Located in west-central Illinois, about 40 minutes from Peoria, Fulton County is a quaint mix of historic communities. Featuring boutique hotels, local gifts and goods, lots of fascinating history, and outdoor adventures for nature lovers, Fulton County has something for everyone.
Home to approximately 32,500 residents, the county was established in 1823 after separating from the neighboring Pike County. Canton is its largest city, while Lewistown is the oldest community and county seat.
Named after Robert Fulton, the inventor of the steamboat, it served as a gateway point for settlers spreading across northern Illinois. Visitors can experience the area’s rich history at a variety of attractions.
Check out these fun things to do in Fulton County this autumn.
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1. Downtown Lewistown
Downtown Lewistown is bustling with things to do. Make your first stop the Lewistown Visitor’s Center, which features a large-scale map of the county, information on its three largest communities and all you need to know about the Spoon River Valley Scenic Drive – one of the area’s most famous attractions. The visitor’s center also houses a one-of-a-kind reproduction of Harold Kee Welch’s painted mural, Springfield: A Portrait. Welch, a Fulton County native, depicted a timeline of the history of Illinois in his masterpiece. Afterward, head to Olde Thyme Primitives on Main Street for unique furniture, farmhouse decor, clothing, accessories, antiques and more.
2. Step Back in Time
History buffs will want to stop by the Rasmussen Blacksmith Shop and Narrow Gauge Depot, both located in downtown Lewistown and managed by the Lewistown Society for Historic Preservation.
Situated on Main Street, the Rasmussen Blacksmith Shop dates back to the mid-1830s and is one of the few historic blacksmith shops in the U.S. still in its original location. Now a museum, visitors can still see original blacksmithing in action.
The Narrow Gauge Depot memorializes the Narrow Gauge Railroad Co., which was organized in 1878 and ran from 1880 to 1905. As the last reminder of the railroad, visitors can tour the original caboose.
Visit Oak Hill Cemetery in Lewistown to see the inspiration for Edgar Lee Masters’ Spoon River Anthology. Masters gave voice to more than 200 citizens laid to rest at this cemetery in his work.
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3. Dickson Mounds State Museum
Explore the world of the American Indian at Dickson Mounds State Museum, a branch of the Illinois State Museum. Located in Lewistown, the museum is one of the major on-site archeological museums in the country and showcases a journey through 12,000 years of human experience in the Illinois River Valley. Visitors can walk through more than 15,000 square feet of exhibits with artifacts, archeological sites, hands-on activities and more.
4. Emiquon National Wildlife Refuge
Hunters, fishers and bird-watchers should put the Emiquon National Wildlife Refuge on their list. Located in Lewistown, the refuge encompasses 2,114 acres of land featuring trails, wetland habitats and more. Open daily from sunrise to sunset, visitors can watch waterfowl and other birds, forage for berries and mushrooms, sport fish and hunt within specified areas.
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5. Shop Local
If you’re looking to relax and support local businesses at the same time, Front Porch Soap & Gift Co. is for you. This wellness center and gift shop in Lewistown offers a wide range of holistic products from body scrubs to bath bombs to essential oils.
Another local Fulton County business, Hilltop Honey Co. started in 2015 when the McCarthy family began beekeeping to help support pollinators. After a rising demand for local honey, they decided to start selling their product. A hive-to-jar operation, they offer raw, unfiltered honey, creamed honey and beeswax products at various locations throughout the state.
6. Spoon River Valley Scenic Drive
They Spoon River Valley Scenic Drive takes visitors through more than 100 miles of Fulton County back roads for unusual treasures, fun finds and delicious foods along 19 stops. The drive attracts more than 100,000 visitors annually, and fall is the perfect time to experience the changing leaves. On the first two weekends in October, the county celebrates the Spoon River Valley Scenic Drive Fall Festival, central Illinois’ premier arts and crafts fair.
7. Sip at a Local Winery
Fulton County is home to four local wineries, three of which have their own vineyards. Discover Big Horse Vineyards and Native Trails Winery in Lewistown, or journey to Canton to enjoy Spoon River Junction and Old Dog eatery, winery and brewery.
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8. Enjoy the Arts
Fulton County’s history and beauty have long inspired artists, actors, photographers and writers. Visitors can view local art in the lower-level atrium of Graham Hospital in Canton, maintained by the Fulton County Arts Council, or at Spoon River College’s Centers Building. The Fulton County Playhouse and the Ellisville Opera House are must-visits for anyone looking to take in a show.
For information on the sites mentioned in the story and more travel inspiration showcasing all Fulton County has to offer, visit fultoncountyil.gov/visitors-guide.
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