Overview
Danville is a small city of about 34,000 in Central Illinois about 5 miles west of the Illinois-Indiana border and about 140 miles south of Chicago.
Danville is nestled in the heart of Vermilion River country, home to high quality museums, shops full of rare and unique finds, a unique history including several Abraham Lincoln historic sites, and an abundance of parks and wildlife.
The surrounding area is mostly flat, but boasts six county and state parks and preserves with the county boasting more than 15,000 acres of parkland.Major attractions include the nationally designated Middle Fork Scenic River, Kickapoo State Park, and Lake Vermilion on Danville’s north side. These parks provide a wide range of recreation opportunities including vast hiking trails, camping, fishing, horse riding, boating, mountain biking, canoeing, river tubing, and bird watching. The City of Danville boasts its own collection of parks including the riverside Elsworth Park and historic Lincoln Park. Historical attractions include many sites associated with Abraham Lincoln. Designated a Gateway City to the National Park Service’s Looking for Lincoln National Heritage Area, Danville is rich in Lincoln History with over 12 sites commemorating his 18 years practicing law here while riding the 8th Judicial Circuit. Sites include the Lamon House, An 1840’s Greek Revival Cottage built by Joseph Lamon, cousin of Ward Hill Lamon, Lincoln’s law partner and bodyguard. Attached the Vermilion County museum sits the Fithian Home formerly owned by Dr. William Fithian, Civil War surgeon and personal friend of Abraham Lincoln, the Fithian Home features the south balcony from which Lincoln gave a speech in 1858 and the bedroom he used on his many visits. Visitors can also visit the Danville National Cemetery serves as the final resting place for veterans from the Civil War to present.and the Vermilion County War Museum which covers every military action our country has been involved in, from the Revolutionary War to today’s conflicts. Additional history can be found in Danville’s historic downtown district. This tree-lined district includes a number of local restaurants, businesses, and attractions. Notably, the downtown district is home of the historic Fischer Theater which houses a museum of Danville’s famous residents including Dick Van Dyke, Donald O'Connor, Gene Hackman, Bobby Short, and Helen Morgan. Downtown also includes over 18 fabulous murals grace the brick walls of the historic Downtown which were painted in 4 days by 160 Walldog artists from all over the world.
The parks and historic architecture act as a backdrop for many regionally important events including Arts in the Park, The Festival of Trees, Balloons Over Vermilion, Summer Sounds, Symphony Concerts, the Light Opera, and plays.
8 sights · 5 things to do · 6 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Danville
Kickapoo State Park
Where in Illinois can you go running or hiking, canoeing, fishing for trout, camping, hunting or scuba diving -- all against a backdrop of breathtaking natural beauty? Kickapoo State Recreation Area near Danville in Verm…
Vermillion County War Museum
A local museum about the soldiers, wars, and battles that have a tie to Vermillion county. The building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Vermilion County Museum
The Vermilion County Museum and Fithian Home are part of a small campus highlighting the history of Danville and Vermilion County, Illinois. The grounds feature The Vermilion County Museum, Fithian Historic Home, plus va…
Danville National Cemetery
A national veterans cemetery managed by the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs. In 1897, Congress authorized the establishment of the National Home for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers in Danville. The next year, a small plot…
Fischer Theater
Historic 19th century theater with live entertainment and museum of many famous Danville residents including Dick Van Dyke, Gene Hackman, Donald O'Connor, Bobby Short, and Helen Morgan. The theater also contains a gift s…
Lake Vermilion County Park
A park next to a 1,000 acre lake open year round. Open to power boating (unlimited HP), jet skiing, and water skiing. Excellent wildlife viewing (including bald eagles) and fishing.
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Apr–Oct. Summer highs reach about 85°F; winter lows dip to about 21°F. Cold months (Jan, Dec) can bring snow and ice; check road conditions. Wettest: Jun and May. (climate data from nearby Indianapolis)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- CMI University of Illinois Willard Airport, Savoy — 35 mi away. Directions
- LAF Purdue University Airport, West Lafayette — 42 mi away. Directions
- IND Indianapolis International Airport, Indianapolis — 76 mi away (major hub). Directions
Danville and the surrounding area are served by Interstate 74 which runs east-west along the south side of the city. I-74 connects Danville to Champaign-Urbana in the west and Indianapolis in the east. Illinois Route 1 serves Danville and the surrounding area, running north-south through the city. It connects Danville to several smaller Vermilion County towns as well as Chicago to the north.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Sample 3-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Vermillion County War Museum, Fischer Theater, Vermilion County Museum
- Afternoon Lake Vermilion County Park, Heron County Park Wetlands Boardwalk
Day 2
- Morning Danville National Cemetery, Middle Fork State Fish and Wildlife Area
- Afternoon Danville Art League
Day 3
- Morning Kickapoo State Park, Danville Dans Baseball
- Afternoon Danville Symphony Orchestra
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Historic Downtown District
Other districts
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Get in
By car
Danville and the surrounding area are served by Interstate 74 which runs east-west along the south side of the city. I-74 connects Danville to Champaign-Urbana in the west and Indianapolis in the east. Illinois Route 1 serves Danville and the surrounding area, running north-south through the city. It connects Danville to several smaller Vermilion County towns as well as Chicago to the north.
By bus
The Danville Mass Transit system has daytime buses from/to Champaign, Georgetown, Westfield, etc. Bus route #10 runs to/from Champaign, every 2hrs during the day M-Sa.
