Danville (Illinois)
Danville is nestled in the heart of Vermilion River country, home to high quality museums, shops full of rare and unique finds, a unique history including several Abraham Lincoln historic sites, and an abundance of parks and wildlife.
The surrounding area is mostly flat, but boasts six county and state parks and preserves with the county boasting more than 15,000 acres of parkland.Major attractions include the nationally designated Middle Fork Scenic River, Kickapoo State Park, and Lake Vermilion on Danville’s north side. These parks provide a wide range of recreation opportunities including vast hiking trails, camping, fishing, horse riding, boating, mountain biking, canoeing, river tubing, and bird watching. The City of Danville boasts its own collection of parks including the riverside Elsworth Park and historic Lincoln Park.
The parks and historic architecture act as a backdrop for many regionally important events including Arts in the Park, The Festival of Trees, Balloons Over Vermilion, Summer Sounds, Symphony Concerts, the Light Opera, and plays.
Get in
By Car
Danville and the surrounding area are served by Interstate 74 which runs east-west along the south side of the city. I-74 connects Danville to Champaign-Urbana in the west and Indianapolis in the east. Illinois Route 1 serves Danville and the surrounding area, running north-south through the city. It connects Danville to several smaller Vermilion County towns as well as Chicago to the north.By Bus
The Danvile Mass Transit system has daytime buses from/to Champaign, Georgetown, Westfield, etc. Bus route #10 runs to/from Champaign, every 2hrs during the day M-Sa.Get around
See
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phone: +1 217 431-0034address: 307 N. Vermilion St.The building itself is a NRHP site
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Fithian House
address: 116 N. Gilbert StPresident Lincoln gave an impromptu speech from a balcony of the Fithian House. There are historic and memorial signs around the house.
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phone: +1 217 554-4550address: 1900 E. Main Street, Danville, IL 61832In 1897, Congress authorized the establishment of the National Home for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers in Danville. The next year, a small plot of land was set aside as a burial site; it was subsequently designated a national cemetery in 1898. In 1901, the present cemetery was plotted and the remains of those buried in the old cemetery were reinterred at the new site.Danville National Cemetery was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1992. The Soldiers Monument at Danville National Cemetery was dedicated on Memorial Day in 1917.
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Historic Fischer Theatre Arts and Entertainment Museum
address: 160 N. Vermilion Street, Danville, IL 61832Historic 19th century theater with live entertainment and museum of many famous Danville residents including Dick Van Dyke, Gene Hackman, Donald O'Connor, Bobby Short, and Helen Morgan. The theater also contains a gift shop of unique and often local items.
Walldog Mural CollectionIn 2010 Walldogs artists from around the world came to Danville where they, with the help of dozens of Danville area artists, painted murals on our downtown walls depicting important events in our area’s history.
Lake Vermilion1,000 acre lake open year round. Open to power boating (unlimited HP), jet skiing, and water skiing. Excellent wildlife viewing (including bald eagles) and fishing.
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Kickapoo State Park
phone: +1 217 442-4915address: 10906 Kickapoo Park Road, Oakwood, IL 61858Where in Illinois can you go running or hiking, canoeing, fishing for trout, camping, hunting or scuba diving all against a backdrop of breathtaking natural beauty? Kickapoo State Recreation Area near Danville in Vermilion County - easily accessible via I-74.
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Heron County Park Wetlands Boardwalk
address: W. Newell Road, Danville, IL 61834Featuring the Kennekuk Marshes Wetland with a 950 foot handicapped accessible floating boardwalk. Songbirds, season migratory birds, and waterfowl such as Canadian geese, mallards, wood ducks, kingfishers, green herons, sandhill cranes, American egrets and bald eagles all flock to the area. Climb the 30 foot observation tower to take in the “wide-angle” view. -
Middle Fork State Fish and Wildlife Area
address: 10906 Kickapoo Park Rd, Oakwood, IL 618582700 acre area with 35 miles of marked scenic equestrian, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling trails Provides access to the Middle Fork National Scenic River for hunting, canoeing, and picnicking. Campground and equestrian campground rentals are available
Do
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phone: +1 217 213-8939address: 100 W. Main StreetMembers of the Federal Hockey League and 2017 FHL Commissioner's Cup Champions
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phone: +1 217 918-3401address: 610 Highland BlvdThe Danville Dans are affiliated with the Prospect League, a charter member of the National Association of Summer Collegiate Baseball (NASCB)
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phone: +1 217 431-2266address: 1300 W. Voorhees StreetAn 18-hole course open to the public seven days a week. The North Fork of the Vermilion River winds through the course and the picturesque hills create a backdrop unlike any other in Central Illinois. Our grounds total 235 acres of land, offering several amenities (bird watching, fishing and hiking).
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phone: +1 217 442-9264address: 320 N. Franklin StreetLocal art group stimulating creativity and art appreciation through classes and/or informal sessions at the studio or in the field. Provide artists with places to exhibit their work and to act as a resource center for members and the public.
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phone: +1 217 443-5300address: 715 W. Fairchild Street, Danville, IL 61832Founded in 1967 and comprised of over 60 talented musicians this has a rotating schedule of performances throughout the year.
