Top Five Popular Attractions Between Chatham and Mason City, Illinois

If you're planning a road trip between Chatham and Mason City, Illinois, you're in for a treat! There are plenty of attractions and landmarks along the way that are sure to make your trip worthwhile. Here are the top five popular attractions that you shouldn't miss!

Halfway Point: Athens, IL

Before we dive into the top five attractions, let's talk about the halfway point - Athens, IL. This small town is located almost exactly halfway between Chatham and Mason City, making it a perfect spot to take a break and stretch your legs. If you're hungry, stop by Lick Creek Barbeque for some mouth-watering BBQ or grab a drink at Athens Tap House. If you're interested in history, stop by the Athens Courthouse Square. Built in 1857, this square is home to the first courthouse of Menard County and now houses the Menard County Historical Society Museum.

Top Five Places to See List

1. Lincoln Tomb State Historic Site

No trip to Illinois is complete without a visit to the Lincoln Tomb. Located in Springfield, just a short detour from Chatham, the Lincoln Tomb State Historic Site is the final resting place of Abraham Lincoln, his wife Mary Todd Lincoln, and three of their four sons. The tomb is open for visitors to pay their respects and learn about Lincoln's life and legacy.

2. Governor Oglesby Mansion

Another Springfield attraction is the Governor Oglesby Mansion. Formerly the home of Illinois Governor Richard Oglesby, the mansion is an impressive example of 19th-century architecture. Visitors can take a guided tour of the house and see how the governor and his family lived during their time in the mansion.

3. New Salem State Historic Site

Just a short drive from Athens, in nearby Petersburg, is the New Salem State Historic Site. This reconstructed village is a glimpse into the past of Illinois. The village was once a young Abraham Lincoln's home and workplace. Visitors can walk through the village and see what life was like in the mid-19th century.

4. Lincoln's New Salem Theatre

Also located in Petersburg is the Lincoln's New Salem Theatre. This outdoor theatre puts on productions of plays from Lincoln's time. The theatre has been entertaining audiences since 1935 and is a unique and charming attraction that shouldn't be missed.

5. Matanzas State Forest

On the road to Mason City, you'll pass by the Matanzas State Forest. This forest covers over 2000 acres and is a popular spot for hiking, bird watching, and nature photography. The forest is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, turkey, and bald eagles.

The Best Route

The best route for this trip would be to start in Chatham and head west on Route 4. From there, take I-72 west to Springfield and visit the Lincoln Tomb and Governor Oglesby Mansion. Next, head north on Route 97 to visit New Salem State Historic Site and the Lincoln's New Salem Theatre. Finally, continue north on Route 97 to Mason City, making sure to stop by Matanzas State Forest on the way. This route will take you through some of the most beautiful parts of Illinois and give you a well-rounded experience of the state's history and nature.

In conclusion, this road trip between Chatham and Mason City offers a variety of attractions and landmarks that are sure to make for a memorable trip. Make sure to visit the Lincoln Tomb State Historic Site, the Governor Oglesby Mansion, the New Salem State Historic Site, the Lincoln's New Salem Theatre, and the Matanzas State Forest. With so much to see and do, you'll need to plan your route carefully to make the most of your time on the road.