Visiting Central Illinois

Central Illinois, the heart of the Land of Lincoln, is home to Springfield, the State Capital, Illinois’ largest Amish community, and more. Visit the Lincoln Home National Historic Site for a glimpse at holidays past. Springfield is the site of the only home President Abraham Lincoln owned. Now preserved as an Illinois National Historic Site, visitors can tour the home of our 16th President. Through January 4th, 2013 visit the Lincoln Home for Christmas with the Lincolns, and get a look back into history and how the holidays were celebrated. Pick up you ticket at the Lincoln Home visitor center and tour a Christmas past.

The community of Arcola in central Illinois is home to the state’s largest Amish population. Home of the Illinois Amish Museum, Arcola is an ideal destination to learn about the Amish religion and lifestyle. Visit Rockome Gardens, 5 miles west of Arcola, to tour the Amish Interpretive Center, admire handcrafted furniture and goods, and shop Rockome Gardens foods for authentic Illinois Amish products. Rockome Gardens is closed for the winter season, however, Rockome Foods is open and Amish tours and meals can be scheduled.

Illinois’ Champaign County, 40 minutes west of Danville, is home to the University of Illinois at Urbana – Champaign. This is the season for Fighting Illini men’s and women’s basketball. Put on an Illinois blue and orange outfit and take in game at the Ubben Basketball Complex on your next visit. For concerts and entertainment, check the calendar at the Assembly Hall at the U of I, for one of your favorite performers. Winter Jam 2013 comes to the Assembly Hall March 23rd.

Launch a healthy 2013 west of Danville in Kickapoo State Park. The Kennekuk Road Runners host the first race of the 2013 Grand Slam on January 5th, the Siberian Express Trail Run. Join the 7.45-mile challenge on the Wilderness Trail at Kickapoo State Park. Billed as an outrageous day of fun and running, the event goes on regardless of the weather – it’s winter, so be prepared for anything. Party Jamaican Style after the finish and celebrate the first run of the New Year.

The Danville Symphony Orchestra celebrates its 46th season in 2012 – 2013. A cultural beacon for eastern Illinois, DSO performs at the Danville High School Auditorium. Enjoy the Chicago Brass Quintet for the Holiday concert in December, and welcome spring with Clara Jumi Kang with the Danville Symphony in March.

Galesburg, two hours northwest of Springfield, hosts a February event everyone enjoys. Come February, your next stop is Galesburg for the 2013 Galesburg Historical Society Chocolate Festival. Held the 9th and 10th, the Chocolate Festival features seemingly endless treats featuring various forms of chocolate. Enjoy homemade and commercially made chocolate featured in deserts, drinks or alone – the Galesburg Chocolate Festival is a central Illinois favorite.

Central Illinois Hotel Map