What makes Sullivan sights so special is the unique mix of dusty history and surprisingly lively present that makes me feel a little bit at the first step through the main road. The city was founded in 1845, named after the politician John Sullivan, and has survived more than a few slices of corn fields since then – a real piece of Illinois heritage, which is not found in every guide.
When I leave the I‐57 by car and turn to the US‐24, you can immediately feel that not only fields, but also stories grow here. The old County Court, which was opened in 1868, still stands as a reminder for the honest, though sometimes merciful, mentality of the inhabitants. I don't understand the hype about the annual County Fair, but the popcorn and the shrill rides are a real cultural shock for someone who otherwise only visits silent libraries. The local library, a rebuilt warehouse, is my favorite place to shut down – here history meets modern technology, and that without much lifting. If you have a little time after a short stop in Moultrie County, you can walk along the small but fine “Sullivan Sights” path where old barns, a restored railway signal and a few friendly faces round off the picture. And yes, the bus to Decatur only runs twice a day, so better park the car and enjoy the road.
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The first stop of my little Odyssey was the Kaskaskia River State Fish and Wildlife Area, a piece of wilderness, which lies south of Sullivan like a forgotten green leaf into the flat landscape. I caught some carp there on a hot July afternoon – not because I am a fishing professional, but because the water was so clear that you could almost count the fish, while the sun was flickering over the trees. Parking is almost always a Klack, as long as you do not arrive at the weekend with the whole hunting company; then the field full of picnic blankets becomes quickly the battlefield around the last free places.
A short detour to the north leads to the Moultrie County Forest Preserve, a forest piece that offers more than just a few hiking trails. I discovered a narrow path that leads to a small viewpoint from which you can see the wide field to the silhouette of the wind turbines in the background – an image that would be almost too cheesy for my ironic veins if it were not so authentic. The paths are well marked, and parking is free at the edge of the entrance, which is a real blessing for spontaneous photo tours.
Continue to the Moultrie County Wind Farm, one of the largest wind farms in the middle west. I must admit, I was skeptical if huge, squeaking towers really have something to offer, but the view from the small visitor platform is surprisingly soothing. You stand there, hear the quiet surre of the rotor blades and feel like being part of a futuristic landscape that is still surrounded by corn fields. Access is free, and parking is virtually right next to the platform – a short walk that is worthwhile if you want to collect a little “green” pride.
A little further west, almost on the border to Shelby County, is Lake Shelbyville. I spent a weekend there because I thought a lake was always a safe haven for relaxation. The lake is really huge, the water is clear and boating is a real highlight – especially when you visit the small fishing village Oconee on the shore, which has more charm than most tourist traps. Parking on the main dock is usually easy, except for the hot summer days when the families with their caravans flood the shore.
A short detour to the east leads to the historical site complex of Danvers, where the old Moultrie County Jail is still standing, a stone relic from the 1880s. I made a guided tour there with a local historian who told more about the scrupulous stories of the prisoners than I had ever expected – especially the anecdote of a chicken theft that caused the whole village to revolt. The terrain is freely accessible, and parking is a simple gravel path that offers enough space for a few cars.
At the end of my small tour, I must not leave the Moultrie County Fairgrounds, which is technically located in the city area, but mutates from each County Fair to its own small universe. I was there during the annual harvest festival, where I lost myself between sugar cane and local artisan stands, stating that people here have a real sense of community – despite the occasional crowded parking spaces, which on Friday afternoons become almost a small traffic chaos.
So, the next time you drive over the heart of Illinois and look for something that is off the beaten path, the goals described here are just right. They offer a mix of nature, history and a bit of local peculiarity that you do not find in any guide. And yes, the word Sullivan Attractions may not appear in any blog, but after my tour I know that these places are the true heart of the region.
Whether adventurers, connoisseurs or culture lovers – in Sullivan everyone finds something that makes his heart beat faster, and my personal favorite is the imposing Moultrie County Courthouse, which runs in the middle of the city like a stone monument to the good old bureaucracy. I stood there for the first time, while a rain crawled out of the distance, and the massive brick building almost seemed like a film set from the 1900s – no joke, the dome is really an eye-catcher. Parking is usually easy as long as you don't come straight on Friday night after the county meeting, then the small parking area will quickly become a battlefield.
A few blocks further lies the Sullivan Public Library, a real jewel for everyone who loves books and at the same time like sitting in a building that looks like a Victorian architect drank too much coffee. I spent a few hours there because I thought I could still read a book – instead I was introduced by a group of seniors into the history of local agriculture, which was surprisingly charming. The library has free Wi-Fi, so you can also uninterruptedly plan the next Instagram post while wondering about the dusty shelves.
If you have enough of dusty shelves, the path inevitably leads to Main Street, where the small shops and cafes radiate a bit from the “small town charm” that you always try to find in guides. I drank a cappuccino in the “Bean & Bun” that was almost too good to be true – strong enough to keep me awake for the rest of the day, and the staff even offered me a piece of cake “gratis” because I look “a real explorer”. Parking here is a bit of a gamble: a few free places right in front of the store, but usually you have to park a few blocks further and walk the way.
A short walk leads to the Sullivan City Park, where a small pond and a few old benches wait to sort his thoughts. I made a picnic there once, while a duck-headed ruddle infused me curiously – no drama, just a bit of quak. The park is ideal if you want to catch some fresh air after a long day; the playground area is small, but the children there seem to love it, and that means for me as adults that I finally find a little rest. A little note: the car park next to the park is only full on weekends, so if you plan a quiet afternoon, this is a good spot.
For those who do not yet know the word “Festival” there are the Moultrie County Fairgrounds, where every year the whole town comes together to evaluate cattle, drive carousels and drink one or other beer. Here you can find the real Sullivan Attractions because the whole village comes together here – from the local high school march chapel to the annual BBQ competition, where last year I accidentally tried the furthest chili and almost called the fire department. Parking is a children's game because the terrain is huge, but be warned: the parking signs are sometimes confusing, so just follow the crowds.
Another hidden gem is the old Sullivan Train Depot, which today serves as a mini-museum and preserves a bit of the glorious railway history of the region. I discovered an old model of a steam locomotive that was so in love with detail that I was almost trying to buy it – unfortunately, that is not allowed. The depot is located directly on the main road, so parking is practically always possible, and the building itself is a good photo motif if you want to capture the nostalgic vibe.
Last but not least, the Sullivan Community Center is almost the social heart of the city. Here, art exhibitions, dance evenings and the annual “Koch-und-Kunst-Festival” take place regularly, where I once accidentally landed in a yoga course, because I confused the door. The center has a small parking lot behind the building, which is usually free, and the atmosphere is so loose that you feel like a local immediately – at least until you realize that most of the conversations are about the weather and the harvest.
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