Tour and Taste

Central IL Attractions

Built in 1951 by Clarence Gall, this gymnasium is up for Historic Preservation in Kankakee County Illinois due to its rare engineering and architectural design. Since its construction, the gym has undergone very little change. The barrel-vaulted roof, with ribs of glue-laminated wood is in great condition, as is the original wooden floating floor.

For 37 years it was home to the Reddick High School Bulldogs sports teams in the R.U.C.E. (Reddick, Union Hill, Campus and Essex) Community School District and later for the Reddick Grade School as part of the Herscher School District.

Central IL Attractions

The miniature WaBash Bluebird Train was purchased by the Forrest Historical Society for $20,000.00 from the William Miller Estate. The train was manufactured sometime prior to 1948 by the “Miniature Train and Railroad Company” of Addison, Illinois who also made larger miniature trains for use at amusement parks and carnivals.

Powered by a 10 hp motor, the train is designated as a MT612 Model 109. The G gauge is also referred to as a 13 gauge, which references the 13’’ distance between the tracks on which it runs. For many years it has been under the care of Sylvester Fosdick Jr.

Central IL Attractions

227 N. 1st. Avenue National Register of Historic Places. Open to the public. Built in 1859.

China Kitchen - Fairbury

Enjoy our Family Owned Chinese Restaurant!

Carry-Out and Enjoy after receiving Kind Service!

Grand Prairie Station

Look at the Facebook Page for Specials, Hours, and more of what is happening On The Prairie! Come in and enjoy!

Central IL Attractions

This one-room country school museum takes visitors to another time when the education of rural America was in its infancy and those who were fortunate enough to attend learned the basics of reading, writing, and arithmetic. The school was in use during the age of the one room schools in the rural Midwest when just getting to and from school was a challenge.

To learn more about the Little School Museum, click on the image and call 815-674-3694 for group tours.

Central IL Attractions

The swing sets were a tribute to three children who tragically passed away in December 16, 2011.

Central IL Attractions

The Lake of the Woods Nature Preserve is a beautiful nature site in Mahomet, Illinois. It is home to hiking trails, multiple bodies of water, a highly ranked golf course and much more.

Eagle's Nest Restaurant

Family Restaurant. Dine In or Take Out. Wonderful Breakfast Options (served during All Hours) as well as Daily Specials

Central IL Attractions

Central IL Attractions

Built in 1891, the depot was designed in the Richardson Romanesque style. The building currently houses the Dwight Historical Society Museum and office of the Dwight Economic Alliance.

The Dwight Depot, placed on the “National Register of Historic Places” on December 27, 1982, is one of only a few remaining railroad stations between Chicago and St. Louis featuring the architectural design of the 1880’s.

Central IL Attractions

Well maintained Park located on North side of Saunemin at corner of Lafayette and Tile Streets.

Central IL Attractions

The oldest station on old Rt 66, the Standard Oil Gas Station in Odell, IL is part of the National Park Service Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program. It is located at 400 S. West St. in Odell, IL.

Owned by the Village of Odell, the station is open daily during tourist season from 11:00am to 3:00pm for tours and as a visitor center. Contact Odell Tourism and Community Development for information at 815-998-2133.

Central IL Attractions

Central IL Attractions

Dos Fuentes

Wonderful Mexican Dining!

Experience a Premier Family Owned and Operated Establishment. Try it once to become a regular customer!

Dairy Queen

Happy Tastes Good

Central IL Attractions

On the state list of historical sites you’ll find the old watering trough harkening back to the time before automobiles.

Central IL Attractions

Strawn Park has a wonderful spacious Community Room attached to the Fire House that can be rented for events. There is also a large screened in Pavilion that can be reserved as well. Individuals are asked just to make a donation for the use of the Pavilion. Anyone interested in reserving either one of the buildings can call 815-688-3440.

Central IL Attractions

Another unique program here on the Salem4youth Ranch is our apiary. Students work with a staff member on maintaining approximately 8 hives and then in the fall they harvest the honey. The local raw honey is a big hit with the local community.

Old Log Cabin

American Dining along Historic Rt 66!

Come to Enjoy Breakfast and Lunch!

Central IL Attractions

The Cullom Historical Society is now housed in a historical building located at 123 W Hack St. The building was the site of Leiser’s Dept. Store, which began in 1898 by Samuel Leiserwitz. After his death in 1913, his sons, Joe and Eke, took over the business and ran the store until the early l950’s.

Dale and Fran Herstein then bought the building and opened “Fran’s Tru-Value”. The society is renting the building from Daryl Holt, the present owner. We are extremely grateful to all those who have donated the funds that allowed us to have our own building.

Central IL Attractions

The Friendship Shoe Fence consists of dozens of pairs wearable shoes. Shoes are tied together & hung over the woven wire fence or just hung on the fence. Some are placed on the ground in baskets or boxes if it is too hard to hang them. A person may take shoes and also leave shoes.

Jerome Pohlen featured the Shoe Fence on a page in his book “ODDBALL ILLINOIS”.

Rick & Anita's

Dine in or Carry-Out Available

Central IL Attractions

Located at N 1st St in Fairbury, North Park features playgrounds, a basketball court, tennis courts, pickleball courts, a public swimming pool, sand volleyball courts, a walking trail, and pavilions for events. The pool opens the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend and remains open until Fair weekend. Hours are 12pm to 7pm daily.

There is a large open green space that allows visitors to play any game they please or to just enjoy nature around them. To reserve a pavilion or outdoor shelter, please call Larry Ray at (815) 674-3660.

Subway - Fairbury

Subway is the better choice when it comes to freshly made, convenient food, serving signature sandwiches, wraps and salads to guests every day.

Lost in Time

The Small-Town Eatery with Homemade Baked Goods!

We Welcome Locals and Friends from Afar!

Central IL Attractions

Washington Square is the heartbeat of town, thriving on the backs of local businesses who are committed to the area. This square includes a seasonal water fountain which is a majestic sight during the warm seasons. Come visit the Square in Washington, Illinois.