What have you heard about Danville apart from hosting a great history of the 16th president of the USA, Abraham Lincoln? Danville is a city and a county seat of Vermilion County, Illinois. According to Vermilion County Museum Society, Danville is best known for being a home of world-class museums, shops full of remarkable finds, and awe-inspiring wildlife. Once in Danville, you will never get bored, the reason being, there are many educational, pastime, and luxurious things you can do there.
20. Explore The Lindley Sign Post Forest
Lindley Sign Post Forest is Watson’s lake’s most famous attraction. According to Our Alaska Highway, it all started in 1942 when Carl K Lindley, a US army engineer stationed at Watson Lake, who took part in constructing Alaska Highway– a US government roadway project done during World War 1, placed a signpost. Since then, people from all over the world have planted more than 91,000 signposts.
19. Purchase Antiques From Rabbittown Antiques And Artisans
Rabbittown Antiques and Artisans have a diversity of antiques with extraordinary items for you and your home. It is open from mon-sat from 10:00 am – 5:00 pm. And on a Sunday the business hours are from 12:00 pm- 5:00 pm. Being owned by a duo, Rabbittown has a range of products made by local artisans. Merchandises such as potpourri, scented candles, antique furniture, and more are reasonably affordable. There are a lot of antique buffs and goodies showcased that will catch your eyes.
18. Have Fun At Illini SkateLand
Illini skate land, an entertainment center solidified in 1977, is known for being a family center and a wonderful place to spend time with your loved ones. It offers outdoor miniature golf, video games, batting cages, pool tables, laser tags, and of course, open roller skating. It costs US$5.00 per person with children under the age of nine charged US$ 3.00. If you are a fan of playing video games or miniature golf, this place has you covered.
17. Search For Products In Flea Pickers USA
It is a vast antique store in Danville. It offers in-store shopping services, with mixed old and new products whose prices are appealing, I mean the items are worth shopping -They are cheap and affordable. The owners are friendly and knowledgeable about the goods they offer, making Flea Pickers a great place to visit. Examples of the products Flea Pickers sells that will leave you jaw-dropping are items such as king-sized bear rug and cement handprint of Clarke Gable and Jimmy Stewart from the Grauman’s Chinese theater.
16. Visit The Lamon House
Lamon House is an old frame house in Danville and a Greek revival cottage built by Melissa Beckwith Lamon and Joseph Lamon, a cousin to Ward Hill Lamon, who, according to History Net, was a political associate, a companion, and a bodyguard to Abraham Lincoln. Melissa’s father, Dan Beckwith, donated a piece of the land Lamon’s house was built. The house opens on Sundays from 1:30-4:30 pm.
15. Visit The Fetch Dog Park
Are you a fan and a lover of dogs? The Fetch Dog Park is located on North Kimball Street, Danville, IL. It is a fantastic place to exercise your dogs. The Fetch Dog Park is divided into three areas: one accommodates dogs, another for small dogs, and the other is a particular area for members with limited mobility. According to Fetch Dog Park Org, annual Membership dues are US$35 for the first dog and US$5 for the additional dogs. But guess what? The place is worth getting a membership for because it is accessible for everyone.
14. Have Fun At Winter Park And Ambucs Playground
A beautiful and clean community park was established in 1998. It is a vast park with various interactive playground features such as a single deck, Boat swing, and splash pad. It has a great picnic area, and it is accessible for all kids of all ages and abilities. Winter Park and Ambucs Playground is a great recreational place because of the wide assortment of activities one can do.
13. Watch Live Theatre At Fischer Theatre
Fischer Theatre, being built in 1884, was branded as the grand opera house. Its current name, Fischer, was given in 1913. Fischer theater is located in the essence of Downtown Danville. The theater has a charming architecture with a hospitable and friendly staff. The theater has a good sound quality with theatrical lighting that makes it look impressive. If you missed it, Fischer theater is on the list of registered historical places in Illinois. I recommend this place for a great live theater.
12. Visit Lake Mingo
It is an incredible place for a trial run after a tiresome day. It has a well-marked Midwest trail with a scenic outlook toward the end. Lake Mingo is best for its central east location and exercise value. Lake Mingo has fish species such as channel catfish, Bluegill, Northern pike, Yellow bullhead, white crappie, and Muskie. I believe you’d like to have a look at what these species look like, right?
11. Indulge In Mind Challenging Puzzle Games At Adventure Arcade Escape Room
Adventure Arcade Escape Room is located east of the pub and across Flea Pickers USA. Andrew Dudich and Racheal Anderson own it. The room offers a fun yet problematic experience to solve puzzles within 60 minutes. It is well designated for two to eight people who will search for clues and hidden items in the room. Adventure Arcade Escape Room also has video games and a pinball machine, making the room a place to be. It is usually open by appointment from 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm on Thursday and Friday. On Saturday it is open from around noon time till 8:00 pm. The ticket costs US$25 per person.
