Attractions

Whether you’re a history buff, nature lover, or avid sportsman there’s something for everyone in Scenic Havana.

 

Dickson Mounds Museum

10 minutes northwest of Havana of Highways 78 and 97. A branch of the Illinois State museum, it is one of the major on-site archaeological museums in the country.

 

Emiquon National Wildlife Refuge

10 minutes northwest of Havana on Highways 78 and 97. This still-developing refuge system features the Frank Bellrose Nature Trail along the Spoon River.

 

The Nature Conservancy’s Emiquon Preserve

Adjacent to the National Wildlife Refuge and Dickson Mounds Museum. At 6,700 acres, this model project is one of the largest natural floodplain restorations in the country and an anchor project for conserving the biological diversity of the Illinois River.

 

Chautauqua National Wildlife Refuge

10 minutes north of Havana on the Manito Blacktop. This great place to see eagles from October through March is a bird-watcher’s paradise. Hike the wheelchair accessible nature trail, watch waterfowl, pick mushrooms and berries, and fish in Lake Chautauqua.

 

Havana Nature Center

(416 N. Schrader) – next to the Riverfront Campground, a beautiful view of the Illinois River. Floating docks, a walk bridge and changing exhibits will educate and delight everyone who loves nature. Enjoy a cold drink, ice cream, sandwiches, and other treats while you fish, boat, or just sit and enjoy the view. Bait dishing is available for purchase and kids fishing poles are available to use for free. Seating for 40 inside and 20 outside on the deck. One dock in handicap-accessible.

 

Riverfront Park Riverwalk

(309-543-6240) – A footbridge and stage with seating overlooking the Illinois River and park. Four par pavilions, boat docks, ramps, walking paths, and playgrounds. Call to reserve your next event.

 

Historic Havana Water Tower

(The corner of Main and Pearl St) – Built the same year as the Eiffel Tower (1889), the fourth oldest water tower in Illinois that is still in use.

 

Havana Public Library

The oldest continuously-used Carnegie library in the state of Illinois.

 

Jake Wolf Memorial Fish Hatchery

20 minutes north of Havana near Manito. The hatchery includes 160 acres within the 7,280 acre Sand Ridge State Forest. The fishery has an impressive indoor observation area and many excellent displays, making it a must see for the entire family. Walk in or scheduled tours.

 

Rockwell Mound

This Indian Mound at the intersection of Orange and Franklin Streets was built around 150 A.D. and is thought to be the largest prehistoric earthwork in the Illinois River Valley. It is the largest known mound of the Indians of the Western Hopewell of Havana culture. It was verified scientifically in 1986.

 

Lincoln’s New Salem

(217-632-4000) – Located 30 minutes south of Havana on Route 97, New Salem Park is a reconstruction of the village where Abraham Lincoln spent his early adulthood. Call to find out about scheduled special events.