Effingham, located in between the intersection of two predominant highways in Effingham County, is a great place to visit and explore. This charming town is full of unique attractions, outdoor activities, and historical sites, so there’s something for everyone. So come and explore this wonderful town and see what you can find.
Effingham Axe Throwing
Effingham Axe Throwing is a great way to have some fun and let off some steam. This axe throwing venue provides guests with a safe, fun, and competitive environment. Guests will be provided with their own lane and set of axes, and trained staff will be on hand to provide instruction and assist with safety. The lanes are adorned with target boards, so each guest can practice their aim and compete against their friends.
Axe throwing is a great way to spend an afternoon or evening with family or friends, and it’s sure to be a memorable experience. Just make a reservation and plan a party, sign the waivers, and get instructions and safety tips from the staff, and you’re ready to have a great time throwing axes.
Tuscan Hills Winery
The Tuscan Hills Winery is a family-owned business whose goal is to make everyone feel like they are in old-fashioned Tuscany by making wine from grapes [1] grown in the Midwest. This winery offers a variety of wines, from whites and reds to fruit wines and dessert wines. Guests can enjoy a leisurely tasting of the different wines, or purchase a bottle to take home.
Tuscan Hills Winery also offers tours and special events, such as live music and wine-and-cheese pairings. Additionally, the winery has a beautiful outdoor patio and garden, perfect for sipping a glass of wine in the warm summer months. The winery is the perfect place to relax and enjoy a great glass of wine with friends and family.
Mid America Motorworks: My Garage Museum
Mid America Motorworks: My Garage Museum is a must-see for car enthusiasts. The museum is home to a large collection of vintage vehicles, including a 3000-mile original 1954 model, the Last C4 Corvette with the last small block engine made in Flint, Michigan, and the CERV 1, an open-wheel prototype that was designed by the famous Corvette engineer Zora Arkus Duntov and brought back to its original condition.
Guests can explore the museum at their own pace and learn about the history of these classic cars. Visitors can also take a tour of the museum’s garage and learn about the restoration process for these vintage vehicles. The museum also offers a variety of other activities, such as scavenger hunts, car shows, and other special events.
The museum is a great place to learn about the history of cars, and it is sure to be a fun and educational experience for the whole family.
Effingham Performance Center
The Effingham Performance Center is a great place to go for live entertainment. This performance center offers a wide variety of shows and events throughout the year, from concerts, theater shows, and comedy acts to special events like firework displays, holiday celebrations, and more.
The theater is equipped with a state-of-the-art sound system and professional lighting, providing guests with the best in entertainment. The theater also offers a variety of concession stands, so guests can enjoy snacks and drinks during the show. This great art and entertainment show is a great place for a family night or a date night.
Effingham County Cultural Center and Museum
The Effingham County Cultural Center and Museum is a great place to learn more about the history of Effingham County. The museum provides an in-depth look into the area’s history, with exhibits featuring artifacts and stories from the past. Guests can view a variety of displays, which feature artifacts and documents from the Native American, pioneer, and settler eras.
The museum also has a genealogy room, where guests can explore their family’s history and a library of historical documents and books. Effingham County residents can be justifiably proud of the courthouse museum that preserves and displays their cultural heritage.
Effing Brew Company
Effing Brew Company is the perfect place to hang out and enjoy a cold, refreshing beer. This brewery offers a wide selection of craft beers, all brewed on-site. Guests can enjoy a variety of seasonal, special, and year-round brews, from IPAs to stouts and everything in between. The taproom offers a relaxed atmosphere with a variety of seating, from bar stools to cozy couches, and guests can sample the beers before making their selection.
Effing Brew Company also offers a variety of special events, including live music, trivia nights, and beer-pairing dinners. So come grab a beer and make some new friends at Effing Brew Company.
Effingham Park District
The Effingham Park District is the perfect place to get active and explore the great outdoors. With over 20 acres of parks and trails, the Park District has something for everyone to enjoy. Visitors can explore the park’s trails and open spaces, as well as its sports fields, playgrounds, and picnic areas.
The Park District also offers a variety of family-friendly activities and programs, such as fishing, kayaking, and disc golf. There are also nature centers, and the Park District works with local conservation groups to help protect and restore the area’s natural habitats. So come and explore all that the Effingham Park District has to offer.
Lake Sara
Lake Sara is a great place to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature. Lake Sara is a popular destination for boating, fishing, swimming, and camping. The lake covers over eight hundred acres and offers plenty of room for all types of activities. Fishermen and women will be especially pleased with the lake’s abundance of bass, catfish, and crappie.
