Honestly, if you're looking for “Ashmore Sights”, you don't get a tourist paradise, but that's what makes the charm. Ashmore, a tiny village in the Ashmore Township of Coles County, of the same name, was named after the English suburb in 1865 and has hardly accumulated a lot of history since then – the railway line, which once formed the backbone of the local economy, is today only a piece of rails in the field that I like to see when cycling. I came by car over the US‐45, which practically sniffs through the heart of the village, and had to escape to the I‐57, because the small village no longer has its own railway station – a small indication that you are better on your own journey here.
I don't understand the hype around the big metropolises, but the quiet life here has its own highlights: the old town hall, which today serves as a community center, has more character than some hip café in Chicago, and the field that once houses the “Ashmore Grain Elevator” is now a popular spot for sunsets when you dare to inhale a bit of dust. The neighbors from the neighboring Charleston, the County Seeat, are always ready to show you the way to the best local bakeries – a short 15-minute drive, and you have fresh cinnamon snails that could save any Instagram post. And yes, the “Ashmore Sights” are not listed in a catalogue, they simply live in the conversations you conduct with the locals while you drive across the country roads.
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The first stop I put to every newbie is the Lincoln Trail State Park, a piece of history hidden between gentle hills and the glittering Lake Lincoln. I once tried to find a piece of the legendary “Lincoln‐Stiefl” there – nothing found, but fishing at the lake was really great, and parking is almost always a Klacks as long as you don’t come on Saturday night, then it becomes a real problem.
A short trip south leads to the Kaskaskia River State Fish & Wildlife Area, where I saw more ducks than people on a hot July afternoon – a paradise for birdwatchers and hunters alike. The paths are well developed, and the visitor center has a small kiosk, which surprisingly sells fresh corn flasks; this is not a gourmet experience, but hey, who wants expensive snacks when you can have fresh crops?
Back to the city of Charleston, which is practically adjacent to Ashmore, lies the Coles County Historical Museum. I must admit, I was skeptical because museums are mostly dusty, but the exhibition on the railway history really tied me up – especially the old Lokomotiv model, which was almost as big as my first car. Admission is free, and parking right in front of the building is still a free parking space, because most visitors prefer to visit the café around the corner.
A bit further up the street, the site of Eastern Illinois University, looks like an ordinary college campus at first glance, but the Art Gallery Building houses changing exhibitions that will amaze even the most stubborn art critic. I discovered a painting that was supposedly painted by a former student who was later exhibited in New York – no joke, the piece hangs there between modern sculptures and an old auditorium. The campus car park is free as long as you ignore the sign “Student Parking Only” – I have done it more often.
A walk through the Charleston City Park is almost like a small retreat from everyday life. The old bandage from the 1930s, surrounded by a small lake, is a popular place for local bands, and I happened to experience a picnic with a group of seniors who betrayed me their self-made apple cake recipe. The park is open around the clock, and parking on the outskirts is still a little free as long as you don't get to lunchtime when the families come in with barbecue equipment.
For those who are willing to drive a bit further (about 30 miles east), the Krannert Art Museum in Champaign is an absolute must. I saw an exhibition on contemporary photography, which made me think more than any lecture on art history. The museum is located directly on the campus of the University of Illinois, and parking is easy to find thanks to the large public car park – a small price for the amount of inspiration you take with you there.
Whether you are looking for history, nature or a bit of culture, the surroundings of Ashmore offers a colorful mix that surprises every traveler. From the quiet shores of the Lincoln Trail State Park to the lively drive in Charleston City Park to the artistic halls of the Krannert Art Museum – there is more to discover than you would suspect at first glance. And that's exactly what makes Ashmore Attractions to an unmistakable experience that you should not miss.
I have to confess to you: first Station that I put to every visitor of Ashmore is Community-Park on the edge of the village. There is a small playground, a few benches and – this is the real highlight – an ancient, slightly sloping metal climbing tower that has more charm than some hip Rooftop bar. I tried to reach the highest level in the summer with my nephew, and we finally landed in the sand because the railing seemed to be more rust than metal. Parking is usually easy, except on Saturday night, there will be a real problem because then the whole village comes together to grill.
A short walk further leads you to United Methodist Churchwith its red brick roof top is almost the official landmark of Ashmore. I don't quite understand the hype about church architecture, but the simple, almost sober interior has something calming – especially if you're looking for a long day in the field (or in the car) just a little silence. The organ doesn't sound like a concert hall, but that's what makes it authentic.
If you want to make a little more story, look at it. Local Historical Museum in the old town hall. The building itself is a relic from the 1900s, and inside you will find exhibits ranging from old school books to yellowed maps. I once discovered a photo of my great-grandfather that he did when building the first barn in Ashmore – a real treasure when you ask me. The museum has no fixed opening hours, but the volunteers usually open the door between 10 and 4 pm when you first call.
Another must I look over again and again is that Ashmore Grain Elevator Highway 130. Yes, it sounds like a place where you can only store grain, but the huge silver scaffold is a photo motif that even Instagram influencers unleash a smile. I did a selfie there once while a tractor passed, and the result was an image that I now use as a profile picture – no joke, that got more likes than my vacation photos from Bali.
For those who like to take some fresh air, there is the Ashmore Cemetery, who is not just a place for parties, but the old gravestones tell stories you can't find in any guide. I once discovered an old veteran grave, whose inscription tells of a lost war, and this has led me to think about the perishable nature of “sights”. The cemetery is right behind the park, so you can do both in a walk.
A short detour to Fire department is also worthwhile – not because you want to extinguish fire there, but because the building houses a small museum of old fire brigades and helmets. I found an old, yet functional hose there that I tried out from pure curiosity; the result was a short but impressive waterwall, which completely soaked my pants. Practical: The fire department always has a few chairs outside if you want to sit after the visit for a moment.
And if you ask yourself what else you have to do in Ashmore, look at them. Ashmore Community Center on. Bingo evenings, manual work groups and occasionally a small flea market take place there. I found an old, hand-carved wooden toy there that I gave to my nephew now – no joke, that was the highlight of my day.
Of course there are some more Ashmore AttractionsI can't tell everyone here because I don't want to spend the whole day describing each bank. But if you venture here, you will quickly realize that the true pleasure is not in shiny attractions, but in the small, slightly sloping moments that make the village a self-willing, loving place.
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