“Day-Tripping” listings
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DICKSON MOUNDS MUSEUM
Explore 12,000 years of Native American life in the Illinois River Valley through interactive displays, artifacts, murals and photographs at this free museum. The 230-acre site also includes a village with the preserved remains of three early buildings. (07/2010)
10956 N Dickson Mounds Rd, Lewistown, IL
309-547-3721
museum.stat...tes/dickson -
ORPHEUM CHILDREN’S SCIENCE MUSEUM
Kids can explore a medieval castle, pilot a tugboat, dig for dinosaur bones and create music with paint at this museum. There’s even a critter corner crawling with tarantulas. (04/2010)
346 N Neil St, Champaign, IL
217-352-5895
orpheumkids.com -
REND LAKE
Spring fun at this nearly 19,000-acre reservoir includes fishing, camping, bird-watching, swimming and golf. Round out your visit with a tour of a nearby winery and even the opera. (03/2010)
208 miles south of Bloomington
rendlake.com -
ILLINOIS STATE MUSEUM
Life-size dioramas, artifacts and hands-on displays here explain everything from 500 million years of environmental changes to the customs of Illinois’ original Native- American inhabitants. (12/2009)
502 S Spring St, Springfield
217-782-7386
museum.state.il.us -
LINCOLN HOME
Get in on the celebration of the bicentennial of President Lincoln's birth by visiting the restored four-block neighborhood he called home for 17 years. (12/2009)
426 S Seventh St, Springfi eld
217-492-4241
www.nps.gov/LIHO -
THE ROUTE 66 ASSOCIATION HALL OF FAME & MUSEUM
This fascinating museum holds memorabilia donated by knowledgeable Route 66 Association members. After a visit, treat yourself to a self-guided tour of the Illinois leg of this famous highway. (03/2009)
38 miles northeast of Bloomington 110 W Howard St, Pontiac, IL
708-444-1312
www.il66assoc.org -
JAPAN HOUSE
http://japanhouse.art.uiuc.edu Stroll through a Japanese tea garden and Zenstyle rock garden or take part in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony at this fascinating (and free) cultural center. Like what you see? Regular classes and open houses offer a deeper look into Japanese culture. (02/2009)
51 miles southeast of Bloomington • At the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 200 S Lincoln Ave, Urbana, IL
217-244-9934 -
THE RONALD REAGAN MUSEUM AND PEACE GARDEN
Honoring former President Ronald Reagan, this museum traces his life from his Eureka days to his film career to his ultimate role as the president of the United States. (01/2009)
28 miles northeast of Bloomington • 300 E College Ave, Eureka, IL
309-467-6407
www.eureka..../museum.htm -
EAST PEORIA FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS
Don't miss Folepi's Winter Wonderland, a dazzling 2-mile-long electric park made with more than 2 million lights, at this popular citywide celebration. Dec. 5-31. (12/2008)
39 miles northeast of Bloomington
www.cityofeastpeoria.com -
HARDY'S REINDEER RANCH
Holiday lovers enjoy autumn and get a jump on Christmas at this country-style ranch featuring hayrides, a reindeer petting zoo and 5 acres of Christmas trees. (11/2008)
49 miles southeast of Bloomington • 1356 County Rd 2900 N, Rantoul, IL
217-893-3407
www.reindeerranch.com -
SPOON RIVER VALLEY SCENIC DRIVE
Tourists and locals alike find treasures at flea markets, enjoy fall festivals and explore 15 villages during this annual scenic drive covering 100 miles of the Spoon River Valley. Oct. 4, 5, 11 and 12. (10/2008)
73 miles west of Bloomington Fulton County, IL
309-647-8980
www.spoonriverdrive.org -
LAKE OF THE WOODS FOREST PRESERVE
This 900-acre preserve along the corridor of the Sangamon River features a historical museum, botanical garden, golf course, and 3.3-mile biking and walking path. Fishing and boating are also available. (09/2008)
45 miles southeast of Bloomington 109 S Lake of the Woods Rd, Mahomet, IL
www.ccfpd.o...eofthewoods
