Located in the heart of Illinois, Effingham is appropriately referred to as the “Crossroads of Opportunity.” It sits at the convergence of Interstate 57, Interstate 70, Route 45, Route 40, and several others. A steel cross standing 198 feet in the air is located at the interstation of the two interstate highways, and it is recognized as the tallest of such structures in the country. While many people pass through Effingham, this is a small town with a population of approximately 12,000 residents.
Effingham, which is the county seat of Effingham County, was established in 1814. It played an important role in the establishment of improved fire codes in 1949. At this time, dozens of people perished in a fire at St. Anthony's Hospital. The hospital was rebuilt and continues to operate today. Several other important historical sites are located in Effingham, such as the Dr. Charles Wright House from 1889. The Heart Theatre, which is located in the center of the town, is a historic structure that continues to provide residents with Hollywood entertainment today.
During your visit to Effingham, you can visit the popular Tuscan Hills Winery, which has a bistro for tastings and meals. Antique enthusiasts can shop at several recognized destinations, including the Effingham County Antique Mall, Double Features Antiques, and the Country Peddler Antique & Craft Mall. For recreation, nearby Lake Sara offers a marina, picnic tables, and a campground. You can also find a nature center, several parks, and a miniature golf course in the town.
Campgrounds Near Effingham, Illinois
Camp Lakewood Campground is located close to the intersection of Interstate 70 and Interstate 57. Open year round, its RV sites have full hookups, and some are offered with a patio. Both pull-through and back-in sites are available, and they include a picnic table and a fire ring. The nightly rate starts at $54. This is a family-owned campground that provides a relaxed, no-frills experience for travelers.
Hebron Hills Camping is a rustic campground with tall shade trees and gravel roads, and it is located in nearby Oakland. Its 45 well-spaced campsites include both primitive and full hookup options, and they are available for $22 per night. Open seasonally, Hebron Hills Camping offers water activities, such as fishing, paddle boating, and swimming, on a pond and a river. Volleyball, hiking, tetherball, basketball, and badminton are also available.
Kaskaskia Dragon RV Park sits just off Interstate 70 in Vandalia. All of its sites have full hookups with wireless internet service available. The nightly rate is $25. Onsite, travelers have access to a gift shop, a convenience store, picnic tables, a dump station, laundry facilities, propane, and other amenities. The grounds include grassy areas, paved roads, and gravel pads.
State Parks Near Effingham, Illinois
From Effingham, you can reach Wolf Creek State Park with a short, easy drive. This park connects directly with Eagle Creek State Recreation Area, and they collectively offer a shoreline of 250 miles and more than 11,000 acres of water. A beach is available for swimming, and the water is also popular for boating, fishing, windsurfing, and other activities. The landscape is heavily wooded and features abundant wildlife, hiking trails, campsites, and picnic areas.
Fox Ridge State Park covers 2,064 acres in eastern Illinois, and it is ideal for year-round recreation. If you ascend a 144-step staircase to the perch on Eagle's Nest, you can take in spectacular river views. In addition to bluffs, you can find dense forests, rolling hills, Ridge Lake, and the Embarras River. Camping, hiking, picnicking, hunting, canoeing, and wildlife viewing are popular ways for visitors to spend their time here. There are also sports facilities for baseball and volleyball, a playground, and other amenities located in the park.
Walnut Point State Park is also located in eastern Illinois and offers both water and land activities. The landscape is dominated by mature hardwood trees, and the grassy areas are often filled with wildflowers in the spring. In the fall, driving along the two scenic roadways is a great way to admire the fall foliage. With geese, herons, wood ducks, owls, and other birds that are native to the area, Walnut Point State Park is popular for birdwatching. Fishing is available from the shore of Walnut Point Lake. Camping, hunting, hiking, ice fishing, and ice skating are also options.
National Sites Near Effingham, Illinois
George Rogers Clark National Historic Park in Vincennes is the location of a major victory for the American forces during the Revolutionary War. In the winter of 1779, the British surrendered to Colonel George Rogers Clark. By doing so, the U.S. locked in its claim to the great frontier to the west. Inside the memorial, you will find seven murals that tell the story of the battle and surrender as well as a bronze statue of the colonel. In addition to touring the visitors' center, you may time your visit to coincide with one of the park's living history presentations.
Lincoln Home National Historic Site preserves the home that Abraham Lincoln shared with his family from 1844 to 1861. It spans four blocks and 12 acres. Notably, this is the house where one of Lincoln's children passed away and three were born. During his time in the house, Lincoln ascended to the House of Representatives and the U.S. Presidency. Guided tours of the home and exhibits at the visitors center are available.
You can also explore Abraham Lincoln's background by visiting the Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial in Lincoln City, Indiana. He resided on this farm between the ages of seven and 21 years. The site features the actual boundary of the original house and a replica cabin with living history actors in period clothing. There is also a memorial building that explores Lincoln's early life through a short film, a portrait gallery, and five panels.
National Forests Near Effingham, Illinois
In southern Illinois, the Shawnee National Forest stretches across 280,000 acres. The Pounds Hollow Recreation Area and seven protected wilderness areas are located within the forest. In addition to forests, the grounds include hills, rock formations, rivers, wetlands, and lakes. You can explore the Shawnee National Forest via two scenic byways or by walking along the 400-mile trail system. Points of interest in the Shawnee National Forest are the American Fluorite Museum, Pounds Hollow, the Ox-Lot Cave, and others.
Hoosier National Forest in southern Indiana is equally impressive with historic sites and a variety of landscapes to explore. The dense forest is combined with sandstone cliffs, waterfalls, rivers, and the Hemlock Cliffs Valley to provide a variety of scenery to enjoy. You can learn about local history by visiting Lick Creek Settlement, the Potts Creek Rockshelter Archaeological Sites, and the Jacob Rickenbaugh House onsite. There is also a trail system that stretches across 266 miles and that is ideal for mountain biking, hiking, and equestrian activities.
Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area protects 170,000 acres of wilderness in Tennessee and Kentucky. It features 300 miles of shoreline as well as attractions like the Golden Pond Planetarium and Observatory, the Homeplace Working Farm, the Woodlands Nature Station, and others. You can explore the natural beauty of the area and spot native wildlife along 200 miles of roadways and a trail system that covers 500 miles. These trails are ideal for mountain biking, hiking, and horseback riding.
