Visit Oakwood Vermilion Illinois and the surrounding area to see the top sights. Discover the charming city of Oakwood, Illinois! Experience the traditional Christmas market in December and enjoy the opportunity to relax near Chicago. Oakwood is an idyllic destination for families and lovers of rural life.
Honestly, if you ask yourself why I want to talk about Oakwood at all, this is due to its inconspicuous history: in 1865 the village was named after the ancient oaks, which at that time still dominated the landscape, and since then there has hardly been any change in the tranquil idyll. I like to drive over the I‐74, because it leads me directly into the heart of Oakwood Township – a piece of Vermilion County, which has more fieldway charms than any big city oasis. The old railway line, which once formed the backbone of the municipality, is today only a silent witness of time, and I don't quite understand the hype about modern metropolises, but the tranquility here is really great. If you are looking for a place that is not overrun by tourists, you are right here; Oakwood sights are less “Must Lake” than “Must-Feel”. I love strolling past the small shops on Main Street, where the owners still know how to sell a smile. And yes, the County Court of Vermilion is an architectural relic that can hardly be overlooked during the passing – a short stop to understand that history does not always have to be loud. So, grab your car, let the GPS sprinkle a little and enjoy the slow pulsation of this little but proud spot Illinois.
I have to admit right at the beginning that I am not just a fan of exaggerated tourist crypts – but the old Oakwood Public Library I really fucked. The building is a red brick house from the 1900s, which still looks like a well kept secret, because hardly anyone comes here to borrow a book. I spent an afternoon there just to browse the dusty shelves and listen to the quiet sum of an old air conditioning that was almost as soothing as the rustling of the sides. Parking is usually easy, except on Saturday night, there will be a real problem, because the weekly reading circle meeting will take place and everyone will touch his folding chair.
Right next to the library Oakwood Community Center, a place where you can feel the true heart of the city – when you overhear the sounds of basketball balls and the occasional circle of children from the adjacent playground. I once participated in an improvised karaoke evening; the voice of my neighbor was not exactly Grammy-worthy, but the mood was really great. The center offers free Wi-Fi, so you can easily post a few Instagram stories there before you go back to the real world.
A short walk leads to Oakwood Parka small green piece that has more charm than some big city oasis. The playground is a bit worn out, but this is exactly what makes it authentic – not a shiny plastic slides, but an old wooden swing that gives a light bang of itself during every swing. On the baseball field I once made a picnic with a few locals; they told me that the field has hardly been renovated since the 1950s, but it does not bother them because they love the smell of freshly mowed grass. And yes, parking here is a children's game because the terrain is hardly visited, except when the annual summer festival is due.
If you want to make a little story, you should Oakwood Historical Society Museum visit – a tiny building that houses more photos of old tractors than works of art. I discovered an old black-and-white photograph of a market from the 1930s, which reminded me that Oakwood was once a pulsating meeting place for farmers. The exhibition is not exactly interactive, but it doesn’t matter because the curators there explain with a passion why the old Maultier Schoolbus model is a symbol for the municipality. It is practical that the museum is right next to the town hall, so that you can quickly empty the mailbox after the visit.
Another highlight I can hardly overlook is the Oakwood United Methodist Church. The church building is a real architectural relic from the late 19th. Century, complete with colorful glass windows, which in sunlight almost look like a kaleidoscope. I was there with a Sunday worship service, and although I am not particularly religious, the community and vocal atmosphere somehow touched me – no joke, that was almost spiritual. The church is also a popular place for weddings, so if you happen to see a bridal couple that just takes photos, you know you're in the right place.
A short detour leads to Oakwood Cemetery, a cemetery that tells more stories than some guides. I found the tomb of a veteran from the First World War, whose tombstone is still freshly painted – a sign that the families really depend on their history. The cemetery is well maintained, and parking is directly at the entrance free, which is practical if you are looking for a long day a bit of rest.
You can't talk about Oakwood without the imposing Oakwood Grain Elevator to mention that projects like a huge, rusty colossus over the fields. I took a photo there once, while a tractor passed and the dust cloud took almost the whole picture – this is the real midwest feeling you can't find in every guide. The silo is not open to visitors, but you can admire it well from the street, and that is enough to understand why the city bears its name from the old cereal store.
Finally, a little hint for those who don’t want to miss the whole thing: if you’re looking for a compact overview, simply tap “Oakwood Sights” into your search engine – you’ll be surprised how little was written about it because the locals prefer to keep it for themselves. I discovered the keyword by chance when I was looking for a place for a spontaneous photoshoot, and since then it's my personal inside code for everything that really counts in Oakwood.
The old railway shed on the edge of the Kickapoo State Recreation Area has something of a forgotten secret hiding place that is just waiting to be discovered by curious travelers. I made a picnic there, while a swarm of geese went loudly over the lake – an image that you don't see every day, and parking is almost always a crusade as long as you don't come on Saturday night, then the field becomes a battlefield for the last free pitches.
A short trip to Danville leads you to Vermilion County Museumthat offers more than just dusty exhibits. The collection of local works of art and historical objects is surprisingly alive, and I must admit that I do not fully understand the hype around the “big” museums, but here you feel immediately as part of a small but proud community. The museum is just a few minutes from the city centre, and parking is free directly in front of the main entrance – a rare comfort in a world where everything is paid.
If you want a bit of culture, then that's Krannert Center for the Performing Arts in Champaign a must. I've seen a jazz concert there that almost made me forget that I was just on my way through. The acoustics are really top, and the building itself looks like a futuristic work of art that stands in the middle of a rather inconspicuous suburb. The journey is simple: a short highway drive, and parking is almost always easy thanks to the spacious car parks.
Another highlight I cannot overlook is the Illinois Railway Museum in Union. This is the largest railway museum in the USA, and yes, I know that sounds like a paradise for nostalgics, but the interactive guided tours and the opportunity to climb into old locomotives make it an experience that even enthuses the most skeptical visitors. The way there leads you through picturesque fields, and parking is right at the main museum building – no stress, just a bit of dust on your shoes.
For nature lovers there are Vermilion River State Park, a place where the water is actually still clear and not only serves as a backdrop for Instagram. I rented a kayak there and enjoyed the calm flow while the sun glittered over the trees. Access is well signposted, and parking is free at the main exit as long as you do not come to high season – then it can be a bit fuller, but this is a small price for the peaceful atmosphere.
A short trip to Urbana leads you to Japan House on the University of Illinois campus. I was there because I thought it was just a small tea house, but instead I found an impressive collection of art, architecture and even a Zen garden that invites you to stay. The entrance is free, and parking is easy to find on campus if you observe the indication “Visitor Parking”.
Lastly, Danville Lake State Park mentioned that with its large lake and the hiking trails is a popular destination for families. I spent a few hours there to just enjoy the tranquility, and parking is free at the entrance of the lake as long as you don't choose the weekend – then it can be a bit fuller, but that's hardly a reason to postpone the visit.
Whether you're looking for cultural treasures, historical insights or natural experiences, Oakwood's environment has more to offer than you would suspect at first sight. The mix of small museums, extensive parks and surprising art venues makes every trip a small adventure. And that's exactly what makes Oakwood Attractions to an indispensable part of your itinerary – if you are willing to walk a little off the beaten path.
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