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Celebrating
Our Past...
...Building Our Future
We welcome you to share the rich and diverse culture and
experiences that abound in Centralia. Centralia was founded
in 1853 by the Illinois Central Railroad's passage through this area.
Centralia was also a coal-mining town almost from the first years of its
existence. The development of the Junction City Mine led to Centralia's
first oil boom. Centralia is no longer solely a railroad community, although
over 60 trains still pass through on a daily basis and Amtrak makes four
stops daily. The city has an extensive area of rich Illinois farm and
orchard land, and is home to many manufacturing, health care and service
businesses.
We welcome you to join us and enjoy the many sites,
lakes, parks
and festivals described in this website tour.
You may also take a short video tour
for a small sample of what Centralia has to offer.
 The
Centralia Carillon (bell tower) rises 150 feet over the downtown
area and is one of only 150 in the country. The 65 bell instrument is
one of the largest in the world. It is a treat to experience one of the
weekend summer concerts, daily programs or to enjoy a tour of this world-renowned
structure. Tours are by reservation only, see Local
Sights & Attractions.
 Beautiful
Lake Centralia offers over 400 acres of full water sports and
the 700 acre Raccoon Lake features over 20 miles of shoreline
primarily for fishing (bass, crappie, bluegill, catfish).
Nature hiking trails, fishing, outdoor amphitheater, a Chapel in the
Woods, and nature's beauty are located in the 235 acres of Foundation
Park. The park is the setting for the annual Balloon Fest, a hot air
balloon festival held the third weekend in August.
| The annual Centralia Balloon Fest features 45 hot air balloons
in a unique setting with up-close and personal viewing of the balloons
and their active crews. There are daily balloon races and an evening
balloon glow to showcase all of the intriguing balloons. There is
something for everyone in the family -- an activity area for children,
a food court, craft fair, car shows and a variety of entertainment
throughout
the three-day festival. |
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And we are just getting started! You won't want to miss the Centralia
Museum, the Centralia Recreation Complex, excellent shopping, fine restaurants,
and much more all in a small town atmosphere rich in railroad and mining
history. You will enjoy exploring the details using the buttons on the
left to discover our Local Sights and Attractions,
Lakes, Parks and Recreation, Events
and Festivals, Antiques and Collectibles,
Restaurants, Transportation
and Lodging, Travel Packages, and Reunions.
To find your next fun event or favorite activity, please examine our
Calendar of Events. There is something
there for everyone.
We welcome you to contact us for more information
and look forward to your next visit to Centralia!
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