ATTRACTIONS
Little Brick House, The
621 St. Clair Street • Vandalia, IL 62471
618-283-0024
Thought to have been built in the mid 1800's, this house is an example of simple Italianate architecture. Listed on the National Registry of Historic Places, it has been preserved and and furnished with period pieces, antiques, and early Vandalia artifacts. Operated by the Vandalia Historical Society, The Little Brick House is open to public, by appointment. more... map
Farmers Monument, The
At Vandalia Illinois Tourist Information Center
Sculpted of black granite, this monument is a tribute to the contributions of the prairie farmers from the past, who helped lead the development of Illinois. It was dedicated on June 16th, 2001.Madonna of the Trail
In the southeast corner of the Old State Capitol
Sculpted by August Leimbach of St. Louis, this is one of 12 large statues along the Old National Road, honoring pioneer mothers. The 18 foot tall Madonna of the Trail depicts a pioneer woman holding her baby, while her young son clings to her skirts. Made of algonite stone, the monument has the warm, pink color of Missouri native granite. Dedicated on October 26, 1928, the statue sits on the ground of the Old State Capitol. more...Vandalia Old State Capitol (circa 1836)
315 West Gallatin Street • Vandalia, IL 62471
618-283-1161
This Federal-style building, the oldest Illinois State Capitol building, served as the Illinois State Capitol from 1836-1839. It features high ceilings, tall windows, a broad, curving staircase leading to the Senate and House of Representatives chambers, and vintage furnishings. It was here that Abraham Lincoln began his historical political career. Exhibits include copies of documents from Illinois' early history, and Lincoln's tenure as a state representative in Vandalia. The Old State Capitol is open to visitors free of charge, Tuesday to Sunday, throughout the year. Visitors may take guided tours, or may walk through the building at their own leisure. more... map
Fayette County Museum
Corner of Kennedy and Main Street
618-283-4866
Fascinating household and farm artifacts donated by the community.Lincoln Room, The
215 South 5th Street • Vandalia, IL 62471
Located in the Evans Public Library
618-283-2824
A collection of Lincoln books, pamphlets, pictures, a life mask and other items can be found at this library. Made for a statue of Lincoln in 1860, just after his election to the presidency, the mask is one of a very few copies made from the original, housed at the Smithsonian Institute. An original photo of Lincoln taken in 1857 is also on display at the library. map
Lincoln Park
West Gallatin Street • Vandalia, IL 62471
Located across from the Old State Capitol
Relax in this park, in downtown Vandalia, that includes a water fountain, gazebo and a life-sized statue of Abraham Lincoln. The bronze statue, sculpted by John McClarey of Decatur, Illinois, is entitled "Sitting with Lincoln." mapVandalia Illinois City Park District
900 North Locust Street • Vandalia, IL 62471
618-283-1029
There are six parks in Vandalia totaling sixty acres. These beautiful parks feature picnic tables, pavilions, grills, swings, slides, a swimming pool, two baseball diamonds, five softball diamonds, two sand volleyball courts, two soccer fields, three tennis courts and the Evans Youth Center. The Lincoln Walking Trail is an approximately one mile walking path that goes through several of Vandalia's major parks. map
Cemetery Walk
Held in the Old State Burial Grounds
Step back in time each fall as The Friends of the Old State Capital and the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency take on a walk through the old state cemetery. Along the way, actors will bring to life people who figured prominently in the early days of the town and state. The tours are free, although a donation is suggested. A reception at Vandalia Statehouse State Historic Site, as well as Statehouse tours will also take place, on this day. more...
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