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Effingham, Illinois: The Best & Fun Things To Do (Besides Counting Cornfields)

Effingham sits at the intersection of interstates 57 and 70, which is the reason the 198-foot cross stands there and the reason the town is easy to reach. Most of what is worth doing here involves somebody teaching you something. Book the axe throwing and the archery ahead. My Garage Museum is Bob Regez’s own collection and he is usually in it. Everything else works on the day.

Effingham, Illinois is a Midwest town that runs a broad spread of fun and interesting activities. The local art scene, new restaurants, or time outdoors, Effingham covers all three.

A Slice of Effingham, Illinois Effingham is a small town known as the “Crossroads of Opportunity.” Located in the heart of Illinois, this town draws travelers looking for somewhere authentic rather than packaged. With its friendly locals, real history and open surroundings, Effingham is where to get out of the rush of city life and slow down.

Artistic Effingham If you follow art, Effingham runs a working art scene. From local galleries to public art installations, there is plenty of creative work to find in this town. Contemporary art, traditional painting or sculpture, you will find something in Effingham that holds you.

Key Takeaways

• Effingham, Illinois is a charming town that’s perfect for a relaxing getaway.
• The town has a thriving art scene, with plenty of galleries and public art installations to explore.
• Whether you’re interested in food, nature, or entertainment, there’s something for everyone in Effingham.

A Slice of Effingham, Illinois

Welcome to Effingham, the small town that carries more history and character than its size suggests. In the heart of Illinois, this town is full of things you did not expect and it wins people over quickly.

Effingham is a town that preserves its history while keeping up with the times. From the famous Cross at the Crossroads, a 198-foot tall cross sculpture that stands as a symbol of the town, to the Effingham Museum, where you learn about the town’s past and present, Effingham covers a genuine range.

But do not let the town’s history fool you, because there is plenty of fun to be had in Effingham as well. Try bowling at Silver Dollar Lanes, where there are also pool tables, dartboards and lounge quarters. Or head over to Tuscan Hills Winery for a wine tasting and a charcuterie board that will have you feeling like a connoisseur.

Effingham is also home to the Effing Brew Company, where you can sit down with friends over a cold beer after a long day of walking the town. And if you want something more active, head over to the Richard E. Workman Sports and Wellness Complex, where you can swim, play basketball or work out in the gym.

Effingham may be small, but it is full of surprises. So pack your bags and head over to this small town for a slice of history, fun and time off the clock.

Artistic Effingham

If you follow art, Effingham has plenty for you. From galleries to sculptures, the range is real. Here are the places you will not want to miss:

Wilhelmina Art Gallery

The Wilhelmina Art Gallery is the stop for art enthusiasts. On the campus of St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital, the gallery runs a rotating collection of paintings, sculptures and other works. You never know what will be up when you walk in, so stop by often.

Sculptures on the Avenues

Effingham holds a number of sculptures worth stopping for. Take a stroll down the Avenues and you see work by local and national artists. Abstract or representational, you will find something here that speaks to you.

Effingham County Cultural Center and Museum

For a longer look at the art and culture of Effingham, head to the Effingham County Cultural Center and Museum. Here you find exhibits covering everything from local history to antique furnishings. And do not miss the collection of paintings by local artists, which shows the country around Effingham as the people who live there see it.

So a seasoned art collector or somebody simply after a good afternoon, Effingham has plenty for you. Check out these artistic hotspots and see what you turn up.

Effingham’s Food and Drink Scene

Effingham’s food and drink scene is worth the trip for anybody who takes food or beer or wine seriously. With a range of options to choose from, you will find something that suits your taste buds.

Effing Brew Company

Effing Brew Company is the place to be if you want good food and cold beer. Their menu runs pub-style dishes, including burgers, wings and nachos, that go with their handcrafted brews. And their reviews speak for themselves, because customers talk about the service and the room.

Tuscan Hills Winery

If wine is more your style, then Tuscan Hills Winery is the place for you. This winery runs a broad selection of wines, including reds, whites and sweet fruit wines. Their outdoor patio is where to sit with a glass and let the country go past. And their staff will make you feel at home.

Effingham’s food and drink scene is not one to skip. A cold beer or a glass of wine, you will find something here that satisfies. So grab a friend and head to one of these spots for an afternoon worth having.

The Great Outdoors in Effingham

Effingham is a good place to be outdoors. A quiet stroll or something with more adrenaline in it, the town covers both. Here are the outdoor activities in Effingham worth the time:

Lake Sara

Lake Sara is a lake just south of Effingham. It is where to go fishing, camping, or simply take a quiet walk. The lake holds a range of fish, including bass, crappie and catfish. And if the timing works, you might spot deer drinking at the edge of it.

