Effingham, Illinois, boasts of the ‘Crossroads of Opportunity’ due to its location between the intersection of two predominant highways in Effingham County.
It stands as the largest city in the county of Effingham, with about an estimated 12,604 population size as of 2015, counts with a possibility of more additions since then.
There are many fun things to do in Effingham, IL, ranging from attractive recreational areas, restaurants, exciting museums, beautiful architecture, outdoor activities, and lots more.
Effingham, Illinois, gives many references to their lands, business ventures, downtown destinations, and enterprises, and they have a deep, grounded love for the city.
The city is small but bustling and vibrant, with many opportunities to keep the young and the old engaged. Let’s explore the top things to do in Effingham, IL.
Things to Do in Effingham, IL
1. The Cross at the Crossroads
Cross at the Crossroads
In Effingham, Illinois, the most outstanding figure is an enormous metal cross that looms on the horizon between the interstate highways about 57 and 70.
Every day it has about 19 million viewers passing through Cross at the Crossroads, making it one of the best fun attractions in Effingham, Illinois.
The symbol is a significant statue in the entire state; seeing the gigantic cross by the roadside has been a long tradition for the people of Effingham, Illinois.
The cross is 113 feet wide and 198 feet tall, forged with tons of steel well constructed with cement, and can stand the pressure of winds up to 145 miles per hour.
Additionally, the cross is surrounded by a welcome center, media room, cozy chapel, lots of visitors center where they sell lovely trinkets, and a refreshment area.
Address: 1900 Pike Ave, Effingham, IL 62401, United States
2. Silver Dollar Lanes
Silver Dollar Lanes offers fun bowling activities, open and league bowling, hosting parties for interested individuals, and professional tournaments.
The Silver Dollar Lanes contains a 24-lane bowling center accommodating beginners, intermediate classes, and professionals.
Visiting the Silver Dollar Lanes stands as one of the perfect addition to your list of fun things to do in Effingham, IL, and with no controversy, your vacation expectations will be met.
The magnificent center boasts unique features such as bowling lessons facilities, a pro shop, pool tables, dartboards, and lounge quarters.
Additionally, the Silver Dollar Lanes has been the city’s favorite fun establishment for locals and international visitors, with lots of fun things to do and see.
Address: 2300 South Banker Street, Effingham, IL 62401
3. Wilhelmina Art Gallery
Wilhelmina Art Gallery features as one of the top attractions in Effingham, Illinois, due to some of the magnificent artifacts it displays regularly.
Effingham’s Wilhelmina Art Gallery showcases beautiful artworks of Wilma Woidt Kruger, a nationally renowned artist who paints a wide variety of paintings.
Take your young and old friends, challenge everyone to try and look into magnificent craftwork, and relieve yourself of some stress.
If you are looking for a place to have a fun outdoor time, you should add a visit to Wilhelmina Art Gallery to your list of things to do in Effingham, IL
Additionally, the center archives notable works, including a magnificent portrait of Marilyn Monroe, coupled with the wildlife and woodland subjects.
Address: 400 N Main St. Effingham, IL 62401
4. Effingham Axe Throwing
Enjoy fun time and laughter at Effingham Axe Throwing facility located downtown Effingham, which adds as one of the best things to do in Effingham, Illinois
The Axe-throwing sport is a tricky and dangerous game involving various competitors throwing an ax at the target to hit the bull’s eye.
It allows visitors to come with friends of all ages, challenge everyone to the targets, outscore each one, and get some relief as you enjoy ax-throwing.
The establishment stands as one of the best fun things to do in Effingham, Illinois,s with many perfect spots for singles and couples on a date, birthday parties, weekend bonding exercises imaginable,e and corporate team building.
Additionally, you can book for yourself and take safety lessons from professional staff, sign some waivers,s and many more since the center is open for everyone to access for a nominal fee.
Address: 306 S 4th StStee b, Effingham, IL 62401, United States
5. Draves Archery
Please spend some time outdoors and enjoy the acts of Archery as it was done in the old days, a perfect addition to your list of things to do in Effingham, IL.
The magnificent Draves Archery complex has a spacious space and an expansive pro shop specializing in bow crafting, crossbow setting, and more.
The Draves Archery possesses a wealth of both used gear and new ones for sale, other hunting supplies, and accessories for visitors procurement.
They train novice archers and give advice and professional lessons for people interested in learning or improving their archery skills.
