Penfield sights? Honestly, this sounds like one of these Instagram hashtags, which you only admire from a distance, but I have explored the little town myself through the dusty field paths of Compromise Township in Champaign County and can promise a bit more than a photo filter. Founded in 1855 by a handful of land pionages who believed that the heart of Illinois was a good place for a corn field paradise, Penfield has hardly lost his vivid simplicity since then – and that is exactly what I find so charming in this spot. The old railway line, which once formed the backbone of the trade, is today only a silent witness that can easily be overlooked by walking along the County Road 12 if you do not accidentally discover an old freight car.
I take the train to Champaign and then jump into the bus that takes me in the middle of the village – no stress, no crowd, only the quiet rats of the wheels and the occasional mowing of a cow that almost belongs to the soundtrack guide. What really sweetens me the day is the small café on Main Street, which I visit almost every time, because the coffee is “real great” there and the owners know more about the history of the place than any tourist book. And yes, I don't quite understand the hype for the annual harvesting parade, but the next barbecue is simply fantastic – a real insider tip that I want to experience to everyone who wants to experience Penfield sights.
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.
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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 Penfield, 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 I put to every new man's heart is that Krannert Center for the Performing Arts in Urbana – an architectural wonder that is more than just a concert hall. I once experienced a jazz concert where the bass sounded so deeply that the windows in the next room were slightly vibrating; that was a real kick, especially because parking in the evening is almost always a children's play as long as you don't come on Saturday night, then the whole thing becomes a patience test.
A short detour to Japan House feels like walking through a mini-Japan hidden in the middle of the West. The Zen gardens are so accurate that I almost forgot that I am not in Kyoto until a student came by with a huge sushi roll and reminded me that I am here in Illinois. Admission? Free, and the café next door serves the best Matcha-Latte I've ever had.
If you have enough of culture, the path leads to University of Illinois Arboretum. There are more than 600 hectares of green space, and I lost myself in one of the nature reserves when jogging – fortunately, I found the way back thanks to a friendly parkkeeper who gave me a piece of cake from the cafeteria. The trails are well signposted, and parking is almost always free at the edge of the campus as long as you do not come during the exam period.
A little story? The Champaign County Historical Museum in Urbana is a treasure box from the region. I remember seeing an old tractor display there as a child and suddenly being addressed by an older lady who told me how her grandfather plucked the field next to the museum. The museum is small, but the exhibitions are surprisingly lively – and parking right in front of the entrance is usually a Klacks.
There is a bit of nostalgia Illinois Railway Museum in Union, about 30 minutes drive from Penfield. There are historical trains that you can even enter. I once climbed an old steam locomotive and the whistle of the horn was so loud that I almost lost my ears – a real highlight for all those who love the crack of the past. The museum offers free parking, but on Saturdays it can be filled, so it's better to come early.
Back in Champaign, this attracts Hessel Park with its lake and the extensive green areas. I made a picnic there on a hot summer day, while a little boy in the background shouted “I am a Pirate!” – that was the loudest noise of the day, but it perfectly matched the relaxed atmosphere. The park has several entrances, and parking is usually easy, except when a local festival takes place.
A last secret tip I barely betray someone is that Orpheum Theatre in Urbana. The venerable building not only has an impressive interior, but also a program ranging from indie films to classic musicals. I was there with a premiere of an indie film, and the popcorn was surprisingly good – better than in some big cinemas. Parking is a bit tricky because the theatre is located in the middle of the city centre, but a short walk through the busy main road is always worth it.
Whether you are looking for culture, history, nature or a bit of nostalgia, the Penfield environment offers a colourful mix that delights every traveler. And if you are looking for a good reason next time to explore the area, just think of the many Penfield Attractionswaiting to be discovered.
I have to admit right at the beginning that I was never a real tourist type – but when I was over with my buddy Penfield Attractions plaudere, then this is going to be my favorite chapter. The first station I always start is that Penfield Community Park. A small but surprisingly well-maintained square with a baseball field, which is baked in the summer by the local guys until sunset, and a playground that offers more squeaking rubber bunnies as high-tech climbing nets. Parking is usually easy, except on Saturday night, there will be a real problem because then the weekly barbecue festival of the city company starts and everyone pushes his car to the edge of the lawn.
A short walk further (I mean, this is a village, so this is more a short sprint) leads you to Penfield United Methodist Church. The building dates back to the late 19. Century, has a simple brick roof and a bell game that still passes through the street on Sundays. I don't quite understand the hype about church architecture, but here you feel that every bank has a story to tell – not just because the community has been sitting here for generations.
If you ask where the whole corn and soybean harvest is housed, then you are with the Penfield Grain Elevator That's right. The silver tower projects over the fields like a silent guard. I once met a peasant who told me that the device has been in use since the 1950s and still holds more grains than I could put in my entire refrigerator. No joke, this thing is a real magnet for Instagram shots, although the light in there smells like dust.
A bit away from the transmission of everyday life lies this Penfield Cemetery. I have seen my great aunt buried there – not because I am a fan of cemeteries, but because I admire the artistic tombstones that betray more about local history than any museum. The inscriptions are in an old-fashioned script, which even brings the most modern types to mind if he wants to return here to enjoy the tranquility.
Another highlight I always mention is the Penfield Public Library. The building was formerly the primary school, now it has shelves full of local history, a few comfortable armchairs and a small reading area where you can enjoy the silence with a coffee (which is sold at the corner of the diner). I once found an old city archive reported by the first settlers – a real find for anyone interested in the roots of the place.
For those who like a little action, there is Penfield Volunteer Fire Department. Sounds like a place where you can only go in case of emergency, but the team organizes all year round trainings and open days where you can touch the old fire hoses. I met a firefighter there who told me that the department has existed since the 1920s and still uses the same red cars – a little retro charm that comes well here.
Finally, and this is perhaps my personal favorite, Penfield Corn Maze (only in the harvest time). I crossed the labyrinth in autumn, while the fields were dipped in gold, and must admit that I almost ran – but that's what makes the whole thing exciting. The entrance is free because the city organizes the whole as a community project, and you can then taste an apple cake from the local baker who is supposed to be the best piece in the whole county.
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