Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Danville, IL

The seat of Vermilion County, adjacent to the Illinois–Indiana state line, is a city that was historically supported by the coal industry for a century until World War II.

In the mid-19th century, Danville served as a location where Abraham Lincoln traversed the 8th Judicial Circuit, with historical sites and markers relating to Lincoln dispersed throughout the city.

By the 1970s, significant portions of former mining land to the west and northwest of Danville were acquired to construct a large reservoir on the Vermilion River.

This project was ultimately not realized; instead, the land has been transformed into county parks and recreational areas, well-equipped for hiking, biking, fishing, hunting, boating, paddling, and tubing.

1. Gateway to Lincoln

Between 1841 and 1859, Abraham Lincoln devoted 18 years to practicing law on the 8th Judicial Circuit in Danville.

The city features numerous sites associated with arguably the nation’s most renowned president and is recognized as an official gateway city to the National Park Service’s Looking for Lincoln National Heritage Area.

Throughout Danville, one will find interpretive boards marking significant locations such as the McCormack House, where Lincoln authored the Cooper Speech that played a crucial role in securing his presidential nomination, as well as the former county court where he participated in over 200 legal proceedings.

2. Downtown Danville

Danville’s downtown area, characterized by its numerous preserved and restored historic buildings, serves as a regional center for small businesses.

It boasts a vibrant arts scene, supported by thriving venues such as the Fischer Theatre and the Kathryn Randolph Theater, alongside various live music venues and bars.

Primarily located along southern Vermilion Street and its intersections, downtown Danville is pedestrian-friendly and features an extensive array of stores for antiques, furniture, interior design, jewelry, beauty supplies, footwear, homewares, and cosmetics.

Gastronomically, visitors are also well catered for, with parks and plazas throughout the area suitable for picnics on warm days. One such space, Temple Plaza, hosts an outdoor concert series during summer evenings.

3. Kickapoo State Recreation Area

Situated along the Middle Fork of the Vermilion River, this area provides a veritable paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, located just over ten minutes from Danville.

Encompassing nearly 3,000 acres of hardwood forest, rivers, and lakes, the Kickapoo State Recreation Area was established in 1939 on land historically inhabited by the Native American Kickapoo people until around the 16th century.

Before the park’s establishment, this site was utilized for strip coal mining, and the resulting pits and spoil piles have since developed into forested hills and lakes accessible for boating and paddle sports.

Facilities include two campgrounds with a total of 184 sites, 22 water bodies for fishing, 12 launching ramps across nine lakes for boating, seven marked hiking trails, and 11 mountain biking routes.

4. Kickapoo Adventures

Equipment is readily available at the Kickapoo State Recreation Area, where visitors can rent bikes, tubes, and various paddle watercraft from the recreation center situated approximately 15 minutes from downtown Danville.

Many of these activities are predominantly offered during the summer months, when Kickapoo Adventures provides shuttles to the Middle Fork Vermilion River for tubing excursions past shale bluffs and dense riverine forests.

Visitors can rent canoes or kayaks to paddle in the area’s lakes or join guided trips across different sections of the Vermilion River.

On land, explore the scenic hardwood forest on two wheels by renting either a mountain bike or comfort bike for durations ranging from two hours to an entire day.

5. Vermilion County Museum

Opened in 2002, the primary building of the Vermilion County Museum in Danville is an exact replica of the courthouse where Lincoln practiced law for nearly two decades until 1859.

Inside, visitors can explore two floors of exhibits, including a replica of the Lincoln/Lamon law office, a mineshaft, a schoolhouse, and an extensive collection of Lincoln memorabilia. Additionally, the campus features the historic Fithian House, which will be discussed in the following entry.

The museum also manages several other properties in Danville, chiefly the Lamon House located in Lincoln Park.

This Greek Revival cottage, constructed in 1850 by the cousin of Lincoln’s law partner and bodyguard, Ward Hill Lamon, is accessible to visitors on specific Sundays during the summer months.

6. Fithian House

The Fithian House, located on the campus of the Vermilion County Museum, is a distinguished Italianate residence built in 1855 for Dr. William Fithian, a surgeon, politician, and supporter of Lincoln.

Fithian actively campaigned for Lincoln in 1860, and prior to that, in 1858, the future president delivered a speech from the south balcony during his senatorial campaign. Visitors can access that balcony, in addition to the bedroom where Lincoln stayed on numerous occasions.

The Joseph G. Cannon Room exhibits an array of personal items belonging to the notable politician, known for his tenure as Speaker of the United States House of Representatives from 1903 to 1911.

7. Kennekuk County Park

Located directly west of Danville, Kennekuk County Park spans 3,000 acres of oak-hickory woodlands and prairies designated for the abandoned Middle Fork Reservoir project from the 1970s.

This stunning terrain comprises three Illinois Nature Preserves and can be traversed on foot or by bicycle via a 15-mile trail system.

Within the park, the 170-acre Lake Mingo is the largest of seven lakes designated for fishing, which permits motorboats with a limit of 9.5 HP.

