Visit Effingham

Visit Effingham Visit Effingham: a Midwestern Getaway...
Located in Central IL where I-57 and I-70 meet.

A new year means new adventures—and we’re here to help you plan yours! 🎉 The Visit Effingham crew is currently hard at w...
01/20/2025

A new year means new adventures—and we’re here to help you plan yours! 🎉

The Visit Effingham crew is currently hard at work, making sure you have the tools you need to make the most of your next 'Midwestern Getaway'.

Our 2025-2026 Visitor Guide drops this April, and will be packed with insider tips, hidden gems and all the must-see spots in our charming corner of Central Illinois. Whether you're here for a weekend getaway - or planning a longer stay - our guide covers every detail... Mark your calendars! 🗓️✨

📸 Astrid Johana Photography; ft. Joe Sippers Cafe at Lake Sara Beach

Planning a romantic weekend away next month? 💘 Here are a few of our favorite activities to consider including on your i...
01/17/2025

Planning a romantic weekend away next month? 💘

Here are a few of our favorite activities to consider including on your itinerary:

🍷 a wine tasting at Village Wine
🏨 a cozy night in at the XCHNG lofts
🍝 an authentic Italian dinner at Lucia's Italian Kitchen

From intimate dining experiences to charming local excursions, we’ve got the perfect mix of romance, relaxation and fun. Ready to make some memories? Get to planning at www.visiteffinghamil.com.

📸 Astrid Johana Photography | ft. Village Wine in Experience Downtown Effingham

Don’t let the cold weather hinder your cravings! Effingham’s local restaurant scene has your next meal covered with deli...
01/14/2025

Don’t let the cold weather hinder your cravings! Effingham’s local restaurant scene has your next meal covered with delicious takeout and delivery options that’ll keep you warm and cozy on these chilly winter days. 🥡🔥

Check out https://www.visiteffinghamil.com/food-drink/ for a full listing of Effingham's 65+ establishments, including fine dining, fast food, cafes and more.

📸 Astrid Johana Photography | ft. China Express - Effingham, IL in Experience Downtown Effingham

When in Effingham, do as the locals do - dine at Firefly Grill. 🌿 Locally-sourced, seasonally inspired, and always a lit...
01/09/2025

When in Effingham, do as the locals do - dine at Firefly Grill. 🌿 Locally-sourced, seasonally inspired, and always a little bit extraordinary...😍

Whether you go for the food or the cocktails (or both), Firefly is the perfect destination for your next foodie adventure. 😋

📸 Astrid Johana Photography; ft. Firefly Grill

Cupid called — he’s shopping local this year! 💘 Treat yourself (or someone special) to a thoughtful Valentine's Day gift...
01/08/2025

Cupid called — he’s shopping local this year! 💘 Treat yourself (or someone special) to a thoughtful Valentine's Day gift found right here in Effingham!

* Pro Tip: The Beanstalk Boutique in Experience Downtown Effingham has personalized gifts that are just right for the moms in your life. Order something custom for her or let her choose with a gift card! 💕

📸 by Astrid Johana Photography

Snowed in today? 🥰🌨 We can’t think of a more perfect opportunity to cozy up and start planning your next getaway! 🚗💨 ✨ W...
01/06/2025

Snowed in today? 🥰🌨 We can’t think of a more perfect opportunity to cozy up and start planning your next getaway! 🚗💨

✨ Whether you’re looking to surprise someone you love with a romantic weekend escape or simply want to get away from it all with the girls… It’s the season to embrace the beauty of snowy, Midwestern landscapes, charming downtowns, and intimate, unmatched experiences… all of which Effingham has to offer. ✨

So, what are you waiting for? Get warm and cozy with a cup of hot cocoa and check out www.visiteffinghamil.com to start planning your Midwestern getaway. ❄️💕 Love - and snow - are in the air!

📸 Astrid Johana Photography | ft. The Lofts at the XCHNG in Experience Downtown Effingham

✨ And the Winner of the Light Up the Lawn Scavenger Hunt is... Jami Fairbanks! 🎄This year, our holiday lights may have s...
01/03/2025

✨ And the Winner of the Light Up the Lawn Scavenger Hunt is... Jami Fairbanks! 🎄

This year, our holiday lights may have scattered across The City of Effingham due to construction on the Courthouse Square, but that didn’t stop our participants from getting into the festive spirit and finding all 10 displays. 🎅🏼

Jami - along with her granddaughter, Rilyn - completed the hunt and submitted her form (along with some dazzling photos like the one, below), earning a festive prize from Visit Effingham! 🎁

A huge thank you to everyone who joined in on the fun and spread some holiday cheer throughout Effingham. We hope you all enjoyed discovering the beautiful lights, this year. ❤️ We’re already counting down the days until the 2025 holiday season… Stay tuned!

How will you ring in the New Year... Champagne toasts? 🥂  Live music? Dinner and an early bedtime? 🥱Whether you're keepi...
12/31/2024

How will you ring in the New Year... Champagne toasts? 🥂 Live music? Dinner and an early bedtime? 🥱

Whether you're keeping it small or going all out, check out a few of the local New Year's Eve festivities we’ve highlighted below…

♟ Ring in the New Year at Wandering Whistler Cafe. The $5 demo library access includes a later closing and a glass of champagne for a NYE toast! Reservations are recommended.

