20 Fun Things To Do In Effingham Illinois That You Can’t-Miss
If you’re looking for the best things to do in Effingham IL, this post is for you! Effingham is a small city in the northwestern corner of Illinois, just south of the WI border. With such a small population, it can be hard to find exciting things to do that won’t cost an arm and a leg.
Effingham is one place with some great hidden gems waiting to be discovered by you. If you are looking for a fun-filled retreat with family or friends, Effingham, Illinois, is the perfect place.
Luckily for you, we’re here to help! Read on for our list of the top things to do in Effingham, IL, and nearby cities. Whether you live there or are just passing through, we have insider information on where to go, what to see, and what makes this area special. So pack your bags and read on to discover why you should add Effingham to your bucket list now!
You can also check out the Best Restaurants in Effingham Illinois and also Effingham Illinois Travel Guide for Newcomers.
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20 Best Things To Do In Effingham Il That You Can’t-Miss
#1. Effingham Museum
If you are interested in Effingham’s history, you will love exploring this museum. As well as hosting a variety of temporary exhibitions, the Effingham Museum also has a display of items from the Effingham Normal School, which was the first public education institution in Illinois.
These artifacts are a great source of information about the history of Effingham and the surrounding areas. And don’t forget to meet the T-rex named Gertrude waiting for you outside on the lawn.
Address: 100 E Jefferson Ave, Effingham, IL 62401, United States
#2. A Taste of Effingham
Food lovers, you are in for a treat! A Taste of Effingham is one of the best places to eat in effingham, il, they have a food festival featuring local chefs and vendors. The food festival is held every year in August at the Effingham Amphitheatre.
You can sample food from all the best restaurants in Effingham, drink local beer, wine, and spirits, and even participate in the cooking classes. The Effingham Amphitheatre also hosts concerts and theatrical performances during the rest of the year.
If you are a music lover, you should mark the December dates on your calendar. That’s when the Christmas Caravan comes to town with a host of country music acts.
#3. Effingham Theatre Company
If you are a theatre lover, you should visit the Effingham Theatre Company. This theater company is an amateur theater group in the Effingham area.
This theatre is a non-profit organization that has existed for about three decades. You can catch a performance playing at the theatre or visit the theatre to get information about upcoming shows.
Address: 1325 Outer Belt W, Effingham, IL 62401, United States
#4. Effingham Art Guild Show
If art is your thing, then visit the Effingham Art Guild Show. At the Effingham Art Guild Show, you can see various types of art. The show features paintings, sculptures, photography, and other art forms.
The show is open to the public and welcomes everyone to visit. You can take a guided exhibition tour or walk along and enjoy the art. This Show is also one of the free things to do in effingham, il this weekend.
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#5. Hiking at Bush Temple Tract
If you are a nature lover, you should visit Bush Temple Tract. Bush Temple Tract is a nature reserve managed by the Nature Conservancy. This nature reserve is home to various plants, birds, and other wildlife.
You can visit this place any time of the year. Make sure you visit the track at sunrise or sunset to experience a magical view. The Bush Temple Tract is also great for hiking during the spring and fall seasons.
The trails are not too difficult, and there are benches strategically along the trail so you can rest and enjoy nature.
#6. Cross at the Crossroads
The Cross at the Crossroads is a cross standing in Effingham since 1920. The cross is located at the intersection of the main roads in Effingham.
This cross is a tribute to the fallen World War I soldiers. The cross has been repainted multiple times and is currently painted white and gold. The cross is a landmark in the city, and you will see people visit the cross and offer prayers.
You can also visit the cross and offer a prayer for peace or anything close to your heart. The cross symbolizes faith, hope, and love and is a great place to visit with your family.
Address: 1900 Pike Ave, Effingham, IL 62401, United States
#7. Effingham Performance Center
The Effingham Performance Center is an exhibition venue that stages concerts, plays, and other events. This is the perfect place for you to take a break from your daily routines, unwind, and enjoy some good entertainment.
The Effingham Performance Center can host up to 1400 people, making it the perfect place for social gatherings and events. The show schedule at the Effingham Performance Center is pretty diverse so that you can enjoy a show every weekend.
Some of the most popular shows staging here are Celtic Colours Scotland, Celtic Colours Ireland, and Celtic Colours France. Don’t miss out on these cultural and musical extravaganzas, and book your tickets for these shows as soon as possible.
Address: 1325 Outer Belt W, Effingham, IL 62401, United States
#8. Effingham Convention and Visitors Bureau
The EfTICon Visitors Bureau is one of the best places to visit in Effingham. You can explore the rich cultural heritage and natural landscape of Effingham and its surroundings through the various pamphlets and brochures available at this Visitors Bureau.
You can also get some great souvenirs at the EfTICon Visitors Bureau. EfTICon Visitors Bureau is the best place to book your stay in Effingham. You can choose from various hotels, vacation cottages, and bed and breakfasts in Effingham. You can also choose to go on a camping trip to Effingham.
