Play.
So many ways to play!

In Jacksonville, you’ll discover many cultural offerings normally associated with much larger communities such as the symphony, art gallery openings, and the theater.

Cruise NightFor outdoor enthusiasts, the area boasts a variety of parks, tennis courts, and golf courses. Lake Jacksonville is a great place to spend the day fishing, skiing or just kicking back on a pontoon boat. And if cycling is your thing, whether you are a keen cyclist, or just prefer to see, hear and smell the environment around you in a way that only pedal power can offer, there are plenty of country roads perfect for touring. And for children and young adults, whether they play soccer, basketball, football, tennis, baseball, there’s a league for them.

Nearly every weekend something’s happening. It may be the Chautauqua, General Grierson Days, the Prairieland Steam Show, Cruise Night or the Fine Antiques Show. Whether you like to jump in the middle of the fun or prefer to enjoy the view from the sidelines, Jacksonville has what you need for fun and relaxation.

Discover all the ways to play in Jacksonville!

  This Weekend in Jacksonville
For quick access to hot weekend events, look for the "This Weekend in Your Town " icon on this page. Click here for more information.

Movie Theaters
Discoverjacksonvilleil.com Calendar



Annual Events

No matter what time of the year, you can always find something going on in Jacksonville. Click on the image below for an overview of annual events in Jacksonville, or see below for some highlights.

Sport and Recreation

Rotary Bass Tournament

Rotary Bass Tournament

Lake Jacksonville, ranked fifth in the state by Illinois Fishing Magazine in 2002, is home to about 30 fishing tournaments per year. The Annual Rotary Bass Tournament draws a big crowd. Prizes are awarded for first through eighth places, with a 40-boat limit.

Pepsi Passavant Shootout

With around 115 teams competing in more than 300 games, the Shootout is a basketball tournament not to be missed.

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Special Interests

Cruise Nite and Car Show

Cruise Night

For 22 years, this event has attracted car buffs and cruisers from across the country.

 

Friday, Saturday and Sunday!

The David Strawn Art Gallery presents 'Sit Back and do Everything' Multimedia Sculpture!


Grierson Days

Grierson Days

Reenactments, camps and vendors bring the Civil War back to life.

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The Arts

Concerts, musicals and theater productions the year round keep everyone in Jacksonville entertained.

Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra

Information and Concert Schedules

Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra

Led by Garrett Allman, Music Director and Conductor, the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra gives Saturday evening concerts with various themes throughout the year.

Jackson Theater Guild

Show and Ticket Information


This highy-acclaimed community theater group puts on productions year-round, including dramas and comedies.

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Tourism Information

The Jacksonville Area Visitors and Convention Bureau is a good place to start for information about outdoor activities, attractions, lodging and events.

Jacksonville Visitors Bureau

Click the image above to go to the Bureau's main page, and see below for more information.

  Sat.!
Governor Joseph Duncan Mansion holds Antique Appraisal Faire!   

Campgrounds

Green Pastures

Green Pastures

A Christian retreat center with both short-and longer-term lodging facilities.

Featured Art Gallery

David Strawn Art Gallery

Open September through May, this museum displays works from local and national artists on a monthly rotating schedule.

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Morgan County Historical Sites

Morgan County has a rich history that can be experienced at several sites around Jacksonville.

Underground Railroad

Underground Railroad


Jacksonville was one of the first Underground Railroad stations in the area and by far the busiest.

Woodlawn Farm

Woodlawn Farm

Established in 1824 by Michael Huffaker, this farm still stands and hosts events and tours.

Gillett House

The Gillett House, listed on the National Registrar of Historic Places, was established in 1832 and served as a station on the Underground Railroad.

  Sunday
Share the accomplishments at Illinois College 174th Commencement Exercise featuring Pulitzer Prize winner Connie Schultz !  

Governor's Mansion

Photos and Tour Information

Governor's Mansion

Touted as the only official governor’s mansion outside of Springfield, Duncan's Governor's Mansion was established in 1834 and still holds the family's original furnishings.


  Parks and Golf

Jacksonville residents and visitors can enjoy several public parks and some of the state's finest golf courses.

fishing

Click the image above for a look at the parks in Jacksonville.

Golf Courses

Jacksonville Country Club

A private course open year round, this course is flat but presents plenty of challenges to the golfer.

Northridge Hills

Northridge Hills

Northridge Hills Golf Course is a 9 hole executive length course that provides a challenge for golfers of all skill levels.

Plum Creek

Plum Creek

Plum Creek is a nine-hole golf course approximately 12 miles west of Jacksonville.

  Saturday
The Art Association of Jacksonville/David Strawn Art Gallery presents Mixed Media Sculpture Show!

The Links and Nichols Park

Featuring both a 9- and 18-hole course, with gently rolling terrain and an interesting wind factor.


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Lodging

Jacksonville offers a variety of lodging options for visitors to the city.

Bed and Breakfasts


The Blackhawk Village Inn

Locally owned and operated, featuring newly renovated sleeping rooms and meeting facilities.

Hotels and Motels

hotel

A number of hotels and motels in Jacksonville provide the weary traveler with a place to rest and relax, with some offering conference and meeting facilities.

Amerihost Jacksonville

With several packages to suit your taste as well as space for small meetings, Amerihost might be just the place you've been looking for.

Comfort Inn

Situated near both Illinois College and MacMurray College in South Jacsonville, Comfort Inn has a restaurant and cocktail lounge next door.

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