Honestly, when I think of Tuscola sights, I immediately jump into my head the picture of a small city in the heart of Douglas County, Illinois, founded in 1855, named after the river of the same name, and since then a bit like a well-oiled clockwork, which still gives a loud tick of itself. I have the feeling that the story here is not buried in dusty plaques, but in the old brick houses that are still the charm of the 19th century. radiate century pioneers. The township that surrounds the city is a wide field of corn and soybeans, which turns into a golden yellow sea every spring – a sight that is best seen from Highway 65, when you come from Chicago and leave the highway for a few miles to finally sniff the real Middle West feeling.
I don't quite understand the hype around the big metropolises, but here, between the quiet churches and the small but fine town hall, I find a piece of authenticity that is rarely experienced in the crowded tourist centers. When you arrive to Pontiac by train, you just have to take a short bus transfer to Tuscola – no joke, that's almost as easy as a walk to the local diner where the coffee is stronger than the winter weather. And yes, all this is part of the charming mix I appreciate so much at Tuscola – a place that breathes history, but still does not forget that life continues.
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The first stop I recommend for every visitor is that Kankakee River State Park – a piece of untouched nature, which is only a half hour drive from Tuscola. I made a picnic on the grassy meadows on a hot July afternoon, while the children were planning on the river and I wondered why I didn't come here earlier. Parking is almost always a children's game as long as you don't plan a barbecue with the whole neighborhood on the weekend – then the field before the entrances becomes a battlefield quickly.
A few miles further, towards the north, you stumble across the Illinois Railway Museum in Union. This is not some museum, that is the Mecca for anyone who has ever seen a train that is not just plastic. I spent hours in the old locomotive cabins, while a friendly volunteer told me why the steam locomotives are not as loud as you hear in the movie. The parking lot is huge, so don't worry that you have to turn your car in circles – only the usual crowd at the main entrance when the special exhibition runs.
If you're looking for something smaller, which still sprinkles charm, look at the Momence Riverwalk on. The path stretches along the Kankakee River and offers enough space for a cozy walk or a quick photo that you can post later on Instagram to show that you have experienced “authentic” midwest vibes. I remember meeting an older gentleman who told me about the old boat tours he made in the 60s – a short but golden moment that perfectly rounds the picture of Momence as a quiet small town.
A short trip to St. Joseph leads you to St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, a historical brick building that has been the heart of the municipality for over 150 years. I once participated in a Sunday worship service, only to see how the organ played a piece of Beethoven while the villagers appeared in their best dresses – a picture that you don't see every day. Parking is possible directly in front of the church, but be warned: On festivities, the places fill faster than a popcorn bucket at the movie night.
A little further south lies Vermilion River State Park at Oakwood. There are not only hiking trails, but also a small visitor centre that surprisingly informs about the local flora. I spent a few hours photographing the wildflowers while a few joggers loudly discussed their playlist – a perfect example of how nature and modern lifestyle coexist here. The parking lot is small, so better be there early if you don't want to park in the circle.
For those who want to combine a little show and a little farming, this is Iroquois County Fairgrounds in Watseka a must. The annual fair is not all year round, but even outside the main events there is a small museum and a few old tractors that you can watch. I once drove an old tractor there – that was a short adrenalinkick that reminded me why I appreciate the land life so much. Parking is generous here as long as you don't arrive on Friday night when the local high school stops her graduation party there.
Finally, if you feel like having enough of parks and museums, take a look at the Kankakee County Courthouse in the city of the same name. The building is an architectural jewel from the 1900s, which is best photographed at sunset – the light makes the red bricks almost glow. I once observed a legal dispute that had more drama than any soap opera, and that was a short but entertaining insight into the daily life of the region.
Whether you are looking for nature, history or a bit of local culture, the surroundings of Tuscola have more to offer than you would suspect at first sight. This selection Tuscola Sights shows that a short trip from the city can lead to real highlights – all with a touch of midwest charm that is rarely found.
I have to confess to you: my first love in Tuscola is the old Public library – a brick house that looks like it just wrote a love letter to the 1910s. I once borrowed a book about the history of the railway, only to see that the real highlight is the creeping wooden staircase that gives a small echo of itself every time you stumble down. Parking is usually easy, except on Saturday night, there will be a real problem because the weekly bingo tournament takes place in the cellar and everyone is looking for a place nearby.
A short walk down the main road leads you to Tuscola Historical Museum, which is housed in the former bank building – yes, the same that used to secure the money of the city dwellers before it was converted into a café in the 70s. I don't understand the hype about the “old pigeon” completely, but the exhibition about local agriculture is really great; I touched an old tractor steering wheel there and almost got the feeling I could suddenly milk grain again.
Right next to the museum is the Tuscola depot, a tiny station that has more charm than an entire network of Amtrak stations. I met an old locomotive driver there who told me that he still hears the whistle of the steam locomotives in sleep – no joke. The small parking lot is a bit of a labyrinth, but if you found the way, you can look forward to a photo with the original railway shield that is almost a selfie magnet.
If you feel you need a little distraction from all the historical relics, then just stroll over the Town square. There is the famous Water Tower sculpture, which is lovingly called the old giant by locals. I once made a picnic while a tractor driver passed and shouted “Mornin” – this is the true heart of Tuscola, a mix of nostalgia and everyday noise that calms and irritates you at the same time.
A short detour to the south brings you to Tuscola City. The little lake there is not exactly an Amazon, but it reflects the sun so beautiful that you almost forget that you are actually looking for a bank to rest. I watched my children there while I tried to shoot the perfect image of the old oak in the background – the result was a slightly blurred photo that now hangs on the family wall.
Another must I mention again and again is that Douglas County Fairgrounds. The annual fair is a bit like a mini-state fair, only that the prices for the giant wheel are lower and the sausages have a little more “local” taste. I once won a competition in pumpkin carving, because I accidentally photographed a pumpkin with my phone and the jury thought that was an artwork.
For those who seek a little spiritual tranquility, there are St. Mary's Catholic Church. The Gothic building with its colorful glass windows is a real eye-catcher, and I once experienced an organ concert there that was so loud that I thought the roof could take off any moment. The interior is not huge, but the atmosphere is so authentic that you get the feeling that you are in another time – at least until you hear the bell ringing of the church bell and realize that it is 3 pm.
Last but not least, if you're looking for a place where you can withdraw for a long day with a cool drink, then this is Community Center That's right. Local bands regularly run there, and I once experienced a karaoke evening, in which an older gentleman “Sweet Caroline” sang in a voice that even brought the neighbors out of the street to sing. Parking is a children's game here because the center has its own small farm, which is usually empty – unless it is a big community festival, then it will be tight again.
So, next time you think about where you want to spend your next little break, remember: Tuscola has more to offer than you would suspect at first sight. And yes, these are some of my Tuscola Sights, which I personally consider to be worth a visit – without great tampam, but with lots of local spices.
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