Additionally, the center is open to everyone, especially interested individuals who want to further their skills to the highest level.
Address: 1707 Avenue of Mid-America, Effingham, IL 62401, United States
6. Tuscan Hills Winery
Tuscan Hills Winery is a well-known family business that focuses on giving everyone the old-fashioned Tuscany feeling and creating tasty wines with natural grapes sourced from across the States.
They prepare their tasty wines with lots of sensitive fragrance and taste, with their principal intent on helping guests point out what is desirable to the palate.
They concoct their exceptional wines with lots of sensitivity to taste and smell, and they are intent on helping their guests point out what is most desirable to the palate.
Apart from their extensive wine selection, they also serve specialty craft beers, sangrias, liquor products, and tasty wines s, making it one of the best things to do in Effingham, IL.
Additionally, the Tuscan Hills Winery is a pet-friendly and family zone. From their kitchen comes a wide range of fresh-baked pizzas, baguettes, gluten-free options, flatbreads, and many more.
Address: 2200 Historic Hills Dr, Effingham, IL 62401, United States
7. Evergreen Mini Golf
Evergreen Mini Golf is an 18-hole full of adventure, and the miniature golf course is where players are surrounded by trees and jungle animals which present a pure experience.
They offer special packages and concessions, including hot dogs, hamburgers, nachos, and chips, making it a perfect addition to your list of top things to do in Effingham, IL.
Evergreen Mini Golf is one of Effingham, Illinois’s best places to play golf, and The golf course is a bit tricky but full of fun. It has a lot of obstacles, turns, and surprises in different places.
There is also a place for animals at Evergreen Mini Golf, animals such as goats, turkeys, chickens, and various other birds making it a top attraction.
Additionally, explore a whole new level of fun golf experience. The golf course is filled with magnificent features such as a giant tortoise, the statue of liberty, chainsaw-carved bears, and many more.
Address: 1202 N Maple St, Effingham, IL 62401, United States
8. MY Garage Museum & Retail Store
MY Garage Museum & Retail Store
If you’re a lover of old-fashioned vehicles, check out the MY Garage Museum & Retail Store, specializing in accessories and parts for air-cooled Volkswagen and Corvettes.
The MY Garage Museum & Retail Store boasts unique features such as housing thousands of pieces of memorabilia, a veritable feast for car lovers, and various automotive collectibles.
The collection is an accumulation of a unique array of collectibles ranging from concept vehicles, prototypes, racing vehicles, and other lovely automobiles pieces.
It includes a 3000-mile original 1954 model of the CERV 1, an open-wheel prototype restored to its proper condition through the masterwork of the world-renowned Corvette engineer Zora Arkus Duntov.
Additionally, it is possible to find memorabilia, artifacts, and relics stationed on-site, and it takes the form of a 1910 gas station that was re-established on the museum grounds.
Address: 454 Big Block Dr. Suite B, Effingham, IL 62401, United States
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9. Effingham Area Kluthe Memorial Pool
Effingham Area Kluthe Memorial Pool is one of the predominant structures erected in the ancient days.
The facility is a beautiful place and offers so much fun to its subscribers, making it one of the best fun things to do in Effingham, Illinois.
Having walked through the entire city, no other pool possesses the qualities of the Effingham Area Kluthe Memorial Pool.
The entire community enjoys this magnificent aquatic facility due to the presence of mushrooms structures, a water playground filled with fountains, boat slides, and many more.
Additionally, the Effingham Area Kluthe Memorial Pool offers visitors tubes to take into the pool for newcomers and old subscribers.
Address: 1200 N Maple St, Effingham, IL 62401, United States
10. Country Peddlers
Country Peddlers
Visit the Shop at Country Peddlers for the best crafts and antiques and have a great time looking and browsing over their well-arrayed wares.
The shop may look small from the outside, but it is a different story; the shop is spacious, well partitioned, with bright light everywhere, making your shopping experience excellent.
There are also some comfy items available for all, such as teapots, cookie jars, rugs, books, lamps, children’s toys, home fixtures, figurines, and many more.
At the Country Peddlers, you will discover a mix of old-fashioned modern decor and objects and a handful of beautiful treasures to decorate your room.
Additionally, the store has the capacity of reminding you of accessing a traditional open cottage and offers visitors that honey feeling.
