Attractions and Places To See around Jerome - Top 9
Best attractions and places to see around Jerome include a unique blend of historical landmarks, cultural sites, and scenic natural features. This historic copper mining town is perched on Cleopatra Hill, offering panoramic views of the Verde Valley. Jerome has transformed into a vibrant community rich in history and artistic expression. The area provides opportunities to explore its mining past, artistic present, and surrounding natural beauty.
Best attractions and places to see around Jerome
- The most popular attractions is Lake Springfield Bridge, a bridge that is for walking and biking only, offering a nice view. This bridge runs parallel to the Iron Bridge and is part of the Interurban Trail.
- Another must-see spot is Lost Bride Trail Trailhead, a facilities area. This trailhead provides amenities such as a bike stand and toilet, with many tools available for use.
- Visitors also love Sangamon Valley Trail, an 11.5 mile long multi-use trail. This trail is partly shaded, includes several bridges, and features a lot of nature.
- Jerome is known for historical sites, trails, and viewpoints. The area offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from historical landmarks to natural features.
- The attractions around Jerome are appreciated by the komoot community, with 3 upvotes and 24 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: May 9, 2026
Mahan's Fueling Station (Former Bill Shea's Gas Station Museum)
Highlight • Historical Site
As of February 2000, the former Mahan station was the oldest gas station in Illinois. It was then moved 21 miles to its current location at Fulgenzi's. It has since been fully restored. The museum's guest book contains entries from visitors from across Europe and Asia and has become a destination for international travelers exploring the Mother Road.
Bill Shea and his business were inducted into the Route 66 Hall of Fame in 1993 because of his commitment to preserving the history of Route 66 and gas station memorabilia, as well as his longstanding quality service to customers. The entire Shea family was inducted in 2002. Bill Shea died in December 2013 and the gas station was sold. The museum contents were auctioned off in 2015. From 2015 the old gas station building was used as Fulgenzi's Pizza & Pasta.
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Lincoln Home National Historic Site
Highlight • Historical Site
The home has been restored to its 1860's appearance. It is located in a small historic neighborhood in Springfield.
Lincoln lived in the home with his wife, Mary, and their three sons, Robert, Willie, and Tad, for a total of 17 years. The fourth son Eddie was born here. Eddie died at his parents' home at the age of four.
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Lake Springfield Bridge
Highlight • Bridge
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Sangamon Valley Trail
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
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Lost Bride Trail Trailhead
Highlight • Rest Area
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Popular around Jerome
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The Sangamon Valley Trail is an 11.5 mile long multi-use trail, starting in the southwest of Springfield, close to Centennial Park. Its construction was split into a southern (opened to the public in 2011) and northern part (opened to the public in 2017). The trail is partly shaded and includes some bridges and a lot of nice nature.
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This bridge, crossing Lake Springfield, runs parallel to the Iron Bridge a little further to the east. In contrast to Iron Bridge, this bridge is for walking and biking only, and no cars can cross here. The bridge is part of the Interurban Trail (Illinois) and offers a nice view.
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The pump doesn't work as of September 7, 2020. The bike stand, toilet, and many of the tools do work.
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The entire neighborhood surrounding the Lincoln home is an authentically designed open-air museum, with no cars and free entry. The last factor alone shows the importance of this man. However, you must obtain tickets to visit the residential building at the nearby Visitor Center and be at the meeting point at the time printed on it. The guides are all volunteers who put their heart and soul into giving an insight into the daily life and neighborly relationships of this later First Family.
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The house was built in 1839 and Abraham Lincoln bought it in 1844. It was the only house he had ever owned. The home has been restored to its 1860's appearance. It is located in a small historic neighborhood in Springfield. Lincoln lived in the home with his wife, Mary, and their three sons, Robert, Willie, and Tad, for a total of 17 years. The fourth son Eddie was born here. Eddie died at his parents' home at the age of four.
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The Mahan gas station on Route 66 in Springfield, Illinois was converted from a working Texaco and later Marathon station into a museum by owner Bill Shea and his wife Helen. The museum contained an eclectic mix of vintage gas station memorabilia collected over the past fifty years, including the original gas pumps, wooden phone booths, signs, photographs, and other memorabilia reminiscent of old Route 66 gas stations. As of February 2000, the former Mahan station was the oldest gas station in Illinois. It was then moved 21 miles to its current location at Fulgenzi's. It has since been fully restored. The museum's guest book contains entries from visitors from across Europe and Asia and has become a destination for international travelers exploring the Mother Road. Bill Shea and his business were inducted into the Route 66 Hall of Fame in 1993 because of his commitment to preserving the history of Route 66 and gas station memorabilia, as well as his longstanding quality service to customers. The entire Shea family was inducted in 2002. Bill Shea died in December 2013 and the gas station was sold. The museum contents were auctioned off in 2015. From 2015 the old gas station building was used as Fulgenzi's Pizza & Pasta.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What historical sites can I visit in Jerome?