Get around
Danville is best seen by car, though it is possible to explore downtown Danville on foot. The county and state parks have trails for hiking in good weather, but the parks can generally be enjoyed by car as well. Danville Mass Transit (DMT) provides bus service around the city as well as to nearby Champaign/Urbana.
See
See Vermilion County Museum
The Vermilion County Museum and Fithian Home are part of a small campus highlighting the history of Danville and Vermilion County, Illinois. The grounds feature The Vermilion County Museum, Fithian Historic Home, plus various exhibits throughout the grounds including a Looking for Lincoln wayside exhibit.
See Danville National Cemetery
A national veterans cemetery managed by the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs. In 1897, Congress authorized the establishment of the National Home for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers in Danville. The next year, a small plot of land was set aside as a burial site; it was subsequently designated a national cemetery in 1898. In 1901, the present cemetery was plotted and the remains of those buried in the old cemetery were reinterred at the new site.Danville National Cemetery was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1992. The Soldiers Monument at Danville National Cemetery was dedicated on Memorial Day in 1917.
See Kickapoo State Park
Where in Illinois can you go running or hiking, canoeing, fishing for trout, camping, hunting or scuba diving -- all against a backdrop of breathtaking natural beauty? Kickapoo State Recreation Area near Danville in Vermilion County - easily accessible via I-74.
See Heron County Park Wetlands Boardwalk
Featuring the Kennekuk Marshes Wetland with a 950-foot handicapped accessible floating boardwalk. Songbirds, season migratory birds, and waterfowl such as Canadian geese, mallards, wood ducks, kingfishers, green herons, sandhill cranes, American egrets and bald eagles all flock to the area. Climb the 30 foot observation tower to take in the “wide-angle” view.
See Middle Fork State Fish and Wildlife Area
2700 -cre area with 35 miles of marked scenic equestrian, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling trails Provides access to the Middle Fork National Scenic River for hunting, canoeing, and picnicking. Campground and equestrian campground rentals are available
Do
Do Harrison Park Golf Course
An 18-hole course open to the public seven days a week. The North Fork of the Vermilion River winds through the course and the picturesque hills create a backdrop unlike any other in Central Illinois. Our grounds total 235 acres of land, offering several amenities (bird watching, fishing and hiking).
Buy
Danville offers a number of shopping opportunities including locally owned boutiques in the downtown district to well-known chain stores.
Shop Glory Daze Antiques & Uniques
Collectible items and antiques from friendly knowledgeable staff
Eat
Historic Downtown District
- Cafe 13, 13 N. Vermilion Street. Coffee, from scratch pastries, crepes, sandwiches, and salads. Open for breakfast and lunch.
- Rich's Deluxe, 21 W. North Street. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a large menu of fresh items, homemade soups, and more.
- Green Island Chinese, 11 N. Vermilion Street. Offering dine in, take out, and delivery.
Other districts
- Charlotte’s Coffee & Tea, 402 N. Gilbert Street, +1 217-442-2839. Coffee, tea, breakfast, lunch and baked goods.
- Jocko's, 305 W. Williams Street, railroad inspired restaurant serving award winning pizza since 1972. Also features a salad bar and range of other dinners, including pastas and sandwiches.
- Stony's Restaurant, 720 E. Voorhees Street, Homemade daily specials, Huge 20" pizzas, oven subs, and grilled items.
- Tacos y Nieves Calvillo, popular Mexican restaurant serving lunch and dinner.
Specialty dining
- Mad Goat Coffee, 2601 N. Vermilion Street. Coffee, pastries, smoothies, tea, evening hours, a friendly staff, and a comfortable environment.
- Custard Cup, 2507 N Vermilion St, A Danville Tradition since 1949! Frozen treats made daily. Open seasonally.
- Royal Donut, 911 N. Vermilion Street. A landmark destination since 1973, Royal Donut has been serving award winning coffee paired with an awesome variety of donuts, pastries, and muffins
Drink
- Fatman's Warehouse, 138 1/2 N Vermilion St (in alley behind). Popular downtown alley bar with karaoke and live music.
- Sarge's Tap, 409 E. Main Street. Bar with lunch, pool, and comedy night schedule.
- The 610 Tap, 610 N. Vermilion Street. Craft beer, cocktails, and music.
Sleep
Stay Sleep Inn Inn & Suites
Located at the junction of I-74 and Lynch Rd (Exit 220), approximately 1 mile west of the Indiana State Line.
Stay Hampton Inn & Suites
Stay Holiday Inn Express & Suites
Stay Days Hotel & Conference Center
Downtown area hotel and conference center. Also home of the After Hours Bar & Grill.
Go next
- Danville is the county seat of Vermilion County.
- Fithian - A village west of town.
- Forest Glen Preserve - great RV, tent, and back-country camping by the Vermilion River; has one 11-mile backpacking trail along the river's ridge through woods and wetlands
- Champaign-Urbana, and the University of Illinois there, is a bus ride away.
Nearby
Covington
City / town · 7 listings · 13 mi away
Fithian
City / town · 2 listings · 13 mi away
Turkey Run State Park
Park · 9 listings · 28 mi away
Rantoul
City / town · 30 mi away
Shades State Park
Park · 5 listings · 31 mi away
Champaign-Urbana
City / town · 92 listings · 32 mi away
Paxton
City / town · 1 listings · 34 mi away
Crawfordsville
City / town · 9 listings · 39 mi away
My experience
Write about your trip here. Notes save automatically in this browser as you type; back them up from My journal.