Sightseeing / attractions

WEST CENTRAL ILLINOIS ATTRACTIONS

Dickson Mounds Museum- One of the major on-site archaeological museums in the United States. It offers a unique opportunity to explore the world of the American Indian in an awe-inspiring journey through 12,000 years of human experience in the Illinois River Valley

Carthage Jail- Location where Joseph Smith, the first President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and his brother Hyrum were martyred. You can also tour the visitors' center and walk through the beautiful gardens, where a life-size statue of Joseph and Hyrum pays tribute to the brothers

Joseph Smith Historic Center- Tour the family properties of Joseph Smith, founder of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. The sites include the homestead, mansion house, red brick store and grave sites of Joseph, Emma, and Hyrum Smith.

Nauvoo, IL- Located on a bend of the Mississippi River just south of the Iowa border. One of America’s premier historic communities with more than 40 historic sites from the 1840 time period. Established in 1839 by early members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons). Visit a blacksmith shop, a tin shop, a bakery, print shop, post office, and brickyard. Guides dressed in period clothing are at most locations. All sites, tours, shows, and rides are free. Get a gingerbread cookie at the bakery, a souvenir brick at the brickyard and a ring made from a horseshoe nail at the blacksmith shop

Lewistown, IL- 2 wineries located here

Western Illinois Museum- In Macomb on WIU Campus. Preserving the Heritage of Western Illinois through displays from the past, the Museum collects, preserves, studies, interprets and exhibits significant materials relating to the region of Western Illinois

Mennonite Heritage Center- This museum and heritage center offers tours, a restored barn, grandfather house, and an agricultural museum among prairie grass and native trees. Includes a historical and genealogical library, as well as, Mennonite museum and archives that are very handicapped accessible (about 1 hour drive)

Peoria Zoo- Peoria Zoo is home to over 100 species of exotic animals from around the world

Galesburg Railroad Museum- The museum consists of and outdoor display of Historic Engines and an indoor Museum with Artifacts, Memorabilia, and model trains

Carl Sandburg Historic Site- It contains a museum, a museum shop, a small theater where several informative videos about Carl Sandburg are shown and a renovated "barn" which is actually a small theatre with a few more exhibits and where live performances are often held. The museum contains hundreds of artifacts and modern colorful displays appropriate for all ages

Museum of Geology- Founded in 1975, the Museum of Geology is an arm of Western Illinois University's Department of Geology. Originally conceived as a learning resource center for students enrolled in the natural sciences, it also serves the general public and is dedicated to cultural enrichment and public understanding of Earth Sciences.

Keokuk, IA- See the Mississippi River and visit George M. Verity Riverboat Museum & Rand Park (1 hour away)

Quincy, IL- visit John Wood Mansion & Quincy Museum, All Wars Museum & Villa Katherine

Baxter's Vineyardsis about 44 miles from Bushnell. Also visit Hidden Hills Vineyard in Knoxville or Big Horse Vineyards in Lewistown.

Moline, IL- Visit the John Deere Museum. Definitely worth the drive (about 90 min from Bushnell)

The first two weekends in October is the Spoon River Drive.  

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