Jerome is rich in history, offering several notable sites. You can explore the Lincoln Home National Historic Site, Abraham Lincoln's only owned home, which is restored to its 1860s appearance. Other significant historical landmarks include the Jerome State Historic Park, home to the Douglas Mansion museum, and the unique Sliding Jail, which has moved 225 feet from its original location due to mining activities. The Gold King Mine and Ghost Town also provides a glimpse into the town's mining past.
Are there any family-friendly attractions in Jerome?
Yes, Jerome offers several family-friendly attractions. The Lincoln Home National Historic Site is an open-air museum that can be enjoyed by all ages. The Gold King Mine and Ghost Town features a petting zoo alongside its historical exhibits. Additionally, the Sangamon Valley Trail is a multi-use trail that is partly shaded and suitable for family walks or bike rides.
Where can I find scenic views around Jerome?
Jerome, perched on Cleopatra Hill, offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Verde Valley and surrounding mountains, including the red rocks of Sedona in the distance. The Jerome State Historic Park provides excellent viewpoints. For a unique perspective, the Lake Springfield Bridge, which is for walking and biking only, offers a nice view of Lake Springfield and is part of the Interurban Trail.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do near Jerome?
The area around Jerome is ideal for various outdoor activities. You can enjoy hiking on trails like the Jail Trail River Walk, which offers an easy hike and birdwatching opportunities. For more extensive options, explore the hiking trails around Jerome, which include easy routes like Lick Creek Wildlife Preserve and the Sangamon Valley Trail. There are also numerous running trails and road cycling routes available.
Are there any unique cultural experiences in Jerome?
Jerome has a vibrant arts scene. Main Street is lined with art galleries, unique shops, and restaurants. You can watch glass blowing demonstrations at La Victoria Glass Blowing Studio or explore the notable kaleidoscope collection at Nellie Bly. The town is also part of the Verde Valley Wine Trail, offering opportunities for wine tasting. Given its history, ghost and history tours are also popular cultural experiences.
What are the options for hiking near Jerome?
There are several hiking options near Jerome. The Jail Trail River Walk offers an easy 1.5-mile hike along Blowout Creek. For more trails, you can find a variety of routes, including easy ones like Lick Creek Wildlife Preserve and the Sangamon Valley Trail, as well as moderate options like the Lost Bridge Trail. Discover more details and routes on the hiking guide for Jerome.
Where can I learn about Jerome's mining history?
To delve into Jerome's mining history, visit the Jerome State Historic Park, where the Douglas Mansion houses a museum with exhibits on the town's past, including a 3D model of the mines. The Gold King Mine and Ghost Town also showcases old mining equipment. For a broader community perspective, the Jerome Historical Society Mine Museum, located in a former saloon, covers the town's notorious past and its development.
What facilities are available for cyclists near Jerome attractions?
Cyclists will find amenities at the Lost Bride Trail Trailhead, which provides a bike stand, toilet, and various tools. The Lake Springfield Bridge and the Sangamon Valley Trail are also part of multi-use trails suitable for cycling.
Are there any unique accommodations or dining experiences in Jerome?
Jerome offers unique experiences in both accommodation and dining. The Jerome Grand Hotel, originally a hospital, is known for its Mission Revival architecture and reputation as one of America's most haunted hotels. The historic Connor Hotel, built in 1898, also offers renovated rooms and reports of ghost sightings. For dining, the Haunted Hamburger is known for its views, and The Asylum Restaurant is located within the Jerome Grand Hotel.
What is the best way to explore the natural beauty surrounding Jerome?
The best way to explore the natural beauty around Jerome is by taking advantage of its elevated position and surrounding trails. Enjoy scenic drives up to Jerome or along the Jerome-Prescott Back Road over Mingus Mountain. You can also hike the Jail Trail River Walk for a rich riparian habitat experience. The area is also a great base for exploring nearby natural attractions like Woodchute Wilderness and Sycamore Canyon Wilderness.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Jerome?
Visitors particularly enjoy the blend of history, unique artistic expression, and stunning natural views. The historical sites, such as the Lincoln Home National Historic Site, are appreciated for their authenticity and insight into the past. The multi-use trails like the Sangamon Valley Trail and the scenic Lake Springfield Bridge are popular for outdoor activities and picturesque vistas. The town's vibrant Main Street with its galleries and shops also receives high praise.
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