🍾 Unlock your 2025 vibe at the New Year’s Eve - Black Masquerade Party at Wheat Penny. Tickets are $40 and the event is almost SOLD OUT. Get yours here: https://buytickets.at/wheatpennycocktailbar/1506793

🎶 Enjoy live music at a variety of local pubs and lounges, including Effingham VFW, Truckers Pub Inc. and a special NYE music bingo at Heaven’s Patio.

There's still time to decide how you want to welcome 2025. ✨ Let us know how you’ll be celebrating!

📸 Astrid Johana Photography | ft. XCHNG in Experience Downtown Effingham

🎉 Visit Effingham was thrilled with the community’s support and participation in our 1st annual Holiday Lights & Festive...
12/30/2024

🎉 Visit Effingham was thrilled with the community’s support and participation in our 1st annual Holiday Lights & Festive Sights Tour!

We are happy to announce that the winner of this year’s People’s Choice Award is 1309 Newcomb Drive! ✨🏡🎅 This beautiful display embodies the wonder and magic of the holiday season, and we’re proud to recognize the homeowner for their exceptional contribution to spreading Christmas cheer throughout our community.

🎄 A big thank you to everyone who participated in the tour, voted for their favorite displays, and helped make this inaugural event a success! If you haven’t had a chance to see the lights yet, there’s still time to enjoy the holiday magic around town... ✨ Visit www.visiteffinghamil.com to find more information.

📣 Holiday Lights & Festive Sights Tour: VOTING closes at NOON today! If you've completed the tour, please don't forget t...
12/30/2024

📣 Holiday Lights & Festive Sights Tour: VOTING closes at NOON today! If you've completed the tour, please don't forget to vote for your 'People's Choice' pick here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/holidaylights24

✨The winner will be announced this afternoon... Stay tuned!

🎅 Guests in town for the holidays? Celebrating the season a little later, this year? Maybe your little ones weren't feel...
12/27/2024

🎅 Guests in town for the holidays? Celebrating the season a little later, this year? Maybe your little ones weren't feeling their best and you just need an extra dose of holiday magic... ✨

Our crew at Visit Effingham wants you to enjoy 'the most wonderful time of the year' for a little while longer... 🥰 Cruise through our Wonderland in Lights drive-thru light display for a little extra holiday cheer, now through New Year's Day. 🚗❄️

Drive through whimsical holiday scenes, including reindeer flight school, playful penguins, Santa and his reindeer taking flight, a Nativity scene, a bucket truck driven by helpful elves and so much more!

🎄 Wonderland in Lights is located in Community Park, on East Temple Avenue. The lights turn on at dusk and remain on until after 10 p.m.

*You can also still participate in our Light up the Lawn Scavenger Hunt (linked below) and the Holiday Lights and Festive Sights Tour (also linked, below).

https://www.visiteffinghamil.com/event/light-up-the-lawn-2024/574/

https://www.visiteffinghamil.com/event/holiday-lights-%26-festive-sights-tour/570/

📸 by Astrid Johana Photography

Thank you, to our residents and visitors alike, for making this holiday season with Visit Effingham one of the merriest ...
12/25/2024

Thank you, to our residents and visitors alike, for making this holiday season with Visit Effingham one of the merriest & brightest yet. ❤️✨ Merry Christmas to all… and to all a good night!

🚗🎄There is just ONE more week to enjoy our 1st annual Holiday Lights & Festive Sights Tour, featuring some of Effingham’...
12/23/2024

🚗🎄There is just ONE more week to enjoy our 1st annual Holiday Lights & Festive Sights Tour, featuring some of Effingham’s merriest – and brightest – homes! 🎅

Here’s how you can enjoy the lights!

1. Download the scorecard from this post 📲 Each scorecard has a QR code that links to a drivable route on Google Maps. Feel free to also make your own route and include festive stops that aren’t on the tour, like a stop at Ginger Ale's Effingham for a holiday treat 🥤🍪 or a detour to our drive-thru light display, Wonderland in Lights: A Visit Effingham Experience! ✨

2. Use the scorecard, as you take the tour, to rate each display and take notes. One dazzling home will win our People’s Choice Award of $250! 🎁

3. 📨 To cast your vote, visit https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/holidaylights24. You have until Monday, December 30th, at noon to vote for your favorite holiday lights! Vote at the link provided, above, or in-person at Effingham City Hall, located at 201 E. Jefferson Avenue. The People’s Choice Award winner will be announced on the afternoon of the 30th. 🏆

☃️ We hope you enjoy this year's entries, and we thank you for helping us carry on this treasured community tradition in a fun, new way! For more information on the Holiday Light Competition, please call 217.342.5310 or visit www.visiteffinghamil.com.

