Clinton Illinois Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Bureau

For a day trip, a weekend or a lifetime, take some time to discover Clinton Illinois.

Located in the center of what the State Economic Development Department deems "The Golden Square", Clinton is "smack in the middle of it all". The proximity to the exact center of the state of Illinois makes it a destination that's literally easy to reach, but figuratively difficult to leave. Once you begin to experience the pleasures of our area, you may just wish to move here. If so, we can help in that regard too, but for now, let's touch on things to do while you're here. Be sure to download our 2008 Spring/Summer Events Guide (.pdf).
If you have questions or comments, contact the Clinton Chamber of Commerce at 217-935-3364 or 866-4-DeWitt.

Visit our historic Abraham Lincoln sculpture by A. L. VanDenBergen that stands in Mr. Lincoln's Square, downtown Clinton, IL, on the site where Lincoln said the famous quote, "You can fool all the people some of the time and some of the people all the time, but you cannot fool all the people all the time." These words are inscribed on the front of the pedestal. Another quote, inscribed on the rear of the pedestal, reads "That it may not be forgotten that here for nineteen years as a lawyer and friend, he was counselor and teacher of our forefathers, this statue is erected by the citizens of DeWitt County to the memory of Abraham Lincoln." The statue was dedicated on November 11, 1931.

DeWitt County Visitor Center
The DeWitt County Visitor Center is open seven days a week from Memorial Day in May until Labor Day in September, and during the Apple and Pork Festival, which annually takes place the last full weekend of September. The center is conveniently located at the intersection of State Route 54 and U.S. Route 51. For more information, please call the Chamber office at 866-4-DeWitt.

Clinton Lake State Recreation Area
Clinton Lake S.R.A. is east of Clinton off Rt. 10 and Rt. 54. Enjoy 9,300 acres of great outdoors for all seasons - picnics, hiking, camping, swimming, water skiing, boating, fishing, cross country skiing, snowmobiling and so much more. Contact Clinton Lake S.R.A. at 217-935-8722.

Ultimate Play Space
Clinton's own Ultimate Play Space is located in Kiwanis Park behind the YMCA at 417 S. Alexander. The Ultimate Play Space was built in 2003 by hundreds of volunteers from Clinton and the surrounding area. Bring the kids and enjoy a fun-filled afternoon of imagination and play in this 13-acre park. The "UPS" is also adjacent to the "Spray and Play" spray park.

Weldon Springs State Recreation Area
Just two miles east of Clinton is Weldon Springs S.R.A., a 550 - acre park for all seasons, where you can fish, boat, camp, hike, view or photograph nature and wildlife and so much more. Pack a picnic lunch, and come spend the day with the family. Contact Weldon Springs S.R.A. at 217-935-2644.

Lincoln Heritage Committee of DeWitt County
The Lincoln Heritage Committee of DeWitt County’s goals are to promote the Clinton and DeWitt County area’s rich Lincoln heritage. Lincoln played an important role in Clinton’s early development for nearly 20 years, beginning with the formation of the 8th Judicial Circuit in 1839, two years after Lincoln began the practice of law, until his 1859 election as President. Membership available by contacting the Clinton Area Chamber of Commerce. Information: 217-935-3364 or 866-4-DeWitt or visit their website: www.lincolnheritageofdewittcounty.com

C.H. Moore Homestead
Open April - December, The C. H. Moore Homestead DeWitt County Museum, 219 East Woodlawn, Clinton, invites you to "Take a Walk Into History". Visit Clinton in Central Illinois, heartland of America's richest farming country. Tour the restored mid-Victorian mansion which was the home of the Honorable C. H. Moore, Abraham Lincoln's law partner in Clinton. The mansion is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Call 217-935-6066 or visit their website: www.chmoorehomestead.org

Chamber's Business Expo
An annual event held on Wednesday, March 26, 2008 from 4pm to 8pm at Clinton Jr. High School, 701 Illini Drive, Clinton, IL 61727. Information: 217-935-3364 or 866-4-DeWitt.

Clinton MayDays Festival
May 15, 16, 17 & 18, 2008. MayDays Festival on Mr. Lincoln's Square in downtown Clinton. This four day event includes a carnival, food & craft vendors, and lots of free entertainment. Contact the Chamber of Commerce office for information at 217-935-3364 or 866-4-DeWitt.

Clinton Area Farmers and Artisans Market on Mr. Lincoln’s Square
Clinton Area Farmers and Artisans Market is open every Saturday 8:00am until noon from May to October on Mr. Lincoln's Square. The market is open on Mr. Lincoln's Square with extended hours for Clinton's Apple and Pork Festival. Farmers Market meetings are held on the 1st Tuesday of the month at 6:30pm at the U of I Extension Office. Information: 1-217-935-3364 or 866-4-DeWitt. Check the website for a complete calendar of events at www.cafamil.org

Chamber's Annual Golf Outing
June 24, 2008 The Chamber's Annual Golf Outing is held at beautiful Clinton Country Club www.clintoncountryclub.org and offers participants an opportunity to not only enjoy an afternoon of golf and compete for prizes, but also provides business related networking and contacts. Contact the Chamber of Commerce office for outing information at 217-935-3364 or 866-4-DeWitt.

Apple and Pork Festival
September 27 & 28, 2008. Wear your comfortable shoes and stroll along booth after booth of foods, crafts, art, antiques and more. Entertainment and museum tours are among the festival activities. Plan to spend the day! Tram and bus transportation to various sites provided for a small fee. An estimated 70,000 visitors attend the festival each year. For more information, call the Chamber of Commerce at 217-935-3364, toll free at 866-4-DeWitt or visit this website: www.chmoorehomestead.org/apple-pork.htm

Clinton's Annual Haunted House
"Terror on Washington Street" October 10, 11, 17, 18, 24, 25, 30 and 31, 2008. Don't miss this opportunity to have your wits scared right out of you with this award winning event ranked one of the Top 10 Haunted Houses in Illinois for 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2006" by www.hauntedillinois.com! Call the Chamber of Commerce at 217-935-3364 or toll free 866-4-DeWitt for more information or visit our Haunted House website at www.clintonhauntedhouse.com

Christmas Candlelight Tours
Christmas Candlelight Tours every Friday in December, 2008. Enjoy the charm and ambience of seeing the DeWitt County Homestead Museum beautifully decorated for a Victorian Christmas as you tour by candlelight. 217-935-6066 or website:www.chmoorehomestead.org

Clinton's Christmas Parade
Wednesday, December 3, 2008. Our annual "Light Up The Night" Christmas Parade will be held in downtown Clinton at 7:00pm. If you'd like to have an entry in the parade, please contact the Chamber of Commerce office at 217-935-3364 or toll free at 866-4-DeWitt.

Santa's House on Mr. Lincoln's Square
Wednesday, December 3 (Christmas Parade) Friday, December 5 (Come Home For Christmas) and Saturdays: December 6, 13, and 20, 2008. After Santa completes his duties at our Christmas parade, and before he heads back to the North Pole, you'll find him at his house on Mr. Lincoln's Square! Don't forget your cameras! Contact the Chamber of Commerce office for times to visit Santa at 217-935-3364 or 866-4-DeWitt.