Hit the Road to Historic Havana for a Spring Getaway

Take advantage of the warmer weather by planning an ideal road trip to Havana. Situated near the center of Illinois – an hour south of Peoria and an hour north of Springfield – this historic city is easily accessible by interstate highways or scenic backroads.

Although Havana’s population barely tops 3,600 residents, this small town plays much bigger than its size when it comes to fun activities. Its location along the Illinois River creates a treasure trove of natural resources with opportunities for hiking, birding, boating, fishing and hunting. Havana’s strong business base supports an array of dining and shopping venues, and the town’s creative culture attracts artists and musicians who happily share their talents.

“You really have that whole trifecta: shopping, entertainment and nature all together,” says April Burgett, president of the Havana Area Chamber of Commerce.

Add the appeal of a charming downtown filled with local establishments and historic character, including red brick streets that lead to the river, you have it all.

Efforts to revitalize the downtown district began in earnest seven years ago, with the city of Havana hiring a private consulting team to launch a plan including grant and funding programs to spur private investment. Additionally, the city poured money into streetscapes, lighting and free Wi-Fi to create an attractive, vibrant downtown.

“We have a downtown that is just phenomenal,” Burgett says. “If you don’t have a robust and active downtown, you don’t have a healthy town – you have no heart.”

A resounding success, Burgett says Havana has seen significant redevelopment, attracting both visitors and residents drawn by the availability of modern amenities in a historic setting.

This spring, discover all Havana has to offer.

1. A Day Downtown

While away the day in Havana’s charming downtown. Start with a great cup of coffee at Stella Mae’s before checking out local artists at the Cove Center. Stroll the red brick streets on a walking tour past national historic landmarks, including the water tower and public library. Score fashionable finds for adults and children at local boutiques, including Manhattan Fields, Market Street, The Hang-Up and My Little Duckling. Extend great style to the home and uncover treasures at Gisela’s Haus, Allison’s Collectables, Blue Butterfly Resale Shop and Ma’s Got’a Notion. For gifts and city souvenirs, pop into Wolters Drug Store. And find your next great read at The Neverending Story.

2. Wine & Dine

Cap off a busy day downtown with dinner and drinks. Whether craving comfort food or more upscale fare, Babes on Plum and 78 Sports Bar & Grille cover the range with menu favorites and daily specials. Locals and visitors alike head to Stag Tap for good times, good music and great beverages. Nearby, Lu Lu’s Craft Beverage Co. has you covered when it comes to fine wine, small-batch beer and cocktails in a historic setting. Just slightly further afield, Tall Timbers Marina features juicy burgers and frozen beverages accompanied by a river view every weekend from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

3. Walk on the Wild Side

Created to protect and restore the wetlands area where the Illinois and Spoon rivers meet, the 2,631-acre Emiquon National Wildlife Refuge sees an abundance of wildlife species. Enjoy excellent birdwatching throughout the year with migratory waterfowl in the spring and fall, nesting ducks and woodpeckers in the summer, and majestic bald eagles in the winter. Boating, fishing, hunting and ranger-led programs are also available.

See more: 7 Spots to Visit on a Spring Getaway to Vibrant Vandalia

4. Park & Play

Havana’s 13 parks offer activities for all ages. At the foot of Main Street, downtown’s Riverfront Park hosts numerous events throughout the year. In addition to an outdoor stage, the popular park features scenic views, paved walking paths, playgrounds, boat ramps, a campground and the Havana Nature Center with changing exhibits. Veteran’s Park lays claim to the city’s disc golf course and archery range. And Rockwell Mound, a must see for history buffs, dates back 2,000 years as one of the largest Native American mounds built in the Illinois River basin. Height made it an ideal vantage point to address a crowd, and both Stephen A. Douglas and Abraham Lincoln offered fiery political speeches from this spot in 1858.

5. First Fridays

Each May through October, Havana celebrates the arts during First Fridays & Night Market, featuring extended hours at downtown shops, art exhibits, delicious dining and live music at Stag Tap Beer Garden’s outdoor stage.

6. More Reasons to Celebrate

In addition to First Fridays, the spring and summer are filled with special events. The Havana Songwriters Festival returns this year May 19-21, featuring some of the Midwest’s best songwriters and performers in the round. Second Saturdays from June through August are reserved for the free Riverfront Concert Series. Celebrate the Fourth with fireworks at Riverfront Park. And as summer winds down, Havana hosts a family-friendly, three-day Oktoberfest celebration in September.

7. Rest Easy

In keeping with the city’s quaint style, Havana doesn’t do chains. Instead, guests choose from boutique lodging options to suit their style. From modern lofts to a historic four-room inn, downtown offerings range from elegantly appointed rooms to larger suites and bungalows. Other options include lakefront cabins on Matanzas and Quiver beaches, as well as camping sites.

See more: The Triple Treat: Wahlfeld Building in Downtown Havana

8. Keep the Road Trip Rolling

The Illinois River Road Scenic Byway stretches 150 miles from Havana to Ottawa. As the gateway to one of the nation’s most scenic corridors, Havana makes a great home base for exploring the many natural and historic attractions across the 10-county region.

See more: Immerse Yourself in a Historical Getaway to Monroe County