Coal mines to recreational opportunities on the Indiana border
Danville, Illinois, in the eastern part of the state, on the Indiana border, has a rich coal mining and industrial past. After many of the coal mines closed in the start of the 20th century, some have become large parks. “Whether it’s city, county or a state park, recreation is end to end in the Danville area,” says Tracey Fentem, sales and events coordinator at the Danville Area Visitors Bureau. The parks in the city often are the site for community events. “Volunteers run a lot of these, and there’s usually no problem getting them,” says Andrea Calamari, a Realtor with Classic Homes Realty. “That’s the spirit of this area.”
Kickapoo State Recreation Area river freezes in the winter time.
Winter Park has vast open spaces used for a variety of outdoor activities and sports.
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City and Vermilion County parkland total over 15,000 acres
There are nearly two dozen parks in Danville, which, combined with surrounding Vermilion County, total over 15,000 acres. Kickapoo State Recreation Area has almost 35 miles of hiking trails that attract cross-country skiers in the winter, and plenty of ponds and lakes are suitable for canoeing and warm and cold weather fishing. Winter Park is on the city's north end, with multiple soccer and baseball fields and a 10,000-square-foot playground accessible to children of all abilities. Golfers enjoy the public courses at Harrison Park Golf Course and Turtle Run Golf Club.
Winter Park has two baseball diamonds with room to spare.
Kickapoo State Recreation Area is a vast network of waterways snaking around and though the park.
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First Fridays in downtown Danville
Every month, the community gets together in downtown Danville for events on the first Friday that are either free or low-cost. During the winter, indoor activities include Danville’s Got Talent at the Fischer Theatre. During the summer, street festivals include live music and carnivals. The Vermilion Regional Airport on the city's north side is the site for Balloons Over Vermilion, a hot-air balloon festival over two days in July. Arts in the Park has been a long-standing tradition in Lincoln Park, held annually in late June.
History in Danville
Abraham Lincoln practiced law in the Danville area in the mid-19th century before he became president. The Vermilion County Museum on North Gilbert Street features a reproduction of the courthouse where Lincoln spent most of his time. The Fithian House on the museum property is connected to Lincoln, an 1855 Italianate home. The Lamon House on the west side of Lincoln Park is an 1850 cottage home to Lincoln’s law partner. Not connected to Lincoln, the Fischer Theatre opened in 1884 and started as an opera house. It was vacant for at least 15 years before the Vermilion Heritage Foundation took the reins and restored the building. Today, it has live music and classic movies.
You'll find murals of Abraham Lincoln all around the Danville area.
The Vermilion County Museum in Danville, IL was organized in May of 1964.
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Danville houses well below the national average
The median price for a home in Danville is $100,000, well below the national average. North of downtown are pockets of homes around or over 100 years old. Most of the housing in Danville is single-family, while there are far fewer condos and multi-family houses. “You can have a lakefront house or one that backs up to a golf course for $300,000,” Calamari says. “There are many people who commute to Champaign because of that.”
The Danville Police Department said that in 2023, the number of violent crimes was down. While crime levels grew slightly in the two-year period before then, they remained far below previous high points from 2015 to 2017.
The median price for a home in Danville is $100,000, well below the national average.
Danville has condos right on Lake Vermilion on the north end of town.
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Danville School District 118
Danville Community Consolidated School District 118 is rated a C on Niche. Private schools include the A-rated Schlarman Academy, a Catholic school serving grades seven through twelve. Niche gives First Baptist Christian a B-minus. Danville Area Community College is a two-year school with an enrollment of just under 2,000, while the Lakeview College of Nursing was established in 1894 and has an enrollment of about 120. It’s located a block from the area’s largest hospital, OSF Sacred Heart Medical Center.
First Baptist Christian School serving kids pre-k through high school.
Schlarman Academy has many large donors to help the school grow, including the community.
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Local shops and the Village Mall
The downtown area has locally owned businesses and restaurants, while the other retail section features chains and big-box retail stores north of downtown on Vermilion Road. The Village Mall is part of this corridor, has about 30 stores, and been open for about 50 years. “Someone recently bought the mall, and we’ll see what happens to it, but it’s seen better days,” Calamari says.
Country Market of Danville, IL is located in Village Mall and one stop shop for grocery.
Village Mall has a mix of big box stores and smaller retail and fast food restaurants.
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Written By
Jeff Stapleton
Video By
Stewart Taveras
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Otis Lazich,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
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On average, homes in Danville, IL sell after 42 days on the market compared to the national average of 50 days. The median sale price for homes in Danville, IL over the last 12 months is $110,000, up 10% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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Look at this 4 bed 4 bath brick ranch located in Maywood Subdivision. This home has plenty of space to spread out in, including a large living room, family room, kitchen, dining room and office. There is also a partially finished basement that has been professionally waterproofed. The large yard has plenty of mature trees and very close to Harrison Park Golf Course. Attached is a 3 car garage
This 4-bedroom, 1.5-bathroom home sits on 10.5 acres in the Oakwood school district! The 60x40 pole barn has power, concrete floors, and a loft area perfect for storage. The property also includes a second pole barn, a 3-car garage, and a chicken coop. You can unwind on the deck overlooking the acreage. The house features new flooring and lighting, a new half bathroom, and the ceilings have been
Discover the perfect blend of rolling tillable fields and mature timber on this stunning 40.5 +- acre property. Whether you're looking for productive farmland, a private hunting hunting retreat, or the ideal site to build your dream home, this land offers endless possibilities. The diverse terrain provides excellent habitat for wildlife, making it a hunter's haven, while the natural beauty of
Welcome to this versatile and well-maintained 2-unit property, perfect for owner-occupants, investors, or multi-generational living! The main level features a spacious 2-bedroom, 1-bath unit with fresh paint, some new flooring, and a bright, open layout. Enclosed back porch offers extra storage. Upstairs, you’ll find a cozy studio apartment—ideal for rental income, a guest suite, or private
Charming 3-Bedroom Home Near Historic Lincoln Park!Don't miss this great starter home located just blocks from beautiful Historic Lincoln Park! This cozy and well-maintained property features:3 bedrooms, 2 full bathroomsSpacious 24' x 24' detached garage — perfect for storage or a workshopBeautiful hardwood floors throughoutOpen kitchen and dining room comboNewer roof for peace of mindPerfectly
Our mission is simple, provide you and your family with quality living. The Grove is located in the heart of Danville, IL. From the moment you walk through the front door you'll feel the comfort and security that makes our residents happy to call us home. All of your utilities are covered here except electric. Living here means you are minutes away from local parks and the Danville community
Welcome to Brunswick Apartments situated in a quiet country setting in North Danville, off of E. Liberty Lane. We are located just across the street from Turtle Run's beautiful 18 hole golf course. We are minutes from shopping & restaurants. We offer maintenance free living. Take a moment and see all that we have to offer!
***50% off 1st Month's Rent! Sign a 12-month lease before April 30, receive 50% off of your 1st month's rent. Walking distance to Lake Vermilion! This 1-Bedroom apartment features an open concept Kitchen/Living Room, Large Bedroom w/ Double Closets, STAINLESS STEEL Kitchen Appliances included (Fridge, Microwave & Stove) and Private Balcony/Patio with additional storage. Common area
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