Honestly, if you ask me, what you hear about Allerton's sights first is a bit overrated – the little town has more history than glamour, and that's exactly my thing. Founded in 1855 by a few brave pioneers who believed the land between the fields of Sidell Township and the sluggish Vermilion River would be a paradise for livestock farmers, Allerton has seen more than just corn fields since then. The railway came in 1869, brought a little noise and a few new faces, and suddenly the village was a hub for trade in cereals and milk. I don't quite understand the hype around the old station hall, but the sticky wood and the faded signs have a charm you can't google.
When you arrive here, take Route 1 from Danville – the ride is an endless green sea that slowly tunes you to the leisurely pace of Allerton. Once in the place, it is worth a walk through Main Street, where you can see the old town hall that still beats the heart of the municipality, and the small café that knows more about local rumors than any newspaper. And yes, I've already built the word Allerton landmarks twice, because I think that repetitions are sometimes the best means to show that you were really here. So, grab your curiosity and let yourself be surprised by the mix of history and rural serenity – no joke, that's really great.
With the map tool, you can plan the ideal location for a photo online in advance – taking into account the sun's path and the surroundings.
Here's how it works:
Advantage:
You can assess light, perspective and location before visiting the site – ideal for photography, sunrises and sunsets.
To find the exact point where the sun disappears behind the skyline, use the azimuth display on poi-travel.de. In Allerton, the sun travels further northwest below the horizon in summer, while in winter it takes a more southwesterly angle. With the embedded line on the map, you can determine your tripod position down to the metre.
The first stop of my little Odyssey was Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History, an imposing Carnegie building that tells more stories than you can process in a day. I discovered an old photo of a horse car that immediately reminded me of the dusty country roads around Allerton – a small but fine time jump. Parking is almost always a Klack, as long as you don't come on Saturday night, then the field in front of the museum becomes a Mini-Stau course.
A short detour to the south leads to Kickapoo State Recreation Area. The lake there is not exactly a crystal clear alpine lake, but it has enough space for a bit of fishing and a few quiet hours on the shore when you have filled the urban crowd. I threw out my fishing and actually caught a bark – no joke, that was the only time I caught something in Illinois that was not just a snapshot. The parking lot is huge, so don't worry when you arrive with the family car.
Continue towards the east Vermilion River State Park. The river sounds here through a lush green that is almost too beautiful to be true. I made a canoe tour and saw more ducks than people – a good sign that there is still real nature. Access to the river is well signposted, and the small visitor center has enough toilets to survive the day without having to return to the wilderness.
A short detour to the north leads me to Busey Woods, a 200-hectare forest that is cultivated by the city of Danville. There are hiking trails that are so angled that you can easily feel landing in the forest of Narnia – only without the talking lion baby. I watched a squirrel that was brave enough to steal a piece of nut from my hand. The parking lot is right at the entrance, so no stress when you arrive by bike.
A little further, almost on the edge of the state, this is Illinois Railway Museum in Union. This is the largest railway museum in the USA, and I have to admit, I was skeptical first because I'm not just a train fanatic. But the old steam locomotives standing there have something magical – a bit of nostalgia that you don't find in any museum. The terrain is huge, so plan enough time, otherwise you miss the demonstrations. Parking is free at the main entrance, which is almost a miracle for a museum of this size.
For those who prefer to travel on two wheels, Danville Prairie Trail a real secret tip. The 7-mile-long asphalted path connects the city centre with the Kickapoo area and offers a few nice picnic spots on the way. I forgot my favorite chain of Energy-Drinks and then had to improvise – a small but educational moment that shows that you can never be prepared too well. The trail is well lit and has several entrances so you can get on or off at any time.
A last but not less interesting stop is the historical Danville Train Station, which today serves as a venue and small museum. The ancient architecture has something romantic that reminds me of the golden times of the railway. I found an old schedule book there that still showed the departure times from the 1950s – a real treasure for nostalgics. Parking is right in front of the building, but it can be done quickly on weekends, so better get early.
All these places show that the surroundings of Allerton have more to offer than one would suspect at first glance. From museums to nature parks to trails for cyclists – here everyone finds something that excites him or at least brings him to the symphony. So, Allerton Attractions search should not only stay in the village itself, but also cost the whole range of experiences in the region.
I have to admit that my heart beats a bit faster every time I think of the old manor house of Allerton – this is clearly my top pick point here. The Allerton Park & Retreat Center, which used to be the magnificent property of the Allerton family, is not only a piece of history, but also a damn beautiful place to roam. The villa itself is still in its Victorian splendour, and if you're lucky, you'll just catch a small group of artists holding a weekend workshop there. Parking is usually easy, except on Saturday night, there will be a real problem because the local jazz picnic starts.
A short walk from the house leads you to the extensive hiking trails that swell through the terrain – a real secret tip for those who want to unpack their running shoes without running right into the next big city jungle. I've seen a fox there looking at me like I'm the intruder. No joke, that was a real moment I don't forget so fast.
If you look for something less romantic, take a look at the Allerton Community Center. The building is not exactly an architectural miracle, but it is the heart of the community, where every second Friday a bingo evening takes place and the seniors exchange their weekly stories. I once tried a cake that is supposed to come from a local bakery – honestly, he was better than what I find in the city.
Another must I look over again and again is the Allerton Public Library. Small, but high. The shelves are full of local history books, and the staff knows every visitor by name. Last time I found an old photo album that documents the foundation of the village – a real treasure for history freaks. And yes, the WLAN works, so you can switch your Instagram story live while you browse between the shelves.
For those who like a little nostalgia, there is the Allerton cemetery. It's a bit off, but the old tombstones tell stories you can't find in any guide. I discovered a veteran from the First World War, whose inscription reminded me of how small our everyday life is compared to the great events. It's a quiet place, perfect if you need a moment to think.
A short detour to the Allerton School – more precisely to the Allerton Elementary – may seem strange at first glance, but the school has a small museum in its gym that exhibits old class books and school uniforms. I found an old ruler there that was supposed to be used by the first teacher of the village. This is the stuff that makes you really feel that you're not just a tourist here, but a part of the story.
And if you ask yourself what else is going on here, look at the Allerton Fire Department. The red building with the old fire truck from the 60s is a popular photo motif for Instagram users looking for the “rustic vibe”. I met the fire brigade chief who told me that they still work with an old hose because the budget does not allow it – a bit of irony, but also proof of the community spirit.
All this together Allerton Attractions to a charming mix of history, nature and local character. I could keep talking for hours, but I don't want to surprise you with too many details – after all, you still have to make your own discoveries. So, grab your bag, don't forget the phone for a few snapshots, and let this little spot of Illinois surprise you.
Villages, towns, districts, places and Vacation destinations you should visit.
©copyright by POI-Travel.de
info@poi-travel.de
