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Danville is a city of about 29,000 people on the Vermilion River in eastern Illinois, close to the Indiana border, and the seat of Vermilion County. Founded in the 1820s near old salt springs, it grew with coal mining, railroads and manufacturing. Abraham Lincoln often practiced law here while riding the circuit, and the city later raised a remarkable list of entertainers, including Dick Van Dyke, Jerry Van Dyke, Gene Hackman and Bobby Short.
Downtown, the restored Fischer Theatre, historic commercial blocks and colorful Walldog murals celebrate that past. The Vermilion County Museum occupies the Fithian House, where Lincoln spoke from the balcony in 1858, and the Vermilion County War Museum displays military artifacts from many eras.
The surrounding countryside is greener than many expect. Kickapoo State Recreation Area, reclaimed from strip mines, offers wooded lakes, trails and paddling, while Forest Glen Preserve and Kennekuk County Park add hiking, camping and wildlife. In summer, the Danville Dans play collegiate summer baseball at historic Danville Stadium.
A historic downtown theater that opened as an opera house in the 1880s and later became a movie palace, restored and reopened as a performing arts center. It hosts concerts, plays, comedy and film events. Check the schedule ahead, and look up at the bright marquee on Vermilion Street at night.
A historic ballpark in Danville, home of the Danville Dans in the Prospect League, a summer league for college players. Tickets are inexpensive, seats are close to the field, and games have a relaxed small-town atmosphere with promotions and fireworks nights. Games run from late May into August.
The county museum is set in the 1855 Fithian House, where Abraham Lincoln spoke from the balcony in 1858, plus a neighboring exhibit building. Rooms show period furnishings, local history, Danville celebrities and Lincoln connections. Allow about an hour, and check opening days before you go.
A volunteer-run museum in downtown Danville with uniforms, weapons, medals, letters and memorabilia from the Civil War through modern conflicts, many donated by local veterans and families. It is especially interesting for history buffs. Volunteers often share stories, so allow extra time to chat.
During a festival, a group of sign painters known as the Walldogs covered downtown Danville walls with large murals celebrating local history, businesses and famous natives such as Dick Van Dyke and Gene Hackman. A self-guided walk takes about an hour. Pick up a mural map downtown or look for them on side streets.
A state recreation area west of Danville on land once strip-mined for coal, now reforested with many clear lakes, the Middle Fork of the Vermilion River and miles of trails. It is popular for fishing, canoeing, mountain biking and camping. Rent a canoe or kayak in season and paddle the river.
A large Vermilion County Conservation District preserve southeast of Danville with forested trails, a tall observation tower, an arboretum, a pioneer homestead and campgrounds along the Vermilion River. It is one of the best places in the area for hiking and fall color. Bring water for the longer trails.
A county park northwest of Danville around Lake Mingo, with fishing, hiking trails, prairie restorations, picnic areas and a small historic area. It is quieter than the state parks. Paddle or fish on the lake, and watch for deer and wading birds on early morning walks.
Danville's downtown along Vermilion and Main streets has historic commercial buildings, Temple Plaza, local restaurants, shops and the Fischer Theatre. Summer brings street events and food trucks. Park once and explore on foot, combining the murals, the museums and dinner before a show.
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Log in to add photosPhoto: Nyttend, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
Photo: ComRela, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: ComRela, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: ComRela, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: ComRela, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: ComRela, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
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Photo: Nyttend, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
Photo: Nyttend, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
Photo: Nyttend, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
Photo: Cole Jackson, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
Photo: Nyttend, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
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Photo: Nyttend, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
Photo: Nyttend, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
Photo: Nyttend, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
Photo: Nyttend, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
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Photo: Daniel Schwen, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
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Photo: Stojak1, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
Photo: Nyttend, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