Visitors should make a point to visit the park’s visitor center, which houses an engaging natural history museum, a 1,000-gallon aquarium, and an informative exhibit addressing the region’s Native American heritage.

8. Vermilion County War Museum

A remarkable landmark in downtown Danville is this former Beaux-Arts public library. This Carnegie library, a grand edifice completed in 1904, served as the public library until 1995, when a new facility was built just to the north.

Presently, the building houses the Vermilion County War Museum, which boasts a substantial collection of over 25,000 artifacts, ranging from the Revolutionary War to modern military conflicts.

Permanent exhibits include those dedicated to D-Day, Trench Art, the Cold War, prisoners of war, Medal of Honor recipients, the Merchant Marine, and Women in the Military.

Among the displayed artifacts are uniforms, field kits, diaries, electronic devices, flags, medals, documents, photographs, weapons, and much more.

9. Fischer Theatre

Another remarkable architecture in downtown Danville is this theater, which opened as the Grand Opera House in 1884 and features an impressive marquee.

The Fischer Theatre has undergone significant transformations since its inception, adopting its current name in 1913 and later being modified for film presentations in 1929.

The theater ceased operations in 1982, remained vacant for some time, and was slated for demolition in 1997. However, thanks to the efforts of the Vermilion Heritage Foundation, it was restored to its former glory.

The interior is exquisite, particularly the moldings on the proscenium arch, while the acoustics are exceptional.

Attend for a diverse selection of musicals, live music, classic films, and workshops. Adjacent to the lobby, the Stage Presents Gift Shop features works by local artists and artisans, as well as souvenirs tied to the theater’s programming.

10. Lake Vermilion County Park

Located on the northwestern outskirts of Danville, there is a 1,000-acre reservoir along the Vermilion River. Access to this beautiful body of water is available from the west shore at the seven-acre Lake Vermilion County Park, which offers two docks, a boat ramp, picnic shelters, a children’s playground, and a concession stand.

The lake serves as a primary fishing destination, regularly stocked and home to various species including bluegill, carp, channel catfish, largemouth bass, muskellunge, walleye, white crappie, white bass, yellow bass, and yellow bullhead.

It is not surprising that Lake Vermilion hosts several significant fishing tournaments during the spring and summer months. The lake is classified as “high use” during summer weekends, when powerboating, jet skiing, and water skiing are permitted.

The north end features a protected, “no-wake” area that is essential for heron nesting, as well as serving as a habitat for eagles and river otters.

11. Heron County Park

The floating boardwalk at the northern edge of Lake Vermilion, measuring 950 feet in length, is the second-longest in Illinois and traverses a vital wetland area.

Here, visitors can navigate through the Kennekuk Marshes Wetland, a habitat teeming with a remarkable variety of avian life, including songbirds and migratory waterfowl.

Throughout the year, numerous species can be observed, such as kingfishers, Canada geese, mallards, sandhill cranes, green herons, bald eagles, and American egrets. Be sure to take a moment to enjoy the views from the wooden observation tower, which stands 30 feet tall.

12. Harrison Park Golf Course

Positioned on the North Fork of the Vermilion River, the Harrison Park Golf Course has been in operation since 1929. That year, Mr. and Mrs. John Higgins Harrison, part owner and editor of the local Commercial News, donated the former Danville Country Club to the city in honor of John’s mother.

Set against the backdrop of scenic wooded hills, the course features 18 holes with a par of 72, artfully balancing challenge and relaxation.

Sharpen your skills at the driving range, and take advantage of the putting and chipping areas to enhance your short game.

13. Winter Park & AMBUCS Playground for Everyone

Located within ten minutes of downtown Danville, this neighborhood park features a distinctive element designed to attract families with young children.

Winter Park includes a remarkable 10,000-square-foot playground, masterfully designed for accessibility to children of all abilities.

In addition to traditional equipment modified for inclusivity, the park hosts a sand play area, musical features, interactive stations, and a splash pad. On the eastern side, Winter Park also offers facilities for soccer, baseball/softball, and volleyball.

14. Danville Farmers’ Market

Every Saturday morning from mid-May through late October, the parking lot at 3613 N Vermilion St transforms into Danville’s farmers’ market, rain or shine.

The organizers consistently update their Facebook page to inform patrons of new vendors and seasonal produce. Each week, over 20 local small-scale producers take part.

While the selection varies weekly, visitors can typically find fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as artisan bread, meat, poultry, eggs, herbs, homemade sweets, flowers, candles, soaps, and handcrafted gifts.

15. Balloons over Vermilion

Hosted at the Vermilion Regional Airport, located to the northeast of Danville, this event is the city’s premier annual gathering. Balloons over Vermilion, which commenced in 2016, attracts large crowds over two days in July, featuring an extensive array of activities.

The event includes a carnival, live music on both days, a dedicated kids’ zone, a pilot parade, airplane flyovers, tethered balloon rides, and numerous other attractions.

Undoubtedly, the highlight of both days is the balloon launch, which occurs in the early evening, allowing attendees to witness the balloons glowing in the twilight sky.