TREC Calico Trail

If you want a hiking trail that is not too strenuous, the TREC Calico Trail suits. The trail runs just past a mile and takes you through wooded ground. You might well spot wildlife along the way.

Bliss Park

Bliss Park is where to go for a walk or a picnic with your family. The park runs a playground, a basketball court and plenty of open space to use. It is where to slow down and let the afternoon go.

A quiet walk in the woods or something with more in it, Effingham covers both. So pack a picnic, grab your fishing pole and head out into the outdoors.

My Garage Museum began as a private collection that grew large enough to open to the public, and Bob Regez still runs the place himself. Draves Archery is a pro shop rather than an attraction, which means the people behind the counter shoot. The Effing Brew Company handcrafts everything that it pours. Tuscan Hills is family-owned. Nothing here was designed for visitors first, and that is exactly the reason all of it holds up.

Entertainment and Events in Effingham

Looking for entertainment and events in Effingham, Illinois? The Effingham Performance Center, Silver Dollar Lanes and Evergreen Mini Golf are the answer.

Effingham Performance Center

The Effingham Performance Center is the main music venue in town. With strong acoustics and good sight lines, you will not miss a beat. From plays to live music, there is always something happening at the EPC. Check their website for upcoming events.

Silver Dollar Lanes

Looking for a strike of fun? Head over to Silver Dollar Lanes for some bowling. With good prices on concessions and a mask rule in place, you can feel safe and satisfied.

Evergreen Mini Golf

Want to putt your skills to the test? Check out Evergreen Mini Golf. With 18 holes of it, this mini golf course suits a day out with friends or family.

Effingham has plenty to offer in terms of events and entertainment. Check out these hotspots for a good time.

Unique Experiences in Effingham

Effingham, Illinois is a small town with a big heart and plenty of experiences you will not get elsewhere. Tapping into your faith, working through local history, or trying something new, Effingham covers all three. Here are the experiences worth having that you will not find anywhere else.

Cross at the Crossroads

If you want a spiritual experience you will not get elsewhere, the Cross at the Crossroads is the answer. This towering structure stands 198 feet tall, which makes it one of the tallest crosses in the world. The cross serves as a symbol of faith and hope for the local community, and visitors are welcome to come and walk the grounds.

My Garage Museum

For car enthusiasts, My Garage Museum is the destination. This museum holds a collection of over 100 vintage cars, including classic muscle cars, hot rods and more. The museum is owned and operated by local resident Bob Regez, who is happy to share his passion for cars with visitors.

Effingham Axe Throwing

Looking for a new way to blow off steam? Head to Effingham Axe Throwing, where you can try your hand at this challenging sport. A seasoned pro or a first-time thrower, the experienced staff will help you fix your technique and have a good time doing it.

Draves Archery

If archery is your thing, Draves Archery is the place to be. This local pro shop runs a broad selection of archery equipment, from bows and arrows through to targets and accessories. The staff know their trade and will help you find the gear that fits.

Effingham is full of experiences you will not get elsewhere, and these are the highlights. A local resident or a first-time visitor, check out these destinations.

Traveler Favorites and Souvenirs

Effingham is a good place to visit, with plenty of things to do and see. Here are the traveler favorites and souvenirs to consider when you visit:

Traveler Favorites

One of the popular attractions in Effingham is Tuscan Hills Winery. This family-owned winery runs tastings and tours, alongside a range of wines for purchase. It is where to slow down over a glass with friends or family.

The other popular spot is Bliss Park, which runs a range of outdoor activities, including hiking, biking and fishing. It is where to spend a day outside, with the country around you and the air doing the rest.

If you want something lower-key, consider one of Effingham’s many museums. The Effingham County Cultural Center and Museum and the Ballard Nature Center are both strong options, running plenty of information about the area’s history and its landscape.

Souvenirs

When you are in Effingham, there are plenty of good souvenirs to choose from. Here are the ideas worth considering:

• Wine from Tuscan Hills Winery: If you enjoyed your visit to the winery, consider picking up a bottle or two of your favorite wine to take home with you.
• Magnets: Magnets are a classic souvenir option, and they’re easy to find in gift shops and souvenir stores throughout Effingham.
• Local crafts: Effingham is home to a variety of talented artists and artisans, so consider picking up a unique piece of pottery, jewelry, or other handmade item to take home with you.
• T-Shirts and other apparel: If you want something to remember your trip by, consider picking up a T-shirt or other piece of apparel with the Effingham logo or a fun design on it.

