Points of Interest in Henderson County, Illinois, USA

Bald Bluff Mound - Northeast of Oquawka and open only during Heritage Trail. Rich in history the bluff rises 300 ft. above the Mississippi Valley, offering an awe-inspiring view. Pioneers and Indians used it as a look-out.

Big River State Forest - Ten miles north of IL Route 164 on Keithsburg Road. Visit the historic forest Fire Tower, one of the last remaining in Illinois.

Allaman [Henderson] Covered Bridge - Built in 1866 by Jacob Allaman, the bridge was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1975. The bridge was washed downstream by flood waters of '83, but was reconstructed on the original site by historical society members and the Illinois Department of Transportation, using many of the original timbers.

Lookout Point (Rest Area) - Two miles north of Dallas City on Route 96. Highest point in Henderson County with a spectacular view of river and verdant farm land. Steps provided to the Top.

Lincoln/Sac Indian Trail & Pioneer Cemetery - This segment of the early pioneer trail, used by Abraham Lincoln during the Black Hawk Wars, and the old cemetery were discovered in 1982 by Chuck Shinkle. Located in Big River State Forest, the trail and cemetery are clearly marked and maintained. Stop by Big River State Headquarters for directions.

Lock and Dam #18 on the Mississippi River - Built between 1933-1937 at a cost of 9 million dollars, the site is open to the public during daylight hours every day. Brochures are available.

World War I Memorial - Northwest of Media on road 975N Visit the WW1 Stone Memorial which overlooks Walnut Grove Memorial Cemetery. This marks the site of the old Walnut Grove United Presbyterian Church on Ellison Creek.

United Presbyterian Church - On north 3rd Street, two blocks north of Schuyler Street in Oquawka. This historic church building has been in continuous use since 1842. Alexis Phelps' funeral was attended by A. Lincoln, a friend of the family.

Civil War Monument Park - On Route 164 one block south of Schuyler Street in Oquawka. The monument was dedicated on July 4, 1887 by the citizens of Henderson County to remember their 200 Civil war dead.

Phelps House - North 2nd Street and river bank, Oquawka. Built in 1833 by Alexis Phelps. A legendary stop on the on the underground railroad, an Illinois Historic Site and in the National Register of Historic Places. Owned by the Henderson Co Historical Society, their restoration of this home for use as a Bed and Breakfast Inn may ve viewed by the public.

Oquawka Museum - On north 2nd Street, Oquawka Home of Justice Schlotzhauer, who was an advance rep. for Ringling Brothers Circus. Now owned by the Village of Oquawka, this old home serves as the Village Museum.

South Henderson Church - The South Henderson Church Congregation was organized July 4, 1835, the first in the county. This beautiful church building was built in 1855, and is on the National Register of Historic Places. Two Revolutionary War and twenty-nine Civil War veterans are buried in the adjacent cemetery, as is Elizabeth A. Robbin, Daniel Boone's granddaughter.

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