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Cities Along the Trail

Events Along the Trail

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Welcome to Washington

Historic Washington has been brimming with character, small town values and rich heritage since before Ronald Reagan first visited the town. While in Washington D.C. President Reagan once sent greetings with an associate coming to visit Washington, Illinois. The leader of the most powerful nation on earth noted that he had often traveled through downtown Washington as he hitchhiked back to college.

Above photos: Mayor Manier, City Administrator and Chamber President posing with "Welcome to Washington" sign. Veterans Memorial Park, Holland's Mercantile-old fashioned candy store. Fishing at Washington Park.

Historic Square

Washington’s Historic Square still thrives with unique restaurants and quaint shops. Don’t leave town without visiting the old fashioned candy store where candy is sold in bulk, and added features include a soda fountain and ice cream parlor. If you are searching for primitives, antiques, gifts and collectibles the square is a good place to start. Picnic tables surround the fountain in the town square inviting you to take a relaxing break from shopping.

Unique Shopping:

In addition to the shops on the Square, Washington has a variety of other businesses to complete your shopping experience. Washington is home to a first-class full service bicycle shop, an Amish furniture store and a unique gift and jewelry shop carrying the widest variety of sterling silver, fireballs, fashion accessories and gifts imaginable. SHOP WASHINGTON, you'll be glad you did.

What's for dinner?

Whether you're after a steaming cup of coffee and fresh baked goods for a mid-day snack, a quick light lunch or something more hearty for dinner, you will find the perfect spot to fit your taste. Washington has dining options ranging from quaint cafes and sandwich shops, local pubs, or full service establishments offering Italian, Mexican or Chinese cuisine.

Annual Events

Home of the Cherry Festival. Four day event beginning Wednesday after Memorial Day. Complete with carnival, community dinner, fireworks, entertainment, Christian concert, family bike ride, festival beer garden, Cherry-Oke conterst, pancake breakfast and yes!..a cherry pie EATING contest.

Heartland Pride: an annual event held in Historic Washington Square. Cookout, car show, entertainment and a live television remote.

Other annual events: Cabin Fever Days, Cash Bash, Autumn Fest, Moonlight Madness, Veteran's Day Celebration and Candlelight Stroll in the Square. For complete calendar of events Click Here

Leisure:

10 parks, miles of scenic walking trails, frisbee golf, tennis, volleyball, shelters and more. A lake for fishing, walking/bicycle trail, 9 and 18 hole golf, driving ranges, community pool with dive pool, lap pool, baby pool, playground equipment and snack bar. Local pubs offer big screen TV, pool tables and weekend live entertainment.



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Sites to Visit

Where to Stay


Sites to Visit

Red Listing - Official Reagan Site

Veterans Memorial
Washington Park District Lawn, 815 Lincoln, Washington, IL - 309-444-9413
n 2004, the efforts of an aggressive young Washington Eagle Scout brought a de-militarized Black Hawk helicopter to our town to be used as the centerpiece for our Veterans Memorial. The helicopter is surrounded by the American Flag and the flags of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Merchant Marines and the Coast Guard.

Village Doctor Museum
105 Zinser Place, Washington, IL - 309-444-2467
Visitors to the Village Doctor Museum will step inside a doctor’s office as it was in the period of 1900-1925. Office furniture and medical tools on display are in sharp contrast to those in use today.


Where to Stay

Crestview Motel
1216 Peoria St, Washington, IL - 309-444-4421


Super 8
1884 Washington Rd., Washington, IL - 309-444-8881 or 800-800-8000
46 rooms offers free continental breakfast.