Travelers from all over the world appreciate Saunemin's attractions because of the surprisingly deep history hidden between endless corn fields and the quiet noise of the Vermilion River. I remember driving for the first time in Saunemin Township, founded in 1850 – a short trip from Interstate 55, followed by a leisurely ride on US‐24 that brought me directly into the heart of Livingston County. There, where once a small railway junction formed the backbone of the municipality, one still feels the echo of the pioneers that the country in the 19th century. The century made it pristine.
The city itself is barely more than a few rows of historical houses, but this is what makes the charm: I have seen the old town hall, which today serves as a community centre, and cannot deny that the creeping wooden door looks a bit too romantic – no joke, that is almost an Instagram motto. If you cross the small train station, you can see that the trains here are hardly more than a nostalgic flirt with modernity.
A short trip with the local bus (the line that runs from Pontiac to Streator) brings you to the only café that still serves real homemade cakes – a place where I get my daily dose of sugar and a bit of small talk with the locals. And while I sit here, it seems to me that the Saunemin sights not only consist of buildings, but of the stories that everyone told here, and of the quiet pride that the inhabitants have for their little piece Illinois.
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The first stop of my little Odyssey was Pontiac Lake State, an 800 hectare green piece, which extends only about 15 minutes south of Saunemin. I rented an old, crunchy kayak there – no luxury, but enough to test the mirror-smooth water surface. The car park is surprisingly generous, as long as you don't arrive at the weekend between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., then parking becomes a small patience test. The lake itself is a magnet for anglers, and I have heard more than once the quiet plunders of trout that hide in the underwood.
A short trip to Pontiac leads directly to Livingston County Historical Society Museum. The building is a lovingly restored mansion from the 1880s, which has more stories to tell than an average guide can accommodate in one sentence. I found an old diary written by a farmer from the area in 1902 – a real look behind the scenes of rural life. Parking is practically right in front of the main entrance, and the museum is just a few steps from the historic courthouse, so you can do both in a cozy walk.
The Livingston County Courthouse itself is an impressive example of Victorian architecture, which is proudly over the main road of Pontiac. I've gone a little there, because the interiors are a maze of marble columns and high ceilings that entice every visitor to make a selfie – not because it's particularly photogenic, but because you just have to feel like being part of a long past era. Parking is usually easy, except when the County Fairgrounds event takes place; then you have to avoid a few blocks.
A little further north, almost halfway between Saunemin and the small town of Union, lies this Illinois Railway Museum. Over 400 historic locomotives and wagons meet here, and I've been busy admiring the old steam locomotives for almost half a day, which still occasionally run out to short test drives. The museum offers a huge parking lot, which is not full even on sunny Saturdays – a rare comfort in this area. Admission is free if you want to see only the outdoor facilities, but the interior requires a small ticket that is more than worthwhile for the conquered history of American rail transport.
For nature lovers Kaskaskia River State Fish and Wildlife Area an underestimated jewel located about 30 miles southwest of Saunemin. I spent a few hours exploring the paths that lead through dense beech forests and ending at a small, clear stream that is perfect for fishing. The area is not overrun, and parking is free at the main entrances as long as you do not arrive with a camper – then it can become narrow. The animal world is surprisingly diverse; I even saw a red fox in the dawn, which made the whole thing a little adventure.
Back in the city of Pontiac there is the Pontiac Downtown Historic District, a charming ensemble of old brick buildings, which today serve as cafés, boutiques and galleries. I discovered a small, family-run café that serves the best apple cake in the region – no joke, that is really a highlight. Parking is a bit tricky here because the roads have limited parking spaces, but a short walk from one of the public parking spaces is enough to explore the area.
Another highlight for active travellers is the Kaskaskia River Trail, a 12-kilometre long cycle and hiking trail that runs along the river and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding prairie. I tried the trail on a cool autumn morning; the route is well marked, and parking at the starting point is usually easy as long as you do not arrive at the main traffic time. The path is not particularly demanding, but the quiet atmosphere makes you almost forget that you are in a rather rural area.