Whatever you choose to buy, take home a piece of Effingham to remember the trip by.

Nearby Cities to Explore

Effingham, Illinois is a good place to visit, but if you want to see more of the area, there are several nearby cities worth checking out. Here are the ones we go back to:

Mattoon

Located 20 minutes north of Effingham, Mattoon is a small city with a lot in it. One of the top attractions in Mattoon is the Peterson Park & Lake Mattoon, a park with a lake that suits fishing, boating and swimming. Other popular attractions in Mattoon include the Mattoon Depot Museum and the Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site.

Charleston

If you are a history buff, you will get on with Charleston, which sits about 30 minutes east of Effingham. This city is home to Eastern Illinois University, which has a real history and a campus worth walking. Other attractions in Charleston include the Coles County Historical Society and Museum and the Lincoln-Douglas Debate Museum.

Shelbyville

Shelbyville is a small city about 30 minutes south of Effingham. It is known for its parks, including Forest Park and Eagle Creek State Park. If you want something less obvious, check out the Shelby County Historical Society and Museum, which holds a collection of artifacts and exhibits covering the history of the area.

Vandalia

Vandalia is a historic city about 45 minutes west of Effingham. It was once the capital of Illinois and is home to several important historical sites, including the Vandalia Statehouse State Historic Site and the Fayette County Museum. If outdoor activities are your thing, the Kaskaskia River State Fish and Wildlife Area runs fishing, hunting and hiking.

These are the nearby cities you can work through during your visit to Effingham. Each of them has its own character and its own attractions, so check them out and see what they hold.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the deal with that giant cross in Effingham, IL?

Ah, the Cross at the Crossroads. This massive metal cross stands 198 feet tall and can be seen from miles away. It sits at the intersection of interstates 57 and 70 and has become a landmark of Effingham. Some say it is a symbol of faith, while others simply think it makes a good photograph. Whatever you believe, it is worth checking out.

What are the must-visit attractions in Effingham?

Effingham has plenty of strong attractions, but the places to prioritize include the Tuscan Hills Winery, the Effingham Performance Center and the Firefly Grill. If history interests you, the Effingham County Courthouse Museum is also worth a visit.

Are there any fun and free things to do in Effingham, IL?

If you want free fun in Effingham, check out the Effingham Public Library, the TREC Trail, or the Effingham Farmers Market. You can also take a stroll through Hendelmeyer Park or visit the Cross at the Crossroads.

What are some unique date ideas in Effingham, IL?

Looking for a date idea in Effingham that you will not get elsewhere? Take a cooking class at the Firefly Grill or a wine tasting at Tuscan Hills Winery. You could also catch a live performance at the Effingham Performance Center or take a walk through Evergreen Hollow Park.

What are the top kid-friendly activities in Effingham, IL?

Effingham is a good place for families with kids. The top kid-friendly activities include visiting the Children’s Museum of Illinois, taking a dip at the Splash Pad, or playing a round of mini-golf at the Heartland Miniature Golf Course.

Is there any good shopping in Effingham, IL?

Effingham has plenty of shopping options, including the Village Square Mall, the Effingham Antique Mall and the Heartland Mall. You can also find gifts and souvenirs you will not see elsewhere at local shops such as Heartland Crafts & More and the Funky Cowgirl. Happy shopping.

Frequently asked questions about Effingham, Illinois

Which Effingham museum is worth an hour or so of your time?

My Garage Museum, which holds over 100 vintage cars including classic muscle cars and hot rods, and is owned and run by local resident Bob Regez. He talks to visitors. The Effingham County Cultural Center and Museum covers local history and antique furnishings alongside paintings by local artists. The Ballard Nature Center is the third one to consider.

Which Effingham park suits a family with children for an afternoon?

Bliss Park, which has a playground, a basketball court and enough open space for a picnic and a game. It also runs hiking, biking and fishing for anybody who wants more than a bench. Lake Sara sits just south of town and holds bass, crappie and catfish. Deer come down to the water to drink.

Which Effingham trail works for an easy walk rather than a hike?

The TREC Calico Trail, which runs just past a mile through wooded ground and is not strenuous at any point along it. Wildlife turns up along it. The TREC Trail is free, as is Hendelmeyer Park, if the plan is to spend nothing at all that day. Evergreen Hollow Park is the quieter option again.

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