🎅🏼 Santa will return to the North Pole soon to begin his preparations for Christmas Eve night! See him at Wonderland in ...
12/21/2024

🎅🏼 Santa will return to the North Pole soon to begin his preparations for Christmas Eve night! See him at Wonderland in Lights, our drive-thru light display, one last time TONIGHT from 5 to 10 p.m. ✨

Say hello to Santa or hand him your last-minute Christmas wishes as you drive through the lights. 🚗🎄 Santa will be gifting children with a small toy - and a candy cane, of course! Donations are welcome, but not required to enjoy Wonderland in Lights. ❄️

📌 The lights will be staffed with volunteers every day of the week, through Christmas night, from 5 to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 5 to 10 p.m. on Fridays & Saturdays.

📸 by Astrid Johana Photography

☃️ With cold weather keeping many of us indoors over winter break, it's easy to feel like the walls are closing in. But ...
12/20/2024

☃️ With cold weather keeping many of us indoors over winter break, it's easy to feel like the walls are closing in. But fear not, ! There are plenty of fun and engaging places in Effingham to help you and your littles shake off the winter blues and make lasting memories this season.

Here are a few go-to spots to keep in your back pocket over the next few weeks… 😉

📌 The Effingham Public Library | 200 N. 3rd St.
Visit https://effinghamlibrary.org for more info on hours, membership and services.

📌 The Arena Trampoline Park | 2300 S. Raney St.
Visit www.thearenatrampolinepark.com for more info on hours, pricing, etc.

📌 RMC Stadium Cinemas - Effingham | 51 Village Square Mall
Visit www.rmccinemas.com for showtimes, pricing and more.

📌 Gopher's Grill | 206 W. Jefferson Ave.
Visit www.gophersgrill.com for hours, menu, pricing and gaming options.

📌 Wonderland in Lights: A Visit Effingham Experience | in Community Park on E. Temple Ave.
Visit the page, linked above, for hours and info on special guest appearances.

What are your family's favorite ways to beat cabin fever? Share with us in the comments section, below.

📸 Astrid Johana Photography

✨ Weekend Highlights ⬇️📌 For something new: Support E.A.R.S.  Effingham Animal Rescue Sanctuary, this Friday and Saturda...
12/19/2024

✨ Weekend Highlights ⬇️

📌 For something new: Support E.A.R.S. Effingham Animal Rescue Sanctuary, this Friday and Saturday night, and enjoy a golf cart ride around their spectacular light display at Cardinal Golf Course (tickets must be purchased in advance and are $5 per person; ages 3 and under are free).
📌 Noteworthy: Santa Claus will be at Wonderland in Lights: A Visit Effingham Experience, our drive-thru light display, for the very LAST time this Saturday night, from 5 to 10 p.m. Find out when he'll be stopping by his house in Experience Downtown Effingham by visiting their page.
📌 Things on our agenda this weekend: Complete the Holiday Lights & Festive Sights Tour: VOTING! Download a scorecard here to join us and vote for this year's People's Choice Award: https://www.visiteffinghamil.com/event/holiday-lights-%26-festive-sights-tour/570/

Find event listings for the entire weekend (Thursday-Sunday) here: https://www.visiteffinghamil.com/events/this-weekend/

*A volunteer has been found. Thank you to everyone who assisted in the search!✨ Do you love driving through our whimsica...
12/19/2024

*A volunteer has been found. Thank you to everyone who assisted in the search!

✨ Do you love driving through our whimsical holiday light displays at Wonderland in Lights: A Visit Effingham Experience? This is your chance to be part of the experience!

We are looking for volunteers to help us spread Christmas cheer at the lights THIS FRIDAY night from 7:30 to 10 p.m. Greet vehicles, hand out candy canes, collect donations and start a new tradition! 🎄 This is the perfect date night, family-friendly holiday outing or opportunity to complete service hours. Pack a thermos of cocoa and enjoy our cozy (heated) 'Santa' house and the warmth of the Christmas spirit! 🫶

Message us or call us at (217) 342-5310 to reserve this Friday night's shift. 🎅

📸 Astrid Johana Photography

Does the holiday hustle and bustle have you feeling 'Grinchy-y'? 🎄 It’s not too late to escape for a quick, cozy getaway...
12/17/2024

Does the holiday hustle and bustle have you feeling 'Grinchy-y'? 🎄 It’s not too late to escape for a quick, cozy getaway that’s just a short drive away! Effingham offers the perfect mix of charm, comfort and seasonal cheer—ideal for those looking to unwind and enjoy the magic of the holidays. ✨

⏳ Don’t Wait—Plan Your Holiday Getaway Today! Visit www.visiteffinghamil.com for everything you need to plan the perfect wintry retreat in Effingham. ❄️

📸 by Astrid Johana Photography | ft. EFFingHam Grinch

Address

201 E Jefferson Avenue
Effingham, IL
62401

Opening Hours

Monday 7:30am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 7:30am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 7:30am - 4:30pm
Thursday 7:30am - 4:30pm
Friday 7:30am - 4:30pm

Telephone

(217) 342-5310

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Visit Effingham posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to Visit Effingham:

Videos

Share