Explore Toulon, Illinois, in an RVshare RV Rental
This small city of 1,113 began when John Miller and his wife, Charlotte, deeded ninety rods square of land to develop the county seat of Stark County, Illinois. Incorporated as a village in 1858, then as a city in 1909, Toulon was named after a town in Tennessee that was named for Toulon, France.
In the beginning, Toulon consisted of only around 16 blocks, but several significant additions were quickly added. There was no further expansion until the late 1950s when coal strip mining came to town, and the last subdivision was added.
An interesting historical fact about Toulon, Illinois is that both Abraham Lincoln and Stephen A. Douglas gave speeches in the small town before the presidential election of 1860. In 1858, Douglas arrived by carriage because the railroad had not yet arrived in Toulon. His arrival was greeted by a few of the loyal Democratic Party members. That night, he gave his speech and held the audience captive for over an hour.
The next day, Lincoln’s carriage was greeted with such a rambunctious cheer that it frightened the horses enough to put the carriage occupants in danger. Once the horses were calmed, a procession was formed, which escorted Lincoln to the Virginia Hotel. Later that night, in the same spot Douglas had given his speech the previous evening, the people of Toulon stood in the pouring rains and listened to their future president.
This small municipality is centrally located, allowing travelers to visit a wide array of restaurants, city parks, museums, and state and national parks without traveling too far. If you want to stay local, the Toulon City Park is an excellent option for a summer picnic. It also has a playground for children to release extra built-up energy. After playing in the park, you can grab a bite to eat at Connie’s Country Kitchen, Julie’s Café Market, or R Bar. You can also travel 31 miles to Peoria, Illinois, and enjoy one of its many restaurants.
Events in and Near Toulon, Illinois
During the month of July, the Stark County Junior Fair welcomes visitors with a variety of activities, including Peewee Shows, a Queen Pageant, and a Small Animal Costume Class.
If you visit during the first week of September, you can experience the carnival, parade, mud volleyball, and other activities at Kewanee Hog Days.
Old Settlers Days in August include family activities such as a Kids Pedal Tractor Pull, pageants, fireworks, a 5k run/walk, and a Craft Show and Flea Market.
Popular RV Dump Stations Near Toulon, Illinois
RV dump stations can be found all around the Toulon area. For example, Carl Spindler Marina and Campground is located in Peoria. This site offers free dumping for guests and charges $5 to the public. Auburn Travel Center in Divernon, Illinois and offers free dumping services.