Address: 1709 Avenue of Mid-America, Effingham, IL 62401, United States
11. Effingham Performance Center
Experience a fun time of entertainment at Effingham Performance Center, which has one of the functional and quality seats that guarantee an outstanding show.
The Effingham Performance Center has something spectacular for everyone, so check their well-arranged schedule. Sure, there will be something to suit your taste, making it an excellent option to add to your list of the fun things to do in Effingham, IL.
The center boasts unique shows every season with over 30 performances that vary in genres, including dance, comedy, rock, Christian, contemporary, country, and many more.
It offers visitors the opportunity to watch fun shows such as family shows, famous musicians, science presentations, classic plays, orchestras, church groups, puppetry, etc.
Additionally, the fun center is open to everyone, especially for family night and evening dates for lovers at the great art and entertainment platform
Address: 1325 Outer Belt W, Effingham, IL 62401, United States
12. Heartland Classics Cars
The Heartland Classics Cars are open to lovers of classic vehicles and interested individuals who desire to see how things work in the car industry.
The center has the task of repairing, coupling, and assembling new and old cars, a trip to the Heartland Classics Cars is one of the unique things to do in Effingham, IL.
The Heartland Classics Cars have a large showroom of about 30,000 square feet (9 km) with over 200 cars and motorcycles on display.
It is possible to view the showroom where the cars are arranged for buyers and interested individuals to see and choose from the lot.
Additionally, in the Heartland Classics Cars, you can also view the vintage classics in the museum, purchase any dream car, and rent cars when needed.
Address: 1901 W Evergreen Ave, Effingham, IL 62401, United States
13. Effingham County Cultural Center and Museum
Effingham County Cultural Center and Museum
Visiting the Effingham County Cultural Center and Museum helps interested individuals to gain knowledge about the history of the area since the principal aim of the center is to promote the preservation of the history of the town
The museum archives all kinds of stories, including those of the remnants of the war years, the veterans, photographs from early citizens, and life in the railroad days.
The beautiful complex preserves the country’s image from the early days of Effingham, Illinois, to present times with the records of landmark events that rocked the nation and all-around happenings.
The museum is also tasked with preserving the Historic Register structure, collecting artifacts from different counties, and eventually using them to educate the community members.
Additionally, the courthouse museum stands as a gift to the city due to the historical education it brings to the people and the exposure of arts and history to the whole world.
Address: 100 E Jefferson Ave, Effingham, IL 62401, United States
14. Frye Pottery Gallery
Take a trip to the Frye Pottery Gallery and enjoy the vibe from pottery work and other artwork for interested persons and young ones who have a passion for pottery.
The Frye Pottery Gallery is located at the center of the city. It sits comfortably in one of the beautiful areas of the city, which makes it one of the best fun attractions in Effingham, Illinois.
It offers younger and college students the opportunity to learn the art of pottery making for a nominal fee or even at an accessible rate or scholarships for excellent students.
The facility has been run by the lead artist, Tim, and Pam Frye, who gives instructions and teaches visitors how to get behind the potters’ wheel and mold lovely pieces of stuff.
The Frye Pottery Gallery has a fantastic gallery that stores world-class ceramic artworks and beautiful stonewares pieces.
Address: 19746 County Rd 1060 E, Shumway, IL 62461, United States
15. Effing Brew Company
Spend your day at the Effing Brew Company for quality handcrafted wines, beers, and more with your adult friends or colleagues.
The veteran-owned brewery is one of the well-known spots in the entire city of Effingham, Illinois, and offers one of the best brews with unique taste.
The brews are made of fresh and natural ingredients with their unique flavor, and it is always accessible to located items coming from the Effing Brew Company.
The Effing Brew Company also serves exceptional wines such as the brews renowned around the nation and the popular characteristic Illinoisian medicines.
Additionally, locating the brewery is very easy due to the Brite tank made of stainless steel at the premises, a high-end stainless steel Brew House and several barrel fermenters.
Address: 221 W Jefferson Ave, Effingham, IL 62401, United States
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16. Bliss Park
A day in the beautiful Bliss Park marks one of the best fun experiences around the city of Effingham, with lots of things to see and do.
The park offers a place for relaxation and no need to worry about the sunny day cause there is a shielded area for every guest to spend some time out.
Bliss Park, located on West Clark Avenue, is one of the city’s favorite spots for relaxation and leisure time for working-class citizens and interested persons.
The magnificent Bliss Park is an ideal hangout location for both family and friends. The center also allows visitors to lay on blankets and read their favorite books.
