Explore Centralia, Illinois
Centralia is a city in southern Illinois with nearly 12,000 residents. It was named for the Illinois Central Railroad, which was constructed in 1853. Centralia was established around the area where the two parallel east-west lines of the Illinois Central Railroad intersected. The city was chartered in 1859, and the railroad project and fruit farms helped it to grow. The construction of the PayDay candy factory in 1938 gave the local economy another boost. Today the economy of Centralia is driven by the manufacturing and agriculture industries, coal mining, and oil and natural gas production.
The Centralia Cultural Society offers visitors access to exhibitions and concerts from various artists, including the Little Theatre Players, the Choral Society, the Centralia Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Bronze Expressions Handbell Ensemble. You can also visit the Centralia Carillon, which features 65 bells and is rated as the eighth-largest bell tower in the world. After exploring the carillon, you can head to Centralia Fairview Park to view historic locomotives from the Illinois Central Railroad.
The Commercial Historic District comprises significant sites, including the Centralia House Restaurant, the Old National Bank, the Langenfield Hotel, the Sadler Opera House, and the Illinois Theater. After viewing these historical sites, you can head to the Centralia Area Historical Museum, which allows you to dive deeper into the town's history. The Centralia Area Historical Museum features various antiquities. The George Ross Library in the museum also houses history books that explain Centralia's family ancestries.
If you love swimming, exercising, and basketball, the Centralia Community Youth Center and the Centralia Recreational Complex offer indoor recreation, a gymnasium, and an athletic center. Raccoon Lake and Lake Centralia, also located nearby, provide excellent opportunities for fishing and watersports. Raccoon Lake holds the yearly Outboard Power Boat Races, while Lake Centralia hosts largemouth bass fishing tournaments.
Best State Parks Near Centralia, Illinois
Eldon Hazlet State Park is located less than 26 miles northeast of Centralia. This park has meandering trails and a wide range of fauna and flora. It features a public swimming pool and over 50 acres of land for archery, deer hunting, and dove hunting. You can also enjoy canoeing, hiking, fishing, picnicking, and wildlife viewing at the park.
Washington County State Park Recreation Area is located on Washington County Lake and covers 900 acres. This park features a playground, pavilions, a hunting area, and an archery range. The nearby Washington County Lake offers fishing and boating opportunities, and visitors can also hike the seven-mile lake trail while viewing deer, rabbits, woodcock, and numerous bird species.
Pyramid State Recreation Area is situated close to Pinckneyville. It comprises 19,701 acres of forests, water bodies, and hills. The lakes in this park offer excellent bass fishing and canoe launching spots. This state park also has a designated deer hunting area, hiking trails, and camping sites.
National Forests Near Centralia, Illinois
Shawnee National Forest is a preserved area featuring historic labels that symbolize the stops made by enslaved people who were traveling through the forest during the 1800s. This forest includes more than 10 lakes, over 100 miles of marked trails, and four designated campgrounds. Spanning over 265,000 acres, Shawnee National Forest offers various recreational activities, including fishing, kayaking, canoeing, swimming, horseback riding, picnicking, and hiking.
Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area comprises 171,280 acres resulting from two dams on the Tennessee River and Cumberland River. This forest is close to Murray and can be quickly accessed from Clarksville and Nashville. Visitors can hike one of the various trails in this area, including the Hematite Lake Trail, Honker Trail, Long Creek National Recreation Trail, and Fort Henry National Recreation Trail. Additionally, the numerous water bodies in this area are excellent fishing spots. If you enjoy fishing, you can expect to catch bluegill, catfish, crappie, bass, or sauger. Visitors can also enjoy boating and swimming in the nearby lakes and view a variety of wildlife, including beavers, buffalos, otters, rabbits, squirrels, voles, and numerous bird species. Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area also offers excellent stargazing opportunities.
Hoosier National Forest encompasses 202,814 acres. This forest consists of water bodies with a variety of fish species and over 265 miles of trails. You can also camp at various camping spots in the forest, including the Tipsaw Lake Recreation Area, Indian-Celina Lakes Recreation Area, and Patoka Lake Campground. Hoosier National Forest is home to a wide range of vegetation and wildlife, including bobcats, deer, wild boars, bald eagles, hawks, squirrels, and rabbits. This forest's streams and lakes allow you to enjoy swimming, kayaking, and fishing.
Events Near Centralia, Illinois
Hot Air Balloon Festival – This is a three-day event held on the third weekend of August at Foundation Park. It features floats made of 40 hot air balloons, fireworks, entertainment, crafts, and great food.
The Fantasy of Lights Lantern Festival – This is an annual event hosted at Foundation Park. The celebration takes place in December and features flashy Christmas decorations, great music, and picturesque tree displays.
