Danville (Illinois)

Danville is a small city of about 34,000 in Central Illinois about 5 miles west of the Illinois-Indiana border and about 140 miles south of Chicago.

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. Historical attractions include many sites associated with Abraham Lincoln. Designated a Gateway City to the National Park Service’s Looking for Lincoln National Heritage Area, Danville is rich in Lincoln History with over 12 sites commemorating his 18 years practicing law here while riding the 8th Judicial Circuit. Sites include the Lamon House, An 1840’s Greek Revival Cottage built by Joseph Lamon, cousin of Ward Hill Lamon, Lincoln’s law partner and bodyguard. Attached the Vermilion County museum sits the Fithian Home formerly owned by Dr. William Fithian, Civil War surgeon and personal friend of Abraham Lincoln, the Fithian Home features the south balcony from which Lincoln gave a speech in 1858 and the bedroom he used on his many visits. Visitors can also visit the Danville National Cemetery serves as the final resting place for veterans from the Civil War to present.and the Vermilion County War Museum which covers every military action our country has been involved in, from the Revolutionary War to today’s conflicts. Additional history can be found in Danville’s historic downtown district. This tree-lined district includes a number of local restaurants, businesses, and attractions. Notably, the downtown district is home of the historic Fischer Theater which houses a museum of Danville’s famous residents including Dick Van Dyke, Donald O'Connor, Gene Hackman, Bobby Short, and Helen Morgan. Downtown also includes over 18 fabulous murals grace the brick walls of the historic Downtown which were painted in 4 days by 160 Walldog artists from all over the world.

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.

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 Danville 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
Danville is best seen by car, though it is possible to explore downtown Danville on foot. The county and state parks have trails for hiking in good weather, but the parks can generally be enjoyed by car as well. Danville Mass Transit (DMT) provides bus service around the city as well as to nearby Champaign/Urbana.

See

 * Danville (IL) National Cemetery.jpg
 * Danville (IL) National Cemetery.jpg
 * Danville (IL) National Cemetery.jpg


 * High Pond Trail.JPG
 * High Pond Trail.JPG





Buy
Danville offers a number of shopping opportunities including locally owned boutiques in the downtown district to well-known chain stores.





Eat
Historic Downtown District


 * Cafe 13, 13 N. Vermilion Street. Coffee, from scratch pastries, crepes, sandwiches, and salads. Open for breakfast and lunch.
 * Rich's Deluxe, 21 W. North Street. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a large menu of fresh items, homemade soups, and more.
 * 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, +1 217-442-2839. 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.

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.
 * Champaign-Urbana, and the University of Illinois there, is a bus ride away.