Additionally, the park is home to the Memorial Rose garden and boasts unique features such as basketball courts, a picnic, a large playground, and an eccentric pavilion.
This answers what to do in Effingham, for a fun time, do add to your bucket list of things to do in Effingham, IL.
Address: 201 W Clark Ave, Effingham, IL 62401, United States
17. The Sculptures on the Avenues
The Sculptures hung on the Avenues have turned the city of Effingham, Illinois, into a walkable outdoor art gallery with lots of beautiful sculptures to see.
Explore this walking tour starting from Effingham City Hall and passing through downtown Effingham with the beautiful artwork scattered over the street.
View about 30 sculptures or more with different characteristic art that you really can’t find anywhere around the States brought by famous artists of the Midwest.
There are also a lot of human figures, surreal installations, abstract shapes, gleaming outlines, prettily-rendered colors, transformed objects, and other art portrayed on the street for everyone to view.
Additionally, there is a total change of Sculptures on the Avenues on an annual basis, and they are meant to entice individuals coming around the streets.
Address: 198 E Jefferson Ave, Effingham, IL 62401, United States
18. Lake Sara
Lake Sara
Enjoy a fun picnic on the waterfront of Lake Sara featuring 800-acre recreational lake, one of the best places to spend the weekend and hang out with friends.
Engage in fun activities such as camping on the miles of the shoreline, paddle boarding, boating on the water, slalom skiing as you trail a powerboat, tubing, and many more.
At Lake Sara, visitors can also engage in fun fishing trips with friends, and on a lucky day, you may catch bluegill, channel catfish, bass, and even crappies that cluster in the lake.
Look out for swim spots around the beach area, spend time on the picnic tables to watch the moon on the water, and kids can also play around the pirate-themed playground.
Additionally, the center provides visitors with camping materials, and also there is a lot of restaurant by the store where anyone can get to enjoy a delicious meal.
Address: Routes 32-33 North Effingham, IL 62401
19. Ballard Nature Center
Ballard Nature Center
The Ballard Nature Center is located just 15 minutes drive away from Effingham, Illinois, the main town, and exposes visitors to nature’s beauty with proper education on the natural world.
It features many walking trails that pass across the characteristic Illinois ecosystems all through to the prairies, wetlands, woodlands, and the savannas.
There are also wild creatures around the wetlands for sightseeing, and you can walk around the woodland, spot different species of prairie, and learn about the fauna and Flora.
Kids can engage in fishing activities on the newly designed pond that is fabricated according to their size and relax with the family at the picnic pavilion.
Additionally, the Ballard Nature Center offers some quality education about the importance of natural communities and environmental settings.
Address: 5253 US-40, Altamont, IL 62411, United States
20. The Dr. Charles M. Wright House
Dr. Charles M. Wright House
The center is named after one of the best doctors in Effingham, Illinois, Charles M. Wright, who also manages the only bank in the city of Altamont.
Dr. Charles M. Wright House was established in 1889, and the mansion was designed in the Mansard pattern with decorations settings from the Italian style.
The structure has been open since 2003, and visitors can view the inside of the property, its innovations, furnishings, and arrangements, which are in an 1800s classical stylings.
Dr. Charles M. Wright owns everything around the mansion, including the ample space for events such as annual wine, music fundraising festivals, and many more.
Additionally, the Dr. Charles M. Wright House is open for everyone from 2 pm to 4 pm every Sunday, or special bookings and appointments.
Address: 3 W Jackson St, Altamont, IL 62411, United States
21. TREC Calico Trail
Visit the TREC Calico Trail and enjoy the best outdoor/recreational activities in the city of Effingham, Illinois, and it is just 30 miles of county-wide walking and biking trails.
The establishment was developed to educate the county on the importance of trails and also promotes an active recreational lifestyle for residents.
Though the trail is not long, it is a well-maintained trail where you can take a walk along the woods and in the rivers and view the beautiful scenes of nature.
The trail passes through the farms, pastures, prairies, fields, and across the rivers, and it is also possible to view the squirrels, deer, rabbits, and all kinds of birds on the trail.
Additionally, visitors can explore the nature trail, which is a spectacular place to go if you want to exercise yourself and escape the city’s busy environs.
