Mt Vernon’s motto is “Creativity Redefined.” This is why this Illinois city is known as the “Festival Arts City.” Part of its culture is the Cedarhurst Center for the Arts, which is an art museum covering art and architecture. Look into the city’s history at the Jefferson County Historical Village, a museum covering much of the past since the city was founded in 1817. Mt. Vernon also offers green spaces and other rural locations, like Miller Lake, where fishing and boating are the order of the day. More fun can be had at the Aquatic Zoo Water Park with its colorful slides. As for accommodations, there are a number of great hotels and Airbnb vacation rentals. If you’re planning to visit this artistic city, here’s a list of things to do in Mt. Vernon, Illinois, that you can try out.
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1. Make a big splash at the Aquatic Zoo
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
The Aquatic Zoo is the perfect place for the whole family to have fun. There are exciting water slides, tubes, a high-dive over the pool and the Lazy River, where you can relax and just float in the sun. Kids have fun on the log bridge, trying to cross without falling into the water while others perform laps in the 25 m (82 ft) pool. All the water slides are colorfully depicted as giraffes and other zoo animals.
Aquatic Zoo
Address: 1700 S. 34th Street, Mt Vernon, Illinois, USA
Website: Aquatic Zoo
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 11am - 6pm; Sun: 12pm - 6pm
Price: From 6 USD
2. Enjoy art classes at the Cedarhurst Center For The Arts
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Cedarhurst Center for the Arts in Mt Vernon is a visual and performing arts institution. The center displays permanent and temporary exhibits of American artworks and hosts regular concerts. The center also offers art classes in painting, drawing, stained glass, quilting and ceramics.
Cedarhurst Center For The Arts
Address: 2600 E Richview Rd, Mt Vernon, Illinois, USA
Website: Cedarhurst Center For The Arts
Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 10am - 5pm; Sun: 1pm - 5pm (closed on Mon)
Price: From 10 USD
3. Learn about Mt Vernon at the Jefferson County Historical Society
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
The Jefferson County Historical Village in Mt. Vernon offers a fascinating museum and an interpretative center covering the history of the county and town. View log houses dating back to the 19th century, a log jail, church and a one-room school. There are also functional blacksmith and print shops to visit and period merchandise is on display in the general store. Visit the medical building to see the variety of medical equipment used way back them.
Jefferson County Historical Society
Address: 1411 N 27th St, Mt Vernon, Illinois, USA
Website: Jefferson County Historical Society
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 12:30pm - 4:30pm; Sat: 10am - 4pm; Sun: 1pm - 4pm
Price: Free but donations welcome
You might be interested in these Airbnbs!
4. Relax and chill out at Stress Knot Massage
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Stress Knot Massage is part of the Chiropractic Wellness Center of Mt. Vernon. They have been offering a professional massage service in the city for 10 years. Massage therapy helps a guest’s physical, mental and spiritual wellbeing. Techniques include deep pressure and intense stretching, relaxing, therapeutic massage, deep tissue massage, hot stone massage, point therapy and aromatherapy massage with essential oils. This is the perfect way to relax and get rid of the tensions of daily living and working.
Stress Knot Massage
Address: 1009 S 42nd St. Suite 6, Mt. Vernon, Illinois, USA
Website: Stress Knot Massage
Opening hours: Mon - Wed: 10am - 6pm; Thu: 10am - 7pm; Fri: 10am - 4pm (closed on Sat & Sun)
Price: From 40 USD
5. Enjoy a meal at RARE Chop House
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
RARE Chop House serves a range of entrees, shareable plates, lunch and side dishes, along with a remarkable wine list. Among the shareables are Basil Bruschetta, P.E.I. Mussels and Crab Croquettes. Entrees include Braised Chicken Pot Pie, Crab Stuffed Salmon and Chicken Florentine. The lunch menu offers meat dishes including roasted prime rib, burgers, chicken alfredo and French dip.
RARE Chop House
Address: 224 S 10th St, Mt Vernon, Illinois, USA
Website: RARE Chop House
Opening hours: Tue - Fri: 11am - 4pm, 5pm - 9pm; Sat: 4pm - 9pm (closed on Sun & Mon)
6. Smell that smoke at Bandana's Bar-B-Q
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Weekends were made for Bar-B-Q Family Style! Order at www.bandanasbbq.com
Posted by Bandanas BBQ Mt. Vernon on Saturday, May 16, 2020
Bandana’s BAR-B-Q is a Southern-style barbeque restaurant with a cowboy theme. Their real wood pit smokers work 24 hours a day and the restaurant encourages visitors to “smell that smoke” as they are about to dine. All meats are hand-rubbed prior to smoking with a dozen herbs and spices. There is also a variety of side dishes, including potato salad, coleslaw, fried corn on the cob and grilled garlic bread.
Bandana's Bar-B-Q
Address: 308 S 44th St, Mt Vernon, Illinois, USA
Website: Bandana’s Bar-B-Q
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 11am - 9pm; Fri - Sat: 11am - 10pm
7. All you can eat at Asian Buffet
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Asian Buffet in Mount Vernon, Illinois, is recognized for its outstanding Chinese cuisines and excellent service. The buffet serves a modern interpretation of classic Chinese dishes made with only the highest-quality fresh ingredients. Enjoy all you can eat delicious food from the buffet!
