ATTRACTIONS

Historic Homes & Buildings

• Chautauqua Auditorium (circa 1903)
  655 East North Ninth Street • Shelbyville, IL 62565
  217-774-5531
  This auditorium, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, was once the center of culture and entertainment in the community, hosting such famous speakers as William Jenning Bryan, Rev. Sam Jones, Billy Sunday, and Carry Nation. The building features a bowled floor with seating for 5,000, a 36-foot by 36-foot stage area with 2,000 square feet of floor space, and an orchestra pit that once held 20 musicians and their instruments. Grecian statues representing art, music, and drama sit above the stage. The design of the round structure is so unique, it is the largest building of its kind anywhere in the world.   map

• Old County Jail (circa 1892)
  151 South Washington Street • Shelbyville, IL 62565
  217-774-2260
  Now the home of the Shelby County Historical & Genealogical Society, the former jail and sheriff’s residence includes a research library, photographs, and displays of Lincoln Land and other memorabilia.   map

• Shelby County Courthouse
  301 East Main Street • Shelbyville, IL 62565
  Dedicated on April 13, 1883, this beautiful Victorian courthouse, located just north of the Public Square, has a classic design. It features two Grecian statues in niches above the south or front doors, representing the Goddesses of Liberty and Justice. Several historic paintings are displayed inside including Robert Root’s depiction of the Lincoln-Thornton debate. Courtrooms are open for viewing, when court is not in session.   map

• Tallman House, The (circa 1905)
  816 West Main Street • Shelbyville, IL 62565
  217-774-3991
  Currently the office for the Shelby Historic House & Inn, The Tallman House was built by the inventor of the mechanical hay baler. It was restored in 1989 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The house is open daily, from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.  map

• The Shelbyville Public Library (circa 1905)
  154 North Broadway • Shelbyville, IL 62565
  217-774-4432
  Built with a Carnegie grant, this classically designed building of the Renaissance period, features Roman pressed brick and Bedford stone to create strength, beauty and harmony. Visitors are welcome to come in and view the fluted pilasters, oak arches, fireplaces and mantle, and original furnishings.  map

Historic Sites & Monuments

• Lincoln Public Square
  Several monuments can be seen in Lincoln Public Square. The Soldiers & Sailors Monument was erected in 1907 in memory of the soldiers and sailors of Shelby County. Then on July 3, 2002 a monument housing an eternal flame was dedicated as an "eternal" rememberance of the Shelby County veterans, living and dead, and their valiant sacrifices for freedom. The eternal flame sits on top of a 3-foot-high black granite base, and faces the Shelby County Courthouse. A Civil War Memorial is also in Lincoln Public Square.

Parks, Gardens & Zoos

• Forest Park
  Northeast Ninth Street • Shelbyville, IL 62565
  217-774-5531
  This municipal park features 120 acres of rolling woods, with a fishing lagoon and sunken garden, along with the Chautauqua Auditorium, Vietnam memorial, family aquatic center, picnic area, pavillions, baseball and softball diamonds, soccerfield, volleyball and tennis courts, hiking trail and more.  map

Tours & Cruises

• Shelbyville Old Homes Walking/Driving Tour
  315 East Main Street • Shelbyville, IL 62565
  217-774-2244
  Walk or drive by the lovely old homes and buildings in Shelbyville, many of which are listed on the National Registar of Historical Places. A brochure with map and historical/ architectural information can be obtained from the Shelby County Office of Tourism.   map

Vineyards, Wineries & Breweries

• Vahling Vineyards
  Route 1 #51 • Shelbyville, IL 62463
  Located in Stewardson, IL
  217-682-5409
  Using varieties that are indigeous to the area, this winery markets its own unique blend of wine, and features five superior varieties. The winery has a wine tasting room and gift shop and is open Tuesday through Sunday, except on holidays.  more...  map