At the Wayne County Courthouse, more than forty enlarged historical photographs tell the story of the period from the 19th century through the 1960s. The present courthouse was built in 1891. History here is reflected in more than just individual dates: Fairfield was laid out in 1819 on land donated by the Barnhill family. The 1860 Republican Caucus of Wayne County is also part of this history; it is considered the first caucus in the United States to nominate Lincoln for president.
Historic Sites in Fairfield
Freedom Park on Main Street in downtown Fairfield is home to the mural “Love Thou Thy Land” by David and Cheryl Harl. The Early History Museum is located in a space connected to the Fairfield Public Library at 300 S.E. 2nd Street. The Hanna House Museum’s exhibits on contemporary history span the 1930s through more recent events. Pat’s Miss Illinois and Miss Congeniality trophies are also on display there.
If you plan to visit the Hanna House Museum, note its seasonal hours: it is open Saturdays from April through October, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., except on holidays. Check the schedule again before your trip. The Olive Branch Schoolhouse was moved to French Park in Fairfield and is now a museum. A long-term photo exhibit featured selected images of students at former Wayne County country schools. The schoolhouse is staffed on selected occasions, especially during FCHS Homecoming weekend, and for elementary school field trips.
Lake, Forest and Trails
The Sam Dale Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area combines a lake with gently rolling terrain and lush forests. Sam Dale Lake covers 194 acres, with five miles of shoreline trails. The area offers opportunities for fishing, hunting, picnicking and camping. Bald eagles also stay there at certain times of the year. For those who enjoy observing nature, they offer another seasonal highlight alongside the trails and lake.
To reach the lake, the stated route runs east on Route 161 from I-57 Exit 109, for approximately 22 miles. Check road conditions before setting out. The Sam and Florence Atkinson Forest offers a different kind of natural setting: it is an Illinois State Habitat Area with hiking and walking trails.
Leo French Park also offers a range of recreational activities. As the largest park in Wayne County, it has baseball fields, a basketball court, picnic shelters and an Olympic-size swimming pool. Those looking to combine nature trails with shooting sports can visit the public sporting clays and wobble trap range at Lakewoods Flying Duck Sporting Clays. The facility has twelve stations and twenty automatic machines, including a wobble trap, a battue and a rabbit setup. All-weather nature trails wind through meadows, forests and wetlands.
Seasonal Experiences and Local Produce
The Wayne County Agricultural Fair takes place every summer. Along with livestock and 4-H projects, the program includes photography, crafts, quilts, produce and baked goods; events are held at the grandstand in the evenings. Since dates may vary from year to year, check the current dates before your visit.
Seasonal offerings at Shreve’s Pumpkin Patch include a pumpkin patch, hayrides, a corn pit, children’s play equipment, a corn maze, fall decorations and food. Offerings may change, so check the details in advance. Bullard’s Produce offers fresh vegetables as well as homemade pies, cookies and breads. Check whether it is currently open before planning a stop. Those planning to play golf will find Fairfield Public Golf Course, a public course with ten holes; here, too, it is a good idea to check in advance whether it is currently open.
Discover more destinations: Golden Gate, Madison, Logan, White County, Kane, Iroquois County, Warren County, Woodford County.
For the main travel overview: Illinois.
