Located approximately 30 miles south of Springfield, Illinois is one of the most charming small towns you will ever visit — Taylorville. This beautiful destination has it all from a lovely downtown area to countless outdoor recreational opportunities. Small town Taylorville is where you can enjoy the conveniences of modern living, yet enjoy a slower pace and lifestyle. There’s no doubt it is a picture-perfect day trip destination any time of the year. You might even fall in love with this little town and decide to make it your home! There is plenty to love about Taylorville.
Taylorville is located in the heart of Illinois and is one destination you will fall in love with the minute you arrive. Approximately 10,700 residents call this small town home and with more than 12 square miles to explore, it is easy to fill your day with activities from dawn to dusk.
There is certainly no shortage of fun and exciting things to do in Taylorville, IL.
No matter the time of year, you will want to walk Taylorville’s charming storefronts. Throughout town, you will find more than 35 unique shops and boutiques that feature clothing, accessories, gifts, vintage, antiques, handmade body and home products, and so much more.
But it isn’t just the merchandise in the shops that will capture your attention, it is also the history of the area. This small town is steeped in history with many historic destinations that you could spend an entire day exploring.
For example, you can walk through the first courthouse in Christian County where Abraham Lincoln once walked, visit the Woodall Building and view Civil War artifacts, and even tour a log house built in the early 1800s.
Plus, in between all of your shopping and exploring, you’ll certainly work up an appetite and there’s nothing quite like the local eateries in town. Enjoy a coffee and fresh mini donuts served from a vintage airstream at The Coffee Can, order up a burger and fries at one of Taylorville's favorites and oldest establishments Bill's Toasty, share a mouthwatering pizza at Angelo's, or check out Nesty's Burger Bar for a hip, trendy, and delicious meal.
No matter if you are an outdoor enthusiast or you simply want to enjoy a little sunshine and fresh air, there’s no better place than Lake Taylorville.
Located approximately three miles south of Taylorville, this 1,200-acre lake is the city’s main source of water and recreation. During the summer months, you can spend an afternoon on the public beach, have a picnic, or even head out onto the water. Boating and fishing opportunities at Lake Taylorville are available throughout the year. Plus, if you want to turn your day trip into an overnight adventure, camping is available from April through October. Of course, you'll want to stop at the Lake Taylorville Veterans Point Memorial, which features five granite walls of area veterans' names as well as an obelisk and antique cannon.
You can also let out your competitive side on the Lake Shore Golf Course.
This golf course is located along the western bank of Lake Taylorville and you will enjoy beautiful views at every hole. Plus, you can also visit the driving range, a snack shop, and a fully-stocked pro golf shop.
Of course, no day trip to Small Town Taylorville would be complete without a visit to Manners Park.
This incredible 55-acre park has it all including multiple playgrounds, picnic areas, a dining hall, swimming pool, and even a 7-acre pond. If you visit Taylorville during the holidays (an absolute must-do!), this park also hosts the annual Christmas in the Park event.
And while any time of year is wonderful in Taylorville, there is nothing quite like fall. Hop in the car and go for a drive through the beautiful fall foliage — it will be your favorite part of the day.
Small town Taylorville, IL is a picture-perfect day trip in Illinois no matter the time of year. It’s one community that will quickly capture your heart.
If you love small towns in Illinois, then you will certainly love Taylorville! With its charm and unique places to go, there is nowhere like this sweet town. Have you spent time in this cool place? What are some of your favorite things to do in Taylorville, Illinois? Let us and your fellow travelers know in the comments! We're always happy to hear from you. If you're road-tripping to Taylorville and other destinations in our state, take a look at The Ultimate Road Trip Packing List by OnlyInYourState. There are so many fun places to go in our state, especially on a small-town road trip, and you will be well-prepared for every possibility along the way.
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