Visit Vermilion Edgar Illinois and the surrounding area to see the top sights. Discover the Natural Park "Starved Rock State Park" in Vermilion, Illinois. Top experiences in the heart of the American Central Country!
Honestly, if you ask me, what you hear about Vermilion, Stratton Township and the tiny town of Edgar is usually just a dry rumor from history books – until you land there yourself. The area was founded in 1825 as part of the development of Vermilion County, and the old railway network, which once formed the backbone of the region, still has a few rusty thresholds in the field that remind me of the “Golden Times” every time, although I cannot fully understand the entire hype around the railway. I came by car over the US-150 because the bus here is rather a myth, and that was the first adventure: a short stop at a field road that sees more tractors than tourists, but that gives the place its charm. When you arrive in Edgar, you will find that the heart of the city is an old brick cellar that today serves as a community center – no joke, here the locals meet to talk about the harvest and occasionally hear a few local bands. And yes, I don’t always understand the hype about “Vermilion Sights”, but the small, almost overlooked places like the historic cemetery on the edge of the township have more soul for me than any overflowing museum. So, grab some snacks, drive along the country roads and let yourself be surprised by the mix of history, rustic landscape and a pinch of local irony.
I have to admit that I chose the first stop in Vermilion, Stratton Township, not because of some glittering skyline – this is simply not – but because the old Vermilion Community Center in the converted school building a bit like a secret club that only locals really appreciate. I came past a lukewarm Tuesday, parking was a Klack (only a few cars that were pushing around the corner) and was immediately greeted by a group of seniors who spoke loudly about the latest Netflix series at Bingo. That was the first sign for me: Here, history is not lived in dusty exhibits, but in conversations about the treses.
A short walk down the main road leads you to Vermilion River Trail. The river swells here through a piece of unspoiled nature, and although the paths are not exactly considered “Instagram Wonderland”, the noise of the water has something calming that I urgently need after a day in the city. I watched a squirrel that courageously stole a piece of bread from a passing cyclist – a small but fine moment that shows that life here is still a bit wild. Parking is usually easy, except on Saturday night, there is a real problem because then the local angler meeting takes place and everyone tries to get a place on the shore.
If you ask yourself if there's anything in Vermilion that's not just concrete and asphalt, then you'll take a look at the old grain silo at Highway-130. This massive, rusty monument is a relic from the 1950s and today serves as a popular photo stop for Instagram users looking for “rustic vibes”. I once made a photoshoot with my friend, and while we were fighting over the best angle, an older gentleman came by, who told us that the silo was the heart of the community earlier – that was a short but impressive historical material that immediately filled the picture with depth.
Another highlight I can hardly overlook is that Vermilion County Library Branch. Yeah, that doesn't sound like adventure, but the library is a real jewel for travelers looking for a little rest. The shelves are full of local history books, and the staff knows each resident by name. I found an old city planning document there that showed the original division of the village – a real treasure for Nerds like me. And the best thing: Wi-Fi works, so you can turn your newly gained insights into a blog post right away.
A short detour leads you to Vermilion County Fairgrounds, which is technically located in Danville, but only a few minutes away by car and is referred to by the locals as “our second living room”. Every year, the big harvest festival takes place, and I was lucky to be there on a Saturday in September – the food was better than any food truck I've ever tried, and the carousels have reminded me of my childhood, although I'm over 30. Parking is a patience sample here, but this is part of the charm, right?
If you're looking for a place where you can feel like a real insider, you'll have to Vermilion River State Fish and Wildlife Area visit. This is one of the few places where you can combine both fishing and bird watching, and all without crowds. I once saw a rare ice bird there while I tried to catch a pike – a moment that showed me that nature is still undisturbed here. Access is free, and parking is usually a walk as long as you do not come to the high season.
I would like to finish Vermilion Fire Department Museum mentioning that is housed in a converted fire station. The museum is small, but the old fire trucks that are exhibited there have a certain charm that reminds you of the good old times when everyone in the village held a bit more together. I found an old firefighter helmet there, which I now hang at home as a souvenir. And yes, parking is always a children's game here, because the terrain is hardly used, except when the fire brigade is in use – then you get at least a real live experience.
All this together Vermilion Attractions to a collection of small but fine experiences that you do not find in every guide. I could now go further, but honestly, the real pleasure lies in strolling through the streets, chatting with the locals and discovering that the inconspicuous here can be the greatest adventure.
The first stop is the Kickapoo State Recreation Area, a huge forest piece that stretches like an ungrounded diamond over the hills of Vermilion County. I once spent a weekend there because I thought a bit of tents would calm my soul – and that did it until a curious raccoon stole my marshmallows. The lake is surprisingly clear, ideal for fishing, and the network of hiking trails makes you almost forget that you have actually only planned a short trip from Edgar. Parking is usually a Klacks, except on long holidays, as the vans stack like ant piles.
A few miles further lies the Vermilion River State Park, where the water of the river of the same name is gently sloping through the forests. I don't quite understand the hype about canoeing here – I'm rather the guy who sits on the shore and sneaks a beer – but the quiet paddle at sunset convinced me. The trails are well marked, and the visitor center offers a small exhibition about the local history that I have completely overlooked during the first visit because I was too busy finding the perfect photo scenery.
If you prefer to travel on two wheels, the Constitution Trail will take you through a mosaic of field roads, old railroad tracks and small villages. I straightened the route from Danville to Catlin, learning more about the agricultural soul of the region than I could find in every guide. Most sections are asphalted, so you don't have to stumble constantly over percussion holes, and the resting places are equipped with benches and drinking water – a real blessing when you're thirsty after an hour pedaling.
A short detour leads you to the Busey Woods, a 200 hectare forest area cultivated by the Vermilion County Conservation District. There are not only well-designed hiking trails here, but also a small nature centre that I discovered during a spontaneous visit when I was looking for a place to stretch my tired legs. The trees there almost seem majestic, and the quiet rustling of the leaves is the loudest sound you will hear – a welcome contrast to the constant noise of the cars on the nearby I‐74.
For those who love the flair of past times, the Danville Prairie Trail is a must. The 7-mile-long path follows a closed railway line and stretches through open prerias that have dipped into a sea of gold in summer. I made a picnic there once, while a tractor is crying in the distance – an image that keeps me smiling in my face. The path is easy to travel, and the occasional sign points to historical points that you would otherwise overlook.
A little further north, almost on the edge of the state, lies the Illinois Railway Museum in Union. This is not some museum, but the largest railway museum in the USA, and I spent more hours there than I would like to admit. The old steam locomotives rolling majestic over the tracks make the heart of every nostalgic beat higher. The terrain is huge, so plan enough time, otherwise you will miss the demonstrations that take place only at certain times. Parking is free at the main entrance, but the visitor numbers increase quickly when a special train is announced.
Last but not least, the Danville Community College Arboretum is mentioned, a hidden gem that hardly anyone finds in the usual guides. I ran there randomly because I was looking for a quiet place for a few sketches, and was surprised by a collection of rare trees that are full of splendour all year round. There are no cafés, but the silence is almost sacred, and that is exactly what you need after a day full of activities.
Whether you are looking for a remote lake, a quiet hike, a historic railway or an endless cycle path – the surroundings of Vermilion, Stratton Township, Edgar, Illinois have something to offer for every taste. My personal favorite places show that the region has more to offer than one would suspect at first glance. And that's exactly what makes Vermilion Attractions to an underestimated treasure for those who appreciate the authentic and a little unconventional.
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