11 Best Things To Do In Jacksonville, Illinois

1. Big Eli Wheel

It was a dream come true for a young man called W.E. Sullivan who had designed and constructed a portable, small and revolving wheel inspired by the famous ‘Ferris Wheel’. The wheel was exhibited in Chicago’s World’s Columbian Exposition in 1893. Sullivan called his stunning invention 'Big Eli’. You can now enjoy a great ride on the Big Eli Wheel at Jacksonville’s Community Park. Although the wheels resemble a Ferris Wheel, the Big Eli Wheel is easily movable and more compact.

Big Eli Wheel

Address: 1309 South Main Street, Jacksonville, IL 62650

Website: Big Eli Wheel

2. AMVETS

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

AMVETS at Jacksonville, Illinois was set up in 1946. AMVETS is the acronym for American Veterans and is the oldest and largest veteran service organization, which is open to all veterans as well as for their family members. The organization boasts a rich history of supporting veterans and for sponsoring various programs for serving the country and the citizens. Anyone who has served the Armed Forces of the United States or is currently a part of it can apply for a membership in AMVETS. The atmosphere here is excellent, clean and a night out is quite affordable. There is a well-stocked bar that offers a host of cocktails at very reasonable prices. You can also enjoy state approved gaming, an Internet juke box, a pool table and a dart board during your visit to the place. There is a banquet hall that can be rented at a pocket-friendly price.

AMVETS

Address: 10 E Court St, Jacksonville, IL 62650, USA

Website: AMVETS

3. Barney's Pub

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Barney’s Pub offers a great lunch at a good price with daily specials and some great pizzas to choose from. The sandwiches and the fish here are quite good. The pub is also known for serving one of the best breakfasts in the town with a great choice of breakfast items. One of the most popular items is called the “Hay Stack”. The staff here is extremely warm, attentive and friendly. There is parking available on the site so you can drop in with your vehicles. The place is so good that you would definitely like to visit for a second time.

Barney's Pub

Address: 228 W Morton Ave, Jacksonville, IL 62650, USA

Facebook page: Barney’s Pub

4. Bowl Inn

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

If you are looking for a cozy place to enjoy your drink at a great price, you can drop in at Bowl Inn in Jacksonville, Illinois. Not only you but your kids can also have a superb time here if they want to bowl. It is a well-known bowling alley in the city and the owner is a local resident. You will fall in love with the place as it is nicely decorated, well-maintained and very clean. The owner is very friendly and can give you excellent tips. Your little ones will love to bowl here as the ramp and bumpers are specially constructed for their ease. The food here is available until 8 pm at night and the menu includes fries, cheese balls, grilled goods like burgers, mushrooms and much more. It also has a bar where adult visitors can enjoy their drinks.

Bowl Inn

Address: 224 N East St, Jacksonville, IL 62650-2055

Facebook page: Bowl Inn

5. West Morgan Depot

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

This is a typical townie’s bar with lots of draft beer and plenty of local visitors. There are various places in the square located within a walking distance from West Morgan Depot. Enjoy some great club/rap music while enjoying your drink in the evening and some great oldies tunes in the daytime.

West Morgan Depot

Address: 213 W Morgan St, Jacksonville, IL 62650-2419

Facebook page: West Morgan Depot

6. RMC Stadium Cinemas at Jacksonville

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

This is a great place if you are a movie buff and are seeking for some quality entertainment during your stay at Jacksonville, Illinois. There are six screens in RMC Stadium Cinemas and the new seats are simply fantastic. You have ample space to sit and stretch your legs so that other people will not bump into you while getting out visiting the snack bar or to use the restroom. Today, the theater is much better than what it used to be in the past. The staff is friendly and the restrooms are well-maintained.

RMC Stadium Cinemas at Jacksonville

Address: Minor Dr, Jacksonville, IL 62650

Website: RMC Stadium Cinemas at Jacksonville

7. Kuhl Tyme Korner

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

It is a great spot in Jacksonville to grab a drink while you watch the bartenders doing an excellent job. You will like the relaxing ambiance here and can listen to some great bands that also play over the weekends. Kohl Tyme Korner is known for its chilled beer, great drinks, and an excellent jukebox.

Kuhl Tyme Korner

Address: 901 W Morton St. 11, Jacksonville, IL 62650

Facebook page: Kuhl Tyme Korner

8. Bill's West State Tavern

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

If you are looking for a good place to relax in Jacksonville, Illinois, then Bill’s West State Tavern is the right place for you to drop in. The bar is famous for its fun people, great drinks, and an easy going atmosphere. The patrons swear by the pizzas served here and there’s a great and friendly owner.

Bill's West State Tavern

Address: 315 W State St, Jacksonville, IL 62650-2003

Facebook page: Bill’s West State Tavern

9. Prairie Land Heritage Museum

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

It was way back in 1869 when some people met in Jacksonville, Illinois to discuss ways to preserve antique steam engines and farm machinery. They discussed the options of exhibiting a show of forgotten machinery to the common public. Eventually, this antique farm machinery museum was set up at Jacksonville’s Morgan County Fairgrounds. The majority of the equipment on exhibit here was owned by Milford Rees and Pat Kenny. The museum is a non-profit educational institute that is open to people from different age-groups who are interested to know more about past farming methods, antique farm machinery, heritage crafts and steam engines.

Prairie Land Heritage Museum

Address: 1005 W Michigan Ave, Jacksonville, IL 62650, USA

Website: Prairie Land Heritage Museum

10. Underground Railroad

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Woodlawn Farm’s Underground Railroad Site was set up by Michael Huffaker in 1824 and was initially used to hide fleeing slaves. The tour is on between Memorial Day and Labor Day on Saturdays, Sundays, and Wednesdays by appointment or from 1 pm to 4 pm.

Underground Railroad

Address: 1463 Gierke Lane, Jacksonville, IL 62650

Website: Underground Railroad

11. Beecher Hall

This is the most ancient building on Illinois College’s campus in Jacksonville. It was in fact, the first building in the college to be constructed in Illinois and hence has got its own historical importance. Beecher Hall was christened after the name of the college’s first president, Edward Beecher. It is also a stop when you ride the Underground Railroad.

Beecher Hall

Address: Illinois College, Jacksonville, Illinois

Website: Beecher Hall

Have a great stay in Jacksonville, Illinois

Enjoy a great stay at Jacksonville, Illinois. This list can act as a reference point for you and your loved ones to plan out what you want to do during your stay in the city.