Effingham, IL, is a small town in the south-central part of the state, but it has a surprising number of things to do. It’s known for its charming small-town vibe as well as various attractions like Lake Sara and Tuscan Hills Winery. If you’re planning to visit Effingham when the weather is good, there are several outdoor activities you might want to try.
Explore Scenic Lake Sara
Lake Sara offers 27 miles of shoreline and an expanse of 800 acres. It’s about four miles west of Effingham, IL. The lake is a great place for family fun with a public beach that is open between Memorial Day and Labor Day. It also offers a marina, a bar, two restaurants, an ice cream stand, and a place for live music. Several golf courses are located around the area and there is a campground. On the lake, visitors can enjoy activities like boating, fishing, and kayaking.
Tee Up at Foreway Challenge Golf
Nearby Lake Sara is a friendly nine-hole golf course that was established in 2000. It provides a nice challenge for golfers of all skill levels, but it’s still accessible enough for beginners to have a try. Foreway Challenge Golf offers a practice green and driving range, plus a pro shop and clubhouse. The clubhouse is a great place to relax with snacks and drinks, plus gaming machines. There are various events throughout the year at the golf course, so it’s a good idea to check the schedule before you visit.
Play All Day at Hendelmeyer Park
In the south section of Effingham, IL, you’ll find 20 acres of fun in Hendelmeyer Park. The area includes two lighted softball diamonds, one lighted fast-pitch diamond, eight lighted pickleball courts, and a skate park. Other amenities at Hendelmeyer Park include a recreation center, an indoor basketball court, two playgrounds, restrooms, and a gazebo. There’s enough to do at this park to keep everyone occupied for an entire day.
Hit the TREC Recreation Trails
With locations spanning across Effingham, IL, the TREC trails are open for bike rides, walking, and running. The TREC recreation trail system is designed to create fun outdoor activity opportunities. Visitors can enjoy walking, running, riding bikes, or skating while taking in the fantastic scenery along the way. TREC is part of a larger system across the country to provide outdoor activity benefits to various communities and promote an active lifestyle.
Recreate the Old World at Tuscan Hills Winery
Located in the Historic Hills Drive area of Effingham, IL, the Tuscan Hills Winery offers incredibly scenic grounds and buildings designed in Old World Style. The winery includes a restaurant and bar, plus it hosts various fun events throughout the year, including live music, comedy shows, and murder mystery dinners. The Tuscan Hills Winery first opened in 2011 and has since transformed into an exciting place for gatherings, events, weddings, and simply a place to relax and enjoy the incredible scenery.
Effingham, IL, has something for everyone, whether it’s fun outdoor activities, shopping, or anything in between.
