Danville is nestled in the heart of Vermilion River country, home to high quality museums, shops full of rare and unique finds, a unique history including several Abraham Lincoln historic sites, and an abundance of parks and wildlife.
The surrounding area is mostly flat, but boasts six county and state parks and preserves with the county boasting more than 15,000 acres of parkland.Major attractions include the nationally designated Middle Fork Scenic River, Kickapoo State Park, and Lake Vermilion on Danville’s north side. These parks provide a wide range of recreation opportunities including vast hiking trails, camping, fishing, horse riding, boating, mountain biking, canoeing, river tubing, and bird watching. The City of Danville boasts its own collection of parks including the riverside Elsworth Park and historic Lincoln Park.
Dale Building in historic downtown Danville
Historical attractions include many sites associated with Abraham Lincoln. Designated a Gateway City to the National Park Service’s Looking for Lincoln National Heritage Area, Danville is rich in Lincoln History with over 12 sites commemorating his 18 years practicing law here while riding the 8th Judicial Circuit. Sites include the Lamon House, An 1840’s Greek Revival Cottage built by Joseph Lamon, cousin of Ward Hill Lamon, Lincoln’s law partner and bodyguard. Attached the Vermilion County museum sits the Fithian Home formerly owned by Dr. William Fithian, Civil War surgeon and personal friend of Abraham Lincoln, the Fithian Home features the south balcony from which Lincoln gave a speech in 1858 and the bedroom he used on his many visits. Visitors can also visit the Danville National Cemetery serves as the final resting place for veterans from the Civil War to present.and the Vermilion County War Museum which covers every military action our country has been involved in, from the Revolutionary War to today’s conflicts.
Historic Fischer Theatre
Additional history can be found in Danville’s historic downtown district. This tree-lined district includes a number of local restaurants, businesses, and attractions. Notably, the downtown district is home of the historic Fischer Theater which houses a museum of Danville’s famous residents including Dick Van Dyke, Donald O'Connor, Gene Hackman, Bobby Short, and Helen Morgan. Downtown also includes over 18 fabulous murals grace the brick walls of the historic Downtown which were painted in 4 days by 160 Walldog artists from all over the world.
The parks and historic architecture act as a backdrop for many regionally important events including Arts in the Park, The Festival of Trees, Balloons Over Vermilion, Summer Sounds, Symphony Concerts, the Light Opera, and plays.
Danville and the surrounding area are served by Interstate 74 which runs east-west along the south side of the city. I-74 connects Danville to Champaign-Urbana in the west and Indianapolis in the east. Illinois Route 1 serves Danville and the surrounding area, running north-south through the city. It connects Danville to several smaller Vermilion County towns as well as Chicago to the north.
The Danville Mass Transit system has daytime buses from/to Champaign, Georgetown, Westfield, etc. Bus route #10 runs to/from Champaign, every 2hrs during the day M-Sa.
Danville is best seen by car, though it is possible to explore downtown Danville on foot. The county and state parks have trails for hiking in good weather, but the parks can generally be enjoyed by car as well. Danville Mass Transit (DMT) provides bus service around the city as well as to nearby Champaign/Urbana.
40.129335-87.6295211Vermillion County War Museum (formerly Danville Public Library), 307 N Vermilion St, ☏ +12174310034, [email protected]. Tuesday - Friday noon-4PM, Saturday 10AM-4PM. A local museum about the soldiers, wars, and battles that have a tie to Vermillion county. The building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. $2.00 per adults, $1.00 per child. (updated Dec 2022)
40.127467-87.6360722Vermilion County Museum, 116 N Gilbert St, ☏ +1 217-442-2922. Tuesday - Saturday 10AM-4PM. The Vermilion County Museum and Fithian Home are part of a small campus highlighting the history of Danville and Vermilion County, Illinois. The grounds feature The Vermilion County Museum, Fithian Historic Home, plus various exhibits throughout the grounds including a Looking for Lincoln wayside exhibit. $7.00 per person. 17 years old and under free. (updated Dec 2022)
Danville National Cemetery40.12712-87.5801213Danville National Cemetery, 1900 E Main St, ☏ +1 217-554-4550. Sunrise - Sunset. A national veterans cemetery managed by the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs. In 1897, Congress authorized the establishment of the National Home for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers in Danville. The next year, a small plot of land was set aside as a burial site; it was subsequently designated a national cemetery in 1898. In 1901, the present cemetery was plotted and the remains of those buried in the old cemetery were reinterred at the new site.Danville National Cemetery was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1992. The Soldiers Monument at Danville National Cemetery was dedicated on Memorial Day in 1917. (updated Dec 2022)
40.128092-87.6301924Fischer Theater, 158 N Vermilion St, ☏ +1 217-213-6162. Thursday - Saturday: 10AM-3PM. Historic 19th century theater with live entertainment and museum of many famous Danville residents including Dick Van Dyke, Gene Hackman, Donald O'Connor, Bobby Short, and Helen Morgan. The theater also contains a gift shop of unique and often local items. (updated Dec 2022)