Address: 201 E Jefferson Ave, Effingham, IL 62401, United States
#9. Heartland Classics Cars
If you love to see some classic cars, then this is the place for you. It is located in the Heartland Classics Cars Museum in Effingham. This is one of the best places to visit in Effingham if you love cars.
It has a beautiful collection of vintage cars like Chevys, Fords, New Old Stock, etc. You can spend hours admiring the beautiful cars and talking to the owners about how these cars make people nostalgic.
Kids will also love to see these classic cars and will keep asking many questions about different parts of the cars. You can spend a day or a weekend in Effingham visiting this place and other places in Effingham, IL, listed in this article.
Address: 1901 W Evergreen Ave, Effingham, IL 62401, United States
#10. Gabby Goat American Pub & Grill
If you are a foodie and want to eat some amazing dishes, you must visit the Gabby Goat American Pub & Grill in Effingham. It is famous for its delicious and mouth-watering American food.
You can enjoy some delicious American dishes at the Gabby Goat, like the classic cheeseburger, hot wings, nachos, club sandwiches, etc. You can also try delicious drinks at the Gabby Goat like the sweet baby, strawberry shortcake, and mojito.
There is live music at the Gabby Goat every weekend, and you can enjoy some amazing dishes at this place. Don’t forget to try the seasonal menus at the Gabby Goat.
The Gabby Goat is open daily, and you can visit this place during all seasons. Gabby Goat is a great place to visit with family, friends, or even yourself. You can also visit this place with your significant other. You can also so add this to your date ideas in effingham, il.
Address: 303 E Fayette Ave, Effingham, IL 62401, United States
#11. The Midway
If you are a fun-loving person and want to enjoy some thrilling rides, then you must visit The Midway in Effingham. It is one of the best places for tourists to visit in Effingham, IL.
The Midway has great thrilling rides like the Twister, The Swooper, The Scrambler, The Sky Drop, the Roll-O-Plane, and the Zipper. You can visit this place alone, with friends, or with your family; there are rides for all ages. Be sure to add this to your list of things to do in In Effingham, Il.
The Midway opens during daytime as well as during nighttime. You can visit The Midway during the day and enjoy the bright and beautiful view of Effingham, IL, or you can visit it at night to enjoy some amazing rides in the dark. Both ways, you will enjoy visiting The Midway.
Address: 18924 US-45, Effingham, IL 62401, United States
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#12. Evergreen Mini Golf
If you want to enjoy a relaxing game of golf but don’t have time to go to a real golf course and play, then you should visit the Evergreen Mini Golf in Effingham. It is one of the most beautiful mini-golf courses and is perfect for people of all ages. You can visit this place with your family or friends.
You can also visit this place with your significant other to enjoy quality time together. You can even visit this place with your kids and let them enjoy a fun game of mini-golf. You can visit this place any day and never regret visiting it. This is also one of the best places to visit in Effingham, Il.
Address: 1202 N Maple St, Effingham, IL 62401, United States
#13. Village Wine & Gifts
If you are a shopaholic and love shopping for some amazing stuff, you must visit the Village Wine & Gifts in Effingham. It is one of the most beautiful stores in Effingham. At Village Wine & Gifts, you will find many beautiful souvenirs and gifts for loved ones and friends.
You can even find some beautiful pieces of jewelry for your loved ones. There are many kinds of beautiful decor pieces and other accessories at Village Wine & Gifts. You can also find some beautiful handmade crafts at Village Wine & Gifts.
Try to visit this place any day of the week and will not regret shopping at Village Wine & Gifts. You can also visit the Village Wine & Gifts website to look at the amazing stuff available at the store.
The Village Wine & Gifts is a perfect place to visit during the holidays. You will find the most beautiful decor pieces at the Village Wine & Gifts. You can also visit the Village Wine & Gifts when you are looking for a gift for someone special in your life.
Address: 109 S Banker St, Effingham, IL 62401, United States
#14. Workman Sports and Wellness Complex
If you love sports and want to visit a place where you can play different sports and games, then you must visit the Workman Sports and Wellness Complex in Effingham. It is one of the most amazing places to visit in Effingham, Illinois.
You will find many indoor games and sports you can enjoy at the Workman Sports and Wellness Complex. You can visit this place to play basketball, volleyball, indoor soccer, indoor racquetball, indoor tennis, indoor badminton, indoor lacrosse, floor hockey, indoor kickball, and many other sports.
Add this to your list of fun things to do In Effingham, Illinois.
Address: 1301 N Maple St, Effingham, IL 62401, United States
#15. Float Effingham
If you love to relax and enjoy your time in the water, then you must visit Float Effingham. It is a beautiful place to visit in Effingham, IL. You can visit Float Effingham with friends, family, or even yourself. You can also visit this place with your significant other to enjoy quality time together. You will not regret visiting Float Effingham.
