Discover Fayette County: History and Nature

The Vandalia State House brings a defining chapter in Illinois history to life. From 1836 to 1839, the building served as the state capitol; it is also the oldest surviving capitol building in Illinois. Its clearly dated political role and the significance of the preserved building thus stand side by side.

Museums and Traces of History

Visitors to the Vandalia State House can join guided tours or explore the historically furnished rooms on their own. The first floor is accessible to visitors with disabilities; the second floor is not. Check the latest visitor information in advance if a particular floor or a guided tour is important to your plans.

The Fayette County Museum divides its ground floor into ten small rooms showcasing the county’s history. The Little Brick House offers a different focus: It is an example of simple Italianate architecture and has six rooms with period furniture, porcelain, engravings, and books. Its Berry-Hall Room honors James William Berry and Judge James Hall. The different rooms and collections present several concrete facets of regional history.

The Historic National Road also connects a larger route with a single historic artifact: Originally, it ran from Cumberland, Maryland, to Vandalia, Illinois. The National Road Interpretive Center displays a piece of wood from the original road dating to the 1830s. Tours can be arranged for schools, churches, bus tour groups, and other groups. The graves of four representatives and one federal judge are located in the Old State Cemetery. The Farmer's Monument, a black granite monument, stands on the grounds of the Vandalia Illinois Tourist Information Center near the intersection of Interstate 70 and Route 51.

Trails and Landscapes

The Illinois Central Railroad River Walk is a flat, unpaved, scenic nature trail along a section of the former Illinois Central Railroad main line. It is just under a mile long and leads to the Kaskaskia River. Information panels along the trail explain the railroad’s history. The route therefore combines outdoor exercise with insights into local transportation history. The Lincoln Walking Trail is about a mile long and sees heavy daily use. The two trails are similar in length; the Lincoln Walking Trail is also noted for its heavy daily use.

Vandalia Lake covers 660 acres and has 12 miles of shoreline. In Vandalia, the Vandalia Park District manages six separate parks totaling 60 acres. Fayette County’s state parks offer opportunities for hiking and camping. These different landscape and recreational offerings give you several themes to consider when planning your trip, without every destination having to offer the same kind of experience.

Wildlife and Regional Activities

At Carlyle Lake State Fish & Wildlife Area, visitors can birdwatch, fish, and hunt. Together, the federally leased and state-owned lands in the area provide almost 9,500 acres of wildlife habitat. At Kaskaskia River State Fish and Wildlife Area in Fayette County, visitors can fish, go boating, and watch wildlife. This gives you the opportunity to consider two areas, each with its own expressly stated activities.

Local produce and community traditions are also among the available attractions: Farmers’ markets in Fayette County offer fresh produce and handmade goods. Check the dates in advance if you plan to visit a market. The Fayette County Fair celebrates the county’s agricultural heritage. Vandalia Old Tyme Christmas is a community Christmas celebration in Fayette County.

Planning Your Trip

If you’re looking for a hotel in Fayette County, first decide which priorities you want to shape your stay: history, outdoor trails, wildlife watching, or regional events.

Discover more destinations: St. Elmo, Clark County, Christian County, Wayne County, Effingham, Morgan, Rock Island, Grundy County.

Return to the main travel overview: Illinois.