If you’re looking for cozy cafes and bars, scenic walking trails, centers dedicated to art and history, and activities for the whole family, Woodland has a little bit of everything. It is a small town with a strong sense of community and full of wonderful activities. Woodlawn is a village located in Jefferson County, Illinois and part of the Mount Vernon Micropolitan Statistical Area.
Also, check out our guide on things to do in Oak Grove, Aurora, and Naperville!
Cedarhurst Center for the Arts
2600 E Richview Rd, Mt Vernon, IL 62864
The Cedarhurst Center for the Arts has many facilities located inside the campus. Each building is home to its own unique work, galleries, and exhibits. The Mitchell Museum, Cedarhurst’s main building, is now a 33,000-square-foot cultural center with four unique galleries: Beal Grand Corridor Gallery, New Semantics Gallery, The Beck Family Center Gallery, and The Bonan Permanent Collection. You’ll also find The Beck Family Center and a grand Performance Hall inside Mitchel Museum. Additionally, Cedarhurst has an art center where adults and children can explore art and an outdoor sculpture park.
Jefferson County Historical Village
1411 N 27th St, Mt Vernon, IL 62864
A wonderful display of history is explorable in the Jefferson Country Historical Village. Within the village, you can find old buildings from cabins, the school, church, blacksmith and print shops, the old medical building, a general store, and much more. You can even purchase a brick that will be placed in the heritage pathway.
In the heart of this historical village is the Schweinfurth Museum. Home to permanent, short-term, and rotating exhibits. Each exhibit is themed and is lined with representative artifacts.
The Frosty Mug Bar & Grill
1113 Salem Rd, Mt Vernon, IL 62864
Comfort food and BBQ at The Frosty Mug Bar & Grill will surely leave a lasting impression. Each bite will remind you of home cooking just like mom used to make. This hidden gem features a wide variety of BBQ baskets and smoky sandwiches. They feature daily specials Monday – Sunday each week.
If you need something extra to unwind, they have great drink deals on domestic beers, wines, import and specialty beers, and draft beers.
Jimmie James Blue Goose
1014 Main St, Mt Vernon, IL 62864
This stop is a must for the best gyro you’ve ever had. This authentic Greek restaurant offers a concentrated menu of traditional greek dishes. The portions are generous and the food is absolutely mouth-watering. You cannot leave without trying the sweet and flaky baklava. The greek authenticity is apparent in the depths of flavor in both the meals and baklava.
Jimmie James Blue Goose is ranked the #1 Best Restaurant near Mt. Vernon on Yelp.
R&J Tactical Lazer Tag
3917 Broadway St, Mt Vernon, IL 62864
Every child’s dream place to play or even a chance to tap into your own inner child. R&J Tactical Lazer tag offers outdoor laser tag, a climbing wall, mini golf, and a mini playground. There is fun for the entire family.
Let the kids run as they compete in an all-out laser tag battle as they play across 4 acres of a wooded area. The wooded area has bunkers to hide in, buildings to roam, vehicles to dodge the opponent’s laser, and much more. This is not your typical entertainment facility.
Nu Bowl Lanes
1315 N 17th St #3226, Mt Vernon, IL 62864
Nu Bowl Lanes is your premier destination for some friendly (and maybe not so friendly) competition and entertainment. Nu Bowl is lined with several lanes that can hold large groups of people at any one time. They offer affordable monthly specials you cannot miss out on. The staff is friendly, the pizza is delicious, and the fun is endless.
Featured Image: Mitchell Museum