High Pond Trail40.170409-87.6467935Lake Vermilion County Park, 2607 Denmark Rd, ☏ +1 217-442-7561. Sunrise - Sunset Daily. A park next to a 1,000 acre lake open year round. Open to power boating (unlimited HP), jet skiing, and water skiing. Excellent wildlife viewing (including bald eagles) and fishing. (updated Dec 2022)
40.1167-87.73586Kickapoo State Park, 10906 Kickapoo Park Road, Oakwood, ☏ +1 217-442-4915. Where in Illinois can you go running or hiking, canoeing, fishing for trout, camping, hunting or scuba diving -- all against a backdrop of breathtaking natural beauty? Kickapoo State Recreation Area near Danville in Vermilion County - easily accessible via I-74. (updated Mar 2019)
Marshes at Heron Park
Heron County Park Wetlands Boardwalk, W. Newell Road 61834. Featuring the Kennekuk Marshes Wetland with a 950-foot handicapped accessible floating boardwalk. Songbirds, season migratory birds, and waterfowl such as Canadian geese, mallards, wood ducks, kingfishers, green herons, sandhill cranes, American egrets and bald eagles all flock to the area. Climb the 30 foot observation tower to take in the “wide-angle” view. (updated Mar 2019)
Middle Fork State Fish and Wildlife Area, 10906 Kickapoo Park Rd, Oakwood. 2700 -cre area with 35 miles of marked scenic equestrian, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling trails Provides access to the Middle Fork National Scenic River for hunting, canoeing, and picnicking. Campground and equestrian campground rentals are available (updated Mar 2019)
Danville Dans Baseball, 610 Highland Blvd, ☏ +1 217-918-3401. The Danville Dans are affiliated with the Prospect League, a charter member of the National Association of Summer Collegiate Baseball (NASCB) (updated Mar 2019)
Harrison Park Golf Course, 1300 W. Voorhees Street, ☏ +1 217-431-2266. An 18-hole course open to the public seven days a week. The North Fork of the Vermilion River winds through the course and the picturesque hills create a backdrop unlike any other in Central Illinois. Our grounds total 235 acres of land, offering several amenities (bird watching, fishing and hiking). (updated Mar 2019)
Danville Art League, 320 N. Franklin Street, ☏ +1 217-442-9264. Local art group stimulating creativity and art appreciation through classes and/or informal sessions at the studio or in the field. Provide artists with places to exhibit their work and to act as a resource center for members and the public. (updated Mar 2019)
Danville Symphony Orchestra, 715 W. Fairchild St, ☏ +1 217-443-5300. Founded in 1967 and comprised of over 60 talented musicians this has a rotating schedule of performances throughout the year. (updated Mar 2019)
Danville Light Opera, Location changes per performance, ☏ +1 217-431-1660. DLO Musical Theatre began as Danville Light Opera in 1956, making it the oldest musical theatre group in the area. Each year, DLO presents three regular season musicals, two mainstage productions and a dinner theatre production. (updated Mar 2019)
Danville offers a number of shopping opportunities including locally owned boutiques in the downtown district to well-known chain stores.
Stage Presents The Fischer Theatre Gift Shop, 158 N. Vermilion Street, toll-free: +1-800-383-4386. Th–Sa 10AM – 3PM. Attached the historic Fischer Theater stocks items from Danville's famous (and not famous) residents. Shopping opportunities include vintage bottled soda, jewelry, regional honey, decor, books, and many other unique gifts. (updated Mar 2019)
Sweet Repeats, 101 N. Vermilion Street2, ☏ +1 217-516-8237. Boutique feel with painted furniture, home decor, and antiques. Annie Sloan Chalk Paint stockist offering classes and custom work in their paint studio. (updated Mar 2019)
Cafe 13, 13 N. Vermilion Street. Coffee, from scratch pastries, crepes, sandwiches, and salads. Open for breakfast and lunch.
Rich's Deluxe, 21 W. North Street. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a large menu of fresh items, homemade soups, and more.
Green Island Chinese, 11 N. Vermilion Street. Offering dine in, take out, and delivery.
Lovin' Cup Food Truck, Gourmet grilled cheese, crab cakes, and soup usually found downtown.
Other districts
Charlotte’s Coffee & Tea, 402 N. Gilbert Street, +1 217-442-2839. Coffee, tea, breakfast, lunch and baked goods.
Jocko's, 305 W. Williams Street, railroad inspired restaurant serving award winning pizza since 1972. Also features a salad bar and range of other dinners, including pastas and sandwiches.
Stony's Restaurant, 720 E. Voorhees Street, Homemade daily specials, Huge 20" pizzas, oven subs, and grilled items.
Mad Goat Coffee, 2601 N. Vermilion Street. Coffee, pastries, smoothies, tea, evening hours, a friendly staff, and a comfortable environment.
Custard Cup, 2507 N Vermilion St, A Danville Tradition since 1949! Frozen treats made daily. Open seasonally.
Royal Donut, 911 N. Vermilion Street. A landmark destination since 1973, Royal Donut has been serving award winning coffee paired with an awesome variety of donuts, pastries, and muffins
Comfort Inn Danville Hotel, 383 Lynch Dr (off Interstate 74), ☏ +1 217-443-8004. It has high quality, safe guest rooms.
Sleep Inn Inn & Suites, 361 Lynch Dr, ☏ +1 217-442-6600. Located at the junction of I-74 and Lynch Rd (Exit 220), approximately 1 mile west of the Indiana State Line.
Hampton Inn & Suites, 370 Eastgate Drive, ☏ +1 217-442-3300. (updated Mar 2019)
Holiday Inn Express & Suites, 310 Eastgate Drive, ☏ +1 217-442-2500. (updated Mar 2019)
Days Hotel & Conference Center, 77 N. Gilbert Street, ☏ +1 217-443-6600. Downtown area hotel and conference center. Also home of the After Hours Bar & Grill. (updated Mar 2019)
Forest Glen Preserve - great RV, tent, and back-country camping by the Vermilion River; has one 11-mile backpacking trail along the river's ridge through woods and wetlands
Champaign-Urbana, and the University of Illinois there, is a bus ride away.
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