Attractions & Recreation

The City of Chillicothe contracted Mesic Vale Construction of Galesburg to build an observation tower on the City's riverfront at Eagle Landing. The Peg & post framing similar to historic barn construction and the roof weight is approximately 6,000 pounds. It took about two weeks to constuct the observation tower in November and early December of 2020. Plum Creek Builders completed the roofing, constructed the landing stair cases with treads and risers, added wood railings with handrails and guardrails and poured the concrete sidewalks and ramps. City of Chillicothe Public Works Department added landscaping and site work. The observation tower is protected by surveillance cameras that is monitored by the Chillicothe Police Department.

Through the years the original sculpture deteriorated beyond repair. In 2019, the Chillicothe Rotary Club then contacted artist, Gary Keenan, of Altoona, Iowa to create a new eagle sculpture. The Chillicothe Rotary Club held a dedication ceremony to the City of Chillicothe on Saturday, October 17, 2020 at 11am.
Chillicothe Bottoms Wildlife Sanctuary

A total of 152 bird species have been identified at the site including many IWAP species of conservation concern. These include American black duck, great egret, lesser scaup, canvasback, brown creeper, northern harrier, marsh wren, yellow-billed cuckoo, northern flicker, bald eagle, wood thrush, yellow-breasted chat, short-billed dowitcher, hooded merganser, Connecticut warbler, Kentucky warbler, osprey, pied-billed grebe, prothonotary warbler, brown thrasher, greater yellowlegs and blue-winged warbler. Two of these species—the northern harrier and osprey—are state listed endangered species.
Come see first hand how this rare gem can be a future destination for birders, conservationist along the Illinois River! Visit them online at Illinois Audubon or peoiraaudubon.org
City Parks

Moffit Park - Walking trails
City Park - Center of town. Stage and picnic benches.
Gollnitz Park - Next to the VFW
Cutright Park - Riverfront park with swings, playground, gazebo, and shelter.
Eagle Landing - Observation tower - Next to Cutright Park
Riversound Park - Playground Equipment - Located in Riversound Subdivision
Sycamore Trail Park - Playground Equipment - Located in Sycamore Trail Subdivision
Chillicothe Park District:
- Chillicothe Skatepark
- Coal Hollow Park
- Nelie Jackson
- Shore Acres Park & Pool
- Santa Fe Splash Pad
Three Sisters Park
Spring Planting - held in April. Local 5th grade students are invited to tour Three Sisters Park which is set up for spring planting. They learn skills of heritage farming including husking, shelling, harnessing , plowing and planting. This is not a public event.
Summer Camp Music Festival- Held on Memorial Day. Thousands of people across the globe travel to Chillicothe to celebrate this three day music fest.
Spider Hill - held every Friday and Saturday in October, this event boast scary trails that are sure to delight the most zealous Halloween buff. Spider Hill Haunted attractions is in its 23rd year of production. Visit Massacre mansion, Trail of Terror or Zombie invasion the Final Chapter. Gates open at 6pm for ticket sales and the scares start at 7pm. Tickets are sold until 11pm. Visit https://www.threesisterspark.com/spider-hill for more information.

Youth Programs:
- Storytime at the Library
- Sign & Sing
- Lego Club
- Adult Game Night
- Book Clubs
Chillicothe Historical Society - History Museum

723 4th Street
309.274.9076
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The historical society features 8 rooms of historic artifacts including a large McCulley/Zorro exhibit.
Chillicothe Historical Society - Rock Island Railroad Museum
Open 1pm-4pm on Sundays
309.274.9076
Facebook | Website
This historic depot with running model trains and furnished caboose is a must for train enthusiasts.