Top 15 Attractions in Charleston, IL for Unforgettable Experiences

The city of Charleston, home to Eastern Illinois University (EIU), houses approximately 20,000 residents and features an attractive downtown area characterized by historic architecture, diverse restaurants, and local shops.

Charleston has deep historical ties to Abraham Lincoln, particularly as the location of his fourth debate with Stephen Douglas in 1858.

Historically, in 1831, Thomas Lincoln, Abraham’s father, settled near Charleston with his second wife, Sarah Bush Lincoln. Visitors can explore the site of their log cabin and pay respects at their burial site nearby in Shiloh.

On the southern side of town, EIU enhances Charleston’s cultural landscape with the Tarble Arts Center and Doudna Fine Arts Center while providing high-quality sports experiences at O’Brien Field.

1. Downtown Charleston

A hallmark of downtown Charleston is the magnificent Coles County Courthouse, constructed in the Richardsonian Romanesque style in 1898.

This impressive structure utilizes rusticated local brownstone sourced from the Embarras River, complemented by dressed Bedford limestone for its window fittings and other architectural elements.

Encircling this historic square are beautifully preserved blocks dating back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

The area is home to numerous independent businesses, including a butcher shop, secondhand bookshop, grocery store, embroidery shop, game store, costume shop, and more.

Diverse dining options abound, with restaurants, bars, and cafes catering to a variety of culinary preferences, from pizza to Thai, Chinese, freshly roasted coffee, pub fare, and classic American dishes.

On the northeast corner of the square is the Art Deco Will Rogers Theatre and Commercial Block (1935-1938), currently awaiting restoration.

2. Lincoln-Douglas Debate Museum

On October 7, 1858, Charleston hosted the fourth of a series of seven public debates between Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas, concerning the United States Senate race.

The central theme of these debates revolved around the permissibility of slavery in new states created within the territory acquired through the Louisiana Purchase of 1803.

The debates significantly influenced the trajectory of the nation, contributing to a schism in the Democratic Party, Lincoln’s presidential campaign, and the subsequent Civil War.

Today, the Lincoln-Douglas Debate Museum stands at the site of the debates, featuring exhibits that include artifacts, photographs, modern audio and video recordings, life-sized statues of both figures, and a designated area for children.

3. Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site

Located ten minutes south of downtown Charleston is the site where Thomas Lincoln, Abraham’s father, settled with his second wife, Sarah, in 1831.

Prior to this, Thomas, who was illiterate, led a wandering life as a farmer and carpenter. Abraham never lived in this particular cabin, having departed a year earlier to forge his own path at the age of 21.

Though Abraham visited occasionally and oversaw maintenance of the farm for Sarah after his father’s passing, the original log cabin was dismantled and relocated to Chicago for the World’s Columbian Exposition in 1893 but was ultimately lost.

Extensive photographic documentation of the cabin existed, and this was utilized by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s to construct an exact replica.

The cabin and surrounding area have been recreated to reflect their appearance in the 1840s, featuring outbuildings, livestock, orchards, cornfields, and gardens.

4. Tarble Arts Center

Another point of interest on the EIU campus is the Tarble Arts Center, a distinguished contemporary art museum housing a permanent collection of over 1,000 pieces, approximately half of which focuses on Illinois folk arts from the late 20th century.

The museum regularly features captivating exhibitions; in recent years, it has showcased artists such as Sue de Beer, Jiha Moon, Yoshitoshi, and Federico Solmi.

Additionally, the center hosts ongoing exhibitions for alumni, a faculty biennial in odd-numbered years, and a widely cherished annual children’s art exhibition.

Programs at the museum encompass various forms of artistic expression, including music, dance, spoken-word performances, lectures by prominent speakers, and a variety of workshops.

5. Doudna Fine Arts Center

The Eastern Illinois University campus also features noteworthy historical buildings, such as the Gothic Revival Old Main (1899) and Pemberton Hall (1909).

A remarkable modern addition to the campus is the Doudna Fine Arts Center, designed by renowned international architect Antoine Predock and inaugurated in 2007.

This vibrant center fosters creativity and includes concert halls, theaters, studios, lecture spaces, classrooms, rehearsal rooms, and gathering areas for students, including the Red Zone located between the Music and Art wings.

The center hosts top-tier performances in music, dance, and theater, as well as art exhibitions from both university-affiliated and external groups. Visitors interested in a tour can opt for a self-guided exploration or request a 45-minute guided tour by appointment.

6. Lake Charleston

Charleston and EIU’s water supply is sourced from a reservoir located on the Embarras River, constructed in 1947.

Surrounded by dense forests, Lake Charleston is renowned for its picturesque scenery and boasts an extensive trail network encircling the water.

The trails along the western and southern shorelines lead through city parks including Lakeview Park, Woodyard Park, and Spillway Park, all providing parking, picnic facilities, and stunning views.

Notably, the Alex Russell Memorial Fishing Pier, located at the lake’s southern end, features a gazebo surrounded by gardens. Common species fished at Lake Charleston include largemouth bass, channel catfish, and white crappie.

7. Amish Country of Illinois

There are numerous intriguing locations to explore within a short drive from Charleston. To the northwest lie the towns of Arcola and Arthur, where one can find the largest Old Order Amish community in Illinois.

