Tourism
Come create your own memories
Historic Crawford County Illinois has something for everyone… historic sites, golf courses, camping, recreational lakes and rivers, unique shops, family-oriented annual events, museums, fine dining and excellent hotel/motel accommodations.
The county offers three golf courses, including the beautiful Quail Creek Country Club, which has been host to PGA tour events. Shooting and archery ranges, hiking, biking and horseback trails, sports courts, beautiful parks, fishing lakes, a conservation area and campsites are located throughout the county. The free-flowing Wabash River serves as the winding eastern edge of Crawford County Illinois.
Crawford County was formed on December 31, 1816, and is located in the central eastern portion of the state. The county was named in honor of William H. Crawford, a United States Senator from Georgia who also served his country as Minister of France, Secretary of War, and Secretary of the Treasury. He was also a prominent presidential candidate in 1824.
Crawford County consists of several unique communities, each with its own distinguishing features. Robinson, the county seat, is home to the late writer James Jones, author of From Here to Eternity and The Thin Red Line, and well as boasting the birthplace of the Heath Candy Bar. Hershey Chocolate, producers of the Heath Bar, along with Marathon Petroleum, and Lincoln Trail College make their home in Robinson. Retail choices include clothing, jewelry, antiques, home décor, specialty foods, floral and garden shops.
Oblong, located on the western edge of the county, also offers a variety of unique retailers. Collectibles, quilt and sewing supplies, handcrafted gifts, floral, and furnishings can be found along Main Street in Oblong. The Oil Field Museum in Oblong is one of only seven such facilities in the nation. It features two buildings of displays, tools, books and literature, working models and photographs regarding the boom days of oil discovery in Crawford County Illinois in the early 1900’s.
Palestine is the oldest town in the state of Illinois still in its original location. The entire business district is listed on the National Historic Register, and many turn-of-the-century buildings house art galleries, antique and collectable stores, and gift shops. Visitors come from all around to visit this historic village full of rich history. Palestine is home to the Fife Opera House, the annual Pioneer City Rodeo and Labor Day Festival, and many other history rich events throughout the year.
Hustonville, at the Wabash River Bridge on the northeast edge of the county, features the Hutson Memorial Village. A “town” made up of original, furnished log cabins, a log barn, and log church, is named in honor of the Isaac Hutson family which was massacred by Indians in 1813. Each year, the event is re-enacted, and several other family oriented events are held at the complex throughout the year. Antique and specialty stores round out the village, along with a bookstore located in the house where Illinois’ ninth Governor, August French was married.
Flat Rock may not be the retail mecca of the county, but it does get a big “thumbs up” when it comes to a great milkshake, fresh pie, and friendly conversation. The annual Flat Rock Homecoming is a great time to visit the village for memorable family fun. After a disastrous fire in 1912, an ordinance was passed that all new buildings must be constructed of brick. The town has more concrete sidewalk per capita than anywhere in the nation.
A great opportunity…a lifetime of happiness
Experience a lifetime of happiness in Crawford County Illinois. Everything is at your fingertips… friendly neighborhoods, quality education, modern healthcare facilities, noteworthy recreation and premium shopping choices. Business opportunities are welcomed with open arms. For more information, contact the City of Robinson at (618) 544-7616 or online at www.cityofrobinson.com/tourism.
Come see what there is to offer. You are always welcome in Crawford County, Illinois.
2010 Crawford County Calendar of Events
(Dates are subject to change. Please call ahead
or visit www.cityofrobinson.com for more information)
April 11
10th Annual Palestine Development Association Golf Outing
Leaverton Park 12:30 Shotgun Start
$10.00/person 1st , 2nd, & 3rd place prizes
Contact: Susan Goodwine 618-586-2035
April 11 – April 25
21st Annual Crawford County Arts Art Show & Sale
Fife Opera House in Palestine
Original artworks of various mediums - some for sale
Contact: Michael Cheesman 618-592-6105 www.crawfordcountyarts.org
April 24
Palestine Town-Wide Garage Sales
Garage and Yard Sales all over the Village of Palestine – everything including the kitchen sink can be found here 7:00 a.m. - ?
Contact: Palestine Chamber of Commerce 618-586-2222
April 23, 24, & 25
Fort LaMotte Rangers Battle of Africa Point Reenactment & Festival
Relive the days of yesterday and witness history portrayed in period costume. See, taste and smell the trades and lifestyle of the early 1800’s. Includes Encampment – Shooting – Cookout – Traders – Musicians – Vendors welcome.
Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Saturday, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Sunday, 9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Contact: Leonard Sisil 618-544-2990 Jim Keller 544-7734 Charlie Coombs 544-7570
Greg Parrott 544-4488 Rob Byrley 586-2493 or J.D. Kimberlin 586-2036
April 29
Kelly Miller Circus
The circus comes to town once again!! This exciting entertainment for kids of all ages will be held at the Pioneer City Arena with show times to be announced closer to the date.
Contact: Kiwanis Club – Ryan Campbell
May 5
Annual Robinson Chamber of Commerce Golf Outing
Fundraiser and Golf Outing at Quail Creek County Club in Robinson. For more information contact the Robinson Chamber of Commerce at 618-546-1557.
