The Jacksonville center point is approximately the area of Mac Murray College and 1 mile east of Passavant Area Hospital.
There's always something fun to do in Jacksonville, Illinois. The city enjoys four distinct seasons, each offering pleasant experiences for the whole family. However, the town's organized festivals and event options increase as the temperature rises. The season typically kicks off with the St. Patrick's Day parade in March and leads into the Rotary Club's bass tournament in April.
Lake Jacksonville is known as the top fishing spot in the State, easily accessible by Route 267, just 3 miles south of the city. Pull up to the boat dock, drop a line, and enjoy the view while you fish for bass, channel catfish, and bluegill. Other visitors prefer more active watersports, like skiing or boating. The summer months afford visitors the chance for a refreshing swim.
Each July, Midwesterners celebrate traditional folk handcraft at the River Country Quilt Show. Then, the 4th of July Celebration kicks off with a parade through downtown, followed by a kid's fishing tournament, fireworks, a flea market, games, and more at Nichols Park. The July festivities continue with the Morgan County Fair, the Kiwanis Golf Tournament, and the Crazy Horse Bluegrass Festival. If you plan to visit in July, be sure to secure a room well in advance, as hotels will fill up quickly!
Get active and enjoy the great outdoors at the town skate park or play a round at the Disc Golf Course. Godfrey Park/Play for All Park is a welcome refuge on the hottest days, with a fully accessible water play park. When you want to get away from the bustle and take a break, Emma Mae Leonhard Wildlife Sanctuary & Nature Trail offers shade and calm on a manageable 1/4-mile hike through the woods. Stick around in September — you won't want to miss the classic car show and drive-in!
Just miles from Jacksonville Lake and the Morgan County Fairgrounds, the Best Western Jacksonville Inn is a family favorite for vacations. It also offers excellent market rate values. Add a AAA discount to that, and you'll score an excellent discount at this hotel. Just be sure to show your AAA ID at check-in. This hotel may look average from its exterior, but you will be pleasantly surprised from the moment you check in.
Throughout the gabled building, you'll see elements of exposed brick, which are accented by red and adobe-colored walls. The real showstopper is the indoor pool area. Guests recommend paying a little extra for one of the larger suites, which overlook the pool and are well-soundproofed so you can simply enjoy the view of your kids splashing below. Rooms are also adjoining, making the property ideal for larger groups
The Best Western Jacksonville Inn also offers convenient in-room amenities like personal coffee makers, a mini fridge, and even spa tubs in some rooms. Breakfast is served each morning downstairs with an impressive spread of hot and cold foods and beverages to fuel you for the day.
The Hampton Inn Jacksonville is a favorite local hotel for its all-around value offerings. Families love the indoor pool and free hot breakfast (including waffle bar and oatmeal with toppings). This hotel offers guestrooms that are budget-friendly and superior in comfort. Double beds are perfect for larger groups or families with kids.
Business travelers appreciate this Hampton Inn's 24-hour fitness center and business center. The hotel is also conveniently close to Jacksonville Lake and Illinois College. Busy folks on the run can take advantage of the hotel's “to-go” breakfasts and free hot coffee or tea.
If you've been on the road in a cramped family car for too long, the Holiday Inn Express and Suites Jacksonville offers the perfect respite, earning high marks for its spacious rooms. This hotel's layout is as open as the Midwestern plains. For those seeking ample event space for personal or business events, the Holiday Inn Express and Suites' event spaces are large enough to accommodate large conferences or small meetings.
There's also plenty of room to splash and relax in the indoor pool and spa tub. Breakfast at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites is a delight for everyone. The hotel chain is known for its signature cinnamon rolls, but you can opt for something savory like hot sausage, bacon, eggs, and omelets, along with other continental breakfast favorites.
In 1893, Jacksonville resident W.E. Sullivan visited the World's Colombian Exposition in Chicago and was dumbstruck by the Ferris Wheel he saw there. As a bridge builder, he was uniquely equipped to begin making his own "Big Eli" wheels right in Jacksonville, Illinois. His first was unveiled at Jacksonville's own Central Park in 1900, and he established a factory in the city that has been making wheels ever since. Visitors may ride one in Community Park during the warmer months.
If you love old stately houses and artwork, the David Strawn Gallery should be on your itinerary. The imposing building dates to 1873, but today, the David Strawn home is the home of an art gallery. Gallery openings are free and open to the public. In addition to its contemporary works, the David Strawn Gallery boasts a fine collection of regional early Mississippi Native American pottery, as well as the Miriam Cowgur Allen doll collection.
After that, you can easily spend hours combing through Jacksonville's antique stores, book shops, and sewing emporiums. Unearth treasures from the past or pick up some supplies to make a new heirloom quilt. Whether you're looking for something old or something new, Jacksonville offers a wealth of curiosities and history to discover.
Below are reviews of the city of Jacksonville, IL from an actual visitor's perspective.
Family, coffee shop, Beall's
Nice town and close to relatives in town.
Different variety of places to eat!
Duncan Park
The Stained glass factory, gave so much information and Cari was super. I purchased glass and supplies, to my surprise. You never know what niche unexpected gift you'll find in a small city. Also enjoyed the huge cemetery on the hill near Jacksonville, boasting the first casualty of the Civil War, the newspaper guy that was killed for printing anti slavery opinions. Fast Eddie's Bon Air was definitely a restaurant experience to take in, about an hour from Jacksonville, but worth the drive. We were just going to drive through on our way home, but spent 3 days in Jacksonville!!! Glad we did, might come back some day 😃
Easy to get around. Downtown is attractive.
Ballfields are excellent!
Ball fields were excellent.
Easy to get around.
Found a couple good places to eat!
Staff was very informative of the area, very friendly at check in
Small quaint town not far from larger cities if one needs to shop at bigger stores. Nice history with the Ferris Wheel and Book Bindery.
I work in Jacksonville, nice city!
I work in Jacksonville, it's a great city!
Nice people -- we mostly are with family and friends in Arenzville and Concord area
Small town.
The room was clean, comfortable. The staff was friendly. Former residents of Ville so we are pretty aware of all there is to do. Friendly people.
Jacksonville is a great city. It has some real good restaurants and entertainment. Good stores too. Nice American city.
We loved the different stores, especially Bealle's. We also enjoyed those little shops around the square especially, A Collaborative Downtown on the south side of the old square.
Lots to do and places to go here!
Lots of eating establishments! We went to Mulligans and they were fantastic
Main drag had every kind of restaurant that you could want.