Those looking for something special will find a colourful mix of nature, history and local culture around Saunemin – from quiet lakes to old railway museums to charming city centers. These Saunemin Attractions show that the heart of Illinois has more to offer than endless fields, and they invite any curious traveller to experience a piece of real midwestern authenticity.
This guide invites you to stroll through the sleepy heart of Saunemin, where the only thing that rotates faster than the grain in the wind is the old steam locomotive in the museum.
I start with the Saunemin Public Librarybecause I spent more time there than I want to admit – between dusty shelves and the smell of old paper I have the feeling that the city hid its soul here. The building is a small, white painted piece of jewelry from the 1930s, which is proudly pushing on Main Street. Parking is usually easy, except on Saturday night, there will be a real problem because then the senior round organizes the weekly bingo and takes all the free seats. I once tried to find a book about local history, and was directed by a friendly librarian with a smile and a hint to the actual museum – a classic “here there’s more” moment.
Go on Saunemin Historical Society Museum, which is actually a reworked school house that knows more stories than most people. The exhibition is a patch carpet of old maps, photos of horse carriages and a sticky wooden chair, on which the first mayor was supposed to sit. I don't quite understand the hype about the “authentic” flair, but the sounding sound when moving the chair has something almost meditative charm – at least if you're not just going over by a loud tractor. The museum has a small parking lot behind the building; a sign warns of “limited parking facilities”, which is almost a promise in Saunemin.
If you have enough of dusty relics, the path leads to Saunemin Community Park. The lawn is not just a golf course, but the old oaks donate enough shade to survive a picnic that you can only see in Instagram filters. I once experienced a spontaneous jazz pickup with a few teenagers who pulled their guitar out of the trunk of an old pickup – no joke, that was better than any planned concert series. The playground is a bit rusty, but this keeps the children (and the parents) from staying too long, which I could personally call “natural visitor limitation”.
An absolute must for those who want to taste the industrial heritage of the region is the Saunemin Grain Elevator. This massive wooden and steel structure projects like a sleeping giant over the fields and reminds us that more grain has been processed here earlier than in some of a big city. I once met a local farmer who told me that the recharging of cereals is still “in an old way” – that is, with a lot of muscle and more patience. The site is not officially open to visitors, but a short walk around the foundation gives enough photo material for the Instagram feed as long as you respect the warning signs.
A little off the mainstream lies Saunemin Fire Departmentwhich is housed in a former fire station. There are old firefighters, rusty hose reels and a few photos of brave men who were in the 19th century. Century more fire has been extinguished than we see today in Netflix series. I met a former firefighter there, who told me that the “Rauschen” of the sirens still echoes in his dreams – a bit dramatic, but somehow suitable for a place that has more stories than an average novel. Parking is right in front of the door, and the sign “Only for use vehicles” is more of a joke, because most visitors simply leave where they can.
For those who prefer to taste something fresh and local, the Saunemin Farmers Market on the first Saturday a month a small but fine treat. Here there are homemade jams, fresh vegetables and one or the other stand that sells handmade ceramics – all at prices that you can hardly believe when considering that the money here disappears almost exclusively in the local bank. I once met a landowner who told me that he has been here every Saturday since 1998 and that he “holds the city running” what I took with a light eye role, but also with respect for his stubbornness.
A short detour to Saunemin Railroad Depot completes the picture. The old railway station building is barely more than a brick skeleton, but the rails that still run through the village give you the feeling that somewhere a train still runs through the prairie. I found an old photo that shows a train from the 1920s and had to sneak because the same locomotive today serves as a decoration in the local diner – a bit cheesy, but somehow suitable for Saunemin.
Last but not least, a short notice Saunemin Attractions in general: Most places are easy to find because the village is barely larger than a large parking lot, and the locals like to provide information as long as you do not ask too loud. So, if you drive the next time through the Middle West and feel that you want to “live something” somewhere, just stop by Saunemin – you won’t be disappointed unless you expect a 5 star resort, you’ll have to go on a bit.
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