It is one of the best places to visit in Effingham IL. You will enjoy amazing views of Effingham and its surroundings while relaxing on the water at Float Effingham.
You can visit this place any day of the week and at any time. You can also visit this place at night and enjoy some beautiful views of Effingham. You can visit this place any day, and you will not regret visiting it. There are many other awesome places and things to do in Effingham, Il.
Address: 312 N Keller Dr C, Effingham, IL 62401, United States
#16. Tuscan Hills Winery
If you are a wine and food lover, you should visit the Tuscan Hills Winery. Tuscan Hills Winery is a vineyard, winery, and gift shop. You can visit the vineyard and try out the different types of wines made there.
The vineyard also has an herb garden where you can learn about growing herbs. You can visit the gift shop and shop for herbs and wine made at the vineyard. The winery also hosts events like wine tasting, live music, and cooking classes. The winery is open throughout the year and is a perfect place to visit with your loved ones.
Address: 2200 Historic Hills Dr, Effingham, IL 62401, United States
#17. You can explore Effingham Park
The Effingham area has some amazing parks. Effingham City Park is the perfect place to visit with your family. The park has a small pond, a basketball court, and walking trails. The park also has a great historical walk that showcases Effingham’s history and houses.
Hardin County Park is another great park to visit in the area. It features a fishing pond, picnic areas, and a playground. You can also go canoeing on the Kaskaskia River.
These parks are great places to visit, especially with family and kids. They are easily accessible and fun to spend your time in Effingham.
#18. Mid America Motorworks, My Garage Museum
If you are a car lover, you must visit the Mid America Motorworks, My Garage Museum. The museum is an indoor exhibition of vintage cars, motorcycles, and other vehicles.
The museum is run by volunteers and is open to the public. Admission to the museum is free, and you can spend about an hour touring the exhibition.
Several cars and motorcycles are of historical significance and rare models. The museum also hosts various events and exhibitions from time to time. You can visit the museum any day of the week between 9 am and 4 pm.
Address: 454 Big Block Dr Suite B, Effingham, IL 62401, United States
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#19. Lake Sara
If you are visiting during the summer, then you must visit Lake Sara. The lake is an artificial lake that has become a popular destination for tourists. You can visit the lake and enjoy swimming, fishing, and boating during the summer.
Other water sports are also available at the lake, but you must check the rates before going. The lake is a great place to visit with your family during the summer. You can visit the lake during the evening and enjoy the views of the sunset over the lake.
You can even visit the lake during the winter and take a walk around the lake. You can even hire a paddle boat during the summer and enjoy the lake from a different perspective. You can also visit the Effingham YMCA, located near the lake and offers indoor swimming.
#20. TREC Calico Trail
If you are a nature lover and want to go on a short excursion, you must visit the TREC Calico Trail. The Calico Trail is a short trail that runs along Little Calico Creek.
The trail is four miles long and is open all the year-round. You can visit the trail during or even at night to witness the beautiful night sky. You can visit the trail with your family and walk the trail or even bring your pets along.
Benches are placed on the trail so you can sit and admire the view. You can visit the trail any day of the week between 9 am and 4 pm. Now that you know about these awesome things to do in Effingham, IL, that you can’t miss, don’t wait and visit the city soon with your family or friends.
Address: Outer Belt W, Effingham, IL 62401, United States
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What is Effingham, Illinois known for?
Effingham is a great place to be if you are interested in history. This is because the city hosts several historical landmarks and sites of interest — including the Effingham Train Depot, Chautauqua Park, the Effingham County Fair Grounds, and the Effingham Public Library.
You can also enjoy the many natural attractions that Effingham has to offer. The city is home to many lakes, rivers, beautiful forests, and trails. If you are interested in wildlife, you can also visit the Effingham Wildlife Rehabilitation Center.
Is Effingham IL, a good place to live?
Yes! As we have already seen, Effingham is home to many interesting historical places. But it is not just the past that makes Effingham a great place to live. The city also has a modern charm and vibrant culture. There is a lot of natural beauty to enjoy in Effingham.
What are the weather conditions in Effingham, Illinois?
The weather in Effingham is, on average, pretty temperate. The summers are warm and humid, and winters are mild and frosty. The warmest months are July and August when temperatures are in the 80s.
The coldest months are January and February when temperatures are in the 30s. The average rainfall is 46 inches per year. The best time to visit is between April and October, but this is also when the weather is at its warmest.
Enjoy your trip to Effingham Illinois
There are many awesome things to do in Effingham, IL, that you can’t miss. The Effingham Museum is a great place to explore the rich culture and history of the region. A Taste of Effingham is a food and music festival hosted by the Effingham County Chamber of Commerce, where you can sample local food.
Effingham also has some great parks to visit with family and friends. Visit these places when you are in Effingham and enjoy a vacation with many things to do.