10. Purchase Ice Cream At Lainey’s Ice Cream Shop
It is a famous ice cream shop owned by a duo, Dale and Mary Je Gentrup. The shop is named after their daughter, Lainey Gentrup. The shop is always open from 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm from Mon- Thursday. Then on Friday from 4:00 pm – 9:00 pm and Saturday from 2:00 pm – 9:00 pm. And on Sunday it is a day off. The soft-serve flavors are vanilla, and Dole whip–pretty pop, whereas the seasonal flavors for hand-dipped ice creams are crisps, pumpkin pies, and apples. The shop also offers sundaes, shakes, and chillers (with mixed candies).
9. Explore The Kennekuk Cove County
Do you want to explore real America? Kennekuk was founded in 1974, and is located 5 miles west of Danville. It is a well-maintained oak-hickory forest with native tallgrass prairie areas and the best trails for an adventurous hike or family trip. It contains 3 Illinois nature preserves within its boundaries. These are Wildlife prairie, horseshoe bottoms, and Fairchild cemetery. The park activities include hiking, fishing, canoeing, water sports, and Biking. Verily, Kennekuk Cove County Park is a must-visit place in Danville.
8. Have Perfectly Grilled Burgers At Gross’ Burgers
After a long and tiresome tour or work in Danville, don’t hesitate to drop by this best hamburger restaurant for a Hand formed and crispy burgers or any fast food. The restaurant is worth the visit because they offer the best foods and fantastic shakes at a relatively low price, including the American Military décor on the walls. Whoa, it’s so stunning. Gross’ Burger is a must-stop location whenever you are in Danville. The opening hours are from 10:00 am – 8:30 pm.
7. Go For Biking At Kickapoo Mountain Bike Main Trailhead
Are you a fan of Biking? If yes, I highly recommend you visit Kickapoo Mountain Bike Main Trailhead. This park in Illinois offers a variety of topographical outlines for every level of rider. It is home to the best mountain bike trails. The trails are named with a numbering system where the main trailhead is located at the intersection of Kickapoo Park road and 1200 East road.
6. Visit The Middle Fork State Fish And Wildlife Area
It is a state park located 6 miles north of Interstate – 74 and the Oakwood exit. It is also bounded east by Kennekuk Cove County Park and boarded by Middlefork river, The only natural scenic river in Illinois. Middle Fork State Fish And Wildlife Area is an incredible hunting and horseback campground with well-maintained excellent trails.
5. Chill Out At Lake Vermillion County Park
Vermillion County Park is located on the west edge of the city of Danville. It is a water supply lake that Aqua Illinois Inc. owns and one of the most densely stocked lakes for fishing. There are several on and off-the-water activities that one can participate in in the meantime. Activities such as the dock complex, concession building, boat ramp, and playground are available for you. A park is also an excellent place for relaxing, fishing, and photography.
4. Visit Kickapoo State Recreation Area
It is a state park in Illinois located between Oakwood and Danville. The park is easily accessible through route I–74. Its breathtaking nature is unique and soothing to the extent that you may get the feeling of connecting with nature as one. According to State Parks, the shady and beautiful state park was the first park in the country to be located on a strip-mining site. It has an enormous parking site with friendly staff and a soothing atmosphere. Activities you can indulge in while in the park include; canoeing, fishing, hiking, running, camping, and scuba diving. There is everything for everyone here.
3. Check The Wildlife At The Heron County Park
Heron County Park was established in 2004 after a parcel of land was donated from Aqua, Illinois. It is located in Newell Township in Vermillion County, Illinois. It Borders Lake Vermillion on the Northern side. It is a good and fantastic place to check wildlife. If you decide to visit Heron County Park, then expect to see songbirds singing and see wildlife such as waterfowl, wood ducks, kingfishers, green herons, and bald eagles. Alternatively, you can have a wide-angle view from a 30ft observation tower in the park.
2. Visit The Vermilion County Museum
Vermillion County Museum is located at 116 N. Gilbert St. In Danville, Vermillion County, Illinois. It is a local museum with local history. Vermillion County Museum is a highly recommended museum for those who need further learning about Abraham Lincoln and the history of Danville in general since the museum exhibits provide many insights into the town. So, if you are a first-time visitor to Danville, consider visiting the Museum as it is augmented with souvenirs that give a real sense of being back in time.
1. Explore The Vermillion County War Museum
The Museum is located at 307 N Vermillion in Danville, Illinois. It is an American military and war museum that displays artifacts used during the revolutionary war. The Museum is worth visiting since it has exhibits from 1776 to the modern-day, concentrated in Illinois. The Museum is well displayed, and the museum tour guides are professional and knowledgeable. The Museum opens on Tuesday – Friday from: 00 noon – 4:00 pm. Saturday – Sunday from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm. It would be best to consider visiting this Museum for more revolutionary war history.
Final Word
Danville is quite a place with more interesting fun, business, and educational adventures. It has a lot more to offer when it comes to history. So if you intend to visit Danville, and you haven’t yet known what to do, then you can indubitably consider trying these 20 things, and I feel you will be amazed at how relaxed and memorable Danville is. As you can see, most of the places I’ve mentioned above have a sense of the old – old town, old artifacts, and old antiques. You know, old is gold. It sounds excellent when one reminisces about old memories, right? So, from then till now, welcome to Danville.
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