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phone: +1 217 431-1660address: Location changes per performanceDLO Musical Theatre began as Danville Light Opera in 1956, making it the oldest musical theatre group in the area. Each year, DLO presents three regular season musicals, two mainstage productions and a dinner theatre production.
Buy
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Stage Presents The Fischer Theatre Gift Shop
phone: +1 800 383-4386address: 158 N. Vermilion StreetAttached the the historic Fischer Theater stocks items from Danville's famous (and not famous) residents. Shopping opportunities include vintage bottled soda, jewelry, regional honey, decor, books, and many other unique gifts! -
phone: +1 217 516-8237address: 101 N. Vermilion Street, Danville, IL 61832Boutique feel with painted furniture, home decor, and antiques. Annie Sloan Chalk Paint® stockist offering classes and custom work in our paint studio.
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Rabbittown Antiques & Artisans
phone: +1 217 597-0556address: 419 E. Main Street, Danville, IL 61832Hand picked and unique items for your home from today and yesterday. -
Glory Daze Antiques & Uniques
address: 142 N. Vermilion StreetCollectible items and antiques from friendly knowledgeable staff -
phone: +1 217 213-5664address: 126 N Vermilion StA wide variety of items withing the realms of comics, horror, sci-fi, fantasy, super heroes & video games.
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Chart Records
phone: +1 217 446-8199address: 131 N Vermilion StAn old school record store with any and all kinds of music -
Fancy That Bridal and Special Occasions
phone: +1 217-442-6814address: 138 Vermilion StreetSpecial occasion dress or tuxedo with many price ranges, sizes, and styles. Fancy that offers free steaming, free storage, and free lay-a-way. -
Rothery Jewelers
address: 147 N Vermilion StA downtown Danville establishment since 1971 selling quality jewelry.
Eat
- Cafe 13, 13 N. Vermilion Street. Coffee, from scratch pastries, crepes, sandwiches, and salads.Open for breakfast and lunch.
- The Heron Restaurant, 34 N. Vermilion St. Upscale restaurant and bar with rotating menu. Limted hours so best to call ahead or check the website.
- Rich's Deluxe, 21 W. North Street. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a large menu of fresh items, homemade soups, and more.
- The Dog House, 143 N. Vermilion Street. Locally owned hot-dog and nacho restaurant.
- Green Island Chinese, 11 N. Vermilion Street. Offering dine in, take out, and delivery.
- Lovin' Cup Food Truck, Gourmet grilled cheese, crab cakes, and soup usually found downtown.
Other Districts
- Charlotte’s Coffee & Tea, 402 N. Gilbert Street, (217) 442-2839. Coffee, tea, breakfast, lunch and baked goods.
- Jocko's, 305 W. Williams Street, railroad inspired restaurant serving award winning pizza since 1972. Also features a salad bar and range of other dinners, including pastas and sandwiches.
- Stony's Restaurant, 720 E. Voorhees Street, Homemade daily specials, Huge 20" pizzas, oven subs, and grilled items.
- Tacos y Nieves Calvillo, popular Mexican restaurant serving lunch and dinner.
Specialty Dining
- Mad Goat Coffee, 2601 N. Vermilion Street. Coffee, pastries, smoothies, tea, evening hours, a friendly staff, and a comfortable environment.
- Custard Cup, 2507 N Vermilion St, A Danville Tradition since 1949! Frozen treats made daily. Open seasonally.
- Royal Donut, 911 N. Vermilion Street. A landmark destination since 1973, Royal Donut has been serving award winning coffee paired with an awesome variety of donuts, pastries, and muffins
Drink
- Fatman's Warehouse, 138 1/2 N Vermilion St (in alley behind). Popular downtown alley bar with karaoke and live music.
- Sarge's Tap, 409 E. Main Street. Bar with lunch, pool, and comedy night schedule.
- The 610 Tap, 610 N. Vermilion Street. Craft beer, cocktails, and music.
Sleep
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Comfort Inn Danville Hotel
phone: +1 217 443-8004address: 383 Lynch DrLocated conveniently off Interstate 74 with high quality, safe and newly renovated guest rooms. -
Sleep Inn Inn & Suites
phone: +1 217 442-6600address: 361 Lynch DrLocated at the junction of I-74 and Lynch Rd (Exit 220), approximately 1 mile west of the Indiana State Line. -
phone: +1 217 442-4590address: 1664 N. Vermilion Street, Danville, IL 61832Historic bed and breakfast built in 1917.
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Hampton Inn & Suites
phone: +1 217 442-3300address: 370 Eastgate Drive, Danville, IL 61832 -
Holiday Inn Express & Suites
phone: +1 217 442-2500address: 310 Eastgate Drive, Danville, IL 61832 -
Days Hotel & Conference Center
phone: +1 217 443-6600address: 77 N. Gilbert Street, Danville, IL 61832Downtown area hotel and conference center. Also home of the After Hours Bar & Grill.
Go next
- Danville is the county seat of Vermilion County.
- Fithian - A village west of town.
- Forest Glen Preserve - great RV, tent, and back-country camping by the Vermilion River; has one 11-mile backpacking trail along the river's ridge through woods and wetlands
- Champaign-Urbana, and the University of Illinois there, is a bus ride away.