Top 5 Things To Do In Mattoon, Illinois

1. Take a dip in Lytle Park's pool

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

Lytle Park is a great place to enjoy a fun day with the whole family. The swimming pool in the park is bigger than a football pitch and has undergone three major upgrades. During summer, this pool is open daily to offer a cool respite.

Bring out your inner child while enjoying its waterslides and diving boards. After swimming, you can relax on the deck with lounge chairs. That aside, there are lifeguards who ensure safety and the pool also comes with a shallow end for little swimmers.

Lytle Park Pool

Address: 3298 Cedar Ave, Mattoon, IL 61938, United States

Website: Lytle Park Pool

Opening hours: 11:30am - 7:45pm (daily)

Price: Daily rate: Child (age under 2): free; Child (age 2-11): 5 USD; Adult (age 12 & over): 6 USD

2. Travel back in time at Coles County Historical Society

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

If you’re looking for a unique and insightful way to spend an afternoon, be sure to check out Coles County Historical Society. Whether you’re a history buff or just looking for something interesting to do, this museum is well worth a visit.

It’s in the heart of downtown Mattoon and is home to a variety of exhibits that take you back in time to experience life as it was in Coles County. Among the offerings are a baseball exhibit and a cemetery walk for tourists. You will also get to learn about the history of women’s suffrage and witness some primitive artifacts.

Additionally, visitors are treated to sights of personal journals and pictures. Besides, the museum’s curators are always working on new and innovative ways to preserve the history of Coles County.

Coles County Historical Society

Address: 1718 Broadway Ave, Mattoon, IL 61938, United States

Website: Coles County Historical Society

Opening hours: Wed: 9am - 12am (closed Thu to Tue)

3. Dine at Spanky's Food and Spirits

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

There’s no shortage of sumptuous food options in Mattoon. Spanky’s Food and Spirits is among the many eateries serving delicious meals in the city. The restaurant has a lively ambiance and sells delicacies such as sandwiches, chicken wings, and steaks.

Wash down your meal of choice with a glass of chilled beer. That aside, there are plenty of tables available to fit your whole group and friendly staff are waiting to serve guests. If you are into sports, there are several televisions with sports channels on to keep you entertained.

Spanky's Food & Spirits

Address: 1920 Oak Avenue, Mattoon, Illinois 61938, United States

Website: Spanky’s Food & Spirits

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9am - 11pm; Sat: 7am - 11pm; Sun: 12pm - 10pm

4. Watch a movie at AMC Classic Mattoon 10

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

Movies fans are in for a special treat at AMC Classic Mattoon 10. Locals and tourists throng the theater for movies of different genres, such as thrillers, romantic comedies, horror movies, and more. Popcorn and soft drinks are available and can be ordered before arrival via a mobile application.

The theater’s gift cards can be nice gift options for your loved ones, especially during special occasions such as birthdays and anniversaries. Moreover, the family-friendly destination is clean, featuring comfy seating and dedicated staff members for a great experience.

AMC Classic Mattoon 10

Address: 2509 Hurst Dr, Mattoon, IL 61938, United States

Website: AMC Classic Mattoon 10

5. Reconnect with nature at Douglas-Hart Nature Center

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

Do you love nature or want to engage in outdoor activities? Drop by Douglas-Hart Nature Center and create new memories. The nature preserve stretches over 70 ac (28.33 ha) and boasts a forest habitat and wetlands.

Take a peaceful walk on the site’s trails, admiring the wide variety of trees and birds. All trails are flat and accessible to travelers with disabilities. There are benches along the trails, should you wish to take a breather.

Besides that, picnic tables are provided for fun afternoons with the family. Other amenities include restrooms, drinking water fountains, and a parking lot.

Douglas-Hart Nature Center

Address: 2204 Dewitt Ave E, Mattoon, IL 61938, United States

Website: Douglas-Hart Nature Center

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8am - 4pm; Sat: 10am - 4pm; Sun: 1pm - 4pm

A year-round tourist destination

A fun-filled getaway awaits you at Mattoon. There’s something interesting to do in the city for all travelers, from history buffs to shopaholics. While in the city, start by engaging in any of the above-mentioned activities and create amazing memories with your friends and family.