In Douglas County, Walnut Point State Park includes the 65-acre Upper Embarras Woods Nature Preserve. The Upper Embarras Woods Land and Water Reserve includes an old-growth forest and is part of Walnut Point Natural Area.
Art and Festival Culture
The Walldog Project in Arcola left behind 15 historic murals, including one titled “Historic Route 45.” One of them is titled “Historic Route 45,” bringing a distinct historical touch to the collection. At an Arcola festival parade, the Lawn Rangers show off their skills by twirling and tossing brooms. The murals and parade offer two different ways to experience Arcola’s culture: you can view individual artworks or see a performance as part of a festival.
The World’s One & Only Hippie Memorial is located directly beside the historic Illinois Central Arcola Train Depot. The artwork is 62 feet long; its creation began in 1992. Unlike the 15 murals, this is a single work with its own story of how it came to be.
Buildings and Local History
The Henson House is significant for its history and architecture; its recognition in the National Register was announced on December 31, 2020. The Arcola Carnegie Public Library is a Classical Revival-style building that is significant for education and architecture. The two buildings offer different perspectives: history and architecture are at the forefront of the Henson House, while the library also brings in architectural style and education.
Admission to the Douglas County Museum is free. It features changing exhibits year-round, as well as a research and genealogy library. The museum thus combines exhibits with opportunities for in-depth research and genealogical work.
In Tuscola, you can take a self-guided historic walking tour of downtown at your own pace. Books for the Downtown History Walking Tour can be purchased at the Douglas County Museum or Flesor’s Candy Kitchen. The tour focuses on downtown, while the museum offers a different way to explore history through its exhibits and library.
Nature, Wildlife and Golf
Upper Embarras Woods Nature Preserve and the old-growth forest in the Upper Embarras Woods Land and Water Reserve each add a distinct element to the nature experience. The reserve is part of Walnut Point Natural Area. Together with the 65-acre nature preserve in Walnut Point State Park, these provide a specific point of interest for anyone interested in forests and natural areas.
In rural Arcola, Aikman’s Wildlife Adventure is a wildlife park with a drive-through area. Aikman’s Walk-Thru Adventure features peacocks, hyenas, wolf-dogs, lemurs and a large petting zoo. The animals listed and the petting zoo are part of the Walk-Thru Adventure; the drive-through area offers another named format at the wildlife park.
For golf enthusiasts, Ironhorse Golf Club in Tuscola is five minutes from Interstate 57, Exit 212. This travel time provides a specific reference point for getting to the club. So, alongside culture, nature and history, you can also choose golf as a focus and get practical information about the drive.
Discover more destinations: Tuscola, Arcola, Knox County, McDonough, Lee County, Bond County, Monroe County, Madison.
For the broader travel overview: Illinois.
