Explore Kewanee’s history through both a single building and public art. The Robert and Marcella Richards Museum of the Kewanee Historical Society is housed in a building with its own historical significance; the History in the Paint Public Art Tour presents 15 aspects of the city’s history in hand-painted murals. Windmont Park adds a stroll around the pond, walking and exercise stations, and fishing opportunities to these cultural attractions. These options offer different ways to spend time in Kewanee.

The Museum and Its Building History

The museum is located at 125 N Tremont Street in Kewanee, Illinois. It is open Thursdays and Saturdays from 1 to 4 p.m. from May through October. If you plan to visit the museum, schedule your visit for these seasonal opening days and check the hours in advance. The museum moved into a building in 2020 that had been constructed in 1942. The building was erected after the “Great Kewanee Fire” destroyed a large part of downtown. The construction and move mark different points in its history: first, the building’s construction after the fire, and later, its use by the museum.

Windmont Park: Walking and Fishing

Windmont Park opened for recreation in the summer of 1906. A walking path around the pond is complemented by walking and exercise stations. Fishing is possible in the pond and from the newly built pier. The park offers several activities: the path and stations provide opportunities to get moving, while the pond and pier can be used for fishing. You can choose to focus on the walking path, exercise stations, or fishing. Park facilities and fishing conditions may change; check the latest conditions before your visit.

Murals and Events

The History in the Paint Public Art Tour features 15 hand-painted murals in downtown Kewanee. Each mural depicts an aspect of the city’s history. This offers a different way to explore the past than the museum: the museum’s history is tied to a specific building and its origins, while the tour reflects Kewanee’s past through individual images. If you want to focus on public art, you can compare this perspective with the museum’s building history.

The 2026 Hog Days program includes the World's Largest Outdoor Pork Barbecue and the Hog Days Craft Show & Flea Market. The barbecue is planned for downtown Kewanee in the Green Space at the intersection of 3rd & Chestnust Streets. The Craft Show & Flea Market is scheduled for Liberty Park in Kewanee. The events differ in both theme and location. If either one affects your travel dates, check the festival program in advance, as the schedule may change.

Discover more destinations: Annawan, Galva, Geneseo.

For the broader travel overview: Henry County.