a 146-acre lake. Visitors can enjoy fishing, boating, hiking, and camping in this peaceful setting named after Abraham Lincoln's historic journey through the area. The park's diverse ecosystems provide habitat for various wildlife species, making it ideal for nature photography and bird watching.
5. Red Hills State Park
OUTDOOR ADVENTURE DESTINATION
Red Hills State Park offers visitors to the Xenia region a beautiful 967-acre outdoor recreation area centered around a scenic 40-acre lake. The park features numerous hiking trails, camping facilities, fishing spots, and picnic areas perfect for day trips or extended stays. Nature enthusiasts appreciate the diverse wildlife, beautiful forests, and the chance to explore the unique red clay hills that gave the park its name.
6. Village Square Mall
REGIONAL SHOPPING CENTER
Village Square Mall serves as a primary shopping destination for residents of Xenia and surrounding communities in south-central Illinois. The indoor mall houses various retail stores, dining options, and services that cater to the needs of local shoppers. Visitors appreciate the convenience of having multiple shopping options under one roof, especially during extreme weather conditions.
7. Cross at the Crossroads
ICONIC RELIGIOUS MONUMENT
The Cross at the Crossroads stands as an imposing 198-foot tall religious monument visible from miles away, making it a landmark attraction for visitors to the region near Xenia. This impressive structure is one of the largest crosses in America, situated strategically at the intersection of two major interstate highways. The site includes a welcome center with religious exhibits, making it both a spiritual destination and a unique roadside attraction.
8. Veterans Educational Museum
MILITARY HISTORY EXHIBITS
The Veterans Educational Museum honors the service and sacrifice of American military personnel through comprehensive exhibits spanning multiple conflicts. Located within driving distance of Xenia, this museum houses an impressive collection of military artifacts, personal stories, and historical displays. Visitors gain insight into the experiences of local veterans and the impact of military service on the surrounding communities.
9. William Jennings Bryan Birthplace
HISTORIC POLITICAL LANDMARK
The William Jennings Bryan Birthplace preserves the childhood home of the renowned orator, politician, and three-time presidential candidate who significantly influenced American politics. This historical site, accessible from Xenia, offers visitors a glimpse into 19th-century rural Illinois life and the formative environment of a national political figure. The preserved home and accompanying exhibits tell the story of Bryan's early years before he rose to national prominence.
10. Sam Dale Lake Conservation Area
FISHING AND HUNTING PARADISE
Sam Dale Lake Conservation Area encompasses over 1,300 acres of natural beauty centered around a 194-acre lake, providing abundant recreational opportunities for visitors from Xenia and beyond. Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy excellent fishing for largemouth bass, bluegill, and catfish, as well as seasonal hunting in designated areas. The conservation area also features camping facilities, hiking trails, and picnic areas perfect for experiencing the natural beauty of southern Illinois.
11. Olney City Park
HOME OF WHITE SQUIRRELS
Olney City Park is famous for its unique population of albino squirrels, a rare natural phenomenon that has become the town's beloved mascot and attraction for visitors from surrounding areas including Xenia. The well-maintained park offers typical recreational amenities like playgrounds, sports fields, and picnic areas, but the white squirrels steal the show. Visitors often spend hours photographing these unusual creatures and learning about the city's efforts to protect this special population.
12. Richland County Historical Museum
LOCAL HERITAGE COLLECTION
The Richland County Historical Museum preserves the rich cultural heritage of the region surrounding Xenia through extensive exhibits of artifacts, photographs, and documents. Visitors can explore multiple galleries showcasing everything from Native American artifacts to pioneer tools and 20th-century memorabilia. The museum offers a comprehensive look at how this area of Illinois developed over time, with knowledgeable volunteers often available to provide additional context and stories.
13. Beall Woods State Park
ANCIENT FOREST PRESERVE
Beall Woods State Park protects one of the few remaining old-growth forests in Illinois, offering visitors from Xenia and beyond a rare glimpse into the region's original woodland ecosystem. The park's 635 acres include massive trees that have stood for centuries, with some specimens reaching over 120 feet tall and 3 feet in diameter. Nature enthusiasts can explore several hiking trails while appreciating the diverse plant and animal life in this unique ecological time capsule.
14. Jasper County Historical Museum
RURAL AMERICA PRESERVED
The Jasper County Historical Museum showcases the agricultural and cultural heritage of the region surrounding Xenia through an impressive collection of artifacts and exhibits. Visitors can explore multiple buildings housing everything from antique farm equipment to period clothing and household items from the 19th and early 20th centuries. The museum provides fascinating insights into rural Midwestern life, with displays that highlight how technological advances transformed farming communities over generations.
15. Fox River State Wildlife Area
HUNTER'S AND ANGLER'S HAVEN
Fox River State Wildlife Area offers outdoor enthusiasts from Xenia and surrounding communities access to nearly 2,800 acres of diverse habitats perfect for hunting, fishing, and wildlife observation. The area features a mix of bottomland forests, upland woods, and wetlands that support a variety of game species including deer, turkey, and waterfowl. Visitors appreciate the relatively undeveloped nature of this conservation area, which provides a more rugged and authentic outdoor experience compared to more developed parks.