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Shedd Aquarium

Jacksonville's Underground Railroad Tour

1463 Gierke Lane, Jacksonville, IL 62650

Historic Sites

See a variety of locations in Jacksonville that have connection to the Underground Railroad.

In the mid-1800s, Jacksonville acted as a hub for the Underground Railroad, sheltering hundreds who wished to escape the horrors of slavery. Serveral local historic homes served as havens on this journey to freedom, making Jacksonville one of the first such stations in the area and by far the busiest. Drive by a number of these locations and end out at Woodlawn Farm for a tour of the farm. 

What's happening nearby...

Blues & Brews Festival

Downtown Jacksonville •  May 03 @ 12noon

Join the free Jacksonville Main Street Blues & Brews Festival on May 3, 2025, 12-4 PM! Enjoy blues music, food trucks, and a beer wagon. Bring…

Read more about Blues & Brews Festival

Plates on State

Jacksonville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau •  May 04 @ 3PM

Join Jacksonville Plates on State, an outdoor dinner event on Sunday, May 4, 2025, celebrating the town’s bicentennial, the CVB’s 40th anniversary, and Travel & Tourism…

Read more about Plates on State

Jacksonville Main Street Downtown Concert Series 2025

Central Park Plaza •  May 30 @ 6PM

Join Jacksonville Main Street at Central Park for free music, food trucks, and socializing. Enjoy diverse genres, talented artists, and After Concert Parties. Family-friendly fun!

Read more about Jacksonville Main Street Downtown Concert Series 2025

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