Visit Sidell Vermilion Illinois and the surrounding area to see the top sights. Discover the American culture in Sidell, Illinois! Experience the traditional festival "Sidell Apple Festival" and enjoy the sweetest apple pickles. Stroll through the countryside or visit the Lochsa Lake for an unforgettable outdoor experience.
Honestly, if you think Sidell is just another slept town in the Middle West, then you haven't heard the history of this place yet. Founded in 1867, named after the railway pionist John Sidell, the village grew around the railway line, which today is still a silent witness of the founding period through the Sidell Township. The place is located in the heart of Vermilion County, where the fields range so far that you almost wonder if the border to the neighborhood exists at all.
I usually get by car over US‐150 because the bus to Danville hardly drives more than a tired cat after a nap. As soon as you drive along the dusty road, you can feel the typical flair: a mix of old barns that tell more stories than some museums, and a small main street kiosk that serves the best coffee far and wide – no joke, this is almost a local cult.
As far as the Sidell sights are concerned, I must admit that I cannot fully understand the hype around the old town hall, but the nearby St. John's church with its hand carved wooden bench is a real secret tip. And if you happen to land on the annual harvest, then you have experienced the true heart of this township – a bit loud laugh, a bit of dust and a lot of pride on what has grown here for over 150 years.
I have to admit right at the beginning that I would never have thought that a tiny spot of land like Sidell has anything to offer – until I have the old, cracking wooden staircase of the Pagell Public Library a. There, between shelves that seem to carry more dust than books, you will find a small but fine collection of local history books that you can't see anywhere else. Parking is usually a Klacks, as long as you don't look past the weekly Bingo on Friday night, then parking becomes a little adventure.
A short walk further (I mean, a few blocks, not the whole marathon) leads you to Sidell Community Park. The lawn is not exactly a golf course, but the playgrounds are surprisingly well preserved, and the small outdoor swimming pool, which is open in summer, has more charm than you would expect. I once made a picnic with friends, and we have been amusing the “Great-city” soundtrack of grills and occasional tractor sounds – no joke, that is the true sidell feeling.
If you're looking for something spiritual, look at these St. Mary’s Catholic Church on. The building is a simple brick building from the 1900s, but the stained glass windows tell stories that even the local historians do not want to admit. I took part in a Sunday fair, just to realize that the organ game is better than the WLAN signal in the village centre.
A couple of houses on United Methodist ChurchI personally appreciate for her acoustically amazingly good organ. The pastor is a real character that scatters a bit of humor at every sermon – honestly, that is rare in small communities. Parking right in front of the church is always a bit tight, but this is part of the charm, right?
A real insider tip for everyone interested in the history of the region is the small museum of the Sidell Historical Society. It is located in the former school building, which now serves as an exhibition room. There are old school books, photos of the first train connection and a few rusted tools that show how hard the people used to work here. I got a lead there where the curator told me that the old railway depot, which today is only an empty place, was once the backbone of the municipality.
Another landmark you should not overlook is the old Sidel Grain Elevator on the edge of the city. It is no longer in operation, but the silver silhouette against the sky is a popular photo motif for Instagram users looking for “rustic vibes”. I took a photo there once while a tractor passed – that was the only time I had to use the word “eptical” in a conversation about Sidell.
And yes, I have already seen the word “Sidell Attractions” in a blog post, but I must admit that most visitors are not looking for a checklist here, but rather for the feeling that you can discover a piece of real Illinois somewhere between the fields and the small shops. So if you drive the next time through the village, stop at the Town Hall to observe the weekly meeting – this is the true heart of the community, and parking is almost always free there as long as you do not come to the election time.
The old railway shed on the outskirts of Danville, today a small museum, is the first destination that I put to every visitor the heart that wants to explore the area around Sidell. There are yellowed photos of steam locomotives that once crossed the fields of Vermilion, and a creeping wooden chair where I once had to rest for a few minutes, because the weather suddenly turned around. Parking is almost always a children's game as long as you don't come on Saturday night – then the field behind the museum becomes a battlefield for car park seekers.
A short detour to the east leads to Kickapoo State Recreation Area, a huge forest piece that has more trees than you can see in an average suburb. I spent a weekend there, characterized by an unworn swarm mosquitoes and a surprisingly clear starry sky. The trails are well marked, and the visitor center offers free maps – a real bonus if you don't get around with Google Maps all day. And yes, fishing at the Kickapoo Lake is not just a gourmet experience, but for a few freshly caught trouts that is enough to calm the heart of a city man.
Just a few miles away Vermilion River State Park, a place I always underestimate because it doesn’t look as “instagrammable” as the big national parks. Nevertheless, the river has an amazing clarity, which is almost hypnotic when paddling. I remember when I accidentally got into a particularly shallow piece and spent almost the whole day drying my shoes – a small price for the peace you find there. The car park is small but sufficient, and the picnic pavilion building is a popular meeting place for local families who test their barbecue skills.
A little further south, almost on the edge of the city, stands the St. Mary's Catholic Church in Danville, a Gothic building from the 19th Century that breathes more history than a whole history book. I took part in a Sunday fair, just to see that the organ game was almost as loud as a rock concert – a real wake-up call for the senses. The interior is decorated with artistic stained glass windows that break the light into a kaleidoscopic pattern, and the nave is surprisingly well preserved despite the many renovations that have been carried out over the years.
If you love art, Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History not missing. The museum houses a mix of local history and changing art exhibitions ranging from regional artists to international names. I discovered a painting that reminded me of the wide fields of Sidell, and at the same time the urban graffiti I saw in Chicago – a strange but fascinating contrast. The entrance is free, and the café on the ground floor serves the best homemade apple cake in the area, at least after my verdict.
A short detour to the north leads to Illinois Railway Museum in Union, the largest railway museum in the USA. There are historical trains that you can admire not only from the outside, but also enter – a dream for anyone who has ever dreamed of being a locomotive guide. I tried an old diesel engine there, which gave a sound of itself when it started, which reminded of a roaring kitten. The museum is well signposted, and parking is generous, so that you can even arrange a picnic on the grounds without a supervisor looking at it.
At the end of my small tour through the surroundings of Sidell I still have to War Memorial mention a simple but impressive monument in the heart of Danville. It recalls the victims of past conflicts and offers a quiet place to think – something that has become rare in today's fast-paced world. I have often stood there after lunch to enjoy a moment of silence while the sun seemed over the edge of the field.
Whether you are looking for nature, history or a bit of both, the surroundings of Sidell have more to offer than you would suspect at first glance. From silent river banks to imposing railway museums to historical churches – each Sidell Sights has its own charm and some peculiarities that make the visit a small adventure. And if you are in the area the next time, remember: a bit of irony, an open heart and a good feeling for the unexpected are the best companions.
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