Walnut

Originally named Walnut Grove in 1837, the Village of Walnut, population 1500, is still graced with many walnut trees. The friendly community is located along Route 92 of the Trail.

Three young Walnut men, Elvin “Pud” Fordham, Eddie Wilson, and Jeff Livey attended Eureka College and became friends with the Reagan brothers. The three Walnut youths shared ownership of an old faded gray Buick purchased for $10. The Buick would hold 10-11 students including Ronald and Neil Reagan on trips from Eureka to see sporting events at Peoria, Bloomington and Normal.

Sites to Visit

Annual Antique Show

Walnut, IL
Walnut Chamber of Commerce hosts Antique Appraisal Show, Sunday, October 21, 12:45 p.m., Green River Country Club, 1-1/2 m. E. of Walnut, Route 92. Karen Holland, licensed appraiser will appraise old, unique and treasured possessions and give advise on care, storage or display. She has been in the antique business for 35 years and has worked on the "Antique Road Show". Limit of 3 items per person. Cost: $6 per item or $15 for 3.

Avanti Foods, Cheese & Specialty Gift Shop

109 Depot St., Walnut, IL
800-243-3739
Walnut is home to Avanti Foods, producer of Ginos and Swiss Party frozen pizzas. The cheese and pizza making factories are located in a Swiss Chalet making it easy for visitors to view the pizza and cheese production and browse in the Cheese and Gourmet Shop.

DeWaele's Dairy Dreams

407 W N Street Highway 92, PO Box 715, Walnut, IL 61376
815-379-9441
Great road side stop for lunch or a cool treat. Many ice cream flavors to choose from. Hot and cold sandwiches too. Picnic tables for your convenience.

Green River Country Club

Route 92 East, Walnut, IL
815-379-2227
With club house, restaurant and banquet facilities, this challenging 9 hole public golf course offers watered fairways, low annual memberships and daily green fees. Special seasonal rates. Just East of Walnut.

Hometown Celebration, Small Town USA

Downtown Walnut, Walnut, IL
Walnut's Independence Day Celebration, during July 4 each year. Entertainment, Food, Fun, Parade plus gigantic fireworks display. Events include softball tourny, beer garden, pancake and sausage breakfast, 5K run, volleyball tourny, car show, antique farm and tractor show, J & M amusement with games and rides, Cub Scouts soap box derby, sawmill demo and much, much more.

Walnut House

Downtown Walnut on Main Street, 118 South Main Street, Walnut, IL 61376
815-379-2752
Great little gift and floral shop offering antiques, collectibles, gourmet coffees, fudge, antique books and much more. Special Feature - Don Marquis Exhibit!