Visitors can also enjoy a variety of other recreational activities such as kayaking, canoeing, and paddle-boarding. The lake also has several parks and nature preserves, so visitors can take a break and explore the area’s natural beauty. If you’re looking to relax by the lake, there are campgrounds and convenience stores nearby.
Trail Recreation Effingham County (TREC) Calico Trail
The Trail Recreation Effingham County (TREC) Calico Trail is a great place for nature lovers to explore. This 30 miles of county-wide biking and walking trails through woods and fields, offer breathtaking views of the rural area. The trail is perfect for walking, running, and biking, and there are several rest stops and picnic areas along the way.
The trail is also great for bird watching, with a variety of species of birds that can be seen in the area. The TREC Calico Trail is a great way to get outside and explore the outdoors, and it’s a perfect place to enjoy a peaceful stroll or a fun bike ride.
Moccasin Creek Festival
The Moccasin Creek Festival is a four-day event that takes place every year. It is filled with music, art, and other crafts. Bill Passalacqua is from Effingham and started the festival. He spends most of his time writing, promoting, and playing music. The festival is an extravaganza of folk, roots rock, blues, and alternative country music that goes on for several days.
It honors them in the beautiful outdoor setting of Lake Sara, which is huge and has great acoustics, at a beautiful time of year.
Bliss Park
Bliss Park is the perfect place to go for a picnic with family and friends. Located on West Clark Avenue, the park is a great place to enjoy the outdoors and take a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The park has plenty of green space, perfect for a picnic blanket, and several pavilions and picnic tables for shade.
There is also a playground for the little ones, so everyone can have fun. The park is also home to a small lake and wetlands area, so visitors can enjoy a peaceful stroll along the trails. Bliss Park is a great place to spend a day outdoors and enjoy a relaxing picnic with loved ones.
Frye Pottery Gallery
Frye Pottery Gallery is the perfect place to get your hands dirty and create something special. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced potter, the gallery offers a wide range of classes and workshops to suit your skill level. From wheel-throwing classes and hand-building classes to glaze classes and more, the gallery provides everything you need to learn the art of pottery making.
The gallery also offers a variety of supplies and equipment, so you can get creative and create something unique. The gallery also has an on-site studio, so you can use their tools and equipment to practice your pottery-making skills. With the support and guidance of the gallery’s experienced staff, you’ll be able to explore your creativity and make something truly unique.
Firefly Grill
Firefly Grill is a great place to go for a fresh, organic feast. This eco-friendly restaurant offers a wide variety of delicious, locally-sourced dishes that are sure to satisfy. The menu features a variety of salads, sandwiches, and entrees, all of which are made using fresh, organic ingredients.
Firefly Grill also offers a variety of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options, so everyone can find something to enjoy. The restaurant also offers an extensive wine list, and its knowledgeable staff can help you choose the perfect pairing for your meal. So come and enjoy a delicious, healthy meal at Firefly Grill.
Silver Dollar Lanes
Silver Dollar Lanes is a great place to go for a fun night of bowling with family and friends. This bowling alley has been a part of Effingham for many years, and it offers a variety of lanes and services. Guests can enjoy traditional bowling on 24 lanes, or they can try cosmic bowling, which features glow-in-the-dark lanes and colorful lighting.
The alley also offers a variety of arcade games, pool tables, and a snack bar, so everyone can have a great time. The alley also has a variety of leagues, tournaments, and special events, so there’s always something fun to do. So come and bowl a few frames at Silver Dollar Lanes and have a great time.
Wilhelmina Art Gallery
Wilhelmina Art Gallery is a great place to go for a unique art experience. This art gallery shows off the beautiful paintings of Wilma Woidt Kruger, who is known all over the country and paints many different kinds of art. The center also keeps important works, like a beautiful portrait of Marilyn Monroe, as well as works about wildlife and forests. The gallery features a variety of mediums, from painting and photography to sculpture and jewelry.
Visitors can explore the gallery’s permanent collection and rotating exhibitions, which feature a wide range of styles and themes. Additionally, the gallery hosts special events, such as artist talks and workshops, so visitors can learn more about the artwork on display.
Draves Archery
Draves Archery is a great place to go for all your archery needs. Draves Archery is a world-class facility with a huge pro shop dedicated to bow making, crossbow adjustment, and other related activities. The store also offers a variety of classes and programs for all ages, from beginner to advanced. The knowledgeable staff at Draves Archery is always available to help customers find the best equipment for their needs.
