Things to do.
Local Winery
Take a drive out to the vineyard for a variety of local wine, craft beer and delicious pizza.
Irene's Vineyard
8500 N 2250th StTake a drive out to the vineyard for a variety of local wine, craft beer and delicious pizza.
Owned by Jasper County natives (and my cousin...tell Sonja that Sarah sent you!) this adorable little winery is such a sweet place. No matter what time of year, you will feel cozy and at home at Cameo. Taste their locally made wines. Have a glass or two while noshing on some cheese and crackers. Don’t forget to take a bottle home as a souvenir!
Cameo Vineyards
400 Mill RdOwned by Jasper County natives (and my cousin...tell Sonja that Sarah sent you!) this adorable little winery is such a sweet place. No matter what time of year, you will feel cozy and at home at Cameo. Taste their locally made wines. Have a glass or two while noshing on some cheese and crackers. Don’t forget to take a bottle home as a souvenir!
Entertainment
Contact in advance for a personalized dance lesson or yoga class. Walking distance from the loft.
Dancehall Studio
103 S Jackson StContact in advance for a personalized dance lesson or yoga class. Walking distance from the loft.
Located at nearby Peterson Park. Visit the local pool to swim laps or lounge and catch some sun. Adult swim is typically 12-1. Also in Peterson Park, are batting cages, mini golf, sand volleyball court, tennis courts and a disc golf course.
Newton Aquatic Center
Located at nearby Peterson Park. Visit the local pool to swim laps or lounge and catch some sun. Adult swim is typically 12-1. Also in Peterson Park, are batting cages, mini golf, sand volleyball court, tennis courts and a disc golf course.
Known for its dive bar status, people from near and far visit MVP Happy Holler. Listen to live bands and experience the local river culture while having a drink. Be sure to take a picture with the MVP pet pig while there!
MVP Happy Holler
10524 E 1400th AveKnown for its dive bar status, people from near and far visit MVP Happy Holler. Listen to live bands and experience the local river culture while having a drink. Be sure to take a picture with the MVP pet pig while there!
The Embarrass River (pronounced em-bra) is a popular destination for local people seeking some adventure. There are a few places to put in a kayak or canoe, including a launch in nearby Peterson Park. You can catch a glimpse of the river on when crossing on the historic bridge of the Eagle Trail system. Or you might want to venture down to a sandbar and hang out if the water level allows.
Embarras River
The Embarrass River (pronounced em-bra) is a popular destination for local people seeking some adventure. There are a few places to put in a kayak or canoe, including a launch in nearby Peterson Park. You can catch a glimpse of the river on when crossing on the historic bridge of the Eagle Trail system. Or you might want to venture down to a sandbar and hang out if the water level allows.
If you are seeking a bit of nostalgia, look no further! The Fairview Drive-In has what you need. Come watch a double feature from your car, or sit outside in lawn chairs. Concessions are available. The show starts at dusk. Check for listings at: https://driventheatre.com/
Drive N Theatre AKA Fairview Drive In
16045 IL-33If you are seeking a bit of nostalgia, look no further! The Fairview Drive-In has what you need. Come watch a double feature from your car, or sit outside in lawn chairs. Concessions are available. The show starts at dusk. Check for listings at: https://driventheatre.com/
Sightseeing
A beautiful state park. Sam Parr is just outside of town and offers trails, fishing and camping. In late summer, check out the photo worthy field of sunflowers! Access the park by driving or taking the Eagle Trail, located near the loft.
Sam Parr State Park
13225 IL-33A beautiful state park. Sam Parr is just outside of town and offers trails, fishing and camping. In late summer, check out the photo worthy field of sunflowers! Access the park by driving or taking the Eagle Trail, located near the loft.
Newton Lake is ranked among the top fishing holes and has been featured on television by professional anglers! The conservation area also provides locations for picnicking, hiking and horseback riding.
Newton Lake Conservation Area
3490 E 500th AveNewton Lake is ranked among the top fishing holes and has been featured on television by professional anglers! The conservation area also provides locations for picnicking, hiking and horseback riding.
Ornithologists from across the globe have been known visit this area to catch a glimpse of the endangered Greater Prairie Chicken as well as migrating birds that inhabit Prairie Ridge. Learn about indigenous plants and animals of the prairie (including the white tailed deer) and watch for our beautiful sunsets! If you come in the spring, sign up for a viewing of the Prairie Chickens as this is their mating season and are known for putting on a show with “booming” and dancing to win over their mate.
Prairie Ridge St Natural Area
5295 North 1000th StreetOrnithologists from across the globe have been known visit this area to catch a glimpse of the endangered Greater Prairie Chicken as well as migrating birds that inhabit Prairie Ridge. Learn about indigenous plants and animals of the prairie (including the white tailed deer) and watch for our beautiful sunsets! If you come in the spring, sign up for a viewing of the Prairie Chickens as this is their mating season and are known for putting on a show with “booming” and dancing to win over their mate.
Food scene
No trip to Jasper County would be complete without a pork burger! Visit the Muddy school turned saloon to try one. Visit their facebook page to keep up with live music on weekends as well as a full menu including weekend brunch specials.
Muddy Saloon
10045 N 300th StNo trip to Jasper County would be complete without a pork burger! Visit the Muddy school turned saloon to try one. Visit their facebook page to keep up with live music on weekends as well as a full menu including weekend brunch specials.
Eat at Joe's if you want to get an Italian fix. Owners Jill and Gaspare will fix you right up! Walking distance from the loft.
Joe's Italian Foods & Pizza
113 S Jackson StEat at Joe's if you want to get an Italian fix. Owners Jill and Gaspare will fix you right up! Walking distance from the loft.