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Tourist attractions |
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Downtown Benton’s central business district has at its center, the Public Square, and is located at the intersection of Illinois Routes 14, 34, and 37. Crowning our Public Square is the historic Franklin County Courthouse, originally built in 1875 and still in use today. Benton is proud to count among it’s own natives - Actor John Malkovich and NBA basketball star Doug Collins.
Antique Shopping District:
Located around the Public Square are a variety of unique antique stores. Collectively, these stores offer antiques and collectible space for over 200 vendors in over 50,000 square feet of display space.
These stores are open 6 days a week with some of them also open on Sundays. The quality of the antiques' and collectables here will be of equal interest to tourists, collectors, and antique buffs. Benton’s Downtown Antique Shopping District is rapidly gaining a reputation as being the destination of choice for an interesting and unique shopping experience.
The festive atmosphere downtown is fostered by two distinctive parks;
Capital Park featuring the ‘Billy Grammer Band Shell’ where free musical entertainment is offered during the summer months.
Malkovich Mini Park a quite restful spot to relax while shopping our downtown shops. Relax with a hot cup of coffee, cappacino, or iced tea from The Buzz and enjoy the peaceful surroundings and lush flowers and plantings provided by the Town and Country Garden Club.
Museums:
Downtown Benton also features two unique museums: The Historic Franklin County Jail Museum, site of the last public hanging in Illinois, and the 1910’s Franklin County Garage Museum.
The Garage Museum houses a variety of antique automobiles and offers visitors a glimpse of the early days of motoring in Franklin County.
Rend Lake:
One of the 7 Wonders of Illinois is only a few miles from Downtown Benton. Built in the 1970’s Rend Lake this 18,000 acre reservoir is on of the areas premier vacation spots with a range of recreational activities. |