This community leads a simple lifestyle, with many residents engaged in farming using horse-drawn equipment, while others are accomplished craftsmen specializing in furniture and cabinetry. Visitors can purchase beautifully handcrafted items to bring home.

A visit can begin at Arcola’s Historic Depot, where a directory of Amish-owned businesses is available.

8. Douglas-Hart Nature Center

Spanning 70 acres just west of Charleston, this nature center preserves three native Illinois habitats.

The habitats consist of tall grass prairie, wetlands, and woodlands populated by native coniferous and deciduous tree species.

Visitors can traverse two miles of accessible and marked trails that lead through each preserved habitat.

The visitor center provides additional context, featuring a bird observation area, interactive exhibits about local ecosystems, and live displays of reptiles and amphibians.

Programs at the center offer a variety of activities for families, including nature walks, fireside chats, and educational talks by naturalists.

9. O’Brien Field

Having a university nearby offers the advantage of access to NCAA sports events, particularly the activities of the Panthers.

Opening in 1970, O’Brien Field, which accommodates 10,000 spectators, underwent renovations in 1999 and saw the installation of an advanced scoreboard in 2009. The stadium serves as the home ground for EIU’s football and track and field teams.

Since 1982, the football team has made 16 playoff appearances and captured 19 conference titles dating back to 1912.

O’Brien Field has hosted six playoff tournament games since 1970, and the annual track and field meet conducted by the Illinois High School Association draws 5,000 participants and over 15,000 spectators.

10. Fox Ridge State Park

While the landscapes surrounding Charleston primarily consist of flat prairies, the area south of the city encompasses a region of rolling hills, verdant valleys, and wooded bluffs along the Embarras River.

Fox Ridge State Park spans over 2,000 acres and features picnic areas, shelters, a pavilion, more than 40 campsites, and two rustic cabins.

For decades, the park has been a beloved destination for hikers, offering an eight-mile trail system made up of 18 distinct or linked trails.

A highlight for visitors is Eagle’s Nest, where a bluff-top deck accessible via 144 steps offers breathtaking views.

The park attracts visitors year-round, showcasing stunning wildflowers in spring, lush foliage in summer, vibrant autumn colors, and clear winter vistas.

11. McFarland-Dudley House

The Coles County Historical Society operates out of this beautiful Queen Anne-style residence, constructed in 1892.

Set in a picturesque residential area with mature trees, the McFarland-Dudley House was built during a period of expansion south of the town square, shortly after Eastern Illinois University was established.

After changing ownership multiple times, in 1920, Dr. and Mrs. G. B. Dudley took residence in the house. Their son, Tilford, later donated the property to the Coles County Historical Society in 1982.

A renovation in the 1980s returned the house to its appearance in the first half of the 20th century, preserving original fixtures and furnishings from the 1920s and 1940s. At the time this article was written, visits were available by appointment at no cost.

12. Cameo Vineyards

Located south of Charleston, Wednesday offers an award-winning winery known for producing 14 distinct varieties of wine, ranging from dry to sweet. The vineyard, initially planted in 1991, has grown to nearly 4,000 vines and has dedicated over a decade to refining their winemaking techniques.

As of 2002, the winery has processed approximately 35 tons of grapes annually, all sourced from French-American hybrids well-suited to the eastern Illinois climate.

While visiting, guests can enjoy complimentary tastings, wine served by the glass, and potentially guided tours of the wine cellar.

The winery features a cozy porch with stunning views and offers wine pairings with selections such as cheeses, crackers, and summer sausage.

13. Shiloh Cemetery (Thomas Lincoln Cemetery)

A visit to the Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site can be complemented by a trip to the nearby Shiloh Presbyterian Church in Lerna.

This cemetery is the final resting place of Thomas Lincoln and Sarah Bush Lincoln. Abraham Lincoln visited this modest yet significant site on January 31, 1861, accompanied by his stepmother, shortly before his inauguration as president.

The Lincoln plot is demarcated by a low fence featuring simple footstones for both Thomas and Sarah Lincoln, along with a headstone established by the Lions Club of Illinois.

14. Aikman Wildlife Adventure

Situated a short drive west of Arcola, this drive-through wildlife park allows visitors to encounter around 70 different species of animals from six continents.

Aikman Wildlife Adventure features a variety of animals, including zebu, Grant’s zebras, watusi, water buffalo, scimitar-horned oryxes, wildebeest, dromedary camels, and Scottish Highlanders, among others.

The park also includes a walk-through experience featuring smaller animals and predators, including ring-tailed lemurs, pot-bellied pigs, macaws, and hyenas, in addition to a petting zoo that houses sheep, pygmy goats, mini cows, and fallow deer.

This site has hosted visitor activities for over 80 years, with its predecessor, Rockome Gardens, operating as an Amish-themed park since 1937.

15. Bent Tree Golf Course

Located conveniently close to Charleston, Bent Tree Golf Course offers an 18-hole golfing experience in the countryside.

This par 70 course measures 6,240 yards from the back tees and was landscaped in two phases during the 1980s and 1990s.

The distinction of having two different developmental phases results in contrasting characteristics: the front nine is expansive and open, while the back nine presents a more technical challenge with water hazards frequently coming into play.

The 115-yard 18th hole features an island green, providing a test of skill and composure for even the most seasoned golfers.