Attractions
We believe that the people of Ashmore and the sense of community are the biggest attractions in our happy town. Sure, we may not have big amusement parks, shopping malls, exotic cuisines, or hotels, but we're pretty okay with that.
Ashmore is not a destination vacation town. No sir. Ashmore is where you stop by, take a break, catch your breath, visit with friends, and get caught up with people and your own sense of peace.
Come out and meet your neighbors and enjoy all of the many things that make the Village of Ashmore a great place to live!
We want to invite you to explore Ashmore's Calendar of Events, and stop by to visit!
And if you're still looking for something to do? Check out our "Tavern & Gaming Therapy" tab or one of these nearby attractions:
Things Ya Don't See Every Day*
Ashmore Estates (1.5 miles) - just west of town on Route 16, Ashmore Estates was a Poor Farm at one point before it was converted into a mental hospital. Rumored to be haunted, this building accepts visitors & reservations, and holds events regularly for those looking for a supernatural experience.
"Witch's Grave" at St. Omer Cemetery (3 miles) - Just a couple miles north of town along Oakland Rd, visit the unique orb-shaped gravestone in a ghost-town cemetary of a woman whose date-of-death is etched in stone as February 31, 1882. Rumor has it, only witches can die on such a date. Was Caroline Barnes really a witch? That's up to you to decide...
World's Largest Statue of Abraham Lincoln (5 miles) - Abraham Lincoln and his family once called Coles County home, and he practiced law in the Coles County Courthouse. You can find this tribute to his legacy on the grounds at Bella Vita Private Resort between Charleston and Ashmore.
Airtight Bridge (6 miles) - The longest-standing unsolved murder in Coles County was discovered here, under this remote rural bridge between Ashmore and Charleston. It's an eerie place to visit if you can find it... and it makes for a good story to tell if you can find your way back...
Prairie Observatory (9 miles) - an abandoned observatory outside of Oakland in the middle of the prairie. It's not easy to find, and visitors are urged to appreciate it from a distance. Entering the observatory is not safe or permitted.
NOTE: As of May 2024, this site is already being deconstructed. Better hurry if you want to get a glimpse of it before it's gone!
Embassy Row of the Parisian Diaspora (20 miles) - According to Atlas Obscura: "One of the first historical sites of an alternative universe was installed in the town of Paris, IL - which is now home to an annual spelling bee of Kcymaerxthaereal words."
(Don't feel bad. We had to look it up too...)
World Records of Casey (18 miles) - The world's largest collections of "world's largest" record-holders in downtown Casey, IL. This is a great family-oriented attraction with a lot of shopping and dining options along the way.
Shopping
Richey's Furniture - Ashmore, IL
Charleston, IL (9 miles)
Cross County Mall - Mattoon, IL (18 miles)
Tuscola Outlet Shops - Tuscola, IL (30 miles)
Public Pools
Rotary Community Aquatic Center - Charleston, IL (9 miles)
Oakland Pool - Oakland, IL (10 miles)
Lytle Pool - Mattoon, IL (21 miles)
State Parks & Hiking Trails
Lake Charleston (11 miles)
Fox Ridge (15 miles)
Walnut Point (19 miles)
Lincoln Trail (31 miles)
Boating & Fishing
Boating and fishing are available at the State Parks listed above PLUS these little gems as well. Please note, IDNR permits are required for both activities. Please check the IDNR website for more information.
Bella Vita Private Resort (5 miles)
Mill Creek Lake & Park (17 miles)
Historical Attractions
Five Mile House (11 miles)
Lincoln Log Cabin (12 miles)
Coles County Historic School Houses
Coles County Historical Society
Wineries
Warren James Winery - Mattoon, IL (18 miles)
Castle Finn Vinyard & Winery - Marshall, IL (22 miles)
Cameo Vineyards - Greenup, IL (27 miles)
* The list of Unusual Attractions and their descriptions was partly obtained from "Atlas Obscura." This and other links on this page are not affiliated with Ashmore; they are presented here for informational purposes only. We are not responsible for anything posted or affiliated with their sites, and we do not have any sponsorship agreements with these websites.