Pike County IL Top Ten Vacation Ideas
Pike County IL Top Ten Vacation Ideas
Enjoy the scenic county that Harpole’s Heartland Lodge is located in. This county is truly a step back in time. Pike County is rich in Abe Lincoln tradition along with the historic New Philadelphia Site. Take in a movie at the local drive in theatre, enjoy the local wineries or just soak up all the natural beauty the county has to offer.
1) The Clark 54 Drive – In Theatre
Come hang out and watch a movie in your car, just like in the good old days! This is truly a step back in time that you will want to experience. (Open April through September) Check out their web site for more details. http://www.clark54drivein.com/
2) Abe Lincoln’s Talking House Tour (More history on Lincoln in Pike County IL)
Simply tune your radio to the station listed on the house marker and begin the self guided tour of eleven homes with Abe Lincoln significance in Pittsfield. The first home on the tour is a t the northeast corner of West and Washington Streets. A yard plaque marks each home, depicting its history with Lincoln. The county also features Lincoln Wayside Exhibits. For a copy of the self-guided brochure or more info on the Wayside Exhibits visit the Pike County Visitors Center at 224 West Washington in Pittsfield or call 217-285-4484
Historic East School -Located in Pittsfield, and build in 1861-1866 this was the first public school in Pittsfield serving grades 1-12. Now the school is a museum holding memorabilia from over the years in Pike County.
Finley Hotel -The 1850’s hotel that Abraham Lincoln visited is still standing.
For more information on Lincoln In Pike County IL Including the Silver War reenactment go to http://www.pikelincoln.com/
3) New Philadelphia/Free Frank McWorter (More history on New Philadelphia)
The New Philadelphia site is famous in American History. The New Philadelphia site was the first town in the United States to be settled by a free African American. Thus becoming a popular location for the underground railroad.
4) Pike County Courthouse
This is a site to see, this is part of the 10 most beautiful courthouses in Illinois. It was build in 1894, inside there is a picture of Abraham Lincoln in Pittsfield taken in 1858.
5) Twin Culverts
This is a personal favorite of the owners of Harpole’s Heartland Lodge. These culverts are located in the quiet city of Pearl. (About 15minutes away) These culverts are made out of limestone and people can even drive through them. They were built through the hills for on the remote country road for cars to pass “through the hill” instead of over it!
6) Pittsfield Lake – A Hidden Jewel!
You can take a lunch and go for a beautiful picnic; this lake is even great for fishing. Enjoy this 200 acre lake surrounded by 480 acres of recreational land that the public can use. This lake has great crappie fishing in the spring and is also stocked with Bass, Bluegill, Walleye, and Stripers. http://www.pittsfieldil.org/community/recreation/pittsfield-city-lake
7) Antiques & Collectibles
Enjoy a scenic drive through Pike County IL and stop at the many Antique store, flea markets and collectible shops. Also right across the river in Pike County (Less than 30 minutes away) there are many more stores. (Click Here for a list)
8) Wineries
Pike County IL has two great wineries. Both of these wineries host special events through-out the year. Check out their website for more details http://www.collverfamilywinery.com/ and Hopewell Winery & Restaurant http://www.hopewellwinery.com/
9) Mighty Mississippi River
Enjoy the scenic and historic river that borders the entire western side of Pike County. One of our favorite spots is the Lock and Damn that stretches across to Clarksville Missouri. In the spring and summer you can enjoy the view at the dam and in the fall it’s a great spot to view Bald Eagles
http://www.greatriverroad.com/hannibal/lockdam24.htm. You can also take a drive across the river our neighbors in Pike County MO.
10) Pittsfield Historic Walking Tour
Pittsfield was established in 1833 and has enjoyed a long and colorful history. Much of the central part of Pittsfield is listed as an historic district in the National Register. We invite you to catch a glimpse of some of our past on this self-guided tour. Be sure to check out the newly refurbished William Watson Hotel on the south side of the square and the new Lincoln wayside exhibit on the southwest corner of the Courthouse Square. The walking tour brochure is available at the Pike County Visitor Center or call 217-285-1817
Please contact each location directly to check on hours they are open and directions.