May 31 – Memorial Day
Palestine Lions Club Fish Fry, Car Club Cruise-In & Flea Market
Leaverton Park – 8:00 a.m. till the fish run out
Fish/sides/hotdogs/desserts served to help the Lions with their many projects. Crawford County Collectibles Car Club will provide the opportunity to enjoy automobiles from the past and present. Browse the selection of treasures from various vendors.
Contact: Lion Bill Kite 618-584-3338 or Car Club Member Herb Hess 618-586-5472
June 5
National Wild Turkey Federation’s Women-in-the-Outdoors
Leaverton Park & Pioneer City Arena 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Shotgunning, Horsemanship, Archery, GPS, Scuba, Basket Weaving, Gourd Birdhouse/Painting, Water color, Scrapbooking, Outdoor Cooking, Golf 101, more.
Contact: Cindy Spillman 586-5191
June 5
Palestine Town-Wide Garage Sales
Garage and Yard Sales all over the Village of Palestine – everything including the kitchen sink can be found here 7:00 a.m. - ?
Contact: Palestine Chamber of Commerce 618-586-2222
June 15-19
Robinson Summer Celebration
Features carnival rides, food booths and nightly entertainment in the City Park in Robinson. Contact Robinson City Hall for information at 618-544-7616
July 4
Robinson 4th of July Celebration
Features entertainment, food, baseball and softball tournaments, and a spectacular fireworks show in the Robinson City Park. Visit www.cityofrobinson.com
July 17 – 23
Crawford County Fair
Located at the Oblong Fair Grounds. 4-H exhibits, Crawford County Queen pageant, carnival rides, food booths, truck and tractor pulls, and a demolition derby highlight the week long event ending with a large 4-H auction. Contact: Linda Price 618-557-3326 www.crawfordfair.com secretary@crawfordfair.com
August 6-7
Hutsonville Community Days
Car Show, entertainment, parade and food, in Downtown Hutsonville.
August 7
City Wide Garage Sales in Robinson
August 13-15
Oblong Antique Tractor and Engine Show
This annual event draws visitors from all over to view actual working antique tractors and engines.
Located at the fairgrounds in Oblong.
September 2, 3, 4, 5 & 6
57th Annual Pioneer City Labor Day Festival and Pro Bull Ride
Pioneer City Arena, Leaverton Park & Main Street Palestine play hosts to a StreetFair, Carnival, “Bullbash on the Wabash”(bull riding only)on Saturday & Sunday nights along with “Tough Enough to Wear Pink” and crowning of Miss Rodeo Illinois. Also once again this year, FMX East Freestyle Motorcycle Stunt Show will be here but this year on Monday. Chuckwagon Breakfast, Parade, Camping, Junior-sized Tractor Pull, Remote Control Airplanes, Lunch with Clowns, Flea Market, Mechanical Bull Rides, Free Entertainment at the Band shell, Town-Wide Garage Sales, Antique Gas Engine Exhibit & Swap Meet, more!
Contact: Palestine Chamber of Commerce 618-586-2222
www.pioneercity.com or Email: PalestineCofC@verizon.net
October 1
Annual Chamber of Commerce “Chair-ity” Auction
Decorate a chair to be auctioned for a community project or purchase a unique chair. Located on
The west side of the square in Robinson. Call 618-546-1557 for more information.
October 1 & 2
Annual Heath Toffee Festival and Parade
Located on the square in Robinson. Celebrating the delicious Heath Candy Bar, created in 1928 by Heath Brothers Confectionary in Robinson. Features Friday night entertainment, street dance, and car show, and Saturday craft show, live entertainment, toffee bake-off, and parade, capped off by a free chili supper. Call 618-546-1557 for more information.
October 2 & 3
8th Annual Wabash Valley Wine & Arts Festival
Several wineries provide various wines for tasting as you stroll Main Street and enjoy artworks from numerous artists from the Wabash Valley area. Some may be purchased. Food booths and live entertainment. Sat 11am-7pm & Sun 12-5pm
Contact: Matt Johnson 618-586-2921
October 30
Oblong Fall Follies and “Spooktacular” Bandfest and Parade
Features night time parade, band field competition, food, crafts, and entertainment on the square in Oblong.
November 20 – Weekend before Thanksgiving
Palestine Preservation Projects Society Cookie Walk
Fife Opera House 9:00 a.m. - ?
Browse table after table of homemade cookies for purchase
Contact: Nita Jochim 618-586-2427
November 20 – Weekend before Thanksgiving
Crawford County Retailer’s Holiday Open Houses
9:00 a.m. - Travel Route 33 thru Robinson and Palestine to find that perfect Christmas gift or secure that elusive item you’ve always wanted and even find great bargains for whatever your needing. Contact: Robinson Area Chamber of Commerce 618-546-1557
November 26 – Friday after Thanksgiving
Leaverton Park Holiday Lighting Festival
5:00 p.m. - Leaverton Park comes alive with over 40,000 lights and displays. Enjoy hot chocolate and cookies with Santa, listen to area church choirs and singing groups caroling. Watch the Fireworks and enjoy cornbread and beans, hotdogs, & desserts served by the Lions club.
Contact: Palestine Chamber of Commerce 618-586-2222
