Shelby County: Lakes, Nature and History
Accommodation in Shelby County
Shelby County combines the landscape around Lake Shelbyville with varied trails, nature trails and a remarkable history of coal mining. Those planning a trip can choose between active days on the water, walks through forests and historical discoveries. When searching for a holiday apartment, it is therefore particularly useful to consider which experiences should be the focus of the stay.
Lake Shelbyville and Trails for Cyclists and Walkers
The General Dacey Trail is a multi-use trail for cycling and walking. It runs at the southern end of Lake Shelbyville through the outlet channel and along the dam to the city park. This provides a practical way to include exercise and the landscape around the lake in the day's plans without limiting the itinerary to a single activity.
Wolf Creek State Park also places a clear emphasis on the water. It has a four-lane boat ramp for water sports on Lake Shelbyville. The park also includes 304 Class A campsites and 78 Class C campsites. Fishing and camping at Lake Shelbyville are also among the recreational opportunities in Shelby County.
Nature Trails with Different Focuses
Wolf Creek State Park offers seven hiking trails. Eagle Creek State Park has three marked nature trails, including the 12-mile Illini Trail. Those who prefer a shorter route combined with interpretive stations will find the Possum Hollow Nature Trail in Hidden Springs State Forest. This trail is three-quarters of a mile long and leads to 35 stations with explanations.
Hidden Springs State Forest covers approximately 1,200 acres of land in Shelby County. It was named after seven well-known springs that early settlers used as sources of drinking water. The one-mile Big Tree Trail leads to a sycamore tree measuring 78 inches in thickness. In late winter, bald eagles can be observed almost daily from the viewing platform at the Lake Shelbyville Visitor’s Center.
History from Mining to Local History
The Moweaqua Coal Mine Museum was founded on May 25, 1986, to commemorate the 1932 mine disaster and the miners who lost their lives in it. It presents the history of coal mining in Moweaqua and preserves historical documents, photographs, artifacts and an extensive newspaper collection relating to the 1932 tragedy.
Further historical perspectives are provided by the Thompson Mill Covered Bridge in Shelby County, a Howe truss bridge dating from 1868, and the Shelbyville Historic District, which is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The museum of the Shelby County Historical & Genealogical Society presents exhibitions on the history and people of Shelby County. It is connected to a historic 1893 jail.
City Walks and Suitable Trip Planning
For an independent exploration of Shelbyville, there is the Shelbyville CityWalk, a collection of four self-guided tours. Group tours organized by the Shelby County Historical & Genealogical Society can include the museum, the historic 1893 jail or both areas and can, where possible, be tailored to the interests of the group.
For families, this can be combined into a varied stay: a day with the lake, water sports or cycling, a nature day with an interpretive trail and another outing to the bridge, museum or local history sites. A holiday apartment in Shelby County is particularly well suited to trip planning if you do not want to force these different interests into a rigid schedule, but instead want to choose between nature, exercise and culture depending on the weather, age and how everyone is feeling that day.
For the overarching travel overview: Illinois.
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