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History & Culture

History & Culture

Downstate Illinois Historical Sites

Downstate Illinois was made for road trips! There is no shortage of historic sites in our region, and we know that history buffs are always on the lookout for places that they haven’t explored yet. With the help of our road trip itineraries, you can discover all that our 21 counties have to offer — from family fun to outdoor adventures and shopping sprees. 

Charleston Liberty Bell Replica

 Charleston, IL
Cast in the same mold as the original, this Liberty Bell replica was given to the city of Charleston to commemorate...more!

Dodge Grove Cemetery

 Mattoon, IL
On April 7, 1862, a resolution was adopted by the Mattoon City Council to purchase ground for a city cemetery. In D...more!

Downtown Square and Courthouse

 Charleston, IL
A courthouse structure has existed on this site since the 1830s. The current building, completed in the 1890s, was ...more!

Five Mile House

 Charleston, IL
Step into one of the oldest surviving structures in Coles County, where local history comes vividly to life. The Fi...more!

Lincoln Douglas Debate Museum

 Charleston, Illinois
Visit this first-class facility located on the site of the 1858 Charleston, IL Lincoln-Douglas debate. Take a self-...more!

Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site

 Lerna, IL
Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site, part of the Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area, preserves the 19th-centu...more!

Mattoon Public Library

 Mattoon, IL
Step inside a historic Carnegie library, home to four floors of discovery, creativity, and...more!

Moore Home

 Lerna, IL
In January of 1861 Abraham Lincoln visited Coles County for what would be the last time. Bound for Washington, the ...more!

Thomas and Sarah Lincoln Gravesite

 Lerna, IL
John Jake Gordon, one of the first settlers in Pleasant Grove Township, set aside one and a half acres of his priva...more!

Downstate Illinois Events

Downstate Illinois Events

Explore Our Event Calendar
Whether you’re looking for a festival, marathon or something family-friendly to bring the kids to, Downstate Illinois has something for everyone. The region hosts over 900 events each year, and we pride ourselves on providing the most accurate event information so that you don’t miss a thing.
Travel Ideas

Travel Ideas

Check Out Our Blog
From outdoor recreation and adventure to foodies and family fun, we have the trip ideas to plan the perfect vacation.
Road Trip Itineraries

Road Trip Itineraries

22 Counties made for Road Trips
Downstate Illinois was made for road trips! With the help of our road trip itineraries, you can discover all that our 22 counties have to offer — from family fun to outdoor adventures and shopping sprees. 
Check out our calendar of events!
Hostas on the Bluff 10-Year Anniversary Celebration

Hostas on the Bluff 10-Year Anniversary Celebration

 April 15, 2026 - June 15, 2026 @ 4:00 PM - 10:00 AM
HOSTAS ON THE BLUFF | Fairview Heights, IL
Columbia Community Market

Columbia Community Market

 May 14, 2026 @ 12:00 PM - 12:00 PM
Columbia American Legion | Columbia, IL
Swansea Farmers Market

Swansea Farmers Market

 May 14, 2026 @ 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Rural King Parking Lot | Swansea, IL

View Entire Events Calendar

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