Lawrenceville Lawrence Illinois - Top Sights 

• Lawrenceville Sights – A ride through Lawrence Township in the heart of Lawrence County
• Lawrenceville Sights & Attractions
• - a perfect place to feel stuck in a time machine that only knows the sound of squeaking wooden floors
• - Lawrenceville Attractions

Lawrenceville Sights – A ride through Lawrence Township in the heart of Lawrence County

For centuries, Lawrenceville has attracted landmarks to people who love the flair of small midwestern towns, although the city was founded in 1829 and is hardly a century old. I have to admit that I sometimes find the whole “historical charm” a bit overrated, but the fact that Lawrenceville is the County Seeat of Lawrence County gives her a certain weight. Lawrence Township surrounds the city like a cozy, slightly slept suburb, and you can feel it immediately when you take off the I‐57 and see the signs “Welcome to Lawrenceville” slide across the asphalt – a short stop to catch the air before you continue towards St. Louis.

I remember strolling through the old main road for the first time and crumbling under my feet; This reminds me of the early settlers who built their dreams of wood and bricks here. People here are friendly, but not exaggerated – a short chat at the petrol station is usually enough to sniff the local flair. When you arrive by train, get off at the small station that offers more charm than service, and then run a few blocks to the center where the true heart of Lawrenceville pulsates. And yes, the “Lawrenceville Sights” are not only museums, but the whole feeling of life that floats between the old brick buildings and the wide fields of the county.

Lawrenceville Sights & Attractions

Only a few destinations surprise their visitors with a hint of dusty Grandeur, and Lawrenceville is no exception – the old Lawrence County Courthouse, a stone relic from 1855, dominates the cityscape like a murrian colonel who never puts his tie. I stood there for the first time, while a light wind swept the flags on the tower, and thought: a perfect place to feel stuck in a time machine that only knows the sound of squeaking wooden floors. Parking is usually a children's game as long as you don't come on Friday night after the local pub quiz – then parking becomes a small adventure.

A short walk down the main road leads you to the Lawrence County Historical Museum, which is hidden in the former courthouse. Here collect Lawrenceville Attractions a little history, from old maps to dusty tractors, which once processed the fields around the city. I have to admit, I don't understand the hype around the old typewriter in the shop window, but the next hanging original copy of a 1900-year postcar is really fascinating. The museum is free, and the staff is so friendly that they almost give you the feeling that you are a distant relative who finally comes home.

If you are in town in the summer, you must not miss the Lawrence County Fairgrounds – this is the epicentre of everything that is considered a “big event”. I once saw the annual County Fair there, and between sugar cane, rumble games and a somewhat loud tractor showdown I felt like in a retro movie from the 70s. The stands are easy to find because they are all grouped around the central tent; a little hint: the best popcorn is at the stand behind the giant wheel, where the sellers always scream a bit too loud about their prices.

A place I like to underestimate is the Lawrenceville Public Library. It is not only a place to read, but also a social hub where the locals meet to book clubs and occasional karaoke evenings. I once borrowed a book about the history of the railway in Illinois and spent almost the whole afternoon with a retired locomotive leader who told me about the “good old times” when trains were still on time. Parking behind the building is usually free as long as you don't have a special program there on the first Saturday of the month – then there are a few cars that block the entrance.

A short detour to St. Mary’s Catholic Church is worthwhile if you have a beacon for Gothic architecture. The church of 19th Century has an impressive stained glass window that dips into a kaleidoscopic color play at sunset. I was there for a wedding, and while the bride was crying, I thought that the whole thing was a bit too cheesy – until I heard the organ game that was so loud that the whole community (and I) had the feeling that the roof could take off any moment.

For a little fresh air, a walk through the Lawrenceville City Park is recommended. The park is small, but well maintained, with a small lake where ducks are swimming, which seem to know more about life than most tourists. I made a picnic with a friend there, and we made fun of the fact that the sign “Please don’t leave a garbage” was rewritten by a bored teenager in another font. Parking is available on the edge, and this is practical because you do not stumble through the labyrinth of bushes.

Last but not least, a short stop at Lawrence County Veterans Memorial, located in a quiet corner of the city. The stone names of the fallen are a silent witness of history, and I once met a veteran who told me that he was on 11 every year. November comes here to enjoy the silence. This is perhaps the only time I was really quiet in Lawrenceville – and that was almost scary because I usually feel that something is always going on here.