Attractions & Recreation
A key feature to the City of Chillicothe's riverfront is a 20 foot Observation Tower. The tower has two telescope options, the lower telescope is ADA accessible and the other is located at the top of the tower. Climb 33 steps to the top of tower and enjoy the majestic river view. January through March are good times to observe the eagles nest just across from the tower. Visitors and residents alike can observe river traffic and natural wildlife river habitat such as eagles, white pelicans and swans. View the beautiful sunrises and sunsets, railroad bridge to the north, bright colors of fall the wildlife along the river. Photography is a must!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.
Next to the observation tower is an eagle carving donated by the Chillicothe Rotary Club. The original eagle sculpture, carved by Tim Gill, was sculpted from the tree on the riverbank and was donated to the city by the Rotary Club of Chillicothe in November 2010. When the base of the original sculpture began to deteriorate, the city cut the eagle from the deteriorating base and built a concrete base for the eagle. 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
Moffit Park trails lead you to the beautiful Chillicothe Bottoms Wildlife Sanctuary. A place where 152 species utilize this unique blend of critical habitat.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.
Chillicothe Public Library - www.chillicothepubliclibrary.orgYouth 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
Facebook | Website
The historical society features 8 rooms of historic artifacts including a large McCulley/Zorro exhibit.
Chillicothe Historical Society - Rock Island Railroad Museum
Corner of Chestnut and Pine StreetsOpen 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.