Address: 1505 Hampton Dr, Effingham, IL 62401, United States
22. The Moccasin Creek Festival
Moccasin Creek Festival
Have fun at the Moccasin Creek Festival, which holds annually, and is a four-day celebration of arts, music, craftwork, and other handcrafted pottery.
The festival was founded by Bill Passalacqua, an Effingham local citizen who loves promoting, performing music, and writing articles.
Most of the shows performed at the Moccasin Creek Festival celebrate Americana culture and music, roots rock, a multi-day extravaganza of folk, alternative country music, and blues.
The area features a lot of camping grounds for visitors to reside after the festivals, cabins to rent, a beach and golf course within walking distance, and kayaks and canoes for rent.
Additionally, professional artists who stay around the festival venue and beyond display and sell theirs on the Moccasin Creek Festival ground. So do add to your list of things to do in Effingham, IL.
Address: 8724 E Marine Rd, Effingham, IL 62401, United States
23. Firefly Grill
Firefly Grill
The scenes at the Firefly Grill initiate an eco-friendly environment and a portable place to enjoy a delicious menu, which is formed from organic farm-to-table options.
The Firefly Grill facility is set on the shores of Lake Kristie, and most of the food is locally produced the grown on-site, and the rest is from forager and artisan farmers.
It offers visitors the opportunity to enjoy delicious seafood menus, which are regularly on display for everyone. It takes a lot of stress to source the foodstuffs during summer.
They emphasize the store’s sustainability, from the composition of the gardens to the way the steel frame of the building is recycled.
Additionally, you can sit down at the award-winning establishment and enjoy a delicious meal and taste the flavors of its wonderful daily dish.
Address: 1810 Avenue of Mid-America, Effingham, IL 62401, United States
24. Evergreen Hollow Park
You will find Evergreen Hollow Park in the northwest area of Effingham.
The Park’s amenities include one baseball diamond, two softball diamonds, two large pavilions, soccer fields, four tennis courts, and a tree walk.
The Kluthe Memorial Pool is on the west side of the park. This pool comprises a wide water slide, a children’s pool area, and a lap pool.
This 42-acre park also houses the Harmony Playground, a playground that children of all abilities can use.
Address:1110 Pelican St, Effingham, IL 62401, United States
25. La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Effingham
One place you can lodge when you visit Effingham is La Quinta Suites by Wyndham Effingham.
This pet-friendly hotel is encircled by restaurants and is close to stores and movie theaters at Village Square Mall.
The hotel offers stress-free access to local attractions, including Fore-way Golf Course, Effingham Performance Center, and The Cross at the Crossroads.
The hotel also provides free Wi-Fi, an indoor pool and gym, and free breakfast.
Their non-smoking guest rooms feature a flat-screen HDTV, mini-fridges, a desk coffee maker, ironing amenities, and a hair dryer.
Extra perks at La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Effingham include on-site laundry facilities and free parking.
Address: 1103 Avenue of Mid-America, Effingham, IL 62401, United States
26. Camp Lakewood Campground
One thing to do when vacationing in Effingham is to camp at Camp Lakewood Campground
Visit Camp Lakewood and enjoy the beautiful views of Lake Pauline and all the comfort it offers.
Camp Lakewood is an RV Campground on the shores of Lake Pauline, which serves as an ideal spot to canoe, kayak, and fish. The site has amenities like 30/50 AMP hookups, cable, and Wi-Fi.
They also have a fire pit, picnic tables, and furnished two bedrooms and a cottage. The cabin can accommodate five people, and it includes cable TV.
For those that prefer to be closer to nature, they are tent sites available. You can also stop by their lounge to enjoy the video game, food, beverages, pool, and darts.
Their camp store has groceries, canoe rentals, row boats, souvenirs, and camping and fishing supplies.
Children can enjoy an on-site playground and recreational fields that face the lake. A community grill is also available for everyone to use.
Camp Lakewood also provides a dump station for all waste disposals.
Address: 1217 W Rickelman Ave, Effingham, IL 62401, United States
Have more time in Illinois, do not miss exploring the top attractions and things to do in Aurora, things to do in Rockford, and things to do in Oak Park.
Start Planning Your Trip to Effingham
Exploring Effingham, Illinois, is one of the fun adventures to take, it will sure bring a fun experience for your vacation.
This destination is an ideal spot for visitors who want to view the many picturesque areas this city has to offer.
This list of fun things to do in Effingham, Illinois, covers the top places to visit in Effingham, IL.
Happy Travels!