Looking for something fun to do? Christian County will keep you in the fun all day long.
Taylorville and Pana both offer three beautiful parks scattered about their cities. You and your children alike will enjoy the benefits of these recreational getaways. From enjoying the playground equipment, swimming at the public pool, to the relaxation with friends and family at that perfect reunion or gathering spot, family fun can be found at one of our parks.
How about a round of golf? The Pana Country Club offers a nine-hole golf course, along with dining and bar facilities. Oak Terrace Resort includes 18-hole golf course, dining, bar facilities and housing accommodations. The Taylorville County Club offers an immaculately groomed 9-hole course for its members and their guests. Dining facilities, a lounge and pro shop is featured at the clubhouse. Lake Shore Golf is an 18-hole, 72 par, public golf course that features a pro shop, driving range, putting green and snack bar. Lake Shore also has banquet facilities within their award- winning 11,000 square foot clubhouse.
Christian County is also a boater, skier, swimmer and fisherman's paradise. With Lake Taylorville, Lake Pana, and nearby Lake Shelbyville, you could loose yourself in endless shorelines of fun. Outdoor camping is also available to ensure that the fun doesn't end after the sun goes down. Memorable days of fishing, boating, swimming and other enjoyable outdoor family fun can also be had at other popular lakes you will love to visit in the Christian County area. These lake include Sangchris Lake, Ramsey Lake, and Beyers Lake.
Bicycle enthusiasts will not be left out either. The 15 mile Lincoln Prairie Trail begins at the west edge of the City of Pana and follows Route 29 to Taylorville. The asphalt paved trail opened June 7, 2001, with approximately 500 riders taking part in opening day. The trail is built on an old rail road bed and the four bridges are still intact and have been sided for those who use the trail. One is located just as you leave the City of Taylorville and the next one is hidden just north of the intersection of Route 29 and Lake Taylorville Road. The other two are located near each other about 3 miles north of Pana. This trail is one of the longest paved trails south of the Chicagoland area and will eventually run well over 45 miles going from Pana to the State Capital in Springfield. The Lincoln Prairie Trail is expected to bring many guests into the community as visitors who will bike, hike, roller blade, run and "scoot" the old rail bed to view the Illinois prairie plants and wildlife.
The Coal Creek Pioneer Village is of interest to all who enjoy touring back to the days of our pioneer heritage. Pana Pioneer Heritage Guild was organized in 1981 for the purpose of rescuing a log cabin. There were 6 people involved in the first effort. The first log cabin had been converted into a barn and is said to have been built in 1847 by William and Mary Jane Pryce. The one story house with loft is 19 X 25 feet. The second cabin came from rural Findlay and was built by Joseph and Mary Foster. The one story with loft cabin is 20 by 23 feet. This cabin was said to have been built in 1849 but land records show he purchased the land in 1851. The third cabin came from rural Cowden and was built by Madison and Elizabeth Neal (Neil). It is also a one story with loft and is 15 by 17.5 feet. The lumber is sawmill cut and was built approximately 1870. The fourth came from rural Irving in Montgomery county and was built by the Ludwick family. It is 12 x 14 feet and is still on blocks. One proposal for this building is to create a blacksmith shop. Coal Creek Village is open and available to the public year 'round.
Anderson Prairie is a 25 acre wildlife park that features remnants of the original Tall Grass Prairie of Illinois. The park was established in August of 1986 and is managed by Pana High School Biology teacher Dave Nance. It serves as an outdoor laboratory for students and the public. Located South of Rt 16 on Chestnut Street, this mile long, 200 foot strip is the old historic Illinois Central Railroad bed. A new foot bridge has been constructed at the north parking lot of the prairie. That bridge will take you down the old railbed through a prairie woodland out into the grassland prairie. Hiking and biking down the main trail can lead to many walking paths. Here, one can view the various plants, birds, insects, and animals common to the area. This is also a popular photo site. For more information go www.andersonprairie.org
The Christian County YMCA hosts a wide variety of events and activiites for members from toddlers to seniors. Basketball, racquetball, walleyball, badminton and volleyball courts are just a few of the indoor options available at the YMCA. Other features include: two health and fitness centers, an indoor track for walking and jogging, ping pong, a teen center, sauna, whirlpool, locker and shower facilities, a dance studio, tanning salon, game room, a community room and a child care center.
