Jacksonville, Illinois: Where Abraham Lincoln Hung Out (and You Can Too!)
Let's face it, Illinois isn't exactly known for its beaches or bustling city life. But that's where Jacksonville comes in, folks! This charming little town, nestled snugly between Springfield and St. Louis, packs a surprising punch when it comes to fun things to do. So, ditch the expectations of glitz and glamour, and get ready for a trip that's equal parts quirky, historic, and, dare we say, delightful.
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| What To Do In Jacksonville Il |
History Buff on a Budget? Jacksonville's Got Your Back!
Jacksonville is practically dripping with history. You can walk the very same streets (well, maybe not the exact same cobblestones, but you get the idea) that Abraham Lincoln himself once trod. History on a shoestring? No problem! Explore the vast network of Underground Railroad sites, some of the most numerous in the entire state. Feeling fancy? Take a tour of the Governor Duncan Mansion, the only existing governor's mansion outside of Springfield.
Pro Tip: Feeling peckish after your historical exploits? The mansion even has a tea room, so you can sip on some fancy drinks and pretend you're Illinois royalty (for an afternoon at least).
QuickTip: Read section by section for better flow.
Unleash Your Inner Child (or Just Embrace Your Current One)
Jacksonville isn't all about dusty old museums (though those are pretty cool too). Let's talk about the legendary Big Eli Ferris Wheel. This iconic landmark has been gracing the skyline since 1893, and the best part? Rides are completely free! That's right, folks, free Ferris wheel rides! So grab your sweetheart (or your best bud, no judgement here) and take in the views from 70 feet above the ground.
Need a post-Ferris wheel adrenaline rush? Check out the Jacksonville R/C Speedway. It's like NASCAR, but way cuter (and way less likely to involve outrageous sponsorship deals).
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Jacksonville After Dark: It's Not All Crickets (But There Might Be Some Cool Wall Art)
Jacksonville might not have the nightlife of, say, Las Vegas, but that doesn't mean there's no fun to be had after the sun sets. Take a stroll through downtown and check out the incredible collection of Walldog murals. These massive works of art add a pop of color and creativity to the cityscape. Feeling a bit peckish? Jacksonville boasts a surprising variety of restaurants, from cozy cafes to delicious local pubs.
Night owls rejoice! A few bars stay open later, so you can unwind with a craft beer or a classic cocktail.
Reminder: Short breaks can improve focus.
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So You're Sold on Jacksonville, But How Do You Actually Do Stuff There?
Don't worry, we've got you covered! Here are some quick FAQs to get you started:
How to Ride the Big Eli Ferris Wheel: Check the Jacksonville website (https://jacksonvilleil.org/contact-us/) for operating hours. It's usually open on weekends during the summer months.
Tip: Don’t rush — enjoy the read.
How to Explore the Underground Railroad Sites: The Jacksonville Area Museum offers walking tours (http://www.jacksonvilleareamuseum.org/).
How to Find the Walldog Murals: A handy map can be found on the Jacksonville Convention and Visitors Bureau website (https://jacksonvilleil.org/).
How to See a College Basketball Game (for Cheap!): MacMurray College has a great basketball program, and tickets are super affordable (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MacMurray_College).
How to Have a Blast in Jacksonville: Easy! Just come with an open mind and a sense of adventure!
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