4 Fun Things To Do Around Winchester

Winchester, Illinois is known for its beautiful buildings with rich architectural significance and historical connections. When you think of Winchester you think of nature, history, prestige, and a calm town with friendly folks. But Winchester is also home to many fun attractions and locations where you can spend your free time enjoying yourself and disconnecting from a stressful week. Born and raised locals from Winchester who are out of ideas, or tourists just visiting, need a resource to help see all this town offers. Read on for our list of fun things to do around Winchester. 

Pere Marquette State Park

Pere Marquette State Park should be your go-to for the adventurous, athletic, or nature-loving bunch. It offers great scenery and the opportunity to reconnect with nature. The park is located among one of the most beautiful stretches of road, so even driving there is a memorable experience. There are also several different camping grounds available to use. There are over 80 Class A and B sites where campers will have access to a sanitary dump station, drinking water, and a shower building. Class C sites are Rent-a-Camp cabins that need to be reserved, so call ahead for availability.

Image via Flickr by HikingMIke

Even if you’re not camping, there are many activities for you to enjoy. The Sam Vadalabene Bike Trail is a 20-mile bike trail that leads to Alton City. The trail is entirely paved and gives riders the opportunity to enjoy the landscape and take in the fresh air. Another way to enjoy nature here is to bird-watch. Home to over 230 species of birds, Pere Marquette State Park hosts many bald eagles. Bring your binoculars and a quiet camera to try to catch images of these impressive birds in their natural habitat. 

The beautiful limestone formations found in Pere Marquette State Park make for a great rock climbing adventure. You’ll also find opportunities to fish, boat, or hunt. Call in advance for rules, regulations, and complete information about licenses. 

Great Rivers Scenic Drive

The Meeting of the Great Rivers National Scenic Byway is where the Mississippi, Missouri, and Illinois Rivers converge. Many people enjoying driving all or a portion of the scenic road to be near the waters and appreciate the gorgeous view. The Great River Road is 2,000 miles long and runs along the Mississippi River, across 10 states and many historic river towns. Although some might decide to travel the entire length of this road, we suggest you focus on a shorter 33 mile stretch of road designated as a national scenic byway. 

Meeting of the Great Rivers National Scenic Byway runs from Hartford to Grafton, Illinois; the fantastic stretch of road winds near rolling waters and limestone river bluffs, or steep cliffs made of erosion-resistant limestone. You’ll enjoy a drive speckled with colorful trees, unique plants, and the music of whistling birds all around. Revel in the sounds of nature or the conversation of your companions with the crisp environment as your backdrop. 

Old School Museum

The Old School Museum located on Cherry St. is a glimpse into the past that offers visitors the opportunity to learn about the rich history of the area. The museum has preserved artifacts related to local history and displays it as an educational and enrichment opportunity. Community members of early Scott County collected and donated various artifacts related to agriculture, communication, transportation, and public education in an effort to preserve history and make “what once was old new again.” The building was purchased in 2004 and underwent a massive restoration. They have revived its Romanesque details to their previous beauty.

Old School Museum is open Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sundays from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. from April 15 through December 15. They have rotating collections to catch the interests of just about anyone, so you’ll find something new to learn with each visit. Whether you’re interested in the military, soapbox derby cars, or farming, your trip will be educational and memorable. On a first visit, try to make time to visit the schoolroom area. It features early Board of Education records, a mockup of a classroom, and swings from the original elementary school playground, reminding us time changes all things.

Winchester Bowl

For a fun family outing to blow off some steam or for a group of friends that love a little competition, visit the Winchester Bowl. Many locals love this quaint little establishment that offers guidance to experienced and novice bowlers alike. You’ll find great tips on anything from selecting a proper bowling ball to how to join a league on their page. But what sets this place apart from other bowling facilities is its friendly atmosphere and fun-loving crowd. When you walk in you’ll feel instantly welcomed and at home. Visiting Winchester bowl gives you a complete sense of the great Winchester culture. 

Located just a few minutes off the highway in the town square, Winchester Bowl also has an adorable little diner nearby. The hard-working staff will happily tell you their daily specials. The servings are generous and the service is efficient. With good food to spare, this is a great place to help the kids unwind after a hard day or to just test your skills at bowling. There’s also an arcade and gaming area to keep kids with all interests entertained. 

Whether you are going on a nature hike, enjoying an evening drive, or visiting one of the fun-filled spots here on our list, ensure you get there in safety and style. Contact us at United Chevrolet Buick GMC to purchase a new or used vehicle and learn about our current offers. Our friendly staff can also help you set up an appointment to get your routine Chevrolet, Buick, or GMC maintenance to keep your vehicle healthy and running well. Did we miss one of your favorite things to do around Winchester? Leave a message and let us know. We’ll happily add your suggestions to our list!