What makes Parkersburg sights so special is the unique mix of small town charms and a story that is quietly built on every street corner while trying not to be distracted too much by modern everyday life. I remember driving over the old railroad for the first time, which once formed the backbone of the city, and immediately got the feeling that more than just corn fields and corn fields can be found here. The city was founded in 1835 by pioneers who claimed the fertile land of Madison Township in the heart of Richland County – a piece of Illinois frontier, which is still proud of today.
If you take the I-55 north from St. Louis and then turn off Highway 140, you reach Parkersburg after about an hour and half a piece, without the usual crowd. I've tried the small bus network – a short service, but it's enough to reach the city centre if you prefer to stop the car. People here are a mix of ground-based farmers and a few newcomers who appreciate the calm rhythm. I don’t understand the hype about the “small city with a big heart” completely, but the honest hospitality, the occasional smile at the bakery and the quiet sum of the old mill on the river – this is the real highlight for me that Parkersburg is sights.
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The first stop of my little Odyssey was Richland County Historical Museum in Olken, just a quarter of an hour from Parkersburg. The building itself looks like a relic from the time when the railway was still the backbone of the region, and the exhibitions – from ancient land machines to handwritten journals of pioneers – have a peculiar charm that I rarely find in modern museums. I discovered a dusty coffee cup there, who was supposed to be a former mayor; that was not a real treasure, but a nice discussion topic for the locals who like to swarm over their ancestors. Parking is usually a Klacks at the museum as long as you don't come on Saturday night, then the small parking lot becomes suddenly a battlefield.
A short detour to the south leads to Kaskaskia River State Fish & Wildlife Area. Here there are more water than in most other parts of Richland, and this is a real blessing for anglers and nature lovers. For the first time, I caught a cash that was almost as big as my towel – no joke, the part of the river is a real hotspot for sport fishing. The trails are well marked, but the signs are sometimes somewhat too minimalistic, so better take a map from the visitor center. Parking is generous, but there are often a few additional campers on the weekends that disturb the quiet ambience a little.
Back in Olken, but this time not in the museum, but in the Olken Carnegie Library. The building is an architectural jewel from the early 1900s, and the high ceilings give the place an almost sacral atmosphere. I accidentally found an old photo album that shows the city in 1920 – a fascinating look at how little some of the street trains have actually changed. The library is accessible free of charge, and the staff is always ready to show you the way to the local archives. A little hint: Wi-Fi is a bit shaky, so better take a book if you don't get on-line.
Another highlight is the annual spectacle on the Richland County Fairgrounds. I spent the first time in the summer of 2019 there, and the mix of rags, cattle shows and local crafts stands is a real piece of midwestern charm. The Fairgrounds are located just outside Olken, but the approach is uncomplicated over County Road 12, and parking is virtually unlimited – as long as you don't try to fill the entire terrain with your own car, then it becomes narrow. Especially recommended is the honey and jam festival, which takes place every year in September; there are products that you can only find in your own garden.
For those who prefer walking or cycling, the Cedar Creek Trail a real secret tip. The path stretches through gentle hills, past old barns and small streams, which are particularly picturesque in spring. I once experienced a sunrise that dipped the water in the brook into a liquid gold – an image that I still have in my head. The trail is well maintained, but in some places there are loose stones, so solid footwear is advisable. There are several small parking spaces along the way, which are usually free, except for weekends when local groups occupy the field.
A short detour to Old Courthouse in Olken is also worth it. The red brick building is not only an architectural highlight, but also houses a small museum that documents the history of the jurisdiction of the region. I found an old judge's robe that still had the smell of old leather – a small but impressive insight into the past. Parking is possible directly in front of the building, but there are only a few places, so better to come early if you don't want to park in the circle.
Last but not least Richland County Veterans Memorialthat is a little off the main road. The monument is simple but impressive, engraved with the names of the fallen from both world wars. I watched a small memorial where a veteran from the 1940s gave a speech – a moving moment that made the connection between past and present felt. The terrain is freely accessible, and parking is usually easy on the edge of the park.
Next time you drive through the rural Illinois, you should take the time to explore the surroundings of Parkersburg – from museums to natural areas to historical monuments there is more to discover than you would suspect at first sight. The mix of authentic charm and occasional zigzagness of the infrastructure makes each station a small adventure. And yes, all that belongs to the Parkersburg AttractionsI can recommend to anyone looking for a little change from the highway.
This guide invites you to make with me a small but surprisingly self-contained stroll through Parkersburg, Madison Township, Illinois – yes, just the tiny village you would easily overlook if you don’t happen to drive along Highway 3 and suddenly discover a sign with “Welcome to Parkersburg”.
I prefer to start with the place I personally appreciate most: Parkersburg Public Library. The building is an inconspicuous brick box on Main Street, but inside there is a cozy reading chair, an old wooden writing table and shelves that breathe more history than some large city library. I once borrowed a book about local folklore and spent almost the whole afternoon rolling old newspaper copies – no joke, that was almost like a mini archive. Parking is almost always a Klacks, as long as you don't come on Saturday night, then the small car park will quickly become a battlefield.
Only a few destinations surprise their visitors with a place where you can feel the real everyday life, and this is undoubtedly the Parkersburg Community Park. The park is located a few blocks south of the library, an open field with a small playground, a basketball basket and a tiny lake where ducks paddle in front of themselves. I once organized a picnic with friends, and while we were fighting over the latest Netflix series, an older gentleman came by with a homemade apple cake – that was the highlight, not the view, which is more average.
If you look for a bit of spirituality (or just a good photo motif), the path leads to St. Mary's Catholic Church. The church is a classic brick building from the early 20th. Century, with colorful glass windows that break the light in an almost tacky but charming pattern. I don't always understand the hype about church architecture, but here the organ game on a Sunday morning actually has something calming that almost made me forget that I was actually just in the municipal house because of the cake buffet.
A short detour leads to Parkersburg Historical Society Museumhidden in a converted old shop. There are old maps, agricultural tools and a few dusty photos of founding families. I found an old diary that was written by a young man from the 1890s – a real reading pleasure if you are interested in the hard reality of that life. The museum is small, but it just makes it authentic; no excessive marketing, just honest history.
Another slightly overlooked jewel is the former Old Schoolhouse, which today serves as a community centre. The building has the typical red brick façade and a large window that lets the light in in the morning as if it wanted to wake the students again. I visited a local art workshop where we restored old wooden chairs – a bit dirty, but the result was a real eye-catcher for the next village festival.
For those who like a little morbid romance, there is the Parkersburg Cemetery on the edge of the city, along County Road 5. The tombstones tell stories about pioneers, war veterans and a few scrupulous personalities who have found their last rest here. I took a walk there to enjoy the silence, discovering an old, artfully carved gravestone, which is supposed to be one of the founders of the city – a perfect place for a thoughtful photo if you don't think too much about horror.
And because you can not only visit museums and churches in a small place, you must not forget the culinary highlight: Miller’s Diner on South Main Street. The diner is a classic 50-year-old piece with neon lights, which shine almost cheesy at night. I tried the best milkshake in the region there – honestly, that was better than anything I found in the big cities. Staff know you when you come more often, and this is a small luxury that you rarely get in the metropolises.
So, if you drive through Illinois the next time and wonder if there is a place that has more to offer than just endless fields, then think of Parkersburg. The Parkersburg Attractions may be small, but they have character – and that is something you don't find in every guide.
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