Bushnell developed around railroads, agriculture and industry
The City of Bushnell is in rural McDonough County, in west-central Illinois, about 60 miles southwest of Peoria . The slogan, "The Small Town with a Big Heart," reflects Bushnell's size — a little over 2 square miles and with a population of about 2,700, according to U.S. Census estimates. The city developed in the mid-1800s around the railroad industry and was named after Nehemiah Bushnell, president of the Northern Cross Railroad.
Today, Amtrak trains go through town but don't stop; the nearest station is in Macomb , which is to the southeast, and about a 16-mile drive. Though Macomb is only about 5 miles away, as the crow flies, open land, farms and forks of the La Moine River separate the towns. "Agriculture & Industry" is prominently displayed on a sign that greets people on their way into Bushnell. "It's definitely a farm community. And in Illinois, that's corn and soybeans," says Shannan Werckle, a Realtor with eXp Realty LLC.
About a 100 years' worth of home styles in Bushnell
Central Bushnell has a gridded street layout, short blocks and some sidewalks. Most of the real estate consists of single-family homes, of which about 70% are owner occupied. Some of the oldest homes date to the early 1900s, an era when American Foursquares and bungalows were among the popular styles. From the mid-20th century through the 2000s, ranch-style and contemporary homes were added. Prices typically range from about $36,000 to $220,000. "In most of the outlying areas around Peoria, it's not uncommon to find properties under the $100,000s, though they are often older," Werckle says.
People may work in Bushnell or commute to Macomb
A vehicle will be required trips outside of Bushnell, and there’s access to state Routes 9 and 41. "Bushnell is probably the closest 'metro area' for some, and I say that in quotes, as it's close to Macomb, which has Western Illinois University," Werckle says. People commuting to Macomb might work at the university, at healthcare facilities like the McDonough District Hospital or in manufacturing.
Bushnell's retail and dining on Main and Cole streets
Bushnell has a Main Street, primarily consisting of independently owned businesses. Rosy's Pizza has been open for more than five decades. Axline Pharmacy and Batson Ace Hardware provide some essentials. On the south side of town, Cole Street has establishments like Highway Family Restaurant, which is known for specials like all-you-can-eat chicken. Cole Street Coffee House sources some beans from small farmers in Mexico and provides outreach from members of the Checkrow Community Church. Also on Cole Street, to the north, is Bushnell Market, with a deli, bakery and various grocery goods. Bushnell Family Practice, part of McDonough Medical Group, also has a facility in this area.
Park athletic amenities, a community pool and a recreation center
In addition to military monuments, Veterans Memorial Park has playgrounds, ballfields and the seasonal Bushnell Community Pool. Beside the park is the Bushnell Recreation & Cultural Center, which has a gym, weight room and activities like pickleball, yoga and Zumba. The adjacent 9-hole Shaw Creek Golf Course is open to the public.
Schools in the Bushnell-Prairie City District are rated C by Niche
Kids may enroll in public schools like Bushnell-Prairie City Elementary School, which earns a C grade from Niche. Bushnell-Prairie City Junior High School and Bushnell-Prairie City High School also receive C grades. There's football at the high school level, and both schools have teams for sports such as basketball, cross country and volleyball. The upper schools are adjacent to each other on the northwest side of town, whereas the elementary school is about a mile away, toward the east. Many students live within walking distance of their school.
Bushnell and Macomb have well-attended annual festivals
Bushnell's Town & Country Fall Festival in late August features a parade, a pie and cake contest and a tractor show. Other events include May Play Days, also known as the Bushnell Carnival; a Fourth of July celebration and the Bushnell Holiday Lights Parade.
Events in Macomb are also a draw. The Heritage Days Festival in late June includes a parade and the World's largest game of Monopoly, Macombopoly, a 170,000-square-foot game that takes over the downtown Courthouse Square. In September, there's the Art, Wind & Fire Festival, which has a balloon rally and disc golf tournament.
The Forgottonia region and the Lincoln National Heritage Area
Bushnell is part of Forgottonia, a 16-county region of western Illinois. Though often used affectionately, the name Forgottonia was coined in the 1960s as a response to state and federal funding inequalities that affected economic development, infrastructure and transportation. McDonough County is also part of the federally designated Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area; Macomb has a handful of Lincoln-related sites.
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Robin Silberman