And with a dedicated indoor range, customers can practice their archery skills in a safe and comfortable environment. Whether you’re looking to purchase new archery equipment, take a class, or improve your shooting skills, Draves Archery has everything you need.
Evergreen Mini Golf
Evergreen Mini Golf is the perfect place to go for a fun and exciting game of mini golf. This 18-hole course is nestled in the beautiful Evergreen Forest, and it provides an enjoyable experience for all ages. The course is designed to provide a challenge for experienced players, while still being accessible to beginners.
They have special packages and concessions, like hot dogs, hamburgers, nachos, and chips, which makes it a great addition to your list of the best things to do in this city. At Evergreen Mini Golf, there is also a place for animals like goats, turkeys, chickens, and other birds. This makes it a top attraction.
Also, try a whole new level of fun when you play golf. There are many beautiful things on the golf course, such as a giant tortoise, the Statue of Liberty, bears made with chainsaws, and many more.
Effingham Area Kluthe Memorial Pool
The Effingham Area Kluthe Memorial Pool is the perfect place to cool off in the summer heat. This outdoor public pool is one of the predominant structures erected in ancient days. The pool has a shallow end for small children, and a deep end for those who want to take a dip.
The pool also features a large waterslide and a splash pad for those who want to have some fun in the sun. The pool also has a concession stand where visitors can purchase snacks and drinks.
Heartland Classics Cars
Heartland Classics Cars is a car enthusiast’s dream. With a large showroom of about 30,000 square feet (9 km) with over 200 cars and motorcycles on display, this classic car dealership offers a wide range of classic cars and trucks from all eras, from the 1930s to the early 2000s.
The dealership is home to an impressive collection of vehicles, including vintage and muscle cars, as well as classic trucks and hot rods. Whether you’re looking to buy a classic car or just admire them, Heartland Classics Cars is the perfect place to go. The dealership offers a variety of services, such as restoration, customization, and vehicle maintenance.
The knowledgeable staff is always happy to help customers find the perfect car for their needs. So come and explore the amazing collection of classic cars at Heartland Classics Cars.
The Sculptures on the Avenues
The sculptures that are hanging on the avenues have turned the city of Effingham, into an outdoor art gallery where you can walk around and look at many beautiful sculptures. This walking tour starts at Effingham City Hall and goes through downtown Effingham, where there are beautiful pieces of art all over the streets.
See about 30 or more sculptures with different kinds of art that you can’t find anywhere else in the United States. These sculptures were made by well-known artists from the Midwest. People can also see a lot of human figures, surreal installations, abstract shapes, gleaming lines, pretty colors, transformed objects, and other kinds of art on the street.
Ballard Nature Center
The Ballard Nature Center is a great place to go to learn about the outdoors. This nature center is located 15 minutes away from Effingham and offers a variety of activities and programs to educate visitors about the environment. The center has a variety of trails and boardwalks, perfect for taking a leisurely stroll and observing wildlife.
Visitors can also learn about the area’s unique plants and animals by taking one of the center’s many guided tours. The center also offers a variety of educational programs, such as lectures, workshops, and classes on topics like bird watching and nature photography. The center is a great place to explore the outdoors and learn more about the environment.
The Dr. Charles M. Wright House
The Dr. Charles M. Wright House is a historic landmark located in Effingham. Built in 1889 by Dr. Charles M. Wright, the house was used as a family residence for over a century and is now a part of the Effingham County Historical Society. The house is a two-story brick home and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Visitors can explore the home and view its many original features, including the original wood floors and trim, the winding staircases, the original fireplaces, and the original wallpaper. The house also features a variety of period furniture and artifacts, making it a great place to learn more about the history of Effingham.
Cross at the Crossroads
The Cross at the Crossroads is a unique monument located in Effingham, Illinois. The monument is located at the intersection of two major highways, US Route 57 and US Route 70, and is a popular spot for locals and visitors alike. The monument features a 198-foot tall cross with a cross-shaped light at the top, illuminated at night.
The monument is dedicated to the memory of those who have served in the military and is a symbol of faith and hope for the future. It is a popular spot for locals and visitors alike, and a great place to stop for a break on a road trip.
Conclusion
Effingham, Illinois is a great place to visit and explore, and there is something for everyone to enjoy. From axe throwing and winery tours to mini golf and outdoor activities, Effingham has it all. So come and explore this charming town and all it has to offer.
Whether you’re looking to learn about the history of the area, relax and enjoy the outdoors, or have a fun night out, Effingham has something for everyone.
