Things to do in Clay County Illinois
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On weekends, watch stock car racing or ride in passenger cars on a steam engine train through the beautiful park, which includes camping and fishing areas. If these events pique your interest, we cordially invite you to Clay County.
Clay County was established in 1824 from parts of Wayne, Crawford, and Fayette counties. It was named after Henry Clay, a famous American statesman, member of the United States Senate from Kentucky, and Secretary of State in the nineteenth century. In the year the county was named, Clay ran for President. However, John Quincy Adams was elected President on February 9, 1825.
Clay County Museum
In Louisville, the retired county jail has the distinction of hosting the Clay County museum with the building listed on the National Registry of Historic places. Restoration efforts are also underway in the village of Sailor Springs, once a resort area in the early 1900s featuring natural springs.
The personable tours begin in the more comfortable surroundings where the sheriff and his family used to live. Beginning in 1871, that section was also used as a hotel. The Historical Society has a hotel register from that time period. This section of the museum also contains many items from Clay County’s history dating back to the 1800s. Antiquated military uniforms donated by Clay County residents can be seen by visitors to the jail museum. There are 19th century kitchen utensils, furniture, tools, and illustrations.
Located on the east side of the square in Louisville, the Clay County Museum occupies the former Clay County Jail and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is open to groups or individuals by appointment.
B&O Depot
If that isn’t enough, history for you, be sure to stop the by the B&O Depot at 223 West Railroad Street in Flora. It was built at the height of the railroad industry in Illinois. This recently restored three-story brick building is now the home to the Chamber of Commerce and other various businesses — a testament to the hard work and dedication of Clay County residents.
Flora Appleknocker Festival
The Flora Appleknocker Festival is held by the Flora Academic Foundation each September to harvest the knowledge of the community and sharing it with youth by bringing together the schools, civic organizations, business and industry to share their resources and knowledge. Arts, industry displays, culture knowledge and performances are presented at no charge.
Charley Brown Park
Charley Brown Park, located west of Flora, has a 100 acres of rolling wooded hills, a swimming pool, camp sites for both campers and tents, picnic sites and a lake for boating and fishing. Don’t miss The Little Toot Railroad a miniature coal fired steam train ride for young and old alike. It is a “MUST SEE” attraction and should not be missed! Charley Brown Park hosts not only the county fair, but also several sanctioned coon hunts throughout the year and Dean Bluegrass Jam. (Click Here or below to see & hear it!)
Little Toot Railroad
Old U.S. Rte. 50, Flora
An attraction not to be missed! Ride the rails and experience train travel as it was decades ago on this 15-in.-gauge Crown Locomotive running through Charley Brown Park. All antique trains from 1937 to 1966. You’ll hear the whistle from a bygone era and enjoy the sounds that only a steam engine can make. The depot is available for party rental too.
Open: Friday 1 PM to 8 PM, Sat. 10 AM to 6 PM; Sun. Noon to 4 pm
Open May through September. Also open Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Streif’s Country Market
788 Marble Lane (7/10 of a mile north of Flora on Route 45), Louisville
In season; Strawberries, Watermelons, Pumpkins, Ornamental Gourds, Mums and Fall Decorations. Play Area for Children; Straw Maze, Corn Maze and even Two Ostriches to Entertain you! Tours by appointment.
Open: Friday 3:30 PM to 6:00 PM, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM on Saturday & Sunday Through October
Fairs and Festivals
Various fairs and festivals in villages and towns highlight the diversity and heritage of Clay County. Clay City, Xenia, Louisville and Sailor Springs all host unique festivals complete with entertainment and homemade goodies.
Clay Co. Lodging
Hunting Lodge – Coon Creek Bowhunting
Coon Creek Bowhunting, 511 Buckeye Road (5 Miles from downtown Flora), Flora
All Hunts include lodging in a newly constructed cabin, which is equipped for 4 hunters. A full kitchen and bath is provided. Bed, bath, and kitchen linens will also be provided. Limited food service is available.
Offering prime hunting ground, all of which is privately owned. It includes timber, creek bottoms, cropland, thickets and food plots. Promising a quality hunt. Four hunters allowed per week for a 5 day hunt, insures the best possible hunting experience. All hunts are semi-guided. Hunters are responsible for all personal hunting equipment, license and permits. Hunting October 1st through January 1st, closed for gun season. Call for more information, or any special needs you might have.
Best Western Lorson Inn
Best Western Lorson Inn, 201 Gary Hagen Dr., Flora
Each well-appointed room features free high-speed Internet access, microwaves, refrigerators, and cable television with premium movie channels. Other hotel amenities include an exercise room with a sauna and a delicious breakfast bar. The Best Western Lorson Inn offers upgraded whirlpool suites, call direct to book.
Discover a combination of small town living and big city amenities at the Best Western Lorson Inn – the ideal hotel in Flora, Illinois.
A friendly and professional staff will ensure every guest has a comfortable and memorable stay. Make an online reservation today and save at this hotel in Flora, Illinois!