Asian Buffet
Address: 419 S 42nd St, Mt Vernon, Illinois, USA
Website: Asian Buffet
Opening hours: 11am - 10pm (daily)
8. Browse the latest novels at King City Books
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
King City Books is an independent book store in Mt. Vernon, Illinois, with all the classics, latest novels and children’s books on display. There is a coffee shop inside the store so you can relax with a tasty cup while browsing the bookshelves. Regular readings are held by local authors and other events are held here regularly. The shop opens early.
King City Books
Address: 104 N 9th St, Mt Vernon, Illinois, USA
Website: King City Books
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 7am - 6pm; Sat: 8am - 4pm (closed on Sun)
9. Browse the latest second-hand bargains at Treasure Trove Resale
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Housewares 50% off Womens dresses, skirts and shoes 50% off Girls dresses 50% off
Posted by Treasure Trove Resale on Tuesday, July 6, 2021
They say one man’s trash is another man’s treasure, and that is so true. Treasure Trove Resale offers a range of men’s, women’s and children’s clothing, along with an assortment of household items for sale. While shoppers can get bargains here, the shop also donates a portion of their sales to support the local Meals on Wheels program in Mt. Vernon, Illinois.
Treasure Trove Resale
Address: 1921 Broadway St, Mt Vernon, Illinois, USA
Website: Treasyre Trove Resale
10. Enjoy a drink at The Frosty Mug Bar & Grill
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Let us make this a very happy weekend for you with great food, drinks and service with a smile! * Ribeye, Baked Potato...
Posted by The Frosty Mug Bar & Grill on Saturday, September 29, 2018
Whether looking for some great barbecue, or a cold glass of beer, The Frosty Mug Bar & Grill can offer both. The bar serves a range of different meats, spiced and cooked on the barbeque to your liking, and at reasonable prices. Choose from ribs, pork loin, brisket, half chicken, pulled pork and BBQ nachos, as well as daily specials and sides. Wash down the meal with one of the best craft beers.
The Frosty Mug Bar & Grill
Address: 1113 Salem Rd, Mt Vernon, Illinois, USA
Website: The Frosty Mug Bar & Grill
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 7am - 11pm; Fri: 7am - 2am; Sat: 11am - 2am; Sun: 12pm - 10pm
11. Have an amazing breakfast at Waffle Company
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
The Waffle Company serves the best breakfasts from early in the morning until just after lunch. Choose from a wide range of egg and toast dishes, omelets, sandwiches and great scrambles. Select one of the delicious waffles from the menu, including the Large Belgian Waffle or Pecan Waffle. Enjoy a plate full of great pancakes or French toast, along with various delicious side dishes. Let the kids choose from their own menu, including Mickey Cake and Mini Waffles. There is also a selection of soups and salads.
Waffle Company
Address: 4115a Broadway St, Mt Vernon, Illinois, USA
Opening hours: 5:30am - 2:30pm (daily)
12. Attend a service at LifePointe Church
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Worshippers at LifePointe Church believe the Bible, with both its Old and New Testaments, is the word of God. Both local residents and visitors to Mt. Vernon, Illinois, are welcome to worship here on Sunday mornings and on Wednesday evenings.
LifePointe Church
Address: 13229 N Chestnut Ln, Mt Vernon, Illinois, USA
Website: LifePointe Church
Opening hours: Sunday Worship: 10:29am; Wednesday service: 7pm
13. Have some fun at Nu Bowl Lanes
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Nu-Bowl is a 28-lane bowling center with well-trained and friendly staff. The snack bar offers a menu of drinks and snacks, while The Back Office Bar & Grill offers more, including a gaming parlor, burgers and pizza. There is a games arcade for extra fun, including racing cars and air hockey.
Nu Bowl Lanes
Address: 3226, 1315 N 17th St, Mt Vernon, Illinois, USA
Website: Nu Bowl Lanes
Opening hours: Mon - Tue, Thu: 9am - 10pm; Wed: 3pm - 10pm; Fri: 9am - 12am; Sun: 12pm - 8pm
Price: From 8 USD
14. Enjoy watching a game at Pro's Sports Bar
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Look what has arrived!! They will be up and running Thursday afternoon.
Posted by Pro's Sports Bar on Tuesday, January 1, 2013
Watch the latest sports and big games as they happen, while enjoying a cold beer or other preferred drink. Also, enjoy tasty bar fare. The bar also offers live music evenings.
Pro's Sports Bar
Address: 1308 Salem Rd, Mt Vernon, Illinois, USA
Website: Pro’s Sports Bar
15. Keep up the exercise regime at Anytime Fitness
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Anytime Fitness offers a range of fitness centers all over the USA and Canada. Pop into the local center in Mt. Vernon, Illinois, to find out about memberships and free trials on all the latest exercise equipment, with professional staff available to help. The equipment includes treadmills, ellipticals, exercise cycles, stair climbers, rowing machines, free weights, racks and other training tools.
Anytime Fitness
Address: 606-616 S 42nd St, Mt Vernon, Illinois, USA
Website: Anytime fitness
Opening hours: 24 hours
Enjoy your visit to Mt. Vernon, Illinois
When visiting this attractive city, explore everything there is to see while enjoying the various things to do in Mt Vernon, Illinois, USA. Go ahead and use our recommendations above and gear up for a memorable experience in the lovely city of Mt. Vernon.
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