Hi “Buickman”,
My name is Kyle. I happened to have been born and grew up in Galesburg IL and have spent almost my entire 54 years in the Galesburg, Peoria, and Bloomington IL area.
I can’t comment on your entire trip, but I can on the Central Illinois part, which I know like the back of my hand.
If you are in Galesburg try to have a meal at the Land Mark Café or the Packing House Steak House. They are average restaurants but better than most there. Sidetrax has a decent sandwich and cold beer. The Pizza House has good thin crust pizza. Hopefully there are other good new places. I have not been there in two years since my father passed.
There is little to do or see in Galesburg, hence why it has gotten smaller and smaller over the last 40 years. There are some really nice old houses, take a slow drive on Cherry, Prairie, Kellogg and Broad Streets. Incredible old homes, most in poor repair. If you are into “trains” there is a lot to do there.
There is a campground in Galesburg at a park called “Lake Storey.” It is a very nice park. The campground is so so at best, but the park around it is nice, as is Lincoln Park across the street.
I assume you will be taking I74 South to I55 to head to Atlanta. If you are going to camp on your way back, a couple VERY nice campgrounds for you to visit:…
1. Sand Ridge State Park near Manito IL. The campground is called “Pine Campground.” It is a primitive campground but there is fresh water just as you pull into the campground to fill up with and a dump station for when you leave. My experience through many years is you will either be the only campers there, or there may be 4-8 other groups there in high season. It is a very unique area of Illinois. Close to the Illinois River Valley. Very sandy and they even have cactus that grow there year-round. One VERY COOL thing is there are birds called “Whippoorwills.” Look them up on Wiki. Very cool sound/call, at dusk, especially at a full moon. Hearing them at a full moon is a memory you will never forget. Just like anywhere in Illinois, you’ll need a good dose of bug spray. The local restaurant on the main drag in Manito is pretty good for breakfast.
2. If you are going to head South through IL, I would next recommend “Ferne Clyffe” state park. There are very nice trails there, a spring fed creek, and great vistas to view. Nearby you have Giant City State Park, nice for hiking, and rock climbing. “Garden of the God’s” State Park is also a very nice park with fantastic views, but their campground is so-so at best.
I have spent almost my entire life in Illinois. Keep in mind the state is broke, one of the worst off financially of all states in the US. The State Parks are not well maintained. These two I mentioned will not disappoint you though, especially if you are looking for something more remote and solitude. These ARE NOT parks with full hook ups, swimming pools, and wireless WiFi, they are more rustic.
I have camped all my life, mostly in IL. On Friday I will be picking up my first AS. A new 2018 26’ RBT at Airstream of VA. I plan to live in it for the next 5 yrs or so. Good luck to you. Enjoy your visit to IL. It is a very nice area, but it is unfortunate the State is in such debt and poor repair.
Kyle
My name is Kyle and I can be reached at
kylentz@gmail.com.
PS, if you leave Galesburg and are heading South on I74 to I55, when you go by Bloomington, if you exit at Route 9 there is a “Blain’s Farm & Fleet” store. Great place. Lots of trailering stuff. Lot’s of good deals. Everything from Walnuts and coffee to jeans, car batteries, and pet food. Also, gas is always pretty well priced at that exit.
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